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There was a time when I was coy about the things I coveted. Because I practiced yoga, I wanted to appear above material infatuation. When I was asked what I’d like as a gift, I’d dutifully hem and haw and say unhelpful things, like “I’m sure I’ll cherish whatever you get me since it’s from the heart.”
Then I had kids. In the tyrannical efficiency that is a household with a toddler, there was no time to hem, let alone haw. This means I’ve learned to do everyone a favor and just cut to the chase.
In that spirit, here’s exactly what I want for Father’s Day. I’m pretty certain other yoga dads will also cherish the following.
6 Father’s Day Gifts for Dads Who Do Yoga
1. Yoga
Emmanuel Carrère intended to write a book about the practice of yoga and meditation. But after a series of crises dismantled his life, the French writer penned an unflinching first-person exploration of the ways we all seek meaning from these ancient practices. Carrère doesn’t preach wisdom from on high. Rather, he shares it from the depths of despair as he asks whether these disciplines are too disconnected from everyday life to rescue us in times of dire need. The man is flawed, funny, and forthright, and his writing is a beacon for others not because it shines light ahead, but because he’s not afraid to plumb the depths.
2. All Day Shirt
I like to bike. I do not like to look as though I’m in the Tour de France. Enter the Ocean & San All Day Shirt. The super comfortable and functional jersey, available in short and long sleeves, is made from moisture-wicking, UPF-protective fabric and has stash pockets on the back for my phone or snacks. It moonlights as yoga attire, and when I dismount after biking to work or hitting the trails afterward, it looks like the laid-back, made-in-LA shirt that it is.
$80 for short sleeves and $87 for long sleeves at Ocean & San
3. Wandering Bear Organic Cold Brew Subscription
I never thought boxed cold brew could satisfy my bougie palette. But when my brother-in-law accidentally left a box of this stuff in the fridge after a family getaway, I became hooked. Mostly it’s the rich, dark flavor that made me a convert. But there’s also the very real convenience of not needing to stop somewhere, kids in tow, for an afternoon pick-me-up. And I can’t overlook the fact that the 128-ounce box equates to just $1.94 a glass.
$26.75 for 96 ounces and $40.79 for 128 ounces at Amazon
4. Alpaca Fiber Boxer Briefs
Yes, underwear. PAKA apparel relies on alpaca fiber, which is lighter than sheep wool, wicks moisture better, feels less itchy, and has a smaller footprint. (Literally, since alpacas actually have padded feet rather than hooves, but also in terms of sustainability.) PAKA’s recently released Nature’s Essentials boxer briefs are crafted from alpaca, eucalyptus, and organic cotton and are soft, stretchy, and breathable. They’re as well-suited to practicing Down Dog as chasing your kids around the backyard.
5. The Jack Linen Shirt
I’m a PE teacher, so when I get dressed in the morning, my goal is basically to be able to bust into a supine spinal twist at a moment’s notice. But on certain occasions, it’s also useful to look like an actual adult. Luckily, the folks at Taylor Stitch make the comfortable and sharp-looking Jack shirt. The lightweight linen button-down, which comes in prints and solids, ensures that I look presentable at semi-formal occasions but doesn’t deter an occasional spinal twist.
6. Ultra Compact Inflatable Paddle Board
To give the gift of a stand-up paddleboard is to give the gift of freedom. The Itiwit’s inflatable design means it can be stuffed into a 30L backpack and slung over your shoulders or stashed in the trunk alongside the stroller and other kid detritus for impromptu outings. Because whether you’re navigating river rapids or practicing a SUP yoga routine, time spent on the water is restorative—and diaper-free.
RELATED: 8 Father’s Day Splurges for the Outdoor Dad in Your Life
About Our Contributor
Alex Tzelnic is a writer, PE teacher, and Mindfulness Director in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has an MA in Mindfulness Studies from Lesley University and has written about the intersection of education, mindfulness, and movement for publications including Tricycle Magazine, Slate, The Daily Beast, and Inverse. You can find him on social media @atz840.
