New dads are just figuring out parenthood and could use a boost of encouragement, which is why they deserve an extra special dose of appreciation on Father’s Day. To point gift-givers in the right direction, we spoke to project manager and entrepreneur Abbas Elkordy who’s a new father with ideas on how to shop for the dads just getting started.
Elkordy and his partner, Jackie, share a daughter, Sallie-Rose, who he calls “the apple of all my days.” With a child still under a year old, Elkordy says he’s now realizing why dads have their own day. “I’m truly starting to appreciate all the hard work my parents had to do to raise me,” he explains. “Being a father means being always present and ready for anything.”
Even though Jackie already gives Elkordy the best presents, he’s sharing his tips for anyone gifting to a new dad this Father’s Day. “I always appreciate a good mix of utility and style,” he adds. “Something I’ll use all the time over a long period of time.”
From custom t-shirts to the luxury-inspired Ralph Lauren’s Ralph Club Eau de Parfum — which is curated to give you the essence of timeless masculinity and style — we rounded up some of Elkordy’s best picks for new dads looking for a bit of practical sophistication.
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Listen, dads need a baby bag, too, but the additional accessory doesn’t have to escape their everyday swag. He’ll appreciate the versatility of a canvas bag that can fit just about anything. “The mix of canvas and leather makes for a timeless piece,” Elkordy notes. “[It’s] a gentleman's backpack that can fit diapers, too.”
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A denim shirt can transition from day to evening with ease (and that’s what new dads really need). It’s a staple for every working man’s closet. “Denim shirts always add a nice twist to all the cotton shirts in my closet,” Elkordy says. “Something you can get your hands dirty with but also go out after work in.”
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We know there may be a lot of, erm, mystery smells for new dads to contend with, but on the days he wants to smell like a classy man, Ralph’s Club Eau de Parfum from Ralph Lauren is the way to go, thanks to notes of lavandin, clary sage, and cedarwood. Elkordy adds, “I love smelling great for my partner and this is a perfect option that will last a while.”
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After carrying a baby for hours on end, Dad will appreciate the care for his body with a portable massager. This is a gift that will loosen up his muscles and give him small breaks of relief. Elkordy says, “After a long day of playing basketball with some old college friends at Brooklyn Bridge Park, this is exactly what I need to loosen up.”
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The small details can really make an outfit and a nice pair of sunglasses will never go out of style. “They're a classic for a reason,” Elkordy points out, and we couldn’t agree more. These sunglasses — available in three unique colors — are emblazoned with the Ralph Lauren initials to give Dad a look of subtle luxury and class.
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New dads need transitional, easy pieces and a custom t-shirt will do just that. “Every guy loves a classic basic t-shirt that goes with almost anything,” Elkordy says. To make getting dressed real easy, grab him a few different colors, too.
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We know there may be a lot of, erm, mystery scents for new dads to contend with, but on the days he wants to smell like a classy man, Ralph’s Club Eau de Parfum from Ralph Lauren is the way to go, thanks to notes of lavandin, clary sage, and cedarwood. Elkordy adds, “I love smelling great for my partner and this is a perfect option that will last a while.” So even if dad is mostly staying indoors with the baby these days, he can smell like the greatest night of his life, every night.
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When you’re keeping up with a newborn, it only takes a few days before that 5 o’clock shadow turns into a full-on beard. For new dads who want to keep their facial hair clean and sharp, a high-quality shaving kit is the way to go. “Part of being a father isn’t just caring for your family, but taking better care of yourself,” Elkordy says. “Ditch the pharmacy razor for something a little more refined.”
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The kids aren’t the only ones who love a teddy bear. “[This sweater] reminds me of the classic ’90s Ralph Lauren,” Elkordy says. The Polo Bear has been around for decades, so new dads can get a taste of vintage greatness with this gift. And as our new dad points out, “It’s good to have some fun pieces that’ll make my daughter smile.”
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Although he’s not seeing his friends as often after the baby, he’ll be happy to brag about his crystal glassware with his drinking buddies when they do get together. “It’s nice to unwind with a nice glass of whiskey,” says Elkordy. “Glass being the keyword.”
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New dads need transitional, easy pieces and a custom t-shirt will do just that. “Every guy loves a classic basic t-shirt that goes with almost anything,” Elkordy says. To make getting dressed real easy, grab him a few different colors, too.
SHOP NOW
After carrying a baby for hours on end, Dad will appreciate the care for his body with a portable massager. This is a gift that will loosen up his muscles and give him small breaks of relief. Elkordy says, “After a long day of playing basketball with some old college friends at Brooklyn Bridge Park, this is exactly what I need to loosen up.”
SHOP NOW
The small details can really make an outfit and a nice pair of sunglasses will never go out of style. “They're a classic for a reason,” Elkordy points out, and we couldn’t agree more. These sunglasses — available in three unique colors — are emblazoned with the Ralph Lauren initials to give Dad a look of subtle luxury
and class.
SHOP NOW
The kids aren’t the only ones who love a teddy bear. “[This sweater] reminds me of the classic ’90s Ralph Lauren,” Elkordy says. The Polo Bear has been around for decades, so new dads can get a taste of vintage greatness with this gift. And as our new dad points out, “It’s good to have some fun pieces that’ll make my daughter smile.”
SHOP NOW
Although he’s not seeing his friends as often after the baby, he’ll be happy to brag about his crystal glassware with his drinking buddies when they do get together. “It’s nice to unwind with a nice glass of whiskey,” says Elkordy. “Glass being the keyword.”
SHOP NOW