Julia Frakes Reports: 15 Father's Day Gift Ideas From John Jannuzzi of Textbook

4:00 PM, June 15 2010

By Lucky Staffers

Style maven John Jannuzzi's celebrated blog Textbook is becoming a cult Internet phenomenon among the fashionable literary set. By day, Jannuzzi (pictured here) works in marketing for a NYC-based fashion industry brand; his blog melds his passions for art and bygone literary figures and his encyclopedic mastery of current fashion collections. His avid readership eagerly awaits each post, wherein he takes characters from history and literature, and imagines what they would wear at momentous points in their lives. I thought I would ask John, clearly a creative guy, for some inventive Father's Day gift ideas. I provided a list of dad types, and he came up with great suggestions.

John Jannuzzi's Twitter profile picture

What would you recommend for a father who...

1. Works on Wall Street:

"From my experience, cufflinks are probably your best bet. It seems that they are, to Wall Street businessmen, what handbags are to women the world over. My suggestion would be Jan Leslie's pieces. If your dad has a quirky side, go with the animals...otherwise, stick with the classics."

2. Seriously needs to rethink his "dad jeans":

"Well, you're facing an uphill battle. My father bought three identical pairs of jeans several years ago: faded and nearly shapeless. Needless to say, a new pair is a tough sell. Gifting denim is no easy task, so keep it simple. Don't go out and purchase a pair of stovepipes--that will have your dad headed for the hills--and possibly a mid-life crisis. Opt for some dark straight-leg jeans from Levi's. It's pretty amazing what a good pair can do for a guy in need."

Creed Green Irish Tweed, $250, creedboutique.com

3. Has been wearing the same cologne for forty years:

"Obviously, this is a father who likes to stick with what works. Creed hasn't let men--or those who love them--down since 1760. You can never go wrong with their Green Irish Tweed scent."

4. Likely would list "Mr. Rogers" as his chief style inspiration:

"Mr. Rogers? You're playing a cardigan game there, an easy fix at your neighborhood J.Crew. Although he might be better served by a subscription to GQ."

5. Has not gotten the memo that there is workout gear out there that doesn't look straight out of the '80s:

"My father exercises religiously. No, fanatically. Some years ago he became the topic of a morning radio show that referred to him as 'the running ninja' on account of his exercise getup. His outfit of choice was an NYPD hoodie and sweatpants that verged on harem pants. If you are experiencing a similar situation, head to Adidas and pick up a pair of performance shorts and a performance T-shirt. There is no reason why your dad has to be the next 'running ninja,' so please intervene while you can."

Hugo Guinness "Handcuffs" print, $480, johnderian.com

6. Needs to add character to his home office:

"A man's office is often entirely his own: a man cave, if you will. My father's office currently sports a windsock that I made for him in the 2nd grade (among various other crafts of my brother's and my making). Our creative genius aside, it could use an update. The right Hugo Guinness print would make a great addition to any office. My personal favorites are the urinal, the cowboy, and the handcuffs. Just don't get him the ladybug."

7. Considers fishing a contact sport:

"In my experience, you often wind up chewing the fat with your friends more than catching anything during a fishing trip. With that in mind, a good cooler is essential...nothing is worse than sitting on a riverbank with a few warm beers. You don't need anything fancy; stick with a classic red Coleman. Maybe even fill it with dad's drink of choice."

8. Considers The Godfather his favorite film series :

"Taschen makes a great book all about The Godfather, and I'm fairly certain that there's a copy sitting in my family's home. The pages are full of behind-the-scenes images and stills from all three movies. There are art editions of The Godfather Family Album that go for $4,000 a pop; but fret not, they also have a standard version at $69.99 (pictured left). Just be sure to shake your father's hand: He has great taste in film."

9. Counts down the days until the weather is just right for sailing around Martha's Vineyard:

"A pair of boat shoes is essential for hitting the high seas. My personal go-to is N.D.C., they are a little pricey, but they're made by hand and you are surely not going to come across anybody else sporting them. Rest assured that your father will be a cut above the rest of the dads when rocking Sperry's at the Yacht Club."

10: Rides a Harley to work:

"A copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: Pick up a copy for yourself too... and everybody else that you know."

11. Spends more time on the golf course than in his office:

"My father is a big-time golfer; although it may not be the most creative gift, you are best off getting as many golf balls as you can afford. Consult your local sports shop for solid options: I like to go with neon colors so Pops doesn't have trouble finding the (many) balls he hits into the woods."

12. Some would argue treats his car collection better than his children:

"I'd go with a key fob; Jack Spade has some great options. You can always pull that 'now every time you start your car, you can think of me' line too. Classic."

13. On vacations, would rather hike the Appalachian Trail than hit a Ritz:

"Hiking can take it out of you and it's always nice to stop and absorb the scenery. There is a company called Crazy Creek, which makes chairs for outdoor adventures that fold up and can easily fit in your pack. Actually, I keep one in my apartment--they're absurdly comfortable."

14. Runs marathons twice a year (and is in better shape than his kids):

"A runner's best friends are the shoes on his feet. Running with the wrong pair can cause some serious pain and keep you off the pavement for some time. However, everyone's body is a little different, and what works for one most likely won't work for another. So, why not offer to take the old man out to pick up a new pair of kicks? He picks, you pay."

Jack Spade duffel, $495, jackspade.com

15. Enjoys a weekend getaway:

"Everybody loves a weekend jaunt to the beach, upstate or anywhere, for that matter. Packing accordingly is essential...but so is your luggage. So many men fall victim to the boring, basic black weekend bag (too much business and not enough pleasure). I've outfitted my dad with a navy Jack Spade waxwear duffel: they hold up well and are perfect for a quick getaway. If your dad is more on the subdued or rugged side, pick it up in chocolate."

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