We Asked Our Dads What They Really Want for Father’s Day– Here’s What They Came Up With

Though Vogue’s ultimate Father’s Day gift guide has an abundance of wonderful suggestions and ideas, we figured you could never go wrong when going straight to the source.

So a few of my fellow Vogue editors called up, shot a text, or emailed their Dads to try and get an answer—some were, well, more successful than others. (Should you do the same, forewarning that your Dad will likely answer with a sweet, “for us to be together,” “good health,” or even worse, “nothing.”) So we asked, nay pried, our Dads for more tangible answers, and the results thankfully provided us with a few additional unique Father’s Day gift ideas to give him this year, besides the simple joy of being together in person.

There’s something for the product-review obsessed Dad, the reigning golf club champ, the classics automobile-aficionado, the distinguished gentleman, the gourmand, and the gardener. Here, the Dad-approved picks that will certainly make for a unique Father’s Day.

A Gift That’s Up to Par

My Dad is the type of Dad that’ll never tell you what he wants for Father’s Day—he always says the only gift he wants is for his kids to come to his barbecue. The only exception? This year, when I told him I needed his help with this article! In true dad fashion, he responded immediately. So, here’s Lou Taylor’s recommendation: “PXG 0311 GEN4 irons. Best irons on the market. Every golfer wants to lower their handicap, and these irons would help make that happen.” – Elise Taylor, Senior Living Writer

Inspector Gadgets

My Dad is a challenging person to shop for because he is a hyper minimalist and will extensively research every purchase he makes. I was eager to see what would be on his Father’s Day list because I can always count on him to know the best of the best (from a coffee grinder to a record player, to natural deodorant). I’d never think of it myself, but it made sense he had his eye on a practical and well-designed Japanese gardening knife. He also mentioned a take-out order from his favorite butcher in Chicago, Publican Quality Meats. We both love to cook, and, unsurprisingly, he makes a perfect steak. – Mai Morsch, Associate Market Editor

Humble and Handwritten Cards

In all honesty, I can’t recall any of the material things my girls ever bought me for Father’s Day, but I remember every card and handwritten note they made for me, and I have saved many of them for more than 20 years. So even though they are both grown and out of the nest, all I want for Father’s Day is their words. – Alan King, Father of Akili King, Beauty Assistant

A Cool Camp Shirt for a Fashion Legend

“I like the easy lightweight fit and the intriguing unsettledness in the pattern is appealing. Plus, I think it would work very well with my white hair!” – Walt Yotka, Father of Steff Yotka, Senior Fashion News Editor

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

After asking my Dad, Hal, what he wanted this year, he went on to send a list of a zillion ideas for other Dads. And while I know a family vacation, vintage Lambretta scooter, or a cocktail boat (much to Mom’s dismay) are on his dream wishlist, he also mentioned how nice it would be to go to a Mets baseball game as a family again this summer, now that fans can actually attend in person this season. With my brother coming into town this July, it seems like the perfect time to score some behind-the-plate seats. Plus, a fresh Aime Leon Dore x MLB Mets hat to outfit him on game day should do the trick. – Madeline Fass, Market Editor

Easy as Pie Presents

My husband is asking for something very low frills (craft beers—this is his every year ask), but I’m going to speculate he would appreciate this pizza oven to go with them. – Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Jewelry Director

A Delicatessen Delight

I don’t even have to ask my Dad what he wants for Father’s Day; I know it’s smoked salmon from Russ and Daughters, from his daughter, who will be bagel toasting him on FaceTime or Zoom during this virtual breakfast feast. – Willow Lindley, Accessories Director

Something One-of-a-Kind

My Dad’s domains consist of the grill, the bar, and the charcuterie spread. For his birthday and Father’s Day, I typically get him something that falls under those umbrellas, and try to get inventive with each gift. This Father’s Day, my Dad requested something unique, which I immediately interpreted as vintage! With that in mind, I got my Dad a vintage cocktail mixer and glass set that I know will look fabulous nestled in his ever-growing bar setup! – Charlotte Diamond, Assistant Market Editor

Eclectic Electronics

My dad’s first wish was ‘a trip to Paris to eat for lunch the perfect steak frites followed by a Napoleon patisserie’, but in a pinch he said he will settle for the new iMac in purple. I’ve already gotten him his gift, and unfortunately it’s not quite so fabulous, though I promise it’s still stylish. – Ella Riley-Adams, Senior Beauty and Living Editor