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CNN
6 days ago
- General
- CNN
We asked our dads what they want for Father's Day. Here's what they said
We know all too well that shopping for dads can be tough. Ask any dad what they want this year, and nine out of ten times, they'll tell you they don't want anything. So, this year, we asked the real experts — our own dads — what they actually want this Father's Day, from practical picks to thoughtful splurges. Whether you're shopping for a new dad, a seasoned pro, the 'cool dad' or a father figure who's always had your back, these gifts are guaranteed to get a smile. Hedley & Bennett Grateful Dead Steal Your Face Chef's Knife The easiest — and safest way — to shop for my dad is to get him anything and everything Grateful Dead-themed. He's always cooking something up, and this year, he asked for something to help him out in the kitchen. This knife is the perfect solution. Not only is it functional but it's also very on-brand. If you're shopping for a Dead-head chef, this is perfect gift for the foodie. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Marmot Men's PreCip Eco Rain Jacket My dad loves shoes and cycling gear, but this year, he's asking for a good rain jacket that's breathable and lightweight — something he can use in hot, tropical weather when he's out inspecting his shrimp farm. So, he's getting this rain jacket from Marmot. I own one myself, and it kept me dry when I was visiting Ireland a few years back. It's so lightweight you can actually fold it down to a size you can fit in your pocket, but its waterproofing is very effective too. — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer Read our review Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses My dad has been a devoted Oakley sunglasses wearer for as long as I've been alive. He spends a ton of time outdoors in the bright Florida sun, so he asked for a new pair of polarized sunglasses to replace his older pair. He is not subtle by any means and sent me a photo of these exact ones. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor Omaha Steaks 10-Ounce Ribeye Steaks, 4-Pack When I asked my dad what he wanted for Father's Day, he gave a short and simple answer: 'A ginormous steak!' I always think gifting some sort of food or experience is better than a knickknack that will probably just sit in the closet for years, so this box of four ribeyes is a great choice. If you really want to go all-out, you could even splurge on a couple of dry-aged steaks, which my dad said would earn 'bonus points.' — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Bombas Men's Sunday Slippers My dad is very particular about his house slippers. They have to be comfortable and warm but not too clunky. When I discovered Bombas had fuzzy slippers, I knew my dad would love these cushioned shoes. Plus, the thought of him wearing sherpa slippers is enough to sell me. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Related article The best beer subscription boxes in 2025Dogfish Head Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale My dad is probably the biggest Grateful Dead fan of all time, so when he saw this beer collaboration with Dogfish, he knew he needed to try it. Once I got my hands on a case, he took one sip and absolutely loved it. I plan on getting him more for Father's Day since it will make the perfect addition to our summer BBQs. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder My parents' house is practically a bird sanctuary at this point; it's outfitted with almost anything you can think of for giving birds a place to eat, drink and rest. That said, I was shocked to learn my stepdad has yet to add a smart bird feeder to their yard. I know he'll really enjoy seeing the birds that come to the feeder, and the camera attached to this option gives him quick access to see who's stopping by throughout the day. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer Read our review Chaco Customizable Men's Z/1 Sandals My dad loves my dog, Stitch, and he loves comfy sandals. Now that the weather is getting warmer, he's been asking for sandals to wear outdoors, so what better way to combine his love for Stitch and his search for new shoes than with a customized pair of sandals. These Chaco sandals are comfortable, supportive and will be great for any trips to the beach this summer. You can personalize just about every part from the colors of the buckle and stitching to adding embroidery. — Stephanie Luna, editorial coordinator Untuckit Beyond Shorts My dad is not comfortable in the water, even though the rest of our family loves swimming and snorkeling. But we're going on a family tropical vacation and forcing him to get out of his comfort zone and join us on several boat trips and island-hopping tours. So, he needs a pair of swim shorts like these ones from Untuckit. These high-quality shorts boast a chafe-free liner and a quick-drying fabric, so he can at least stay comfortable even when he's exploring a tropic archipelagic paradise not having fun. — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer Related article The 31 best hiking shorts for men and women, according to experienced hikersPatagonia Men's Better Sweater Fleece Jacket Technically, my dad didn't ask for this gift. My mom put in this request, but she knows my father better than he knows himself, and she knows he's been wanting a warm, fleece jacket — specifically one with a zippered left-chest pocket. It's going to be a welcome addition to his sparse closet. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones you didn't even know you needed. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Teton Highline Pet Blanket My dad is big on taking road trips and always takes my dogs along. This Father's Day, he really wants something that can help them be more comfortable when we go camping or to the beach. I recently got this blanket, and my dogs love it. My dad said he wants to get another one since my dogs have been using this one at home to lounge out in the sun all day. It's made to rough it in the outdoors, but it's also very versatile and comfortable to use wherever and whenever. