He’s just like Andre "Dre" Johnson from Black-ish. As old as he is, your dad (or uncle) has made a personal pledge to stay “so fresh and so clean” for the rest of his life. His jeans are crisp, and his kicks never, ever have so much as a smudge on them. He’s an unapologetic, pro-black, tennis-shoe-wearing, potato-salad-lovin' man who feels as comfortable in the boardroom as he does on the b-ball court. Give a gift that helps him show the world that he’s still got it and that “fly” is ageless.
1. The Latest Kicks
What do you get a sneakerhead for the holidays? Sneakers, of course. This one time of the year, it’s OK to feed his addiction. I mean, there are way worse things to be addicted to. If he’s into the classic black-and-white sneaker, he might like either the Nike Kobe A.D. Black White ($160), which is out Dec. 16, or the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black White ($220), which arrives Dec. 17.
2. A Trip to a Man Cave
Or consider purchasing a gift certificate to Hammer & Nails, which provides hand and foot grooming services in its “man cave nirvana.” He can get manicures, pedicures and messages—all while watching his favorite sports show on his personal TV. He’ll leave the spot feeling and looking fresh, ready to conquer the world.
3. The Gift of Personal Care
If your dad is leery of public grooming and prefers to do it himself, consider getting him the Bevel Shave System (three monthly installments of $29.95), which is designed to help reduce razor bumps and irritation. He’ll get a safety razor, shave brush, shave cream, blades, balm and priming oil. Plus, it’s owned by a brother, so your dad will take pride in knowing that he’s supporting a black-owned business.
4. A Radio Raheem Tee
Every time Pops rocks this T-shirt ($29.99), he’ll be able to bask in the nostalgia of the ’80s and ’90s while paying tribute to a late cinematic legend, Bill Nunn, who played the iconic character in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. All proceeds from sales go to the Poise Foundation’s Bill Nunn Legacy Fund.
5. Fun and Games
If Dad needs a break from the real world, he can become Marcus Holloway, the Luke Cage of hackers, in the “Watch Dogs 2” video game ($59.99 for the standard edition). Becoming Marcus will allow him to flex his brain and his brawn while making some cyberfriends in the process.
6. Knowledge
The presidential election surely turned your dad from “pro-black” to “black nationalist.” Get him a copy of The Autobiography of Malcolm X ($5.99, paperback, at Amazon.com) and Assata: An Autobiography ($14.95, paperback, at Amazon.com). Oh, and be prepared to hear about his plan to keep Assata Shakur from being extradited by the new administration.
7. More Kicks
If Dad has to be the first person to have the latest sneakers, then buy him the Adidas NMD XR1 Black Camo ($150), which comes out Dec. 22, and opt for same-day delivery to his house. I guarantee you that you will become his favorite family member.