Last-Minute Father's Day Inspo

Procrastinator's guide to Father's Day 2025

Jun 13, 2025

Hello, Gorgeous!

I have good intentions. SUCH good intentions. But then life and work pick up speed and I’m scrambling to keep up. Also, it’s 10 years ago today that I lost my own dad, so I guess things are hitting me a bit harder than I thought.

Here’s the thing. You don’t have to buy your father anything for Father’s Day. Just give him a hug and remind him that you appreciate him and things should be fine. Or buy him something silly. Or make him something delicious. And just in case you don’t have a dad anymore —or don’t much care for the one with whom you share DNA— you can choose your own daddy or zaddy or some variation thereof. So if you have an adored guy role model and mentor (Hi Jack!) or beloved boy bestie (Hey, Ken!) consider celebrating them with something cute or thoughtful.

And to be honest, you don’t have to buy them anything just because the calendar thinks you should. These are simply great any time of year treats for the father figure in your life.

Who's Your Zaddy?

Before we had a word for it, Tom Selleck embodied everything we’ve come to love about zaddies. In fact, there are loads of Selleck appreciation posts on Instagram of Selleck in all his mustachioed Magnum magnificence. Yes. I researched this for you. *That’s* how dedicated I am. Moving right along.

If you’re still stuck for a cute Father’s Day idea, maybe one of these will strike your fancy.

Last-minute gifts that don't scream gas station shopping

Zempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camping Pillow

In theory, this pillow is made for camping. Since it’s made of memory foam it compresses into a lozenge shaped self enclosed wee bundle when not in use. Or you could use it for neck support. It’s like a mini me of his favorite pillow, is easy to pack and ensures a better night’s sleep when sleeping under the stars ( $40 at REI).

Sea Bags Casco Bay Nautical Beverage Bucket

It’s really hard to choose a favorite from a brand that makes smart totes and bags from repurposed sails. As in sailboats. The recycled sails are incredibly cool, but the bags are also beautifully made. I love the way dad can show off his love for his home team while also stowing cold bevvies ($75, seabags.com).

Retro TIJN sunglasses for your retro zaddy

TIJN shades are extremely affordable but don't look cheap, which is no mean feat. For the sporty zaddy, their Sonia curved goggle-style sunglasses are perfect for every type of sport, even swimming or floating around. I’m kind of digging their Afnan style (me and about 8,300 other people who left rave reviews), a classic aviator with updated details. It’s available in regular sunglasses, blue light blocking, or gaming styles ($60, tijneyewear.com).

Zempire Halo Lounger

Sometimes I discover a new to me brand and love it so hard I want to tell you about it…and then tell you some more about it. This beach/lounge chair is a lot like the zero gravity chairs and devices that were so popular a few years back. Only it’s affordable. It also allows your dad (or zad?) to take some weight off and then elevate his feet after sitting at a computer all day long. It’s great for the backyard or beach and has a manageable footprint so it’s easy to store. Also, it’s got a halo headrest (hence the name. $160, zempirecamping.com).

Magnolia Bakery x Muddy Bites Dad Bod Dessert Bundle

This is so wonderfully decadent I had to include it. Magnolia Bakery teamed up with Muddy Bites (those cult-favorite chocolate-filled waffle cone bites) to create something called the King Cone Cupcake. It's rich and delicious and will help enhance his dad bod. But, wait! There’s more. This bundle also includes two of Magnolia’s iconic banana pudding cups (You should immediately set one aside for yourself) and two brownies that claim to be fudgy but are a bit more subdued with the perfect amount of crumble.. You will have to rush with this one since the bundle is only available for nationwide shipping through June 15. Oh, the heck with it. Head over to Magnoliabakery.com and order one of everything. Prices vary.

Cambria Hardside Carry-On Expandable Spinner

If your dad seems to lose his luggage every time he travels, it might be time to treat him to a subtle reminder in the form of a mango yellow spinner bag. It’s like a taxicab for his clothes ($99, ricardobeverlyhills.com).

A personalized pendant from Kiorri

A couple of weeks back I hosted a giveaway with the fabulous Ashley Gibbons, co-founder (and storyteller) of Designed With Meaning. You can catch up here. Also, the winner of that giveaway is Lena S. from Brooklyn! Overachiever that she is, Ashley recently launched another Etsy business called Kiorri, featuring meaningful jewelry. I’m a little obsessed with this Virgo necklace, not for the constellation which is cute enough, but for the message: Cosmic Calm ($45, Etsy.com).

The Complete Book of Pickleball

If your dad now spends his days pickleballing with his pals, you might want to treat him to a book that helps him create safer habits while playing. The Complete Book of Pickleball is a smart guide to everything pickleball, while stressing safety above all. It’s also written by the three extremely athletic Brungardt brothers (Kurt, Mike, and Brett). You just know their father is so proud of them! ($16, Amazon).

Whether you celebrate your dad this Sunday or skip it entirely, I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