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New York Post
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Our 41 best Father's Day gift ideas for every kind of dad in 2025
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Want to see your dad's jaw drop to the floor on Father's Day? Silly socks and or a last-minute mug might be your usual M.O., but this Father's Day brings a new opportunity to tap your gifting skills for the guy that got you through life — you know he deserves it. We've spent hours penning elaborate gift guides for every person in your life, and understand that Father's Day gifting can be particularly tricky, especially if you're dad is the type to insist he doesn't need anything. Advertisement We've scored the internet, sifting through thousands of popular gifts, and enlisted help from dads on the Post Wanted team, to put together a Father's Day 2025 gift guide that has the perfect present to appease any kind of man — whether his favorite activity is snoring, he never stops talking about his favorite sports team, or he can't get enough of his grill this summer. This year, we've got gifts across every budget, from comfy walking shoes to luxe watches, smartwatches, and more surprises that are guaranteed to make him smile (plus, let you flex your fine taste). Best for An Active Dad: HOKA Clifton 9 New York Post Dubbed a 'dad shoe' for a reason, Hoka Clifton 9s offer the cushioned, cloud-like support that he needs to stay on his feet all day. Our Live Events Reporter, Matt Levy, raves about his pair, 'The last thing you'll be worrying about is foot pain or insoles. They're everything you need.' Between the impressive 3mm stack and improved outsole design, you really can't go wrong with Hokas. Best for The Chef: HENCKELS Forged Accent Razor-Sharp Steak Knife Set of 4 If he watched every episode of 'The Bear,' takes any chance to pull out a recipe book, and slices and dices faster than you've ever seen, he probably would love nothing more than a new knife set. This ravor-shar, ergonomically designed by HENCKELS, boasts exceptional durability and performance. Best for a Man Who Never Shops: Calvin Klein Men's Cotton Classics 3-Pack Boxer Brief Amazon If his underwear drawer could use a restock (it probably does), Calvin Klein has you covered. The classic cotton boxers are a best-seller for good reason. They're soft, breathable, stretchy, and feature a flexible waistband for all-day comfort. Grab them in a three-pack, available in an assortment of his favorite colors. For the Bookworm: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Amazon The Kindle Paperwhite is just what the bookworm-dad needs in his life. Light, bright, and slim enough to throw in his carry-on, this e-reader has one the hearts of thousands of Amazon reviewers and is an exceptionally thoughtful gift. You could even step up the gift a notch and pre-load it with his favorite books, so he doesn't have to do any of the heavy lifting. Best for Any Dad: YETI Rambler 30-Ounce Tumbler Yeti Dads never let go of a good YETI, and this may be our favorite one yet. Why? It keeps liquid hot or cold for hours, has a stunning stainless-steel outer shell, and offers a generous 30-ounce capacity, so he should have no problem staying hydrated all day long. Best for The Music-Loving Dad: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones Amazon If dad is the type to plug in his headphones and tune out the rest of the world, the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling muffs will serve him well. These deliver industry-leading noise cancellation for an immersive listening experience that he will love. Plus, they boast 30 hours of battery life, so he can take them on a work trip, no problem. Best Personalized Father's Day Gift: Custom Coffee Mug Amazon We may have made fun of mugs earlier, but a cheesy gift is kind of perfect for the right guy who needs a smile. This customizable option from Amazon is made from high-quality ceramic and is safe in the dishwasher (new parents always appreciate things that are easy to clean). Best for the dad Who Loves Burgers: Firstgrill Burger Press Amazon Since summer is just around the corner, we had to throw a simple grilling gift on this list. Once called the 'most indestructible cooking tool you use,' the cast-iron Burger Press is sure to leave your patties sizzling with perfect marks. It's also under $30 on Amazon, which makes it a great budget-friendly choice, even as a last-minute buy. Best for the Stylish Dad: Wrangler Authentics Men's Long Sleeve Shirt Amazon If you're dad actually has some style, a handsome flannel never disappoints. This lightweight long-sleeve is built with comfort and function first, with brushed polyester, collar lining, and cuff closures. It's available in an array of colors, so you can find one that suits his vibe. Best First Father's Day Gift: LEGO Speed Champions Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Race Car Model Kits LEGO Commerce Partnership Manager and new dad of one, Frank Massaro, explained that a LEGO set is a great choice for a new dad who could use some stress relief. 'Taking care of a baby requires immense focus and problem-solving skills,' he shared. 