Perfect for all-around food prep, this versatile 8” workhorse is both incredibly useful and beautiful to behold. Shun is a Japanese brand, affectionately known for making wide, durable stainless-steel blades. The Swiss-Army knife of the kitchen, this all-purpose beauty is perfect for everything from preparing fruit to slicing fresh cuts of meat. It’s easy to use too. The contoured Pakkawood handle offers great grip for those sweaty palms. If you’re looking for something versatile, yet serious, this chef’s knife is one of our kitchen must-haves.

When serious chefs see the Wusthof name, they know it means business. Paring knives are all about precision. While this German masterpiece may look small, the man who wields it will instantly feel like a total bad-ass in his kitchen. Check out this line in the official product description: “Precision forged from a single blank of High Carbon Stainless Steel Tempered to 58⁰ Rockwell.” We haven’t a clue what this means, but we’re in love. For the novice chefs among us, the Wusthof has a handle designed for control and safety. The bold red-trident logo on the blade makes this top-of-the-line paring knife stand out.

This knife is sharp as hell — in more ways than one. Not only is this high-end Japanese blade one of the sharpest cooking knives (out of the box) that we’ve bought, but the Rosewood handle looks good on display in any kitchen. Because the weight is toward the tip of the blade, this knife is ideal for chopping. The angled edge of the blade helps this everyday-knife stand up to the wear and tear that comes with heavy kitchen use. Check out the dimpled edge. This subtle design touch makes this knife perfect for cutting (and releasing) those hard-to-slice breads and fruits.

Not only do you get one of the best classic chef’s and utility knives on the market, it also comes with a great paring knife and a honing steel to keep your blades at their best. Plus, the Slimline bamboo block adds a touch of high-end chef’s elegance to any kitchen, with additional slots, so you can add to your collection.

Le Creuset’s colorful (and heavy) enameled cast-iron skillet is hands-down the most indispensable piece of cookware a man can get. If you look around the internet, you’ll see a handful of comments about this particular skillet either (1) getting too hot or (2) being hard to clean. Pay these comments no mind, good reader. A good cast iron takes some seasoning early on, but this pan does an excellent job distributing heat, meaning stuff cooks evenly. Plus, you can pop it from the burner straight into a piping-hot oven in temperatures up to 500℉, which makes it good for everything from eggs to potatoes to chops to that soon-to-be famous white bean and duck cassoulet.

Le Creuset makes yet another appearance on our must-have list, thanks to its incomparable (and insanely versatile) braising dish. With its wide surface area and domed lid, the braiser is half cast-iron skillet, half dutch oven. As its name suggests, this pan is great for braising those thick cuts of meat. But its overall handiness in the kitchen hardly stops there. Its ample base makes it a must-have for baking items like breads as well as casseroles that require a healthy mix of sauce and ingredients and its oversized handle — 45% larger than other pans in the category — make it easy to hold with oven mitts. Just how good is this pan? This incredible piece of cookware has become a permanent fixture atop our Viking range. It literally doesn’t move, except to be cleaned. We use it weekly, often for making chili. Like other Le Creuset pans, it comes in a bold range of colors. We think the dad in your life will love the Cerise, featured here.

Nothing says confidence in the kitchen like stainless-steel cookware. This AllClad brushed (and dishwasher-safe) saucepan is no exception. The 5-ply bonded construction features a strategic combination of stainless steel and aluminum, resulting in an even cooking surface with no unwanted hotspots. With its high, straight sides, the AllClad 1.5-quart saucepan uses a smaller surface area to hold heat, while putting a lid on unwanted evaporation. Its heat-resistant handle aims to keep home-chefs safe from burns, while its stainless steel rivets make for efficient and spill-free pours. A fitted top and brushed finish make this pan a good-looking and capable option for the man who sees his mushroom marinara as healthy validation for his station in the kitchen.

