Gift Guide: Father’s Day Gifts with Summer Flair

While Father’s Day hits a few days before the official beginning of the solstice, the day we honor dear old Dad is the spiritual signal that summer is here!

Up his sun-style ante with these can’t-miss gift ideas.

Loaded to the gunwales with nautical inspiration – and function – this new Bulova Marine Star Automatic (Ref. 98A302) is a handsome addition to Dad’s watch collection whether he spends his time on the deck, or on the dock.
 

The cerulean colorway evokes the sea, for sure. But intriguing details like the sunray- and sunburst-decorated blue dial, offset small seconds subdial overlaying an aperture view of the balance wheel, crown protectors, and bold silver-toned stainless-steel 45mm case and bracelet make for a very ship-shape presentation.
 

The Kiwi-designed and produced Manta5 water bikes hit the shores a few years ago but have quickly become the chic water toy of choice for their unique combination of waterborne fun and unabashed athleticism.

While the bottom-mounted prop is powered by an electric motor to get you going and cruising on the surface of the waves, it is primarily pedal-powered, combining the fun of surfing and the exercise of cycling. In fact, founder Guy Howard Willis is developing a competition program around the bikes that he hopes to bring to the Olympics.
 

The latest SL3 Hydrofoiler model rides on fore and aft next-generation hydrofoils with new pitch-sensing functions, a lighter weight hull than the previous generation of Manta 5s, and a more powerful electric motor for throttle-only launches. That means Dad can master the vehicle in minutes, not hours. Prices range from $7,000 to $9,000 depending on options.
 

It is probably high time for him to ditch his weather-beaten “dad” swim trunks and get into something that will serve him well in the water, as well as up his style-factor poolside. Vilebrequin opened its first store in Saint-Tropez in 1971, and, frankly, the brand has been setting the style for men’s swimwear ever since (an innovative women’s line debuted in 2019, as well).

These twill-weave, peach-skin textured, quick-dry emerald green Moorea Poulpes Flocked trunks are spot-on for retro style, and more fun than a barrel of octopi.
 

Plantation Rum is the brainchild of spirits innovator Alexandre Gabriel. Working closely with cognac house Maison Ferrand, his exquisite rums often receive a final kiss of flavor in Ferrand cognac barrels before release, but the company is all about wide-ranging rum passion: From rare vintage sourcing, to intriguing blends, to rums sourced from all over the world.
 

In that global vein, its recent release of Plantation Isle of Fiji, bottled at 80 proof, is perhaps its most exotic to date. Distilled with traditional techniques from local Fijian sugar cane, aged in a tropical climate in bourbon casks, and receiving a one-year second barrel-kiss after being sailed to France in Ferrand French oak casks, this delicious rum has a unique flavor profile that includes an abundance of tropical fruit and a rich raisin finish to accompany its innate warmth.
 

Remind Dad that this is the good stuff; sipping is recommended. But, Monsieur Gabriel might not object to the addition of a cube and small splash of quality tonic water to create a refreshing summer cocktail. You can find Plantation Isle of Fiji rum at fine spirits retailers all over the world for around or under the $100 mark for each colorful bottle.