Books
10 Books To Get Your Dad For Father's Day
Even though Father's Day is in less than a month, you probably haven't even thought about what you're going to get the father in your life, have you? Don't feel too bad, neither have I (sorry Dad!). Typically I consider myself a pretty good gift-giver, but I always have trouble figuring out what to buy my dad. I usually know what to get for my mom, sister, and boyfriend, but my father is much harder to shop for. And there's only so many Star Wars mugs I can buy him before it starts to seem a little ridiculous.
There's been an easy solution to my gift-giving problem right under my nose this whole time, however. Books! Why haven't I been getting my dad books for Father's Day? Sure, he's not a huge reader, but it's not like I'd be giving him a gift-wrapped copy of Infinite Jest . Instead, I'd be giving him a book filled with facts about America or pictures of Bill Murray. You know, things dads enjoy.
Unless your dad has way too many books already (in which case, appeal to his inner Dumbledore and just get him socks), consider buying your father figure a book this Father's Day like the ones below.
1. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
Maybe your dad isn't quite as foulmouthed as Halpern's father is (then again, maybe he's worse), but he'll still probably enjoy reading the hilarious, irreverent, and occasionally insightful musings of a cranky old gentleman. Or maybe he's already cranky enough and doesn't need any further inspiration. I'll leave that to your discretion.
2. Dad Magazine: America's #1 Magazine for "Pop" Culture by Jaya Saxena and Matt Lubchansky
If your dad has a great sense of humor, get him a book that satirizes his favorite subject: himself. Full of fake news articles, opinion pieces, and advertisements aimed at the fathers of the world, this is finally a magazine that will tell him, "You know what? I think those socks look great with those sandals!"
3. Old Man Drinks by Robert Schnakenberg
Maybe your father is totally into the newest, hippest cocktails around. (You know, the ones that include Thai chili pepper infusions or artisanal mustard grains or something.) Or maybe he just wants to drink a Manhattan and tell you how he walked uphill both ways in the snow to get to school as a kid. This is the book for the latter type of dad.
4. The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches by Matt Armendariz and Susan Russo
Just because your dad can't figure out that newfangled Instagram app all the kids are using doesn't mean he doesn't like looking at pictures of food, too. Save him some technical frustration and get him this book, which is basically just a bunch of recipes, pictures, and facts about sandwiches. Actually that sounds awesome. Get me a copy, too.
5. Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris
We've all agreed that David Sedaris is hilarious and great and everyone, including dads, should be reading him, right? Please note that any of Sedaris's books of essays would make a perfect Father's Day gift, so pick whichever you think your dad would relate to most.
6. Thug Kitchen: The Official Cookbook: Eat Like You Give A F*ck by Matt Holloway and Michelle Davis
If your dad is anything like my dad, he could stand to eat a few more vegetables. But maybe when he looks at your salads or vegan tacos he turns up his nose at your "rabbit food" (also like my dad). Get him a cookbook that proves that healthy food can taste great and still be good for you. Bonus daughter points if you offer to cook a meal for him, too.
7. Men With Cats by David Williams
Is your dad also a cat dad? For too long now the universe has failed to acknowledge the crazy cat lady's counterpart: the equally crazy cat man. Finally, now your dad can snuggle up on the couch with his cat and look at pictures of other father-feline relationships.
8. The Big Bad Book of Bill Murray by Robert Schnakenberg
Everyone likes Bill Murray, with his two biggest supporting groups being hipsters and dads (in my personal opinion). Since it's not Hipster Appreciation Day, target the latter group by giving your dad a book devoted to his favorite crazy actor.
9. Cabin Porn: Inspiration For Your Quiet Place Somewhere by Zach Klein and Steven Leckart
Does your dad have a secret fantasy of living off the land in the middle of the woods, hunting and fishing and wrestling bears and doing other stereotypical mountain men things? Then give him this coffee table book filled with beautiful pictures of cabins to help him better realize his dream.
10. Stuff Every American Should Know by Denise Kiernan and Joseph D'Agnese
Maybe I'm biased because my father is into American history, but I feel like dads in general really love learning about America. By the way, it's not enough to just get him this book. You're also obligated to look interested when he starts spouting a bunch of America facts at you.
Images: Carl Court/Getty Images
