From Grief to Gratitude: Father’s Day Gift Ideas That Hit Home

Practical picks with a personal touch

Jun 09, 2025

June brings sunshine, longer days and for many of us, a swirl of emotions as Father’s Day approaches. Since losing my dad in 2018, I’ve stepped back from creating Father’s Day content. It felt too tender, too close. But this year, something shifted. Instead of avoiding the day, I’ve been holding space for the good memories. The ones that still make me laugh, or cook, or see the world with a little more curiosity — all because of him.

So in that spirit, I’m sharing a mix of things: podcast episodes, articles I’ve written or contributed to, healthy-eating helpers that I’ve leaned on while recovering from surgery, and yes, a few Father’s Day gift ideas that come recommended by some of the amazing dads in my life.

Whether you’re celebrating a father figure, missing one, or finding your own way through it all, I hope this list feels like a soft landing. Something you can come back to when you need a little inspiration, or a reminder that joy and grief can absolutely share the same space.

Let’s dive in.

Meaningful Father’s Day Gift Ideas (From Actual Dads)

I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not an expert on Father’s Day gift ideas. But I do ask a lot of questions—and over the years, these are the things my dad friends say they’d actually love to receive. Functional, fun, and totally dad-approved.

1. Lalabu Dad Shirt

If you know a new dad (or soon-to-be one) who wants to feel hands-on without feeling strapped in, this is such a cool find. It’s a soft, breathable shirt designed with a built-in front pouch to tuck baby in—no buckles, no straps, no wrapping tutorials required.

Why it works:

Makes babywearing as simple as putting on a T-shirt
Ideal for newborn bonding, especially in those early weeks (holds babies up to 15 lbs)
The fabric is super comfy but also snug enough to feel secure
Once baby outgrows the pouch, it still works as a regular shirt

Perfect for dads who want to stay close, stay mobile, and give mama a few minutes of uninterrupted coffee. My husband will definitely be wearing his once our little girl arrives in a few weeks—and yes, we finally shared our baby announcement on Instagram if you missed it. After a long and deeply personal journey to get here, we’re counting down the days until we meet her.

2. Spiceology Spice Blend Set

I know the whole “dad who likes to grill” thing is such cliche, but a cliche for a reason! If your dad figure likes to cook, grill, or just experiment in the kitchen, a Spiceology set is a flavorful upgrade to the usual salt-and-pepper routine.

Why it works:

Offers variety—think smoky BBQ, garlic blends, and global-inspired seasonings
Great for grilling or jazzing up weeknight meals

Bonus: Cooking can be a grounding activity and a creative outlet. Gifting spices is like giving a passport to flavor—without the jet lag.

3. ButcherBox Membership

Free steaks for a year? Yes, please.
Why it works:

Fully customizable boxes: Choose from 80+ items including meat, seafood, and even pet food and treats (yep, dad gets to spoil the dog too).
Flexible Delivery: Pause, swap, or skip boxes any time—ideal for busy households.
Always free shipping

4. A Box of His Favorite Snacks

Sometimes, simple wins. Whether it’s a nostalgic treat, a new find, or the same trail mix he’s been loyal to since 2002, snacks are personal. Bonus points if you include a handwritten note. I love stocking up on Thrive Market and DIYing a cute gift bag for presents like this.
Why it works:

Adds a comforting touch especially if you pick things with sentimental value
Customizable for dietary needs (low-sugar, high-protein, gluten-free, etc.)
Easy to package and ship if you're not celebrating in person

5. Gift Card to His Favorite Store

It might feel like a fallback, but hear me out: most dads genuinely love this option.
Why it works:

Gives him full control (aka: no awkward returns)
Shows you know him—especially if it’s a local shop, favorite clothing store, or niche hobby spot
Can be used immediately or saved for something special
Bonus: Pair it with a thoughtful message, like: “For the tools you’ve used and the ones you’ve been eyeing.” It shows effort without forcing a guess.