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator 'The Best American Short Stories 2025' Edited by Celeste Ng Without fail, every time I ask my dad what he wants for any holiday, he always has two answers: books and more books. He's a true bibliophile at heart and loves to see his library expand. This year, I'm going to gift him the latest edition of 'The Best American Short Stories.' He gets a copy every year, and I know he'll love this thoughtful gift. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Homage X Starter Yankees Heavyweight Satin Jacket I'm 99% sure my dad loves the New York Yankees more than anything else on the planet — including me. My brother is named after Graig Nettles, and he's had more than one pet named after a famous player. So, aside from lifetime home-plate season tickets, my dad wants this awesome retro-inspired satin jacket from the Homage x Starter collab. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor ResortPass Gift Card As a mom of two teenage boys, sometimes we just want some calm. This year, I'm gifting my husband a gift certificate to ResortPass, which lets us nab a daily pass to a hotel in our vicinity and bask in its upscale amenities. Not only can we lounge by the pool when the weather warms up but we can schedule spa services as well, like a massage or facial at the famously decadent Guerlin Spa at The Plaza Hotel. — Tobey Grumet Segal, former reviews editor Read our review Vuori Strato Tech Polo If there's one thing and one thing only I know about my dad, it's that he won't go clothes shopping for himself. Seriously, he's still wearing shirts someone (me) gifted him in the 2000s. He wants new clothes; he's just not going to get them himself. This Vuori polo is performance fabric, which I know he likes to wear during the summer when it's hot out, and is super soft and comfortable. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer Lorens NYC New York Medz Tee There's nothing my dad loves more than a great T-shirt, especially one that pays homage to his Armenian and New York roots. I know he'll love this graphic tee: It's a fun play on words on an Armenian pun, in addition to featuring an eye-catching design. I can see him wearing it already. It's bright and hip, all without being outside my dad's comfort zone. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds. For this guide, associate testing writer Carolina Gazal asked our dedicated team of writers and editors to reach out to their dads to find out what gifts they truly want this Father's Day.
CNN
7 days ago
- General
- CNN
14 self-care essentials our editors have in their mental health tool kits
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, our editors wanted to share their favorite self-care essentials they rely on to unwind and treat themselves to some TLC. From wellness essentials like comfy walking shoes and self-care beauty products like a red light mask to little things that make us happy, here are a handful of small but impactful things that help us get through our days with more ease. So, if you're looking for some easy ways to manage the chaos of the day, we recommend picking a few of our favorites below to start your own self-care tool kit. Canopy Aroma Diffuser Sometimes, applying essential oil to my wrists just isn't enough, which is why I like using a diffuser to make my entire home smell like a calming oasis. I love using this one from Canopy because it's compact, easy to use and also projects a long-lasting smell. It's perfect after a long day when you just need to unwind. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Sony WH-1000XM6 Over-Ear Headphones I've been dealing with a lot of noise lately, even more than I'm used to (and I grew up in New York City), which is why I'm extremely grateful I've just tested the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones. I've dubbed these the best noise-canceling headphones because they offer the best active noise cancellation I've ever heard, beating the Apple AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra by a notch, and that's made them an essential part of my morning guided meditations. They help me block out the drilling and sawing of nearby construction, so I can focus on box breathing and other tricks to get my mind and body centered as I attempt to make it through another ever-confusing day of 2025. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writerRead our review Designphil Passport Traveler's Notebook in Brown I could wax poetic about the mental health benefits and happiness journaling has offered me over the past couple decades — in fact, I already have right here at CNN Underscored — so it's no surprise my favorite journal has made it on this list. Traveler's Company makes incredible leather covers that protect your pages and beautifully patina over time, and its breadth of inserts — notebooks, sticker release paper, accordion folds, folders, zipper cases — are ridiculously affordable for their quality and encourage lots of customizability to fit your individual self-care goals, whether journaling, travel writing, goal setting, doodling or ephemera collecting. (The covers and inserts are also available in a larger regular size if you want more space per page.) — Daniel Toy, copy chief Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality Headset There isn't a single gadget more vital to my mental health than the Meta Quest 3. This virtual reality headset is my main source of exercise, and my daily immersive workouts in the Supernatural app don't just help me burn calories; they also reset and slow down my brain in a way that few other activities can. I've lost count of how many 15-minute virtual boxing sessions have turned a crummy, sleepless or stressful day around, and I've spoken to dozens of devout users who've enjoyed the same life-improving effects. These days I rarely even travel without my Quest 3 in my suitcase; the energy boost and clearer head I get from smashing a few virtual targets are just that important to me. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editorRead our review Flaus Electric Flosser Starter Kit Multiple CNN Underscored editors can't stop singing the praises of Flaus, a rechargeable electric flosser. Most of us hear from our dentists that we aren't flossing enough, but this easy-to-use device takes the hassle out of daily flossing. So much that I actually look forward to doing it, even if I'm tired at the end of the day. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Read our review Altra Men's Lone Peak 9+ Trail Running Shoes Hiking is one of my favorite ways to de-stress, and lately, the Altra Lone Peak have been my go-to hiking boots. They're super comfortable so I can focus on nature, not my feet hurting. Plus, they feature super-sticky Vibram outsoles that perform on easy, after-work hikes and technical weekend adventures alike. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Read our review Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebook To echo the sage wisdom of several editors, there's something cathartic about putting pen to paper and getting out all the thoughts cramming up space in your head. Actually, after chatting with fellow journal enthusiast Henry T. Casey, I felt inspired to pick up this habit again after being in a writing rut. I spotted this Leuchtturm1917 notebook in a charming local bookshop and, buzzing from a book and coffee haul, I couldn't resist. I'm so grateful for this splurge; I always feel better after scribbling in my notebook and hope I can inspire others to do the same. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer CosRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Face Cleanser Some nights, the last thing in the world I really want to do is trudge over to the bathroom and do a bit of ritual skin care. That said, I can't remember the last time I went to bed without working CosRX's face cleanser into a lather on my face. It provides a very light touch that leaves my skin feeling pleasant and reset, taking one more thought away from my brain as I try to shut down for the evening. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer The Shop Face Wash I only just recently started taking my skin care seriously, so anything fancier than the CeraVe I got at the drugstore seems like a true luxury. That includes The Shop's exfoliating face wash, which feels incredibly soothing and refreshing, especially after a long day or intense workout. It packs provitamin B5 and claims to help you shed dead skin cells (sick), but all I really care about is that using it makes me feel and look good. Plus, it comes from LeBron James' own company, so every time I apply it I get that much better at basketball. (I haven't.) — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor Otherland Matchpoint Candle Everyone needs a nice candle to set a calming ambience at home, and Otherland has been my go-to candle brand to use and gift for years. As someone who is sensitive to overpowering scents, these subtle scents are perfect. Plus, the artwork is stunning and doubles as decor. If you're looking for a luxe candle to light up during your at-home wellness routine, I can't recommend this brand enough. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Higher Dose Red Light Mask This red light mask gives you a high-quality treatment in the comfort of your own home — no more overpriced facials. Red light therapy has immensely helped with my stress levels and is something I rely on to unwind after a long day. I've also noticed that my skin is glowier, and it's helped minimize redness. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Wild One Treat Pouch I walk my dogs several times a day, and those walks always provide a nice mental reset during super-busy days. We luckily live right next to a park, so it's easy to hop outside and enjoy the sunshine with my dogs in the middle of the day. One thing I never go on a dog walk without, though, is the Wild One Treat Pouch. It has multiple large pockets to keep treats, poop bags and other essentials organized and handy. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds (2nd Gen) I've talked about my AirPods Pro 2 ad nauseam on this site, but they truly are an essential part of my self-care routine. When I need to catch a crucial midday nap or simply clear my head after a hectic day, nothing soothes me better than popping my AirPods in and firing up some white noise on the Calm app. The buds' noise cancellation drowns out those small, irritating sounds that break up my focus and relaxation (I love my dog, but man, the licking), and their battery life is just long enough to shield me from the sounds of roaring jet engines and crying babies during a cross-country flight. If I want to have a good day, I need these in my pocket. — Mike Andronico, senior tech writerRead our review Ryka Influence Training Sneakers As a former dancer, dance cardio is a regular part of my weekly self-care (and mental health) routine. Recently, though, my old workout shoes stopped supporting my feet. Just a few minutes into dancing, my feet started having intense pain that made my workout unbearable. I knew I needed something more supportive, and a quick search led me to Ryka, a shoe brand made just for women. These particular sneakers are even made specifically for cardio, something I couldn't find while shopping for shoes that would support me for 45 minutes of jumping around. Plus, they're under $100! — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus tapped her CNN Underscored colleagues to see what self-care essentials they can't live without.
