Just Get Him Condiments
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My philosophy when it comes toFather’s Day— and, really, men in general — is: Don’t overthink it. If you find yourself racking your brain for a suitably thoughtful gift related to your dad’s hobbies and interests, I’m here to kindly but firmly assure you that endeavor is futile. Dads who lovebirdingalready have the waterproof field guide and the fancy binoculars; dads who are into photography already have the tastefully understated camera bag and the Ansel Adams coffee-table book.
One thing all dads have in common, though, is thatthey all eat food, and I’d even go so far as to proclaim that most of them enjoy eating food that’s delicious and well seasoned.Gifting a consumableto someone who’s hard to buy for isn’t exactly a groundbreaking idea, but for dads in particular, it’s hard to go wrong with a nice condiment. Chocolates can seem impersonal andcoffeetoo prosaic; condiments, however, are intriguing, varied, and versatile, and one exists to please every type of palate.
Truly, the possibilities are endless. Hot sauce. Za’atar. Zhoug. Seaweed spread. Chutney. Calabrian-chile oil. Rhubarb conserve. Pomegranate molasses. Fancy mustard. Condiments also make a great last-minute gift if you’ve procrastinated too long and shipping deadlines have passed: Simply browse the aisles of your nearest international-grocery store or specialty-provisions shop, wrap your wares in tissue paper and a big bow, and call it a day.
If you’re skeptical, allow me to reassure you with my personal experience: I sent my dad a shipment of thesetop-grade Sichuan peppers, which he has savored in everything from hot pot to braised spare ribs.
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I gifted my boyfriend’s dad, an ardent olive lover, a jar ofConfiture Parisienne cherry-kalamata jam, which he still talks about. (It’s currently sold out, but you can sign up for restock notifications on the product page.)
And my boyfriend, while not a dad, couldn’t contain his delight when he unwrappeda bottle of green saucefreshly made in-house at our favorite local chicken joint. He said it was the best gift he had ever gotten.
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So this Father’s Day, put down the gadgets and pick up the gochujang. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, after all.
Some more condiments we like
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Chef and writer Lauren Joseph uses this versatilepreserved-lemon pasteon top of meats and yogurt dips or mixes it into cakes and cocktails.
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Ayoh Foods Mayo Variety Pack
If he’s aBon Appétitfan, he’ll nerd out over Molly Baz’s recently launched line of mayonnaise, which includes flavors like dill pickle and hot giardinayo.
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This savory French whole-grain mustard is housed in a stoneware pot and “looks like the sort of thing that has been served at the tables of French kings since 1632,” writes Strategist contributorJancee Dunn. “Because ithas.”
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Or go in the complete opposite direction with this sleekly modern Scout mustard, perfect for sandwiches or pretzel dip.
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“This stuff makes literally everything you put it on — avocado toast, eggs, plain rice, meat, buttery-cheesy-but-otherwise-plain pasta — taste better,” saysGossamerfounder Verena von Pfetten of this spicy green yuzu paste.
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Avowed “orange person”Alison Carrolluses Diaspora Co.’s turmeric in milky teas, smoothies, sautéed greens, and rice for a rich golden hue.
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Lindsay Collins, host and creator ofEffin B Radio, recommends this “delicate, floral, and ultranuanced honey” she discovered while working at Per Se. She suggests drizzling it on fancy blue cheese or a bowl of fresh figs.
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A dash or two of Brightland’s spicy, herbaceous Pizza Oil is guaranteed to dress up his deep-dish.
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Ghia Ghianduja (Crunch)
Ghia’s Ghianduja is a (slightly) healthier version of Nutella filled with crushed almonds for a satisfyingly textural crunch.
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Grillmaster dadswill appreciate this bottle of boiled cider, which, when used as a marinade base, helps tenderize meat. It has a “mildly tart and subtle flavor that blends in with woodsmoke,” explains writer Hugh Merwin.
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Made in small batches in Korea, Potluck’s gochujang and ssamjang are perfect for spicing up a stir-fry or spooning over a rice bowl.
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With its fresh green flavor, Tart’s celeryvinegarcan be used as an oyster topping, a salad dressing, or a drink mixer.
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Fly by Jing’s chile crispis a fan favorite, but the brand’s tingly, mouth-numbing Sichuan hot sauce is just as good.
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I’m thinking of getting my own dad this trio of Rooted Fare’s Chinese-inflected sweet spreads — the pineapple-cake cashew butter would be especially up his alley.
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Za’atar can be sprinkled on basically everything, from roasted vegetables to salads to marinades. “It gives anything you put it on a nice, citrusy, zesty flavor,” saysAlissa Wagner, the co-owner of Chinatown restaurantDimes.
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For dads who start every day with a slice of toast, this jam sampler features three intriguing flavors: cherry chai, blueberry sumac, and strawberry lemongrass.
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Soy-sauce snobs will be delighted to receive this elevated small-batch soy sauce. It’s made at a 300-year-old brewery in Gobo, Japan, using an old-fashioned wood-fired method, “which lends to its sweet and savory flavors a hint of smokiness,” saysSoon Tani Beccaria Mochizuki, a food-product photographer.
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Made from cane sugar and organic agave, this sweet, nutty syrup is basically pistachio ice cream in a bottle.
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If all else fails, you can’t go wrong with a giant bucket of crunchy, flaky Maldon finishing salt.
More Father's Day Gifts
- 40 On-Sale, Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts (That Don’t Look Last-Minute)
- 34 Early Prime Day Deals on Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts
- This On-Sale Indoor Putting Green Will Arrive by Father’s Day
- Make Him Smell Nice: The Best Grooming Gifts for Father’s Day
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