40+ Unique Father's Day Gifts Every Southern Dad Will Love

By Southern Living Editors
June 08, 2010
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: Uncommon Goods

If you want to show Dad how much you love him this Father's Day, these easy Father's Day gift ideas acknowledge what we all really want to say: Being a father is no small responsibility, but you do it the best, Dad. 

We've rounded up the most perfect Father's Day gifts for all kinds of fathers—ones that like to fix things, ones that grill up the perfect burger, ones that enjoy a good read, ones that love to entertain, and more! (Because every Southern dad is special in his own way.)

Whether you're shopping for your father, father-in-law, spouse, or significant other, these Father's Day gifts are unique and memorable; you'll find everything from wardrobe updates to grilling accessories to gadgets he never knew he needed, to fit your budget.

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Columbia Men's Shirt

Credit: Columbia

This goes-with-anything shirt will take Dad from outdoor chore to fishing weekend. It comes in an array of colors to fit every personality.

BUY IT: $40; dickssportinggoods.com

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Digital Tape Measure

Credit: Amazon

Upgrade his tool box with a digital tape measure that has long and short term memory and a metric conversion function. 

BUY IT: $29.99; amazon.com

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Digital Instant Read Thermometer

Credit: Williams Sonoma

Because he likes to know his meat's temperature—and he likes to know it now. This will make sure every meal gets perfectly cooked. 

BUY IT: $25; williams-sonoma.com

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Personalized Leather-Bound Atlas

Credit: Orvis

Help your favorite trailblazer plan his next trip with a personalized atlas.

BUY IT: $59; orvis.com

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Copper Rain Gauge

Credit: Uncommon Goods

We all know dads are obsessed with knowing how much rain their yards are getting, and this rain gauge measures each inch without being an eye sore. 

BUY IT: $45; uncommongoods.com

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The Kaufmann Mercantile Guide: How to Split Wood, Shuck an Oyster and Master Other Simple Pleasures

Credit: Amazon

This book has 228 pages of helpful hints, tricks, and tips, and even includes instructional images for the visual learners.

BUY IT: $25; amazon.com

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Earbud Case

Credit: Mark & Graham

Whether he already has wireless earbuds (or you're gifting him some for Father's Day) he'll appreciate having an easy way to keep track of them.

BUY IT: $45; markandgraham.com

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Meat Claws

Credit: Amazon

If he's a master barbecuer, he needs a set of meat claws to shred his famous brisket to perfection. 

BUY IT: $10.99; amazon.com

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Bose Audio Sunglasses

Credit: Nordstrom

He'll be able to listen to music in style while also protecting his eyes from UV rays. 

BUY IT: $199; nordstrom.com 

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Frogmore Shrimp Cleaner

Credit: Toadfish

This little easy-to-use tool is an absolute game-changer when it comes to cooking shrimp. It allows you to peel, devein, and butterfly shrimp in one single, smooth motion.

BUY IT: $20; toadfishoutfitters.com

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Monogram Oval Cuff Links

Credit: Nordstrom

Elevate his formal look with a personal touch. 

BUY IT: $30; bedbathandbeyond.com

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Looftlighter Electric Firestarter

Credit: Williams Sonoma

This insanely helpful grill tool lights all of the charcoal in just a minute or two. Therefore seriously fast-forwarding through the 20 to 30 minutes that your dad typically waits for his beloved Big Green Egg or old-fashioned charcoal grill to be ready to cook all of those burgers and steaks.

BUY IT: $79.95; williams-sonoma.com

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Beer Caddy with Bottle Opener

Credit: Uncommon Goods

A six pack, but make it socially acceptable to walk around with. That's what this canvas caddy does for dear old Dad. 

BUY IT: $30; uncommongoods.com

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Adjustable Dry Rub Shaker

Credit: Amazon

Created by North Carolinian 'Grill Girl' Elizabeth Karmel, the 1-cup capacity shaker is perfect for applying a dry rub to marinate meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and even fruit.

