A very Tucson gift guide for the dads in your life

It feels like just yesterday we were putting together a Mother’s Day gift guide for all the mother figures in our lives. With Father’s Day this weekend, we couldn’t forget about all the father figures, too! 

From clothing to accessories to snacks and skin-care, we have you covered for last-minute gifts from local shops and makers.

Desert-themed bolo ties from Heliotrope

We’ll say it — neckties can be kind of boring. Heliotrope’s handcrafted bolo ties offer a fun twist to dressing up. We love the desert-themed bolo ties with pendants of saguaros, javelinas and rattlesnakes, but there are plenty of other options to choose from that may fit your dad’s style best. 

Order online at Heliotrope’s website. Prices start at $75.

Get a T-shirt with an Arizona-shaped pocket

T-shirts are always a good idea. They come in a gazillion colors and designs and you can almost always find one in the right size for your dad. (Pro tip: Ask for your dad’s size before shopping. I almost always pick the wrong size for my dad. Sorry, Dad.)

If you’re looking for a cool desert tee, check out Qmulative, who makes pockets shaped as Arizona.

You can snag one at Why I Love Where I Live, 267 S. Avenida del Convento. Prices start at $35.

A hat that sports our favorite cactus

Speaking of Why I Love Where I Live, the shop carries hats as part of a collaboration with Gabacho Media, who makes the cactus-embroidered hats you may have seen on passersby around town. Why I Love Where I Live carries the hat in various colors and styles including a snapback, trucker hat and “dad hat.”

Find these hats in person at Why I Love Where I Live, 267 S. Avenida del Convento. Prices start at $30. You can also shop from Gabacho Media online here.

A bomber jacket from Classic Rock Couture

A jacket?! We know what you’re thinking — it’s 105-plus degrees outside. Why would anyone want a jacket right now? Because it’s one of the coolest jackets you will ever see in your entire life, that’s why. These unisex jackets are a great choice for the hip, stylish dad in your life.

Pick up one of these rad jackets at Classic Rock Couture’s new brick-and-mortar in Tucson, 168 W. Kennedy St. Prices start at $149.

Everyone needs a wallet

Halo-Halo Creations is a former Tucson artist who specializes in leather. You can find some of their designs, like their front pocket wallet and bifold wallet, at Pop Cycle, 422 N. Fourth Ave. Halo-Halo Creations’ leather wallets start at $40.

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While you're there, you're bound to find lots of other goodies from local artists!

Beard balms, pomades and oils

Northmen Beard Company is a local veteran-owned company that hand-makes beard and hair-care products, including beard balms, oils, pomades and washes. You can find them online at their website or in person at local markets. Prices start at $12.

Pssst… You can also find beard pomade from Sonoran Rosie and beard oil at Cero!

A bottle of whiskey paired with a tour

For those looking for a foodie gift, we have you covered in that area, too. Pick up a bottle of Tucson-made whiskey from Whiskey Del Bac. Whiskey prices start at $36. You can visit their retail store, 2106 N. Forbes Blvd., or shop online!

If you want to include an experience with your gift, consider booking a tour of the Whiskey Del Bac facility. A full tour and tasting is $25.

If whiskey isn’t your dad’s thing, try picking up a growler or a four-pack of locally-made craft beer from one of Tucson’s many breweries.

Chamoy-covered candies

Dirty T Tamarindo’s spicy candies are the perfect small addition to any gift. The sweet-and-spicy candies make a great snack for after dinner or while enjoying a drink. Caution: they can be highly addictive. My dad loves the sour watermelons!

Find Dirty T Tamarindo at their brick-and-mortar on Tucson’s west side, 1211 W. St Marys Road. Prices start at $6.

Dad's favorite music on vinyl

Some families bond through a love of music. What better way to say “I love you” than picking up your dad’s favorite album at a local record store? Check out Wooden Tooth Records for music of all genres. You can even find some pretty good steals in their sale bins.

Find Wooden Tooth Records at two locations: 426 E. Seventh St. and 108 E. Congress St. Prices vary per record. Find other record shops here! 

Say with a card

Sometimes words from the heart can be the greatest gift of all. Express your appreciation for all the father figures in your life with vintage-style Tucson-themed cards from RetroTrek. 

Find these unique cards at numerous locations across Tucson including Proper Shops, Antigone Books, Hotel Congress and Pop Cycle. Card prices start at $1.95.