'In my free time, it is nice to just look at instructions, turn the majority of my brain off, and build a really cool LEGO set.' Best for The Coffee Addict: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine Amazon If you're dad wants to become a seasoned barista, he needs the Breville Barista Express. Between the temperature control and manual steam wand, you know his coffees will taste top-notch. Yes, it's a splurge, but according to reviewers, well worth it. I mean, who doesn't want an all-in-one espresso machine that grinds, doses, and brews in one seamless flow? Best Last-Minute Father's Day Gift: Concert tickets Vivid Seats Naturally, our Live Events Reporter would love nothing more than some concert tickets as a last-minute Father's Day gift. 'There are so many shows coming to NYC this year and I want to go to all of them,' shared Levy. 'The only problem is that Levy doesn't have time to see everything.' Make their problem a little easier by snagging tickets for one of their favorite shows far in advance. You can iron out the details later. Best for The Hip Dad: Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Amazon Happy Father's Day to all! Over 600,000 satisfied listeners have given these AirPods their stamp of approval, and your dad will be the next. They're a phenomenal choice for any dad, but especially the ones who try and keep up with the trends. If he's always on the go, even better. Best Gift for The Home Security Guy: Ring Video Doorbell We all know that dad. The one who always wants to see when the delivery guy shows up, or has to watch the front door when his kids are due back by curfew. The Ring Video Doorbell is the single gift he needs to feel safe, offering motion-detection, real-time alerts, and two-way voice, so he can stay ahead of home security. Best Gift for Dad From Kids: Rawlings Baseball Glove Amazon A baseball glove is a classic gift for a dad, and it's even sweeter when it comes right from his kiddo. Our Live Events reporter seems to agree. According to Levy, there's nothing better than taking your kid to the ballpark: 'I like to bring a mitt to the park in case a foul ball flies my way. There's no better pop than one that casually grabs a ball from the sky and hands it to their kid. And that can easily be you.' Best Father's Day gift for Grandpa: AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit As the sign synonymous with lineage, sea goats get down with DNA testing. Amazon Something fun for the whole family, but especially for pops — The AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit offers a comprehensive way to explore your heritage and family history. All it takes is a simple cheek swab, and Ancestry's advanced DNA technology opens all the doors to uncovering your unique ancestral story. You might just find a new relative by gifting this grandpa Father's Day gift! Best for The Fit Dad: Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation (GPS) 40mm Have a fitness-focused father with lofty goals? Whether he's training for his next marathon or just trying to shed a few pounds, the coveted 2nd-generation Apple Watch is a wonderful gift. This tiny, wearable device tracks your workout performance, heartbeat, and sleep cycles to deliver the most accurate health metrics possible. Unique Father's Day Gift: Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven Amazon Here's something different — the esteemed Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven. With this handy machine, he can whip out wood-fired and stone-baked pies (and save money on weekly pizza delivery). It delivers a powerful blast of searing flame that cooks your pizzas to perfection, so really, it's a gift for the entire family. Kiehl's Believe it or not, maintaining a beard is a lot of work. But, Keihl's has him covered. This popular grooming kit comes with everything he needs to look and feel his best, from face wash and shave cream to after-shave gel and face moisturizer. His smooth, refreshed skin will thank you. Best for The Dad Who Likes Bling: Fossil Nate Men's Watch Amazon There's no need to dish out thousands of dollars for a Rolex. This stunning design from Fossil will easily impress him, and won't wallow your bank account, either. The luxe matte black finish is timeless, yet modern, and the classic face has impressed over 20,000 Amazon shoppers. Best for The Working Dad: Carhartt Lunch Cooler Bag Amazon Carhartt is a favorite brand for hard-working guys, dads included. They're lunch cooler selection happens to be top-notch, and this simple tote could seriously transform his lunch breaks. The roomy, insulated main compartment is made with heavy-duty, waterproof fabric to keep his food cool and dry. Not to mention, it's also large enough for a six-pack. Best for a Dad Who Needs to Relax: Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Robe Cozy Earth Multiple Post Wanted members rave about their Cozy Earth bedding and pajamas, but the robes can go unnoticed, too. These make a superb gift for the dad who loves to lounge in style. A blend of cotton and bamboo viscose envelopes the body in immediate warmth, but still makes way for airflow, so he can jump out of the shower feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Best Cool Father's Day Gift: Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trouser Warpstreme lululemon Another Post Wanted pick is lululemon's coveted ABC trousers, which feature four-way stretch, quick-drying fabric, and hidden snaps to ensure back pockets stay closed and lay flat. 