There are bar sets — and then there are bar sets. Picnic Time Brand’s Legacy set is the latter. Install this beautiful cherry-stained acacia wooden box (aka piece of art) on your countertop and open it to reveal a treasure trove of 19 high-end tools for engineering the best and most sophisticated after-dinner drinks anywhere. With its prop-up lid and pull-out drawer, the Legacy makes a great organizer and sophisticated space-saving storage place for all your bartending needs. The set includes: six cocktail sticks, a cocktail stick caddy, hawthorne strainer, tongs, bar spoon, double-sided jigger, muddler with plastic head, corkscrew, two-piece shaker, paring knife, bottle opener, glass ice bucket with stainless steel handle, mixing glass with pour spout, and marble cutting board. Just look at it.

Everything changes the moment you start lighting wood chips on fire in your kitchen. Not only will this unique double-sided glass smoker make you look like a total badass in front of your dinner guests, it promises to transform even the most pedestrian old-fashioned into a smoky delicacy. In addition to this slick glass smoking box (pictured here), this set comes with a set of wood chips and a handheld smoker. Just don’t burn the house down in the process!

Nothing says modern sophistication quite like a set of crystal cocktail glasses. Whether you’re assembling a serious home bar, or just hoping to be taken seriously in conversation, this set of 4 Double Old-Fashion glasses from Markham by Waterford takes the phrase “after-dinner drinks” to a whole new level. Want to go even bougier? Consider ditching that tacky glass liquor bottle in favor of a crystal decanter. Now, we’re talking!

They’re not just for tech bros anymore. For the dad who wants a hip, but casual look while running out the door, this comfortable and versatile hoodie from Reigning Champ is GQs top all-around choice and ours too. Not only is this hoodie understated and insanely comfortable, it’s available in four solid colors, making it the perfect staple in any wardrobe. We love the white drawstrings. The little pop of contrast makes this hoodie appear effortlessly cool. But the best part is its front kangaroo-pouch pocket. If you’re new to the #DadLife, no words can adequately explain the inherent usefulness of this feature. Guess you’ll just have to trust us!

Before lounge pants, there were sweatpants. Unless you were going to the gym, or up unreasonably early on a Saturday for a game of tackle football in the park, respectable men had little to no reason to wear such things. Fast-forward to today and a good lounge pant is a must-have staple in any man’s closet. If you work from home, slip these babies on in seconds and comfortably head down to your computer for eight hours of uninterrupted Zoom calls. Alternatively, if you’re going out, confidently pair these with a pair of classic all-white sneaks for an intentional look that says, “Yes, I’m comfortable — because that’s how I roll.” And, if it’s your turn for preschool drop-off (again), go forth with the knowledge that you can heft your kid to and from the backseat without wearing jeans and a belt. We love this pair from Cozy Earth, because they feel like pajamas, but look like pants. Plus, pockets! Need we say more?

As fashion goes, ball caps used to be the province of tailgates and sporting events. Until Kendall and Logan Roy turned them into a power move on HBO’s Succession. Suddenly, everyone from rappers to CEOs (and wannabe CEOs) were spotted sporting luxury versions of the classic domepiece. Indeed ball caps are cool again! That’s great news for dads, especially when your significant other taps you for a midnight diaper run. To go all-in on the Kendall Roy look, you can pony up four figures for a Loro Piana baby cashmere original. Or, save the cash and channel the same understated look with the Edgar from Wigens.

Water-resistant boots might not seem like a wardrobe staple. But, as a new dad, you won’t believe how many times you have to jump in and out of your car for stuff — be it the grocery store, the pharmacy, for takeout, the liquor store ;). If you’re doing this in the rain, your shoes (and socks) are going to get wet. Make a splash running errands — and look damn-good doing it — with these luxury water-resistant boots from the Swedish-designed SWIMS. Slide these on with casual clothes when you leave the house, or pair them with a nice pair of jeans for a rare date-night out. The orange soles make a real statement. I speak from experience when I say people will ask where you got them!

