With Father’s Day just around the corner I know that many of you have been starting to think about what to get that special man in your life. It’s time to toss the Old Spice and surprise him with something new that will transform him into his best self ever. All of the colognes on my list of “Best Father’s Day Gifts 2016” are truly exceptional and will appeal to the man who wants to step up his game in the world of fragrance.
When deciding between a new set of tools, a new tie or an exciting new fragrance that will make your guy feel like a celebrity vacationing in the tropics…the answer should be obvious.
I am aware that some men claim to not like cologne but I don’t know of any man who would pass on an opportunity to be irresistibly sexy or overpoweringly attractive. There really is a fragrance for every type of guy out there, including the haters.
OK so in the interest of keeping things simple, since I’ve been told that we women tend to make things far too complicated, here’s my short list broken down by type of man you’re shopping for…Prices shown are listed on Amazon.com.
FOR THE SPORTY DAD:
David Beckham Homme – Think fresh and woody notes. I detect citrus, wood, leather and a whiff of musk. Perfect for the sexy and athletic guy and if he happens to be a soccer lover this is a no brainer. Very easy on the wallet as well. Around $16.00 for 2.5 oz.
Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge – The overall effect is bold and competitive but refreshing. He’ll love the energetic but calming scents of citrus, pepper and ginger. A perfect scent for dabbing on after his work -out or post-tennis shower. Around $72.00 for 3.3 oz.
FOR THE SOPHISTICATED DAD:
John Varvatos Artisan -An invigorating citrus blend with accents of spices and herbs for a uniquely woody aroma. This cologne embodies confidence, creativity and elegance. Your man about town will also be impressed with the attractive handwoven flask bottle. Around $86.00 for 4.2 oz.
Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de l’Homme – Fresh bergamot, calming lavender and robust cedar notes are perfectly balanced by intense cardamon. Imagine a tall, dark and mysterious stranger who radiates casual nonchalance and magnetic charm. Around $60.00 for 3.3 oz.
FOR THE METRO DAD:
Gucci Guilty – Top notes are zesty lemon, lavender and spicy black pepper. Patchouli, amber and sandalwood dry down gives it a sensuous masculine feel. Think interesting and complex without trying too hard, a man who’s quite comfortable in his own skin. Around $53.00 for 3 oz.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue – Sexy and classy. It starts out with notes of Sicilian mandarin mixing with grapefruit peel and then along comes rosemary, pepper and rosewood. The base notes are incense, oak moss and musk. Exceptionally easy to wear and irresistible. Around $50.00 for 4.2 oz.
FOR THE LAID-BACK DAD:
Giorgio Armani Aqua di Gio – When I smell this one I immediately think of sea water and blazing hot sun. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and salty notes. Bitter citrus and spice mix with woody and musky notes yet it has a strong marine vibe. Natural and manly with universal appeal. Around $66.00 for 3.4 oz.
Acqua Di Parma – Fresh and elegant, clean and light. Notable mix of bergamot, orange, hot pepper, rosemary, jasmine, patchouli and musk. Luxurious and elegant while not at all formal. Statement-making in a refined sense. Around $100.00 for 3.3 oz.
FOR THE NATURE LOVING DAD:
Calvin Klein Encounter – Like many woody fragrances, this has a citrus top note but quickly changes over to a musky, cognac aroma. The overall effect is of a faintly cedar scent bringing to mind mountain camping. A nice fall/winter scent and not much is needed unless he wants to smell like a log cabin. Refreshing and adventurous. Around $42.00 for 6.2 oz.
Bottega Veneta Pour Homme – Perfect for the mountain man anxious to leave the urban jungle but without compromising his sophisticated style. If your guy is into smokey/leathery and piney scents then this one is a win. While this isn’t at all an “in-your-face” scent, it’s strong and its uncompromising. The overall effect evokes a woodsy outdoors grandeur. Around $85.00 3 oz.
