Forget the man who has everything. What do you buy for the man who gave you everything? The debt we owe to the men who raised us can make any gift seem paltry by comparison. Is a pair of novelty socks, a set of whisky miniatures or a “#1 Dad” mug really fair acknowledgement for the sleepless nights, countless nappy changes and the small fortune in school fees you imposed on your old man? Little wonder that the task of choosing a thoughtful gift for Father’s Day – which falls this Sunday, 20 June – can leave even the most canny shoppers scratching their heads.

Our advice? Try not to think of gifting in such transactional terms. When it comes to giving presents, there’s a lot of truth in the old adage that it’s the thought that counts. Having said that, it also helps to understand that socks and mugs are not the only gifts on the market. There are plenty of other, and dare we say it, better ways of showing him that you care. In advance of the big day we’ve picked out a few of our favourites below (and there are plenty more in our Gift Guide section, too).

A more expensive gift is not necessarily a better gift, but it’s hard to deny that a bigger budget equals more choice. It opens you up to the world of luxury watches, fine jewellery and handcrafted homewares, the sort of for ever gifts that are destined to become keepsakes. In other words, there’s a good chance you might inherit them back one day.

William & Son

A board game, such as this leather chess and checkers set, is more than just a gift. It’s an invitation to spend time with one another, and that’s something more valuable than any object. Just remember to let him win, now, won’t you?

TOM FORD

The legendary American designer has one of the most recognisable brands in all of fashion. He doesn’t have to read MR PORTER religiously to understand that this full-grain cardholder is something special.

Le Gramme

Jewellery doesn’t get more minimalist than French brand Le Gramme, which names its designs after how much they weigh. Seventeen grams of 18-carat gold went into this beautifully understated necklace, the aptly titled Le 17.

Foundrae

Foundrae’s Course Correction signet ring is a reminder to keep your bearings at all times. There’s something subtly Masonic about it, too. Give it to your dad and he might think he’s being initiated into an ancient secret society.

Chopard

Stainless-steel sports watches remain one of the dominant trends in the watch market and this one, the Alpine Eagle from renowned jeweller Chopard, is a particularly fine example, the interplay of gold and steel on the bracelet channelling the style of the 1980s.

Luis Morais

This striking geometric 14-carat gold ring from Brazilian designer Luis Morais is inlaid with turquoise, chrysoprase, onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye and labradorite. A great gift for the less traditional dad.

Byredo

If he doesn’t have a signature scent – or his signature scent could do with a change-up – try him with Byredo’s Mixed Emotions, a complex woody aromatic with notes of blackcurrant and maté tea.

Becoming a dad doesn’t mean your tastes have to change. Yes, there are plenty of men out there who would appreciate a traditional shaving set or a pair of slippers, but there are others who would take such a gift as a grave insult. Does your dad fall into the latter category? If so, stay in his good books with one of these.

LOEWE Home Scents

The Spanish brand’s range of home fragrances takes inspiration from the natural aromas of the garden. This beetroot-scented candle comes in a stylish terracotta pot, which you can repurpose for a miniature cactus or succulent once the candle’s done.

Transparent Speaker

From the Ronseal school of branding – ie, it does what it says on the tin – the Transparent Speaker from Swedish brand Transparent Speaker is, well, a transparent speaker. It’s a strikingly elegant piece of design that’ll look the part in any modern home.

visvim

A retro running shoe set on seriously chunky soles, the FKT from cult Japanese brand visvim is the thinking man’s sneaker. Which, of course, makes it a flattering gift.

HAY

Created by the acclaimed designer Mr George Sowden, this Moroccan-blue water bottle is a gorgeous piece of functional design and, in stainless steel, a major upgrade on standard plastic.

Jacques Marie Mage

Father’s Day falling in midsummer (for the northern hemisphere, at least) means that sunglasses are never a bad gift. Jacques Marie Mage’s Fellini model – named after the filmmaker responsible for some of the silver screen’s best sunglasses moments, including Mr Marcello Mastroianni in La Dolce Vita – is as stylish as they come.

Maison Margiela

Fashion’s great anti-brand, Maison Margiela, rarely puts its logo anywhere visible – a fact that makes this sterling-silver cuff something rather special.

Designer homewares are a particularly thoughtful gift for adult children to give to their parents because they’re the sort of things that were impossible for them to have in the house while you were a child. What better way to make amends for years spent living with child-safe cupboard locks and crayon-proof upholstery?

R+D.Lab

Function meets form in this hand-blown carafe and glass set from R+D.Lab. The amber-coloured glass evokes old-school chemistry labs, while the shape is pure avant-garde design.

The Art Of Ping Pong

Avoid the “It’s nice, but where am I going to put it?” conversation with The Art Of Ping Pong’s ArtNet set, whose colourful metal zig-zag dividers are designed for repurposing the dining table. You can even hang them on the wall when they’re not being used.

HAY

What’s better than saying it with flowers? Saying it with a vase. This one, from Scandinavian interior design brand HAY, has all the vibrant colour of a bouquet, too.

Caran D’Ache

This 1010 Timekeeper fountain pen from Caran D’Ache, the Genevan manufacturer of some of the world’s finest writing instruments, is inspired by another renowned Swiss craft, high-end mechanical watchmaking.