Father's Day Gift Guide

I am always a sucker for anything old-school prep, so it was vintage love at first sight when I laid eyes on a Criquet Shirt a few years ago. They are super soft, available in an array of fun colors and remind me of a cool version of the golf shirts my dad rocked on the course in the 70s. And, I got even more excited about the brand when I met the cute dads and all around nice guys behind the line. Hobson Brown and Billy Nachman are old boarding school pals and launched their company from Austin in 2010. Things are taking off — they have expanded Criquet to include short and long sleeve button downs, a boys line, hats/visors and they have a cool storefront on South First Street, fittingly called “The Criquet Clubhouse.” We knew they were just the fellas to ask to curate our Father’s Day gift guide. I think I will go with one of the La Matera belts for my guy…we would love to hear your ideas for creative Dad’s Day gifts in the comments below!

*featured image by paige newton

Criquet Shirts’ co-owner, Hobson Brown, is pictured with his adorable sons Hayward and Hugh, who is of course wearing a Criquet Junior shirt.

Hobson’s picks:

“Uturn Audio Orbit Plus Turntable — Supposedly this turntable sounds great…but, I just think it looks super cool and fun, especially the blue one.”

“Nothing says summer like a fresh pair of flip flops and Hari Maris are my go-to’s. Classic style and super comfortable, plus the company was started by two awesome dudes from Dallas. If your man’s flops could use an upgrade, look no further. I especially love my Scouts.”

“Our super soft vintage-style golf shirts are staples in our wardrobes, but my new favorite shirt for this time of year is our Short Sleeve Button Downs w/ Snap Pocket. The 100% organic cotton breathes like linen, without the hassle of actually having to care for linen. We’ve added a snap pocket for functionality and as a nod to our Austin home.”

“Pierrepont Hicks Tie — this is another personal favorite started by a childhood friend of mine, Katherine MacMillan, and her husband Mac. Their American made ties are beautiful, and it’s obvious that Mac and Katherine have put a lot of thought into each design. I’ve got my eyes on the Baler and the Ping Pong Tie in green. They also run an American-made market that travels around the country called Northern Grade, which is coming to Austin on June 14th.”

“You can never go wrong with really good seats to your husband or father’s favorite band. Surprise him with a gift he can look forward to. The concert can be next week or months away. If this is for your husband and you all have small children (ahem, cough, cough), give him a couple tickets. Tell him you’ll take care of the kids, and he can sleep in and watch the final round of the golf tournament. Ok, this last part is pushing it but if not Father’s Day, when? Note to my wife Blake: please check the Drive By Truckers tour schedule.”

Billy, an architect by trade, wears Criquet’s original design, The Players Shirt in Mr. Pink.

Billy’s picks:

“A belt…really? Kind of boring you might say, but La Matera makes belts that are anything but. Using imported Argentinian woven fabric and vegetable-tanned cognac leather, these belts are both rugged and elegant, and what man does not like that combo. Dress it up with slacks and a button down, or go more casual with jeans and a t-shirt…The Diplomatico is very diplomatic. ”

“Our Vintage Stripe Players (Red, White, and Blue) are the perfect shirt for the Dad who wants to look as good at the 19th hole, as he does on the 18th. Made from 100% Organic Cotton, and featuring a 4-button placket and removable collar stays, this shirt takes its cues from the classics that Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw used to wear back in the day. With the 4th of July right around the corner, give the gift of classic style that effortlessly transitions from his round of golf to his spot in front of the grill.”

“Hudson and Sutler makes great bags…thoughtfully detailed, classically styled and perfectly sized for whatever the outing may be. The Yorktown Garment Bag, featuring an 18 oz, durable canvas shell and silver nickel hardware, is the perfect commuter/ leisure bag for the dad who hates wrinkles and loves his country.”

“Whether your dad or husband likes to hunt, fish, or have the coldest beer at the tailgate, nothing inspires more envy than the cadillac of coolers. Yeti coolers will not only keep your ice icy, but with its unparalleled durability, will stand up to the curious Sasquatch (or more curious backyard bbq mishaps). I own both the smaller Roadie 20 and the larger Tundra 45, but my next purchase will be the newest (and smallest) Yeti “cooler”, the stainless steel Rambler Tumbler.”

“For those of us who have fathers whose love for golf runs deep, Dream Golf, by Stephen Goodwin, is the remarkable and inspiring story of the making of one of the world’s most treasured and unique golf destinations in the world, Bandon Dunes. It’s the story of Mike Keiser, greeting card mogul and golf enthusiast, whose very long and determined commitment to creating a true links experience on the Oregon Coast led to the creation of four of golf’s premier courses: Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails and Old MacDonald. A must read for the golf lover in your life. Note: If you actually gift him the trip to Bandon, you have also gifted yourself an infinite honey-do list when he returns.”

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