'I've heard nothing but good things about these pants,' Murphy insisted. They are easy to style and wash well, which always makes dad-life a bit easier. Best for The Stressed Dad: Theragun Mini Amazon Take his stress and tension away with a handy tool that thousands of reviewers swear by. Don't let its size fool you, the Theragun Mini massage gun is super-powered, portable, and comes with three high-quality, scientifically designed attachments to target aches and pains. We've reviewed it here and understand the difference it can make. Best for The Conservative Dad: VIWIS Funny President Trump Mug Amazon Your dad? A great dad. Other dads? Losers! If your dad leans to the right, then he might want to sip his morning brew from something that will make him laugh, and hopefully, these presidential puns do the trick. Politics aside, it's made with double-wall insulation to help keep his coffee piping hot or ice-cold, either way he likes it. Best for The Practical Dad: Courant Catch:3 Belgian Linen Wireless Charging Station and Valet Tray Amazon You can't beat a practical gift, and the Courant Catch:3 is just that. This wireless pad offers up to 10W of charging for all his technology — phones, laptops, smartwatches, and more. No cords necessary. It's a brilliant way to keep everything organized, and you'll never have to worry about stealing his charger again. Best for a Gamer Dad: PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller Amazon New father and Commerce Partnership Manager Frank Massaro highly recommends a PlayStation controller for a gamer dad who needs to take down the mental load from time to time. 'There are times when I find myself couch-trapped, because my son has fallen asleep on me. That is usually when I grab the nearest game controller and hop into the latest video game,' he shared. Best for The Beach Dad: Huckberry Performance Lined Swim Trunks Huckberry There's nothing like catching some sun on the beach or taking a swim in the pool on a hot summer day. For a dad who loves to do both, a pair of swim trunks is a wonderful option. Our Commerce Partnerships Manager, Ryan Murphy, loves his pair of ultra-soft, moisture-wicking swim trunks by Huckberry: 'Hybrid shorts for the gym, beach, or just for running errands. Versatility is unmatched!' he exclaimed. Best for the Tech Dad: Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro Bespoke Edition Another quality smartwatch to consider, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro Bespoke Edition offers a range of personalization options so your dad can enjoy a custom experience. The full suite of features doesn't disappoint either; from a sleep tracker and body composition analyses to advanced coaching for forming better habits. Best Amazon Father's Day Gift: COOFANDY Linen Shirt Amazon It's a common conundrum. Dad has no clue what to pack for his upcoming vacation. If he needs a little extra help when it comes to finding the perfect fit for your upcoming trip, we suggest adding this lightweight linen shirt to your cart ASAP. It's available in more colors and prints than we can count, so you should have no problem finding something that suits him. Best for The Hungry Dad: California Reserve Ribeye Goldbelly Golbelly is our go-to store for decadent treats and delicious bites from our favorite cities, and they're steak selection is no exception. This California Reserve Ribeye gift box from Goldbelly would make a splendid gift for the carnivores. Its dry-aged ribeyes are marbled, boneless, and hand-cut, and sourced exclusively from small California producers — perfect even for the pickiest dads. Best for The Dad Who Loves To Grill: Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill Amazon A two-burner propane grill is a no-brainer for the guy who's always standing behind the barbecue. This Weber design offers a compact surface, foldable side table, and porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates. He'll be smitten, and your summer dinners will taste that much better. Best Space-Saving Fitness Gift: Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells Amazon Setting up a home gym isn't always easy, especially if you're working with a tight space. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are a genius hack, offering an adjustable weight range from 5 to 52.5 pounds, so you're dad can get his lifting sessions in without tripping over a bunch of equipment. Best for The Dad Who Needs Deodorant: Nécessaire The Body Essentials Mini Necassaire There's no reason to sweat over the perfect gift. Deodorant is among the more underrated options on this list, but for a certain guy, it's exactly what they need. Our editors rave about Nécessaire's long-lasting deodorant sticks, and the santal scent is supposedly a cult-favorite. With help from the body lotion and wash, this little kit should help him curb unwanted odors and feel like a million bucks. Best for The Dad Who Travels: trtl Travel Pillow Amazon We know catching flights can be exhausting, but with a little help from the trtl Travel Pillow, your dad could be catching some great ZZZ's too. This cushioned, thermal pillow combines bio-blended fabrics, which are cool, comfortable, breathable, and provide excellent thermoregulation. He'll arrive at his destination feeling ready to go! Best Cheap Father's Day Gift: Hu Keto Friendly Vegan Hunks Amazon If