Father’s Day is coming up on June 19, and with that comes the opportunity to celebrate the special father figures in our lives. For many, that may come – not by way of a dad – but our Grandpas. Whether he’s the best storyteller around, knows just how to make the perfect cup of tea or offers the best advice, this is the perfect time to show Grandad just how much he means to you. Here are ten thoughtful gift ideas for what to get Gramps.
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While no two grandpas are alike, one of the great things about them is that their longevity relative to ours can sure teach us a thing or two about time and the reminder to not get lost in the hustle and bustle of it all. Slow things down with a friendly (or not-so-friendly) game of chess or checkers you’ve gifted him. Not only is this a great way to connect with your Grandad and flex your neurons, but the opportunity to sit together for extended periods of time may yield some great conversations to boot – a win-win for both of you. The set comes with 32 chess pieces and 24 checkers pieces, features a smooth solid wood texture and is portable with a foldable wooden gameboard to stash the pieces in, making it easy to take the game anywhere Grandpa goes.
Deluxe Chess & Checkers Set, Indigo, $65.
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Help Grandpa create a multigenerational heirloom to pass down with this storytelling journal. Filled with prompts and questions, this can help him organize the story of his life for the entire family to cherish and share. The prompts are designed to help provide a glimpse of where Grandpa came from, his experiences and hopes for the future. The questions and activities are written to trigger memories, highlight personal insights and help Grandpa connect to younger members of the family. Grandpa can go through each prompt in sequence or pick up anywhere. He can write it all down or dictate as someone else writes. Either way, you’ll help Grandpa uncover his family legacy.
Stories From Grandpa: A Fill-In Journal And Family Keepsake, Indigo, $14.
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If grandpa has a shaving ritual, gift him this smart shaver. Featuring built-in AI, it offers a personalized shave that adapts to each individual’s skin and hair type to give grandpa soft, and healthy looking skin. If grandpa is gadget-savvy, you can even pair it with Philips’s GroomTribe app to get personalized advice (co-developed by way of dermatologists), and so much more.
Philips Series 9000, Wet & Dry Electric Shaver, Amazon, $180 (on sale now!)
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While there are certainly colognes and aftershaves you may associate with Grandpa (Pino Silvestre, here’s looking at your iconic green pinecone-shaped bottle), why not gift him a scent as unique as he is? Try L’Occitane’s Cap Cedrat Shower and After-Shave duo, made with Cedrat essential oil and featuring a zesty, aquatic outdoorsy scent. The duo is actually more of a trio, as the shower gel is both a body and hair wash, helping Grandpa keep it simple.
Cap Cedrat Shower and After-Shave Duo, L’Occitane, $68.
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For the daring Grandpa, this hot sauce trio by locally-made, Canadian Dawson’s Hot Sauce is the perfect gift, supporting a family-owned and operated company offering high-quality sauces. Grandpa can choose from mild to hot in three unique flavours that pair well with a family BBQ. The flavours include Big Smoke, Garlic Jalapeno and Sweet Pear Chili.
Hot Sauce 3-Pack Gift Set, Dawson’s Hot Sauce, $33.
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Equip Grandpa with this elegant and smartly designed decanter, made with unleaded crystal – perfect for his barware collection and his drink of choice.
OUI Set of Two Stacking Decanter Duet, Indigo, $60.
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If Grandpa’s drink of choice is gin (or even peaty scotch), try this Canadian-made small-batch Maplewood Smoked Juniper Gin by Valley of Mother of God. Carefully-made with over 20 foraged botanicals, this super-premium gin celebrates the Canadian outdoors with locally-sourced ingredients. It may just remind Grandpa of his favourite long walks in a maple-filled forest, with wood smoke in the far distance. This balanced gin has a rich yet subtly sweety, smoky aroma. Available in select locations.
Maplewood Smoked Juniper Gin, Valley of Mother of God, $73.
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Looking for a sweet gift that reminds Grandpa of all the wonderful ways he enriches your life, you can’t go wrong with this mug. Made just for him, the porcelain mug is made to hold his favourite brew or tea, and is both microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
Grandfather Definition Mug, Indigo, $15.
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Help Grandpa keep his mug warm throughout the day with this 17-watt mug warmer that he can use for coffee, tea, hot cocoa or anything else. Easy to care for and clean, this may become his favourite go-to. It features an on/off switch and indicator light.
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer, Amazon, $31.
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The ultimate Grandpa vest, this utility field vest helps him pack and carry all the things he needs to complete his many to-do’s without forgetting anything. The perfect group gift, it features a relaxed fit, military-inspired pockets and a water-repellent finish, perfect for his outdoor or city adventures.
Men’s M66 Utility Field Vest, The North Face, $175.
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If Grandpa is a reader who is short on space but big on books, a Kobo Sage is a great group gift idea. It not only holds countless books in one sleek package, but with its Bluetooth wireless technology, he can now also listen to Kobo audiobooks (just note that headphones or a speaker are required). It features a lux 8” HD touchscreen that provides depth of contrast and zero glare for easy reading, even outdoors.
Kobo Sage, Indigo, $300.
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