BUY IT: $13.99; amazon.com

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Mark & Graham Power Up Luggage Tag

Credit: Mark & Graham

This luggage tag does double-duty: It will allow him to identify his luggage and charge his phone when he's traveling.

BUY IT: $55; markandgraham.com 

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Quiksilver Dredge Waterman Hat

Credit: Quiksilver

Dads love a straw hat; it's just a fact. This one gives ample sun protection to protect his face and ears while outdoors. 

BUY IT: $24; zappos.com

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Southern Hot Sauce Trio

Credit: Uncommon Goods

If he likes a little heat, give him the gift of choice. As in, being able to choose between three delicious hot sauces, depending on his dish and mood. 

BUY IT: $28; uncommongoods.com

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Father's Day Keychain

Credit: Amazon

A sweet reminder he can carry with him every day. 

BUY IT: $11.96; amazon.com

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American Flag Bandana

Credit: Etsy/GlobalitemsShop

A bandana always comes in handy, and this patriotic fabric is just the thing for your father to sport this summer. 

BUY IT: $3.99; etsy.com

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Black Wood Outdoor Rocking Chair

Credit: Home Depot

Because porch-sitting can get even better with a slow-rocking chair and cold beverage in his hand. This black-wood style gets rave reviews.

BUY IT: $99.95; homedepot.com

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Herschel Supply Co. Duffel

Credit: Nordstrom

Whether he travels for work or makes frequent trips to the lake, he'll enjoy sturdy luggage that's great for both. 

BUY IT: $70; zappos.com

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Regent Dotted Tie

Credit: J. Crew

Class up his closet with a super stylish polka-dotted tie to wear whenever he needs to "get fancy."

BUY IT: $39.50; jcrew.com

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Personalized Golf Tees

Credit: Amazon

We can't forget about the dad who loves to golf. These wooden golf tees are not only great for the course, but we love that they're personalized just for him. 

BUY IT: $25; mileskimball.com

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I Like Pig Butts And I Cannot Lie BBQ Apron

Credit: Etsy/@

Who doesn't love a good (er, bad) dad joke? Grab him an apron that fits his humor. 

BUY IT: $17.99; etsy.com

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Le Creuset Signature Cast-Iron Skillet

Credit: Le Creuset

This cast-iron skillet is one of the best on the market, and it performs seamlessly from stovetop to grill. Grilled peach cobbler, anyone? 

BUY IT: $100 (on sale!); lecreuset.com

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Dad's Playbook

Being a father is both a gift and a responsibility and this book gives Dad encouragement, advice, and words of wisdom from dozens of sports' greatest coaches. 

BUY IT: $13; uncommongoods.com

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Steampunk Coffee Grinder

Credit: Uncommon Goods

There's just something special about getting to grind his own coffee the old-fashioned way, especially in a cool vintage-looking grinder like this one. 

BUY IT: $65; uncommongoods.com

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Harry's Shave Set

Credit: J. Crew

Time to retire the old razor and embrace this new-age line of shaving products made with quality craftsmanship and simple design.

BUY IT: $25; jcrew.com

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Cathy's Concepts Monogram Five-Piece Decanter Set

Credit: Nordstrom

If he's into entertaining, this six-piece whiskey decanter set is an ideal gift for Dad. And, when it's time to end the party, all of the pieces can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher.

BUY IT: $71; target.com

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Bristle-Free Grill Cleaning Brush

Credit: Williams Sonoma

Bristle-free is the only way to go when cleaning the grill. Why? Because you don't want to find any rogue bristles on one of his famous pork chops.

BUY IT: $12; williams-sonoma.com

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Car Wash Kit

Credit: Chemical Guys

If he likes keeping his ride in tip-top shape, this detailing kit is what car-washing dreams are made of. 

BUY IT: $36.99; chemicalguys.com

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