Plus a note on celebrating the dads — in every form they show up in our lives.

Father's Day is Sunday, June 21st — which means if you haven't started shopping yet, this is your week.

Before I get into the gift guide, though, I want to say something honest.

Father's Day is one of those holidays that hits everyone differently. For some of you, it's a simple, joyful day. For others, it's complicated. And for some — like me — it's a day that comes with a particular kind of ache.

My dad passed away ten years ago, and I still feel his absence every day, not just in June. Time softens it. It doesn't erase it.

So if you're one of the women reading this who lost your dad — whether it's been ten years or ten weeks — I see you. You're not alone in feeling the weight of the day. And you absolutely don't have to perform "happy holiday" if it doesn't feel right.

But here's the thing I've learned: Father's Day isn't just about dads.

It's about the men who show up like dads. The husbands who carry the household. The grandfathers building memories with the next generation. The brothers, the uncles, the bonus dads, the stepfathers, the partners co-parenting alongside us. The friends who became chosen family. The men who are pet-dads (my Nick is the most incredible cat-dad I've ever seen — Pierre, SuperFuzz, and Mama Kitty would tell you the same if they could). Every single one of them deserves to be seen this week.

So this is your reminder to celebrate the whole picture — whoever that means for you.

Now let's shop.

Where the Best Deals Are This Week

I scanned through dozens of retailers to find what's actually marked down — not just "Father's Day promotions" that aren't really sales. Here's where to look:

Nordstrom — Half-Yearly Sale

Up to 50% off men's apparel, shoes, and accessories. The polos, dress shirts, and Birkenstocks are doing big numbers right now. Their gift wrapping is included, which matters when you're shopping at the last minute.

Amazon — Hidden Father's Day Deals

Best for last-minute because of free 1-2 day Prime shipping. Look at: men's grooming sets, smart watches, Yeti coolers, AirPods, kitchen tools. The Theragun and Hydro Flask categories typically have the biggest markdowns this week.

Lululemon

The best for athletic and loungewear. Think Metal Vent Tech Polo, ABC Pants, Pace Breaker Shorts, and slides.

Williams Sonoma — Foodie Dad Heaven

Smoker accessories, grill kits, cocktail tools, espresso machines. If he's the dad with a kitchen obsession, you cannot go wrong here. Big markdowns on Smithey cast iron and Solo Stove fire pits this week.

Best Buy & Apple

For the tech dad. AirPods Pro 2, iPad markdowns, Apple Watch trade-ins. Best Buy usually has the most aggressive Father's Day pricing on TVs and audio.

My Edit by Recipient

To make this easier, here's how I'd shop by the type of man you're buying for:

For your husband or partner — Something he wouldn't buy himself. A nice leather wallet to replace the one he's been using since 2018. A new bottle of his cologne. A really good pair of headphones. Quality grilling tools.

For your dad(if you're lucky to still be shopping for him) — Lean into his hobbies. Golf gear, fishing equipment, the latest book by his favorite author, a really excellent bottle of bourbon. The gifts that say you know him.

For your father-in-law — Safe but thoughtful. A nice wine subscription. A new watch. A monogrammed cutting board. Something he can use and enjoy without feeling like you tried too hard.

For your grandfather — Family-photo books from Artifact Uprising. A subscription to Audible. Cashmere socks (truly the best gift for older men). A photo album of his grandkids.

For your brother who's a new dad — Something for him, not the baby. A good leather diaper bag (yes, they exist). A nice watch. A pair of really good slippers. Coffee gear so his mornings feel like his.

For your son who became a dad — Make him cry a little. A framed photo. A handwritten note. The gift that says I'm proud of the father you've become.

For the pet-dad in your life — Don't overlook this one. The husband, partner, or friend who is deeply devoted to their dog, cat, or fish (yes, fish) deserves to be celebrated too. A monogrammed pet bowl. A really nice pet bed. A donation to a shelter in their pet's name. A framed portrait of him with his furry kid. Pet-dads love nothing more than being acknowledged for the parents they are.

My Quick Rules for Shopping for Men

If you're stuck, run these three filters:

Would he buy this for himself? If yes, it's probably not gift-worthy. Pick something elevated from what he already owns.
Will he actually use it? No novelty gifts. No "ironic" mugs. No tie clips he'll never reach for.
Would I feel proud watching him open it? If the answer's yes, you've nailed it.

The Bottom Line

Father's Day is what you make of it.

If you're celebrating loudly with the dad-figures in your life — go all out. Shop the deals, write the card, make it special.

If you're navigating a more complicated relationship with the holiday — be gentle with yourself this week. Light a candle. Call someone who knew him. Eat something he loved.

Either way, you're allowed to feel exactly what you feel.

For me, this year I'm shopping for Nick — who is, hands down, the most incredible cat-dad to Pierre, SuperFuzz, and Mama Kitty (and somehow makes feeding three cats on a regular schedule look like a love language). I'll also be shopping for my father-in-law and my brothers.

And on Sunday, I'll raise a glass to my dad — wherever he is — and remind myself that ten years later, I'm still his daughter.

That part doesn't change.

xx, Nicole

P.S. — The full Father's Day shoppable edit is in this week's newsletter — every recipient, every price point. Linked at the top.