CNN
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
We asked our moms what they want for Mother's Day. Here's what they said
Mother's Day will be here before you know it, and while flowers and chocolates are always a classic gift she'll love, we wanted to make sure we hit a home run with our gifts this year — because our moms truly deserve it. To find out what moms really want this year, we turned to the best source possible: our own mothers. Who better to get the inside scoop from than the powerhouse women who have spent years receiving all sorts of gifts? While they definitely cherish everything from macaroni necklaces to timeless jewelry, this year, we wanted to go above and beyond and give them something they actually want. From meaningful experiences to practical gadgets, here's a glimpse into what the moms of CNN Underscored editors want this Mother's Day. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our favorite personalized Mother's Day gifts that are sure to wow her. Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Bread Maker My mom has been asking for a breadmaker ever since she started baking. After reading our best bread machine story, I knew she'd love this one from Zojirushi. It's compact and has an easy-to-read LED display. I can't wait to see her bread making skills thrive. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writerRead our review Osteo Cervical Pillow My mom has wanted a cervical pillow for the longest time. She's a deep side sleeper who deserves all the beauty rest, so I've decided to get her this expert-approved cervical pillow for neck pain. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Read our review Baggu Go Pouch Set in Puffer Snoopy One thing about my mom? She adores all things Peanuts, especially when it comes to Snoopy. She's been asking for a Snoopy-themed gift and these Baggu pouches are the perfect gift to help her organize her tote bag. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Vänt Upholstered Wall Panels I recently put up these wall panels for my bed. Ever since, my mom has been obsessed with them. She doesn't have a headboard on her bed and she wanted something that wasn't too difficult to set up, but still looked good. They're not hard to install and make your sleeping space look a lot more elevated. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Sproos! Fluted Shower Liner My mom has been bugging me for this gorgeous shower liner — three, to be specific, for each bathroom in her home. However, I already got her the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 for Mother's Day, so she's going to have to wait until her birthday in June to makeover her bathrooms! — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 A while ago, I gave my mom a pair of these Asics sneakers that were a tad too big on me. She ended up loving them so much for her daily walks that she wore them out until the treads were gone. She specifically asked for another pair this year for Mother's Day! — Amina Lake Patel, home and gifts editor Theragun Mini Massage Gun The last time my mom came over to visit, I had just gotten back home from a tough workout class and was massaging my muscles with the latest Theragun Mini. She said she was dealing with tired, achy muscles too, so I let her try it out and she fell in love. My mom specifically wants the Theragun Mini because it's easy to hold and maneuver (and less intimidating than a full-size massage gun). — Amina Lake Patel, home and gifts editor Polar Recovery Tub My mom is one of those people obsessed with wellness trends — and the latest one to catch her eye is cold plunge tubs. She tries to take cold showers in the morning to energize herself, which is a start, but she really wants to take it to the next level by actually getting a cold plunge tub. I think this one would be a great gift for her because it's small, affordable and the best cold plunge tub for beginners that we've tested. — Amina Lake Patel, home and gifts editor Read our review Thank You, Mom Tinggly Box Like me, my mom loved surprises and experiences. After so many years being a mom, there were only so many physical gifts she could receive that continued to delight and surprise her. A few years ago, I started to gift her activities — like wine tasting or pasta-making workshops — which were met with a mixture of reactions (some she loved and some she regifted!). Then I came across Tinggly, which contains thousands of different experiences your mom can choose from. She receives a cute box in the mail with information and a redemption code, then she goes online to choose her own adventure (you set the price point ahead of time). No more disappointments or wasted gifts, and it's still somewhat of a surprise as you can explore everything the service has to offer before choosing what you want to do. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Qure LED Face Mask My mom has tried a couple of LED masks but she has sensitive eyes and can't get through a full session when the red light is blinding her. Of course, she wants the anti-aging benefits of red light therapy, so she's after a more comfortable device. I've tried many and this one by Qure is one of the most wearable for multiple reasons. It has guards on the eye area that block the red light so you can see clearly, customizable treatment zones that you control with your phone and quick three-minute sessions. It's a bit pricy, but it's easy to incorporate into an everyday routine so the cost-per-use isn't that bad if you use it daily. Plus, my mom is worth it! — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor Sorel Caribou Women's Clog My mom loves being in her garden. She's constantly planting seeds, arranging rocks and watering plants, but she's doing it in very old clogs. For Mother's Day, I'm looking to upgrade her gardening footwear and came across the Sorel Caribou Clog. The shoe has a slight planform that my mom will love and is made of waterproof materials to keep her comfortable as she works. