11 Father's Day gifts other than mugs and photo frames

More than whatever you panic-bought at the airport last year, whether he’s a fixer, a feeder, a feelings-ferrier, or just that rare man who always has Panadol in his glove box. Father’s Day is your chance to say, thanks for doing the most, in a low-key way. Here are gift ideas from homegrown Indian brands that feel useful, thoughtful and most importantly, not like an afterthought.
The eyeglasses
The Tinted Story's Air Flexible Reading Glasses, lightweight, flexible, retro and available in black, brown and red, that flatters nearly everyone. At only 15 grams, he'll reach for it every morning and forget what he's wearing.
₹1,699, The Tinted Story
The scent
Contraband's Hands Off Eau De Parfum is iconic for a reason. Hazelnut and saffron open for a fragrance that’s somehow classic, contemporary and completely unforgettable.
₹4,250, Contraband
The cufflinks
AZGA's Myron Cufflinks balance are hand-enamelled in Jaipur and finished with American diamond detailing. They’ll slip as easily into a tux as a Monday meeting look.
₹2,850, AZGA
The tool organiser
Taparia 19 Inch Plastic Tool Box With Organiser is a built-in organiser for every screwdriver, wrench and mystery spare part he's collected over the years. A godsend for the dad who's always "just fixing a few things."
₹1,672, Taparia
The grooming kit
Forest Essentials' Gentlemen's Gift Box packed with sandalwood and orange peel-infused essentials from face wash and shaving cream to aftershave and moisturiser. It’s a spa day disguised as a daily essential.
₹5,750, Forest Essentials
The watch
Rotoris' Arvion Q-Matic featuring a single-hand display advances in calm ten-minute intervals. For the dad who appreciates design and mechanical ingenuity, this is anything but ordinary.
₹57,000, Rotoris
The pen
Lapis Bard's Mandeville Ballpoint Pen in croc-textured leather with gunmetal accents, adds a little ceremony to signing off for the man who still believes in a handwritten note.
₹9,995, Lapis Bard
The shirt
Andamen's Linen Dobby Shirt is summer dressing done properly. Cut from pure linen with dobby weave, it feels breathable and effortlessly put together. It works for weekend lunches as it does for casual Fridays.
₹5,999, Andamen
The bar set
Nicobar's Bash Bar Tools Set in moss-green vegan leather and stocked with all the essentials for a well-made drink is for the dad who never needs an excuse to play host.
₹9,650, Nicobar
The watch case
Nappa Dori's Multi Watch Case in premium leather and lined with handwoven ikat fabric, stores up to three watches while travelling or at home. This is for the father whose collection deserves better than a bedside drawer.
₹13,500, Nappa Dori
The footwear
Gully Labs' Number 004 is inspired by traditional Kolhapuris, it combines handcrafted detailing, leather footbed and durable grip soles for the dad who somehow walks half a kilometre ahead of everyone at the mall.
₹4,490, Gully Labs