From famed Danish watch-maker Skagen, this modern casual watch sports a sophisticated design, with a bold face and is water-resistant up to 50m (a must for dads!). We love the look of the blue face against the silver frame and black leather strap. It’s elegant, yet functional. A perfect mix for your everyday timepiece.

Dress it up, but not too much. This stainless-steel timepiece from Tissot is a great option for a day out on the town. Casual enough to pair with dark jeans and a leather jacket, but dressy enough to still turn heads, the Tissot offers the classic look (and quality) of an ultra-luxury watch brand for a practical price.

It wasn’t long after we had our first kid that my wife suddenly stopped short of kissing me. “Gross,” she said, pulling back. “Your lips are sandpaper.” The next night, I came up to bed to find a little blue tube on my nightstand. “Try it,” she said. So I did — and I’ve used the stuff daily ever since. Infused with Vitamin E, green tea and natural emollients, Jack Black’s iconic Lip Balm is a must have applicant for dads during or after those long neighborhood walks. I buy the stuff in packs of 3 — one for the car, one for my jacket pocket and one for my nightstand. Because, sandpaper.

I used to laugh at the countless hours my wife spent moisturizing before bed. “You just wait,” she’d say. After we had our daughter, I started to notice wrinkles around my nose and at the corners of my eyes. We’d been spending more time outside. And I was getting older. So, I made the decision to start moisturizing. I tried a couple of brands before finally settling on Golden Hour from Ursa Major. My love for this particular cream can be expressed in two words: moisture barrier. Whether you walk outside with your kiddo, or go to the playground, or community pool, or soccer practice, or whatever, dad duty mostly takes place in the Great Outdoors and it dries you out. Ursa Major’s Golden Hour works on all skin types. Its deep hydration and quick-soothing absorption fights wrinkles while revitalizing your skin. Plus, it’s 100% vegan and chemical free!

Every Christmas, for years, my grandmother gifted me a large tube of Axe 2-in-1 body wash. When it comes to self-care, us guys haven’t typically had many options. Upstart brand Manscaped has sought to change that. And their Luxury Package 4.0 is one of our favorite total-grooming solutions. Not only do you get their UltraPremium 2-in-1 Body Wash with aloe vera and sea salt to balance those natural oils and keep you smelling fresh, you get The Lawnmower electric trimmer for below-the-waist manscaping and The Shears 2.0, a 4-piece tempered stainless-steel nail kit, including a great set of clippers and a file. Plus, a bougie-looking dopp kit to store it all in. What more could a dad want?

One of the first things you notice when you become a dad is how often the lights go on and off in the room while you’re trying to sleep. The baby needs a fresh bottle, or a diaper change, or your spouse elbows you awake, “Hey,” she says, “Did you hear that?” Whatever the reason, sleep is at a premium in any new-parent household and the bedside lamp is your sworn enemy. This 100%-light-blocking sleep mask from PrettyCare is a game-changer for new dads. The breathable memory foam construction conforms to the unique contours of your face. While the dome-shaped 3D eye sockets let you blink without taking off or adjusting the mask during the night. If you’ve never used a sleep mask, consider giving this one a try. You won’t regret it.

Maybe you’re finding it harder to fall asleep since having kids, or maybe your concentration just isn’t what it used to be. This remarkable handheld device uses electrotherapy pulse stimulation (yes, it’s real) to activate neurotransmitters in your brain, with the goal of reducing stress, improving your mood and contributing to a deeper, more restful sleep. It’s also equipped with a hand-warmer and fits easily in a pocket, so you can also use it to keep your hands warm during those early-morning soccer practices.

