Father’s Day Local Favorites In New Orleans

Don’t default to the department store for this year’s Father’s Day! You can still get him great “dad gifts” like socks and ties and grilling supplies from great local makers! Check out our five picks for this Father’s Day below that you can find at Bywater NOLA, formerly Bywater Clothing, at 4432 Magazine Street.

We also shared a few Father’s Day activities with Carla Pesono on WDSU’s Good Morning New Orleans that you can check out here!

Bonfolk Socks

In 2015, Bonfolk “Good Folk” was created by local Janna Hart Black on the foundation that for every pair of socks sold, one will be donated to a shelter or charity for folks in need. As of January this year, they’ve donated over 25,000 socks to charity. So while your Pops is getting the warm and fuzzies from these stylish socks with designs from shrimp boots to blue crabs, you’ll be getting the warm and fuzzies from helping the homeless population in your city!

NOLA Beaux Ties

Run-of-the-mill long ties are so out and bow ties are making a strong comeback so why not outfit Mr. Dad in a snazzy NOLA Beaux Tie! “Guaranteed to make you look younger, thinner and smarter,” according to their site. Founder David Holt was originally inspired by a friend’s bow tie-wearing Chihuahua before breaking into the biz with his array of bow ties. Now you and your Dad can rock matching LSU-inspired neck fashion, and don’t forget to round out your gift with a matching pocket square!

NOLA Boards

If Dad likes to cook and can appreciate a utilitarian piece of local art, NOLA Boards is the way to go! What started out as scrap wood from custom jobs is now a booming business for owner Mandy Simpson and her husband Daren of New Orleans Woodworking. Different styles have local names like Sac-a-Lait or Trinity, and each piece is unique… just like your Dad!

Sweet Olive Soap Works

Before you turn your nose up at getting the father in your life a gourmet bar of soap, hear me out. Owner Emily Manger followed her gradmother’s line of business and spent two decades experimenting with various recipes and concocting her own. Papas need some pampering too, and we highly suggest Lafitte 1815 and Sazerac Rye Whiskey with natural scents like spice bay rum and Vanilla Bourbon. After Dad mows the lawn in the dead of summer, your whole family will thank you for this gift.

Local Reads: “The People’s Grocer: John G. Schwegmann, New Orleans, and the Making of the Modern Retail World” by David Cappello

Does your father love yammering about all the businesses that “ain’t der no more?” Perfect. Show him that you’re listening with David Cappello’s The People’s Grocer, a business-based biography of John G. Schwegmann, founder of a legendary New Orleans’ supermarket chain and the most innovative and courageous retailer of the postwar era. Virtually unrecognized in retail history, visionary Schwegmann pioneered the modern big-box concept and played a key role in legalizing discount pricing.

And while buying your dad the 2-for-1 mundane socks off a site that promises two day shipping may sound appealing, all of these incredible, locally made gifts are available here in New Orleans so support your local stores, writers, soap makers, woodworkers, and craftspeople!