he's a total hunk, he's going to love these (and you, for gifting them). Hu's chocolate-covered hunks are editor-tested and absolutely decadent. Sweet, salty, and made without refined sugar, these keto-friendly almond bites are a much healthier take on a traditional sweet treat, so he can also keep his dad bod in check. And, under $20 for a two-pack? Done deal. Best gift for athletic dad: The Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub for Athletes Amazon Dads who prioritize their health will understand the value of a good cold plunge. These were designed for athletes, and the benefits of cold therapy (like reduced inflammation and faster recovery) far outweigh the temporary discomfort of sitting in fridge temps. Plunges can go for well over $1000, but you can snag this one for just over $100 on Amazon Amazon Dad, husband, grandfather, or friend — if there's any guy in your life that you care about, he needs one of these. The MANSCAPED Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra is the grooming tool for the man who appreciates the perfect cut. It's designed for groin and body hair, and features skin-safe technology for a smooth, gentle shave. It's also waterproof, so he can you it in the shower when he's in a rush, Best Gift for The Handyman: DeWalt Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit Perhaps it's not the sexiest gift on this list, but it doesn't make it any less desirable. The DeWALT Cordless Drill Combo kit is trusted by professionals and ordinary DIY home makeover dads alike. It's easy to use, powerful, durable, and comes with a handy carry bag so he can bring it with him on all his projects. Best for The Whiskey-Loving Dad: Whiskey Peaks Mountain Whiskey Decanter and Glasses Does Dad need a drink? If we're placing bets, a whiskey decanter and glass is going to impress almost any kind of guy. But, for the whiskey-loving dad, this charming decanter and set of four whiskey glasses add a touch of adventure to the evening dram. Best gift under $50: TOLOCO Massage Gun Amazon It's not often that we spot a massage tool for under $50 on Amazon. When such a deal does arise, we suggest jumping on it ASAP (perhaps for dad and you). The TOLOCO deep tissue massage gun fits the mark. It's small but mighty, providing a powerful penetration force of 12 mm and speeds up to 3,200 RPM. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Foundations For Success: Former Foster Youth Pioneering Pathways To Independence Through Innovative Support
Written by Jayme Catalano, Director of Communications, First Place for Youth A new study evaluating San Francisco's "Foundations for the Future" guaranteed income pilot program is revealing both significant challenges and promising opportunities for young adults transitioning from foster care. While many participants face housing insecurity and financial hurdles, this innovative approach providing $1,200 monthly payments represents a potential turning point in how we support youth building independent lives. The program's comprehensive evaluation offers valuable insights for creating more effective support systems that can empower former foster youth to achieve stability and success. Photo courtesy of First Place for Youth The March 2025 Chapin Hall study of San Francisco's "Foundations for the Future" guaranteed income pilot program paints a troubling picture of life after foster care. The program provides monthly payments of $1,200 to young people who recently aged out of extended foster care, yet the baseline data reveals persistent struggles: 70% of participants frequently worry about paying bills, 40% experienced homelessness in the past year, and 70% face food insecurity. These aren't just statistics; they represent real young people attempting to build independent lives without the family safety nets most take for granted. The study follows 150 young adults who aged out of San Francisco's extended foster care system after January 2022, capturing a comprehensive snapshot of their circumstances before receiving guaranteed income payments. "What strikes me is that most of these youth are eligible for CalFresh but not all are taking advantage of this resource," notes Matt Levy, Vice President of Evaluation and Learning at First Place for Youth, an organization providing housing and support services to former foster youth. "It also speaks to the need for effective financial literacy supports, given how many youth are struggling with bills and past debt." The finding that 40% of study participants experienced homelessness within the past year should alarm policymakers and child welfare advocates alike. This statistic becomes even more concerning when considering that 28% reported not having enough money to pay rent, and 22% reported staying in unsafe housing situations because they couldn't afford to move. Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus), California's housing program for former foster youth ages 18-25, provides up to 36 months of housing and supportive services. However, the study results suggest that either current program capacity is insufficient or barriers to access remain substantial. THP-Plus offers more than just housing—it provides a supportive environment where young adults can develop independent living skills while pursuing education and employment goals. When properly implemented, it creates the stability necessary for youth to focus on building careers and financial security rather than merely surviving. But with 40% of former foster youth experiencing homelessness despite this program's existence, significant gaps clearly remain in the system. This only underscores the importance of supplementing programs like THP-Plus with new Guaranteed Income pilots like this one that aim to fill those gaps. The financial circumstances revealed in the study are equally troubling. Only 18% of participants reported being able to afford a $400 emergency expense. While 75% had bank accounts, nearly half of those had zero dollars in them. About half reported having debt, and among those with debt, 70% were behind on payments. "This highlights a critical gap in how we prepare young people for independent living," explains Levy. 'Financial literacy isn't just about understanding bank accounts—it's about building the skills to budget, save, manage credit, and plan for the future. Many former foster youth have rarely had role models to support them here.' Financial literacy for foster youth isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Without family support networks to fall back on, even small financial setbacks can lead to catastrophic consequences including homelessness, food insecurity, and deteriorating mental health. The study found that 38% of participants didn't have enough money to pay a bill in full or on time in the past year, demonstrating how financial precarity permeates daily life for these young adults. Perhaps most concerning is the disconnect between need and resource utilization. While 70% of study participants were food insecure—and half reported not eating sometime during the past year because they couldn't afford food—only 27.3% were enrolled in CalFresh, California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This participation gap represents a significant missed opportunity. CalFresh can provide up to $250 monthly for groceries, which could substantially help to alleviate food insecurity among this population. The San Francisco guaranteed income pilot program represents an innovative approach to supporting former foster youth. Its $1,200 monthly payments may help address immediate financial needs, but the baseline data reveals that deeper, systemic interventions are also necessary. "These young people have already faced significant challenges in their lives," Levy reflects. 'Our systems should be designed to provide them with the support they need to thrive, not just survive.' As a society, we have both a moral obligation and practical interest in ensuring former foster youth have genuine opportunities for success. The economic and social costs of continued housing instability, financial insecurity, and food insecurity far outweigh the investments needed to provide effective support services. The Chapin Hall study should serve as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for addressing this invisible crisis before another generation of former foster youth falls through the cracks. Be sure to look for updates from Chapin Hall as they continue to evaluate the guaranteed income pilot program in San Francisco.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'I don't blame you': U.S. tourism hot spots mourn Canadian travel cancellations
For as long as Matt Levy has been running Spread Love Tours in New York City, he could always rely on Canadians to bring him business. "I can tell you, 30 to 50 per cent of the tours that my company gives are for Canadian high school groups," Levy recently said, moments before giving a tour to a group from Georgia. Spread Love Tours NYC, which has been in business for more than two decades, takes visitors to all of the major landmarks. Levy, who does many of the tours himself, has taken thousands of Canadians around the city he loves. But this year, he said he has barely any Canadian bookings. "My company grossed $35,000 exclusively from Canadian high school kids coming to New York City for their class trip," he said about his 2024 earnings. This year, he's at $5,000, with cancellations happening every week. Levy said his Canadian customers aren't saying explicitly why they're cancelling, but he has put two and two together. "I know why, and it's because my president is threatening to annex your country." President Donald Trump first made the suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state in December, after his election victory in November. He has repeated the suggestion many times since, along with airing grievances about the U.S.-Canada trade relationship and border security. That's in addition to unleashing a historic tariff policy against Canada and the rest of the world. The effect on tourism came fast and furious, with Canadians making public declarations about cancelling their U.S. vacations or refusing to visit their southern neighbour altogether. Cancelled trips In recent months, Canadian airlines have reduced or cancelled flights due to a drop in demand. Land border crossings between Canada and the U.S. have also dropped significantly, with March showing close to a million fewer travellers compared to the same period last year, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "I don't blame you. I wouldn't come down to my country either if I were in your situation," said Levy. WATCH | How one NYC tour guide is feeling the effect of fewer Canadians travelling to the U.S.: He describes the loss of business as heartbreaking, and that it affects everyone who works for his company. He's not the only one feeling the sudden freeze from Canadian tourists. There is fear and concern across the entire U.S. tourism industry. According to the U.S. Travel Association, Canada was the top source of international visitors to the U.S. in 2024, generating $20 billion US and supporting 140,000 jobs. 