By: Emmanuel LeGrair

Father’s Day is rapidly approaching and if you’re anything like me, you sometimes are stumped when it comes to what to get for the dads on your list. Our fathers are so important to us; so we just can’t just gift the standard tie or socks. In that light, I wanted to share some great places that you could go to depending on the type of dad you’re shopping for. Keep reading and I hope that you find your father in this list! If not, feel free to reach out to me for any further recommendations and assistance!


Photos: @stay__rooted

The Sneakerhead Father – Rooted
For the dad that has a catalog of sneakers, cleans them religiously, and keeps up with the newest releases, Rooted carries high-end streetwear brands such as Saturdays NYC and Stutterheim, as well as many well-known brands such as Adidas and New Balance. With a beautifully designed space and community minded owners, this boutique offers an amazing shopping experience. He’ll be a loyal customer once you tell him where you got his gift.

Photos: @wheatandco

The Explorer Father – Wheat and Company
If your dad is into the Americana-feel, then visit this shop as soon as possible. Notebooks, bags, boots, leather jackets, barber-grade grooming products, and even a leather-sheathed knife are amongst their offerings. They’ll take care of your dad, and while there you can sneak into some of the other shops in the Fatherland District in East Nashville.

Photos: @haymakersnashville

The Modern Sophisticate Father – Haymakers & Company
This shop is perfect for the dad who loves the classics but also enjoys a step outside of the norm for time to time. They carry accessories, shoes, custom suits, suiting separates, other apparel and accessories, and also have an in house master barber (also perfect for the dad that may not be fond of shopping or inefficiency). Barbour, Levi’s Vintage, Alden, Nisolo, and Daniel Wellington, amongst many other reputable brands, can be found here – you’ll be sure to find something that he’ll love.

Photos: @tamethebest

The Bearded Father – Tame the Beast
Nashville boasts some great beards and no one can deny their appeal and the culture surrounding them. However, those beards don’t just “happen,” they take care and a great deal of grooming. Tame the Beast is a great local company that uses natural and organic ingredients in their products for this exact purpose. And don’t worry, even if he does not have a beard, there is an array of grooming products that anyone can use. Help dad tame his inner beast.

Photos: @oakandinkpaper

The Southern Gentleman Father – Oak and Ink
Nothing says that you care more than a hand-written note, and true southern gentlemen know that. This local company specializes in paper products for men and is looking to revive the lost art of stylish, hand-written notes. They have an array of vintage inspired and masculine goods for most any dad on your list.

Photos: @mitchellbatco

The Sporty Father – Mitchell Bat Company
If your dad has an affinity for sports, has a man-cave or office, or just loves baseball, look no further. Mitchell Bat Company creates heritage inspired baseball bats that are hand painted in Nashville. You can choose from standard styles or have bats customized with his favorite team or another logo. They also carry caps, t-shirts, and other goods. Not only that, but portions of the proceeds go to help revive baseball in inner cities through MLB.com/RBI.
 

Photos: @pepper_boxing 

The Fit Father – Pepper Boxing
If the dad on your is always looking for new challenges, look no further. A fitness facility opening in Green Hills, Pepper Boxing, is one of the newest editions to group fitness. They’ve created a full-body workout incorporating high-intensity rounds of shadowboxing, heavy bag work, and body-weight exercises. Founded by master trainer Alexander Kaufman, the dad on your list is sure to have a great experience here.

Photos: @peternappi +  @nisoloshoes

The Father that Loves Fine Shoes and Leathergoods – Peter Nappi & Nisolo
I could not decide on just one shop for this category. Both shops, located in Germantown and East Nashville, respectively, boast amazing products and stories. If the dad on your list is a stickler for quality, then I guarantee that you’ll find something for him at these stores.

Photos: @theoxfordshopnashville 

The Father About Business – The Oxford Shop
Located in Green Hills, this shop offers classic pieces that every man can use in their wardrobe. Steeped in a long history within the Nashville community, the shop caters to the discerning eye that craves luxury and quality. They boast generations of returning clients in a low-pressure atmosphere. If your dad is about traditional menswear, this may be your ticket.

Photos: @oliveandsinclair

Bonus: The Father with the Sweet Tooth – Olive and Sinclair
If your dad is anything like mine, he loves a good bit of sweets – and my dad loves Olive and Sinclair. Another local sensation that specializes in locally ground chocolates and their popular caramels. Perhaps use these as a primer for the rest of the gifts, a bit of dessert after dinner (that he will likely pay for), or before you have to break some bad news to him.

 -----------------------------------------------

A native of Akron, Ohio, Emmanuel is now a resident of Nashville, Tennessee. He moved to Nashville to pursue a Masters in Education in Leadership and Organizational Performance from Vanderbilt and completed the degree in 2015. As a former teacher, non-profit leader, and one who has experienced a great deal of personal change, he brings his keen sense of style and combines it with his passion for helping others develop, gain confidence, and find their path through his blog, The Better Manual. Emmanuel also works as a consultant and professional vocalist.
Website: https://www.thebettermanual.co
Instagram: @thebettermanual