Father’s Day Gifts: skincare + self-care

Father’s Day is coming up on June 21st, and it’s the start of the annual dilemma of what to buy your dad. I feel like the gift guides for dads are always so limited- tools, gadgets, and golf shirts. And while I could write a whole post on what these gendered ideas say about fatherhood, I’m going to make a suggestion- set your dad up with a skincare routine this year instead.

My love for skincare and self-care stems a lot from my dad. I am very much like him in so many ways. He is a workaholic, dedicating long days to his work, often on another continent. He loves his work, and it clearly gives him so much purpose and passion that he is eager to share it with others. He is compassionate, always considering the needs of others before his own. He is usually packing Costco suitcases of candy for his colleagues, or striking up conversations with strangers (I could tell you stories…).

One thing my dad is notorious for is taking longer to get ready than anyone else in my family. On holidays we make sure he starts his routine at least two hours before guests are set to arrive. And I am just like that- I love to take my time getting ready, because it relaxes me and blocks out time for myself. We both hate to be rushed when we are putting ourselves together.

We all joke in my family that my Dad loves his “creams and his butters.” His side of the vanity is fuller than my Mom’s. He is the one who taught me about aromatherapy, and his addiction to moisturizer is possibly more intense than my own. My dad takes care of himself, and that’s something many of us forget to do, especially those of us who drill ourselves into our work.

Maybe your dad isn’t quite like mine and couldn’t possibly imagine why he needs to put moisturizer on his skin (sadly, like my own husband). Maybe he is, so he’s guaranteed to enjoy this treat. This Father’s Day, set your dad up with some products to let him take time for himself. Here are my picks for Father’s Day skincare sets from two great brands with good ingredients:

Not sure how to get your dad to start? Help your old guy out! Show him the ropes, and maybe even give him a mini facial at home- he will love it because it’s time with you. If you’re not sure what order to show him, check out this handy guide I made. Remember- cleanse/exfoliate, tone, serum, moisturize (face + eyes).

If your dad already has his own routine, here are a couple of other picks to indulge your dad.

Name one dad who doesn’t love a nap. My dad is asleep 40% of the waking day on the weekends, and I know he would love a nap on the couch with a weighted blanket (incredible for anxiety and mid-day naps) and a cooling eye mask. Just give him some ear plugs and the TV remote he won’t use, and call it a win.

Does your dad carry a lot of stress? Mine does. I love this Theragun percussive massage device. It is very much worth the money, especially for aches, pains, and anyone who sits at an office desk all day. Heads up- it might scare the living shit out of you at first, but it’s the gift that keeps on giving as he can now give himself a massage whenever he wants.

Start with a spa day at home; show your dad the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils at home with this gorgeous diffuser, or use some of this aromatherapy line that is a long-time favorite of my dad and I’s. Want to take it a step further? Tell your dad to sit back, put his feet up, and apply this face mask for him to get out all of the gunk in his pores. Maybe he will resist at first, but I swear no dad can hate 20 minutes to close his eyes while you apply.

For those of you who get to celebrate with your dad, I hope you enjoy it. For those of you who are celebrating your partners, so many of these gifts are great for you, too. Cheers to great fathers!