'We love you guys' In popular destinations like Palm Springs, Calif., the city government has begun installing banners on streetlights that read Palm Springs ♥️ Canada. Other states like Florida and Arizona, where Canadians are a top source of tourism revenue, are sounding the alarm. Mike Huckins of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce recently told media outlet Arizona Family, "We have a lot of snowbirds that come in from Canada for long periods of time. Arizona is kind of famous for it, so a little concerned about some of those visitors delaying or ending their plans to come for an extended amount of time." There's also worry in Wildwood, N.J., a Jersey Shore beach town where Canadians are so ubiquitous in the summer months that there are hotels with names like the Quebec Motel and the Royal Canadian. John Donio, the president of the Wildwood Business Improvement District, is happy to report there hasn't been a wave of cancellations in recent months. But there is enough of a concern that he's working with his fellow business owners on some new messaging. "We just want our friends up north to know that here in New Jersey, in the Wildwoods, we love you guys," he said. "You're welcome here always … and we know that without our Canadian friends, it's just not the same in the Wildwoods." WATCH | N.J. beach town wants its Canadian visitors to come this summer: Michael Bolero, general manager at the Bolero, a resort in Wildwood, got a telling phone call from a guest with a summer booking. She wanted to know about the resort's cancellation fee, in case President Trump escalates tensions with Canada. "Unfortunately, we did say that there's no free cancellations on geopolitical issues," Bolero said. 'It's a big family, and we have to resolve it' Canadian visitors have been guests for decades at the Quebec Motel, so named by the original owner after he spent time in Canada. Lester Katsanis, the current owner of the motel, is acutely aware of the special relationship between Wildwood and its Canadian visitors. He can recall families who've returned summer after summer — watching their children grow up and eventually return with kids of their own. He's optimistic that Wildwood's relationship with Canadians will survive the fraught state of Canada-U.S. relations. "It's a big family, and we have to resolve it," he said, referring to the longstanding bond between Canada and the U.S. "We love you." WATCH | Will dwindling Canadian tourism sting the U.S. economy? Levy is also trying to remain optimistic, even as Canadians seem set to choose politics over their travel plans. "I do know that Canadians have a long memory and don't forgive easily. I do think that New York is very distinct and very separate from American politics and identity. And I do think that Canadians will return to New York soon."
CBC
17-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
'I don't blame you': U.S. tourism hot spots mourn Canadian travel cancellations
Social Sharing For as long as Matt Levy has been running Spread Love Tours in New York City, he could always rely on Canadians to bring him business. "I can tell you, 30 to 50 per cent of the tours that my company gives are for Canadian high school groups," Levy recently said, moments before giving a tour to a group from Georgia. Spread Love Tours NYC, which has been in business for more than two decades, takes visitors to all of the major landmarks. Levy, who does many of the tours himself, has taken thousands of Canadians around the city he loves. But this year, he said he has barely any Canadian bookings. "My company grossed $35,000 exclusively from Canadian high school kids coming to New York City for their class trip," he said about his 2024 earnings. This year, he's at $5,000, with cancellations happening every week. Levy said his Canadian customers aren't saying explicitly why they're cancelling, but he has put two and two together. "I know why, and it's because my president is threatening to annex your country." President Donald Trump first made the suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state in December, after his election victory in November. He has repeated the suggestion many times since, along with airing grievances about the U.S.-Canada trade relationship and border security. That's in addition to unleashing a historic tariff policy against Canada and the rest of the world. The effect on tourism came fast and furious, with Canadians making public declarations about cancelling their U.S. vacations or refusing to visit their southern neighbour altogether. Cancelled trips In recent months, Canadian airlines have reduced or cancelled flights due to a drop in demand. Land border crossings between Canada and the U.S. have also dropped significantly, with March showing close to a million fewer travellers compared to the same period last year, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "I don't blame you. I wouldn't come down to my country either if I were in your situation," said Levy. WATCH | How one NYC tour guide is feeling the effect of fewer Canadians travelling to the U.S.: He describes the loss of business as heartbreaking, and that it affects everyone who works for his company. He's not the only one feeling the sudden freeze from Canadian tourists. There is fear and concern across the entire U.S. tourism industry. According to the U.S. Travel Association, Canada was the top source of international visitors to the U.S. in 2024, generating $20 billion US and supporting 140,000 jobs. 