FOR THE FOODIE DAD:
Viktor & Rolf Antidote – When this was first introduced ten years ago it was described as the “magical elixir that turns all that’s negative into positive”. Although it’s classified as oriental/woody, it contains many gourmand (edible) notes such as sweet grapefruit, tonka bean, mandarin, mint, cinnamon, nutmeg and caramel. Since it’s paired with other notes such as African geranium, white musk and Indonesian patchouli, wearing this will not make him smell like he just exited a bakery. As one of the more expensive colognes out there, you’ll probably want to try it before ordering a full bottle. Minis can be purchased on Amazon too. Around $399 for 4.2 oz.
Guerlain L’Homme Ideal – This cologne opens with notes of bergamot followed by sweet orange blossom. The base is what can be described as an amaretto note, a rich and heavy composition of vanilla, tonka bean and carmelized almond. To keep it from becoming overly froufrou, it is balanced by leather, cedar and vetiver notes. The overall effect is very pleasing and undemanding. Almond lovers will be swept away! Around $39.00 for 3.3 oz.
I’m sure I’ve missed a few types of fellows to shop for but hope that this is a start. If you’re still at a loss, please drop me a line and I promise to get back to you with some suggestions. Happy shopping and HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all dads near and far!
Erica,
Your site is wonderful, very professional, but dainty and ladylike, and it makes me think I should go shopping for new scents.
Will you be selling perfumes? I would love to see what you have.
Romance by Ralph Lauren is my favorite, but since I have retired, I don’t really go anyplace to wear it. I think it’s too expensive to just wear to the grocery store.
We should make up package deals with your fragrances along with my wire-wrapped jewelry and see if people buy them! Please look at my site and let me know what you think.
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for stopping by and I’m happy to hear you liked the look of my site. Most of what I write about is women’s fragrance and this piece was written with Father’s Day in mind. I’m very familiar with Romance and think that it’s an outstanding classic woody floral perfume. Although I do think of it as a “date night” fragrance, it can also be used during the daytime as a pick-me-up when your spirits need lifting during those tedious errands about town. I’ve tried it, it works! For more affordable daytime fragrances, try Aromatics Elixir or Red Door by Elizabeth Arden.
I am currently selling products shown on my website through Amazon and other affiliate programs but plan to market my own line before too long.
I will definitely check out your website. I also love jewelry and will keep you in mind when I post about jewelry and fragrance…also coming up! Stay tuned!
With Father’s Day coming up here in the UK, I’ve been trying to find some great ideas for my Dad as he’s always picky when it comes to gifts!
Do you have something for the stressed Dad? LOL
However, he has always been fond of Calvin Klein, so the Encounter fragrance sounds like the perfect present.
Thanks for the cologne ideas 🙂
Neil
Hi Neil,
I could offer some suggestions on similar smelling colognes, but if you know that your father likes Encounter and you say that he’s always picky I’d go with the tried and true! As far as stressed out dads, I’m quite familiar with the type being the daughter of one. Supposedly Le Male by Jean-Paul Gaultier may put a smile on his face and a dance in his step, though I’m not a huge fan of it.
Thanks for stopping by and Happy Father’s Day!
haha lol I found your site hilariously entertaining! My dad is the sporty type so the David Beckham cologne will probably do just fine! I like how you organized the colognes it actually made me laugh a little bit. For my uncle I will get Giorgio Armani’s Aqua de Gio and for my grandfather that is more the nature loving type I will get the Calvin Klein Encounter!
Hi Jose,
I’m glad that this brought a smile to your face. I’m a big believer in laughter whenever the moment strikes! I’m also very impressed that you are buying not only for your dad but your uncle and grandfather as well. Hats off to you and I hope they love your selections!
Great post! And just-in-time to… This was perfect and just what I needed because I have been looking for A new cologne for a while now and this gave me just what I needed to make a informed decision. Also I know my wife’s father would really enjoy a few of these scents. Very good reviews and opinions of the colognes
Hi Joe,
I’m so glad I got the wheels turning for you! Thanks for stopping by!