How to choose a Father's Day gift he'll actually use

Father's Day shopping usually comes down to one quiet question: what do you get him that he'll genuinely appreciate? Our answer, after sixty-plus years of selling to the dads of Banbridge and beyond, is to start with the kind of dad you're buying for and work backwards from there. Here's a quick way to narrow it down.

For the dad who needs new boots

A genuinely good pair of boots is one of those rare gifts that gets used daily and quietly improves his life. The Blundstone Chelsea boot is our most-recommended Father's Day pick — easy on, easy off, and the kind of shoe he'll be wearing in five years. The Dubarry Steed is the country-classic alternative, and the Bowe & Bootmakers Goretti sits in the sweet spot between smart and casual.

For the smart-casual dad

A Tommy Hilfiger merino jumper, quarter-zip sweater, or polo in a colour he'd actually wear (navy, grey, dark green) lands well almost every time. Pair it with a Barbour Powell or Lutz quilted jacket if the budget stretches, and you've nailed it.

For the runner dad

Hoka Bondi for maximum cushioning, Clifton for versatile daily training, or Brooks Adrenaline GTS for stability. If you're not certain on size or width, a gift card is the safer option — runners are particular.

For the dad who's hard to buy for

Donaghys gift cards have no expiry date and cover the full range — footwear, clothing, accessories — in store and online. The digital version arrives by email within minutes of ordering, which makes it the answer for last-minute Father's Day mornings. Pair the card with one small physical gift (Barbour Thornproof Dressing if he owns a Barbour, a pair of decent socks, a leather card holder) and it stops feeling like a cop-out and starts feeling like a thoughtful choice.