Things I’m Loving for Simplifying Healthy Eating (Post-Surgery Edition)

I shared in my IG stories recently that I had breast surgery to reduce disease risk after my doctors had been monitoring (and biopsying) the same spot for four years. While it’s a minor surgery compared to what others go through, physical—and mental—healing is still a priority. There’s something deeply emotional about our relationship with our bodies—especially our breasts. For me, recovering from surgery means getting extra picky about what actually helps—and what just clutters the kitchen. These tools and subscriptions made eating well doable, even on low-energy days.

1. Misfits Market
A one-stop grocery shop with a mission. Ugly produce, rescued pantry staples, and fun seasonal finds. You get the good stuff—just not always the pretty stuff. If you’re on a break from heavy lifting, ask for help if you’re like me and like to fill that box with all the good stuff.
2. Hungryroot
Customized meal plans + grocery deliveries. Most meals take under 15 minutes, and you can always edit the box to suit your cravings. Think Siggi’s, Annie’s, Kevin’s, and other solid brands you’ll recognize. I’ve tried a bunch of services like this and Hungry Root is by far my favorite.

3. Thrive Market

Your online go-to for healthy, sustainable groceries—without the overwhelm of store aisles or markup pricing.
Thrive Market carries thousands of carefully curated products, from non-GMO pantry staples to cruelty-free beauty and eco-friendly household items. It’s a streamlined way to shop according to your values, preferences, or dietary needs—all in one place.

Use my referral code for 40% OFF your first order. Click here to shop.

4. Protein Powder

Let’s start with Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder. This one checks all the boxes: high-quality ingredients, no artificial sweeteners, and flavors that actually taste good. Each serving has 20 grams of protein and a digestive enzyme blend to support nutrient absorption—great for muscle recovery and staying full between meals. The variety pack offers 10 delicious flavors, and it blends beautifully into smoothies, shakes, oatmeal, and even pancake batter for a fun, protein-boosted twist.
For a simple, clean option that supports post-workout recovery and lean muscle growth, Levels Grass-Fed Whey Protein is a staple. It delivers 24 grams of protein per serving, including 5.4 grams of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids, which are especially important for muscle repair). The whey is sourced from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, giving you a higher-quality protein without the stuff you don’t want.
Prefer a 100% plant-based pick? Nuzest Pea Protein is a great alternative. It’s vegan, allergen-friendly (no gluten, soy, dairy, or GMOs), and delivers 20 grams of protein with less than 1 gram of carbs per serving.

5. Collagen

When it comes to supporting healthy skin, joints, and connective tissue, Vital Proteins Collagen Sticks are my go-to. Each single-serving stick contains 20 grams of collagen peptides, plus vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to support absorption and hydration. They have no added sugar and dissolve easily in hot or cold drinks, making them perfect for stirring into your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or even smoothies. Bonus: they’re travel-friendly and require zero prep.

Drama-Free Healthy Living Podcast: Episodes Worth a Listen

If you’re more into podcasts than meal prep right now, I totally get it. Sometimes, you just want to press play, go for a walk (or fold laundry), and hear something that makes you feel a little more understood—or gives you a practical next step. These recent episodes are a mix of candid conversations, mindset shifts, and expert insights that meet you exactly where you are.

Recent Articles I’ve Written or Been Quoted In

I still love a good headline, a well-placed comma, and a chance to dig into topics that matter. These are some of the recent pieces I’ve written or contributed to—covering everything from burnout to chia seeds, and what protein (or a lack of it) might be saying about your day.

Forbes:

Father’s Day can be hard. And beautiful. And bittersweet. And maybe all of those at once. I’ll always miss my dad—but this year, I’m remembering more of what he gave me. A deep love of storytelling. A loyalty to super specific snacks. And the reminder that even when things feel heavy, there’s still joy to be found.

If you’re marking Father’s Day, whether with celebration, reflection, or quiet remembrance—I see you.

Here’s to honoring the ones we love, in all the ways that feel right.

Disclaimer: There may be a few affiliate links in this post, meaning that I may earn a small commission on any purchases made via the link shared here. I only include products and services I use and recommend IRL.

WTF To Eat with Jess Cording

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