The Ultimate Father's Day Edit

Most of us will agree that buying for the men in our lives is never straightforward. Probably because, as a species, they have spent decades sincerely and stubbornly convincing themselves that they need absolutely nothing – while wielding a braai tong held together with gaffer tape, and a cooler bag that has, against all odds, outlasted most cabinet ministers.

From the bougie splurge to the surprisingly affordable, this guide is edgy, well-edited and a little more interesting than the usual Father's Day fare.

FOR THE DAD WHOSE KIT DESERVES BETTER
Fieldbar Drinks Box

Properly made, properly good-looking and proudly South African – the Fieldbar Drinks Box is exactly the kind of thing he'd never justify buying for himself, which is precisely why you should.

R 2,699 – fieldbar.co.za

FOR THE DAD WHO KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE
Babylonstoren Father's Day Hampers

Babylonstoren doesn't really do ordinary – and their Father's Day hamper is no exception. Farm-grown, handcrafted and gone before you know it. Order early this year. Don't say we didn't warn you.

From R350 – shop.babylonstoren.com

FOR THE DAD WHO DESERVES A PROPER DRINK
Tokara XO Potstill Brandy

Proof, if any were still needed, that South African brandy has been quietly outclassing French Cognac for years – Tokara's XO Potstill is smooth, complex and better than it has any right to be.

R1500 – tokara.com

FOR THE DAD WHO RUNS ON HIS OWN TERMS
RUN Specialist Store Voucher

No guessing his shoe size, no duplicating what he already owns – just the freedom to walk into one of Cape Town's best running stores and finally settle the trail-versus-road debate he's been having with himself for years.

runstore.co.za

FOR THE DAD WHO NEEDS TO STOP
One & Only Cape Town – Massage

The spa at One & Only is the kind of place that reminds you what unapologetic indulgence feels like – book him in, because left to his own devices, he absolutely won't.

oneandonlyresorts.com

FOR THE DAD WHO'S WORTH THE SPLURGE
Bleu de Chanel Parfum

If you're going to splash out on a fragrance, make it this one – richer, deeper and longer-lasting than the original, and the kind of scent that makes people ask what he's wearing for years.

R2235 – woolworths.co.za

THE CONVERSATION STARTER
Kecks

Cape Town-made, quick-dry and anti-chafe, Kecks are the thing active dads swear by and would never think to ask for. Once you've tried them, apparently you won't go back.

R395 – kecks.co.za

FOR THE BRAAI MASTER
Jan Braai – Atmosfire

Over 200 recipes and one very strong opinion about how things should be done around a fire – the bible for anyone who takes their braai seriously, and a gentle education for anyone who thinks they know better.

R389 – amazon.co.za

FOR THE DAD WHO TRAVELS WELL
Africology Men's Essentials Kit

Clean ingredients, no harsh chemicals, no unnecessary anything – Africology's Men's Essentials Kit is proper skincare for men who don't want to think too hard about it. Everything in one bag, currently on sale.

R779 – africologyspa.com