Still not sleeping? It’s time to break out the big guns. The Muse S might look like a futuristic VR headset. In reality, it’s a unique personal meditation and sleep assistant, designed to help you turn off your busy mind, improve your focus, and get a solid eight. Use its free iOS and Android-compatible app to download a range of different meditation “experiences” and track key sleep metrics, including mind, heart and breathing patterns. Use its available playlist of soundscapes and its recorder meditation-teacher feature to help you drift off to and stay asleep. The headband is made of a breathable stretch fabric, designed to keep you comfortable while sitting or laying in bed and a digital “sleeping pill” feature kicks in if you wake up during the night to help you fall back asleep. You’ll look sillier than you’d like. But, you’ll wake up rested — so, you got that going for you. If sleep is eluding you, the Muse S could well be the answer you never knew existed. Until now.

Dads take a beating — and, like it or not, so do our clothes. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have nice things. That’s why we love this quilted lightweight jacket from UK outerwear manufacturer Barbour. It’s lightweight, yet warm and the quilted stitching gives it a fitted look with unmatched durability. Plus, Barbour offers lifetime re-waxing on all its products, so you can keep this versatile, three-season wardrobe staple looking slick and new for years.

The term packmule takes on new meaning when you become a dad. If you’re not hauling your computer from coffee shop to coffee shop looking for a quiet place to work, you’re looking for a convenient way to tote everything from diapers to milk to fruit snacks, without looking like a total rube. A durable, aesthetically-pleasing everyday pack that you can carry or toss in the back of the SUV is a must. There are some great ones on the market. Our pick, from Peak Design, can easily (and safely) carry your laptop and camera and features a variety of compartments for extras like external drives, headphones — and, yes, snacks! Plus, its understated look makes it the perfect complement to almost any outfit. Use the expandable strap at the back to add your favorite picnic blanket and head to the park for a nice little Saturday!

Sometimes you just have to get away. Long trips won’t happen nearly as much these days with a kid in tow. But, assuming you have a competent sitter, or your in-laws live within driving distance, getting away for the weekend is a real possibility. Make this happen as soon as humanely possible. And take this quality leather bag from BOSTANTEN with you. At nearly 22”-long and 10”-wide, this stylish leather weekender is big enough to fit a couple pairs of pants and shirts, plus a book and an extra pair of shoes for dinner out. Not to mention your essential toiletries. Order it today, and hit the road tomorrow. You deserve it.

Music plays a big role in our household: it works as a stress reliever, brings calm to temper tantrums, has been the source of countless impromptu daddy-daughter dance parties, and keeps us all moving. But, sometimes, you need your music to move with you. We love Sonos products and the company’s new Roam bluetooth speaker is no exception. Pack this tidy 10-watt speaker in your bag and get up to 10 hours of stereo-quality sound wherever life takes you. A cool feature in the Sonos app lets you pair your Roam with other Sonos products (if you have them) and also tells you how much battery power you have left. My wife and I recently took one of these on our two-day anniversary trip to the Virginia countryside and listened to our wedding playlist while we exchanged gifts and sat by the pool. Cheers!

I never drank coffee regularly — until I had a kid. Now, my wife and I can’t live without it. This machine has become, without a doubt, the most indispensable appliance in our entire home. It’s so critical that, on long trips, we pack it up, as big as it is, and take it with us. We like the Veturo because it makes both coffee and espresso pods and the silver and black finish (other colors available) looks great on the counter amid our major appliances. Great coffee is hard to find. Before Nespresso, it was almost impossible to make at home. This machine changes the game, while giving you the extra bit of energy you need to get through the day.

Ah, quiet. Whether you’re on a cross-country flight, or simply trying to block out the chorus from Baby Shark playing on repeat in the living room, Bose’s outstanding 700 noise-canceling headphones are the best wireless headphones we’ve tried to date. Eleven levels of noise canceling technology make these headphones perfect for everything from streaming podcasts to listening to Spotify to watching movies in relative peace. And, with up to 20 hours of battery life, you can get through plenty of content without a charge. One-touch Spotify integration is a cool feature — and Bose, even if it’s feeling the heat from Beats, is still the gold-standard in sound quality. Treat yourself, or the Bougie Dad in your life today.