I’ve never been one for sexist gifts. Not all dads like to barbecue and drink beer, just like not all moms like manis and rosé. But, as Father’s Day approaches, a few light-hearted gift recommendations for the different types of Beijing dads out there might just be the thing to get you that “aha!” moment when you realize you know exactly what Daddy would love for Father’s Day.
For the dad who loves good food and drinks:
Commune Reserve is a family favorite for brunch with their huge outdoor patio. But sometimes we end up forgetting about how great of a drink deal they have. They’ve got XX craft beers on tap and even more beers, wines, and spirits by the bottle in that little shop section right when you walk in. A perfect Father’s Day would be great comfort food at Commune Reserve while enjoying some nice, cold beers. Then, as a souvenir, bring home one of their super cute growlers with his favorite beer to take home.
*To celebrate Pride Month, Commune Reserve has prepared a limited-time-only rainbow growler that’ll make the dad in your life the envy of his beer-loving mates.
Find it:
Xi Dawang Lu and Soho Xiandaicheng, 101, 1F, Beijing Guanghua International, 6 Xidawang Road
朝阳区西大望路 现代城西大望路6号光华国际大厦1层101
Tel: 6502 0115
For the geeky dad:
For the dad who likes to collect comic books, Polyphony is the place to visit to find the perfect gift. They’ve got all sorts of cool collectables, as well as literally walls of comic books from all over the world, along with rare vinyl and books. The store concept is unique and focuses on customer experience. It provides a lounging area for customers to read comic books or listen to music in.
Find it:
Topwin Center 1F 1 Nan Sanlitun Lu Chaoyang District
朝阳区通盈中心一层 朝阳区 南三里屯路1号
Tel: 57809025
For the music loving dad:
Why go to one music shop when you can visit a whole street of them? Whether dad wields an axe like Hendrix, plays Bach like Yo-Yo Ma, or even has a go on the guzheng, he’ll find an incredible range of instruments and accessories on Xinjiekou Nandajie, a mile of muso heaven. Take your time and try everything out (because there is trash among the treasure) and enjoy haggling to get the best price!
Find it:
Xinjiekou Nandajie 新街口南大街
By subway, travel to Pinganli (lines 4, 6) and walk north.
For the hipster dad:
Plastered T-shirts are a Beijing institution, if that word isn’t too stuffy for this famously iconoclastic brand. They take their inspiration from the street life of the city, and make it into fabulously funky clothing. To celebrate their tenth anniversary they’re currently giving away a free pack of poker cards to every customer.
Find it:
61 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District
东城区南锣鼓巷61号
www.plasteredtshirts.com
Tel: 134 8884 8855
For the techy dad:
If you’ve got a dad who loves cool gadgets, this one is getting popular this summer. The Airwheel Robot suitcase is a carry-on size suitcase that doubles as a scooter. It’s the thing to have to make long waits at the airport fun for your upcoming summer holiday family trips.
From those who have already purchased it, the feedback is that this suitcase is super convenient for picnics in the park, and those with young kids use it to keep the kids occupied in their compound as well.
Best part is, if you get a head start on your shopping, these Airwheel Robot suitcases are on sale for the 618 online shopping holiday rush for RMB1,916.
For the family guy dad:
If you’re shopping for the guy whose idea of a great time is to spend every waking moment doing stuff with/for the kids, then perhaps a trip to Universal Studios Beijing is in order! They (along the rest of Beijing) have been closed for the past month but they’ve announced that they’re officially reopening on Jun 15!
For the dad who loves some “me” time:
For ladies, people usually go with spa or salon vouchers. While guys also love massages, sometimes a visit to a good barber is the right kind of “me” time your dad needs.
Our editor Vivienne Tseng-Rush wrote about the cutest daddy & son time at Truefitt & Hill: “Part of the essential Truefitt & Hill experience is the traditional hot towel wet shave, which relaxes you unlike anything else. The steam coming off of the towel opens up the pores in your skin and hair follicles, allowing the moisturizing cream and oils to really soak in. Also, it helps reduce the chance of razor burn.”
Find it:
Beijing Yintai Center, Level LG Unit B32B
朝阳区建国门外大街2号北京银泰中心in01A座LG层B32B
Tel: 185 1404 7364
Images: Pexels, Commune Reserve, the Beijinger, TaoBao, Uni You
