I am a card-carrying member of the Daddy’s girl club. If I’m honest, I’d happily be the club president.
I have been for a long time and with good reason.
There is a lot to live up to. My dad is the man who let me dance while standing on his feet, faithfully twirling me around as I danced to Tiny Winey (my absolute favourite calypso song when I was little) about 18 times in a row for my amusement… day in and day out.
This is the man who, when I was away at university would call me every week faithfully. And – after I acknowledged that he only watched the Young and the Restless because he “needed” to give me updates – would fill me in on all of the Genoa City exploits I had missed while studying (no PVRs back in those days friends!).
The man earned true rock star status when my kids were little. My dad randomly dropped off my favourite foods (warm banana fritters) so I didn’t have to cook. He would even keep an eye out on the flyers to tell me when diapers were on sale. ‘Papa’, as my kids call him, is a babysitter supreme who spoils his grandchildren with reckless abandon.
My daughter laughs at us because we fight like a little old married couple. But for a million reasons, my dad has earned being celebrated.
But being a Daddy’s Girl can make finding a gift for my dad even harder.
Always on the lookout for just the right, unique gift for Dad
When it comes to celebrating special occasions honouring my dad, I am often looking for something more than your average necktie. And that’s not just because that’s something he would never wear. Listen, it is not that there is anything wrong with these a necktie for most dads. My dad has absolutely received his fair share of all the standard “dad gifts” in these last several decades.
But sometimes I need to find a special gift – that is also the right gift just for him! I’m often searching for ways to show my dad I care. That meaningful gift that reflects the things about him that make him unique.
Because he is the kind of father who knows his way around a kitchen, I try to buy my dad a thoughtful gift that says I see you. But that also says: please continue to cook for me.
And while many of us are blessed to have these kinds of fathers or important father figures in our lives – be they uncles, brothers, brothers-in-law, or grandfathers – I appreciate these folks are not always easy to shop for. Particularly if you’re looking for gifts for Black dads that stand out, celebrate their uniqueness and reflect their identity.
Unique gifts that celebrate Black fathers
But not to worry, we are here for you with the best gifts to meet your dad’s needs, and that give dad uncommon goods to celebrate his uncommon greatness. All while supporting small, Black-owned businesses.
Whether you are buying a Christmas present or Father’s Day gift to honour your dad, uncle, brothers-in-law, or any other verifiable dad-like entity in your life, our list will certainly help you find something that suits and celebrates him. This list will help you find a gift for the dad, uncle, grandfather, partner, and husband whom we count on to colour our worlds. Those special beings that feed us dad jokes, and even offer some nuggets of wisdom along the way.
Before we get into it, in the name of transparency, please note that this post contains affiliate links. Any purchase made through these links will result in a small commission for myself.
A gift of timeless luxury
When you’re looking for a unique gift for Dad, consider a timepiece from Talley & Twine. I know a watch may not seem like a particularly “unique” gift – but one from a proudly Black-owned brand is! Talley & Twine’s goal is to craft exquisite, attention-grabbing watches that cater to a market overlooked by mainstream companies. This watch offers high-quality luxury in a practical gift your dad will love. Talley & Twine operates outside the norms, challenging the long-standing gatekeepers of the watch industry.
Gift ideas for new dads
There is nothing like the shine of new fatherhood pride. And for a new dad, a t-shirt makes an excellent gift. It’s the perfect way for that new dad to bask in their new fatherhood glow while wearing something that is baby-spit-up friendly. Whether it’s his first Father’s Day – or even his 30th – this Father’s Day t-shirt defines Black fatherhood in meaningful ways. This is also the perfect gift if you hope to spell out to him what your dad means to you.
Gifts for grandpa
Grandfather magic is such an underrated wonder – my kids still seem to believe their grandfather is the man, the myth, and the legend – especially when it comes to spoiling them. Gift the grandpa – or Papa – in your life with this great Black Grandpa T-shirt. It’s a little reminder of what you see as his greatness and he will grin all the way to the dominoes table.