'We love you guys' In popular destinations like Palm Springs, Calif., the city government has begun installing banners on streetlights that read Palm Springs ♥️ Canada. Other states like Florida and Arizona, where Canadians are a top source of tourism revenue, are sounding the alarm. Mike Huckins of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce recently told media outlet Arizona Family, "We have a lot of snowbirds that come in from Canada for long periods of time. Arizona is kind of famous for it, so a little concerned about some of those visitors delaying or ending their plans to come for an extended amount of time." There's also worry in Wildwood, N.J., a Jersey Shore beach town where Canadians are so ubiquitous in the summer months that there are hotels with names like the Quebec Motel and the Royal Canadian. John Donio, the president of the Wildwood Business Improvement District, is happy to report there hasn't been a wave of cancellations in recent months. But there is enough of a concern that he's working with his fellow business owners on some new messaging. "We just want our friends up north to know that here in New Jersey, in the Wildwoods, we love you guys," he said. "You're welcome here always … and we know that without our Canadian friends, it's just not the same in the Wildwoods." WATCH | N.J. beach town wants its Canadian visitors to come this summer: Michael Bolero, general manager at the Bolero, a resort in Wildwood, got a telling phone call from a guest with a summer booking. She wanted to know about the resort's cancellation fee, in case President Trump escalates tensions with Canada. "Unfortunately, we did say that there's no free cancellations on geopolitical issues," Bolero said. 'It's a big family, and we have to resolve it' Canadian visitors have been guests for decades at the Quebec Motel, so named by the original owner after he spent time in Canada. Lester Katsanis, the current owner of the motel, is acutely aware of the special relationship between Wildwood and its Canadian visitors. He can recall families who've returned summer after summer — watching their children grow up and eventually return with kids of their own. He's optimistic that Wildwood's relationship with Canadians will survive the fraught state of Canada-U.S. relations. "It's a big family, and we have to resolve it," he said, referring to the longstanding bond between Canada and the U.S. "We love you." WATCH | Will dwindling Canadian tourism sting the U.S. economy? Canadians are avoiding the U.S. Will its economy suffer? 3 days ago Duration 25:32 Canadian travel to the U.S. has plummeted as the trade war escalates between the two countries. But just how much of a blow is this to the U.S. economy? Plus, why Canada decided it needs more politicians. Levy is also trying to remain optimistic, even as Canadians seem set to choose politics over their travel plans. "I do know that Canadians have a long memory and don't forgive easily. I do think that New York is very distinct and very separate from American politics and identity. And I do think that Canadians will return to New York soon."
New York Times
19-03-2025
- Business
- New York Times
How Trump's Hostility to Canada Is Inflicting Pain on N.Y.C. Tourism
More than one million Canadians visited New York City last year, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy. Now, they are canceling trips in droves. School groups have called off end-of-semester trips. So have busloads of retirees, as well as newlyweds planning honeymoons, friends celebrating birthdays and a family from Quebec that had planned to visit twice this year. Often, the reason cited is President Trump's escalating hostility toward Canada and repeated threats to make it the 51st state, which has stirred sweeping pledges to boycott American goods and abandon over-the-border vacations to the United States. The cancellations could inflict damage on the economy in the city, where Canadians spent an estimated $600 million in 2024, and hinder the tourism industry's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The havoc could also extend statewide. Cities and towns along the border with Canada, for instance, rely on tourism from their northern neighbors who often make same-day shopping trips. Nearly four million Canadians visited New York State in 2023, according to the most recent data available from the state, and spent more than $1.7 billion. 'When you piss off a country and threaten to annex them, they are not going to want to travel here,' said Matt Levy, the owner of the New York City tour guide company, Spread Love Tours, whose business with Canadian groups is on pace to decline 50 percent this year. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
