Father’s Day Gift Guide: Myles Tipley’s 16 Picks for the Design-Minded Dad

Myles Tipley is the dad we’ve been turning to year after year for Father’s Day ideas. A self-taught aesthete, car aficionado, former design blogger, avid recreational shopper, and longstanding Remodelista contributor, Myles has an eye for fresh, unexpected household things, often with a Japanese-Scandinavian-1970s-wood-accented vibe. He’s also very particular about what he wears and the bags he carries—all we know is we like what Myles likes.

A DJ married to fellow DJ, Lindsey Tipley (@djlindsey), the two have a son, 13, and a daughter, 7. Former Brooklynites, they live in North Atlanta in an early eighties contemporary house that they’ve been slowly making their own. Both parents are busy with day jobs these days–he’s a “brand ambassador” for Porsche and Lindsey works for events producer Tait. But when we come knocking for Father’s Day ideas, Myles always has his wish list ready. And it gets longer every year.

Come browse for the entertainment alone, and for gift ideas of all sorts, in Myles’ own words. N.B.: Father’s Day this year is Sunday, June 15.

Above: “Korean designer Gyuhan Lee makes his Paper Bag Lamps from vintage McDonald’s Happy Meal bags and hanji, traditional Korean handmade paper. His designs are  available at various galleries around the world; inquire via his website.” Above: “I’m a mess if I don’t put my keys, wallet, and sunglasses in the same place every day. This oiled oak Round Tray  from Brussels design studio Bautier is so nice. It comes in three sizes, starting at  €48 and is something Dad will be able to enjoy at least twice a day.” Above: “I really like this simple aluminum side table, the Neowise, $335, by Lithuanian design studio Kismas. Nice for a nightstand, it can also be flipped on its side, as shown here, as the perfect spot for a turntable or CD player/tape deck.” Above: “On Sundays, part of my day is spent playing music and watering the plants. I’ve had my eye on Jonah Takagi’s Stave Planter, ¥27,500m, for such a long time–I need it! It’s made in Japan by Ishinomaki Laboratory, which was founded in 2011 as a post-tsunami public workshop and now offers a line of small, well-designed wooden furnishings.” Above: “I really enjoy my coffee ritual in the morning. The 9090 espresso maker from Alessi, $230, would absolutely elevate the experience. I know everyone is busy and running around nonstop, so it’s cool to have these little daily moments be as special as they can.” Above: “To go with Dad’s fancy new coffee maker, grab some absolutely fantastic coffee. I recommend Ezinma, $22, from The Oma, an NYC cafe/wine bar, home goods shop, and barber.” Above: “For the money, it’s tough to beat LA eyewear brand Akila. I really like their Lo-Fi frame in black, $120, and could use them right now.” Above: “My father had a couple of nice watches when I was growing up. I remember sitting on his lap as a kid and rubbing the case of one with my thumb. He passed that watch down to me when I turned 40 and now I wear it almost everyday. I really like the idea of a watch being that thing: something you pass along to the people you love. Under the Dad-Can-Dream category: this is a beautiful Diving Chronometer from Serica; $1,735. It’s a great-looking, well-made watch to bang around in and will only look better with age.” Above: “Oftentimes his views don’t perfectly align with mine. If you follow him on Instagram, you know he’s a phenomenal storyteller. If you’ve been in or around downtown New York over the past 30 years you’ve eaten at a few of his restaurants. I would love to spend a little chunk of Father’s Day having coffee and reading I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally; $29.99 from Des Pair books in LA.” Above: “Everyone has seen this 1970s foldable Japanese chair. It’s for indoors and out: the perfect spot to plop down in, read a book, and sip your coffee. The Nychair X Rocking Chair is $720 from Tortoise General Store in LA.” Above: “I love how this fitted cap has a shorter crown and less structure than the norm. And the navy seersucker is perfect for summer. Packer has killed it with this one: Packer X New York Yankees 59Fifty Retro Crown-Fitted Seersucker baseball cap; $60.” Above: “For the beach and pool, I love a tote this size (and with a shoulder strap. From Montreal design studio JJJJound, the Mini XXL Cabas tote is $230.” Above: “Nice little addition to Dad’s tote: snap-on Old Carry Handles in “scratch brown” and other shades of leather, ¥7,700, from Japanese fashion line Bark Outsiders. These end up looking incredible over time.” Above: “Eighteen East is so good, they make pieces you can wear every day that still feel special and just unique enough. Their fabrics and attention to detail are next level: note the little hand-embroidered hit on the side seam of their Jesper Vintage Button-Down Shirt; $178. I find myself wearing blue and black lately, almost exclusively even in the summer and I live in Oxford shirts. I want this!” Above: “It’s always nice to get new swim shorts at the start of summer. I’m really into this classic Verde Pino design, $100, from Italian swimwear brand Ripa Ripa.” Above: “Usually my wife and kids grab some bagels or good pastries on Father’s Day. I like to spend the day doing a proper carb load. If you happen to live in Portland, Oregon, absolutely pre-order bagels from Red Hen Bagelry, maker of hands-down one of the best bagels I’ve ever had.”

If you live in the Atlanta area, check out Little Tart and Evergreen for really terrific sweet treats.