Gifts for dads who love to grill or cook
We all know a dad whose higher calling is grilling and cooking for his family.
If you are looking for a great gift idea to show your appreciation for the time he takes to make grilled perfection, give the dad who loves to cook this Personalized Canvas BBQ Apron. This is the perfect way to dad just a little extra pizzazz to help him look great while he’s focused on the grill.
If your Dad’s domain is the kitchen, he’s happiest when doing the mixing, chopping and stirring side of things. This Black Chef Apron is a great option that twill honour his efforts and reigning title as top dad chef.
Gifts for the stylish dad
Some dads in my life love nothing more than taking the time for a proper bit of self-indulgence and self-care.
For those dads who love a little opulence and get behind a facial hair care routine, a gift set from Ethos Grooming helps take the hairy dad on your list to the next level of self-care and grooming. And if you’re buying for your partner, husband, or someone you share a bathroom with – this set should help keep him from using your stuff.
If Dad’s got a beard and he’s all about self-care, consider upgrading his grooming routine with a new beard trimmer. This Wahl Power Pro is highly rated as one of the best beard trimmers for Black men – but hey, do your homework. Beard trimming is serious business! Look for one that offers precision and reliability. A new beard trimmer could be just the thing to help Dad keep that beard or mustache looking sharp and well-groomed.
For the dad who appreciates a refined sip, this set introduces ‘The Devil’s Crown,‘. This smoker elevates any beverage with nuanced flavours and aromas. Exuding an elegance befitting the finest whisky connoisseur, it’s strong enough for fancy places but fancy enough for the coolest whiskey lovers.
Gifts to celebrate dad’s roots
Our latest recommendation is sure to bring back cherished memories. Picture Dad’s smile as he wears this TV Dads Sweatshirt featuring beloved Black television dads. Crafted from soft fabric for ultimate comfort, it showcases a collection of familiar faces from popular TV shows. Icons of Black culture these figures of black Hollywood are a shout out to our all-time favourite TV dads, making this original design a winner.
For the dad who wants to show love for his roots, nothing makes a statement quite like this Canadian grown with Jamaican roots t-shirt. This is a great gift for dads who want to pay homage to the past and the future. This also comes honouring several other heritages including Nigerian. I could not resist adding it to my list of gifts for dads. It makes a great, fun gift for a dad who loves honouring his history.
Gifts for the active dad
Whether your dad is the type to spend his days on the golf course or is a fitness enthusiast who hits the gym or the streets, he might love a little extra style when he’s in these fitness streets. It may not exactly be the most unique thing on our list – but for dads who make workouts or fitness a regular part of their routine, a sweat-stained free workout t-shirt they wouldn’t buy for themselves might be the perfect special treat.
The perfect final touch
Elevate your gift-giving experience with Mint Greeting’s meticulously crafted original gift cards. These cards are designed to celebrate the essence of family in all its forms. Mint Greeting ensures that their cards resonate with every kind of family dynamic. So beautifully made they can stand alone and be tokens of appreciation. Or they make the perfect addition to a carefully chosen and beautifully wrapped gift. No matter how you use them, these cards bring an extra layer of sophistication to any occasion.
Unique Gifts are the best way to celebrate Black Fathers
As we reflect on the impact fathers and father figures have on our lives, it’s clear they hold a cherished place in our hearts. From teaching us life skills to sharing their unique brand of dad humour, they enrich our lives in countless ways. So why not celebrate these invaluable individuals with one of the unique gifts highlighted in this guide?
While traditional gifts like neckties or gift cards have their place, there’s something truly special about finding unique, thoughtful presents that speak directly to Dad’s heart.
Whether it’s for the holidays, Father’s Day, or his birthday, these ideas offer a fresh perspective. They help us show Dad just how much he’s cherished. So, while Dad may always say he just wants quality time with us, let’s go the extra mile and give him gifts that reflect his uniqueness and remind him of the love we hold for him.
And because we will never leave you without inspiration, if Dad loves a little self-care, don’t forget to check out our list of Black-owned Self-Care Brands. Spoil him, or get something the whole family can indulge in.
