The Larkins are going to be in Bermuda for Father’s Day this year–more on that to come!–so we did gifts last weekend.
I’m sure many of you can relate to this, but I distinctly remember teeming with excitement and climbing all over my dad while he opened his presents. Sure, Mom was usually the person who was truly behind the gifts when I was young, but she always made me feel like I was responsible for all the magic. She took me shopping and asked my opinion about what to get him; she gave me the job of hiding the presents so Dad wouldn’t find them. I couldn’t wait for the celebration to start… and to help with the unwrapping process, haha.
This year, Mark & Graham invited Emma to pick out a few special treats for her dad. I was thrilled, as I’m sure you’ve noticed just how obsessed I am with the brand. (Which, by the way, is owned by Williams Sonoma. Fun fact of the day!) Emma seemed pretty jazzed about the whole thing, too. 😂 Together, we browsed the site (amazing) Father’s Day section while admittedly taking frequent breaks to watch Elmo on YouTube to maintain our stamina. In the end, though, we decided on four awesome presents, and Emma’s excited to share them with you today!
Before we get to that, though, I should mention that Mark & Graham is the best place to shop for that special dad in your life. The brand specializes in personalized, thoughtful gifts… and they truly make everything easy and special. Everything–from navigating the website to inscribing, stamping and embroidering products–is fast and simple! OH. And gift wrapping is complimentary. So lovely, right?! If you’re looking for the perfect gift, definitely check out Mark & Graham’s Father’s Day recommendations. My faves are above.
The last day to order personalized gifts (to get them in time for Father’s Day with standard shipping) is June 12th, so I’d do it today. ☺ And be sure to use code “FREESHIP,” which is valid today only. Btw: Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17th this year!
Btw: The Larkins are taking over Mark and Graham’s Instagram account today, and we’re thrilled to be giving away the leather Harvey overnighter bag, which you can see below. To enter to win, simply make sure you’re following me on Instagram as well as Mark and Graham on Instagram, and like and comment on my Instagram photo. (Commenting on Mark and Graham’s Instagram photo counts as an extra entry!) Winner will be announced on June 12th. GOOD LUCK, and thanks for following along!
Okay. Let’s get to the gifts that we selected!
Leather travel pouch
For the longest time, Mitch has been using a tiny pouch as his dopp kit, and he would literally saw his toothbrush in half every time we traveled so he could fit it. (Yes. Totes bought him travel toothbrushes that would have done the trick, but he says he “prefers the real thing.” 🤔) When Emma saw this travel pouch, though, we immediately added it to the cart. Isn’t it beautiful?! It features Mark & Graham’s new “baseball leather,” which I’m such a fan of! Gorgeous.
When Mitch opened it, he couldn’t stop laughing, and made some comments about how many “big toothbrushes” he’d be able to get in there. 😂 He also was super impressed with the gold stamped monogram. I personally love that he’ll likely have the travel pouch forever, and it’ll be one of those “dad things” that Emma remembers. (Do you know what I mean? There are so many little things like this that my dad’s had forever–and I can’t imagine him without ’em!)
Overnighter
Leather bags are Mitch’s THING. He loves them. He sniffs them. He admires them in store windows. But the one he’d been using as an overnight bag was on its last legs from one too many I’m-sorry-but-we’re-going-to-have-to-check-that experiences at the gate at the airport. ;)
Isn’t this one stunning?! Emma mistook it for a giant “purse” and fell in love as well. And if you scroll down to the bottom of this post, you can see the little nest that Noodle made for herself inside the overnighter, too. Larkin Family-approved!
In all seriousness, I loved the bag because it has both carrying handles and an adjustable shoulder strap… and there’s an exterior shoe pocket. The pebbled leather is beautiful, and the gold stamped monogram really pops against the rich brown color!
Another “dad thing” he’ll have for life. :)
Tie Bar x Mark & Graham gift set
We’re big Tie Bar fans here in Chicago, as the company has an adorable little store on Armitage in Lincoln Park. So when we saw that Mark & Graham had collaborated with them to create a line of gift sets, I knew they’d be a big hit with Mitch! And I was right. :)
Emma loves the dress-up possibilities that come in every box, but I love that the sets are all Daddy needs to be event-ready. We’re going to our friend Jenny’s wedding this August, and Mitch will be wearing his new tie, socks and pocket square! So excited.
Rocks glasses
Last but not least, we picked out a beautiful matching set of rocks glasses. Mitch loves whiskey, but he only has a couple of mismatched glasses acquired randomly over the years. It was high time for a set! These glasses reminded me of our trip to Ireland together, where we learned how to engrave and cut glass… and I loved the classy “L” monogram we went with.
A fun Father’s Day gift idea would be to include a bottle of Dad’s favorite spirit!
Remember: Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17th this year! The last day to order personalized gifts–to get them in time for Father’s Day with standard shipping–is June 12th, so act quickly! ☺ Other Mark & Graham faves above; be sure to use code “FREESHIP,” which is valid today only.
Outtakes
In collaboration with Mark & Graham; all opinions are my own. As always, thank you so much for supporting the brands and partnerships that keep Kelly in the City up and running!