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer Muddy Bites Double Fudge Waffle Cone Snacks Yes, one of the only things my mom wants for Mother's Day is this snack! I tried these out and instantly fell in love. Then, I gave my mom some and she was immediately hooked too. She said it is easily one of her favorite snacks of all time and that I should get more for her this year. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Quiet Town Catalina Bath Sheet Cherry If you're looking to give your mom a thoughtful and luxurious gift this Mother's Day, the Catalina Bath Sheet is a perfect choice. Not only does it add a beautiful pop of color to the bathroom, but its ultra-soft material offers an unmatched level of comfort and absorbency. After seeing mine, my mom immediately wanted one for herself. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Naadam Women's Embroidered Dog Cashmere Sweater For a cozy yet stylish gift, this sweater is a must. It's ultra-soft, breathable and adorable, featuring a cute, embroidered dog design. After seeing me wear mine, my mom knew she had to have it too. We have three dogs, so it really resonated with her. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Bull Guard Crossbody Leather Wallet Phone Purse My mom said she's tired of carrying a big heavy purse around everywhere, which is why she wants a small, crossbody wallet this Mother's Day. She said it would help her keep her hands free on short shopping trips and while traveling, and the RFID feature of this wallet from Bull Guard is a big plus. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pets editor Sonder LA Laurel Cutting Board My mom is a fantastic cook, so it was no surprise when she said she'd love a new cutting board. This one is our top pick for the best wood cutting board, and it's exactly what she's looking for. She said she wants a board that's not too thin, not too hard so it won't dull her knives, but also not too big. Oh, and it needs to be bacteria-resistant too. Luckily, the Sonder LA cutting board ticks all of these boxes. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pets editor Read our review Ranavat Brightening Retinol Eye Cream My mom always loves to try different skin care products, and the bright orange bottle of this under-eye retinol cream caught her attention. Not only did she like the packaging, but she was also impressed that it's vegan and free of parabens and other chemicals while still being effective and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. — Lindsey Smith, editor, newsletters Hatch Restore 3 My mom has dropped more than one hint about being interested in this bestselling device. She recently got rid of her alarm clock that she's had since the 80s and is trying to rely on her phone less as an alarm. This device is a great screen-free option with a gentle wake up. — Lindsey Smith, editor, newsletters Women's Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long-Sleeve Pajama Set I visited my parents last month, and since I won't see my mom for Mother's Day, I was ahead of gifting. She's the pajama queen, and I knew she didn't have an editor-loved Cozy Earth set yet. When I saw the brand dropped a tulip-adored version (my mom's favorite flower), I knew this was going to be her gift this year. Spoiler: She's obsessed and couldn't stop touching them! — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Dearfoams Cozy Memory Foam Ballet Slippers My mom loves flowers and wearing slippers around the house. So, this Mother's Day, I'm skipping the usual bouquet and instead giving her these pretty, velvety-soft ballet slippers from Dearfoams. She'll love the pink floral velour style and the fact they're machine-washable. They are also available in 20 different colors and nine sizes, including wide widths. — Suzanne Kattau, sleep, home and kitchen testing editor In'voland Women's Rain Jacket Now that spring is here, my mom's been hinting that she wants a new jacket that she can wear to church and around town. She's had her eye on this hooded windbreaker with pockets, so I'm giving it to her in navy, her favorite color. It's waterproof, quick to dry and lightweight. — Suzanne Kattau, sleep, home and kitchen testing editor Purple Carrot Plant-Based Meals My mom has cooked dinner almost every night for my dad for as long as I can remember. She recently told me she'd like them to eat less meat but doesn't know how to pick vegetarian recipes worth making. So, I'll be sending them some vegetarian, ready-to-eat meals from Purple Carrot so she can hang up her apron for a week. Gift amounts start at $50 and go up to $1,000. I can even write a personal message to my mom and Purple Carrot will email my sentiments to her. — Suzanne Kattau, sleep, home and kitchen testing editor Related article 31 Mother's Day gifts under $50 she'll be completely obsessed with We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds. For this guide, our dedicated team of writers and editors reached out to their moms to find what gifts they want this Mother's Day.
