Father’s Day Gift Guide :: Knoxville Edition

Are you tired of getting Dad the same old ties, grilling aprons, and “Best dad ever” t-shirts? Maybe it’s time to shop local and get him something he’ll brag about to all his dad friends. Believe it or not kids, before we had two-day shipping, we used to actually leave the house and look for the perfect gift in a store. If that sounds appealing, I’ve rounded up a few ideas to show Dad he really is the best dad ever. 

The Foodie 

Bradley’s Gifts 

Three words y’all: CHOCOLATE COVERED POPCORN. Bradley’s Gifts, in addition to having a wide selection of gifts as the name implies, has amazing chocolate covered Corn Pop. The first time my boss gave me some at work, I hid it away in my desk drawer and did not bring it home to share. Shame on me. I should definitely get my husband some for Father’s Day. They also have Knoxville/Tennessee themed chocolates so you really can’t go wrong.  

Location: 141 N Peters Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923  

Old Mill Bread Company 

Make it feel like Father’s Day all week when you get your husband a loaf of Jalapeño Cheddar Bread for his lunch sandwiches. Treat Grandpa to some specialty Tennessee honeys and jams, and treat everybody to a homemade pie! (And while you’re there picking up gifts, definitely treat yourself to a raspberry cheesecake bar or a mint chocolate brownie!) They also sell Vienna Coffee Company coffee from Maryville, so that’s hitting two local businesses in one stop. 

Location: 432 N Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923

For the Super Dad 

Snake Eyes Comics 

If the father of your children knows the difference between Spiderman and The Amazing Spider Man… If he prefers Marvel to DC or vice versa and can defend his opinion… If he just needs one more figurine or Funko Pop to complete his collection…he may need a gift from a comic book shop! The owner is friendly, knowledgeable, and will do his best to find what you are looking for. 

Location: 9317 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922

For the VFL Dad 

HoundDogs 

From gift cards to UT themed rocker/recliners, HoundDogs of Knoxville has just about anything and everything that a Vol fan might want. And if Dad isn’t a Vol fan? Give him some orange and white striped pants and he just might change his mind! 

Location: 9250 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922

For the Bibliophile Dad 

Union Ave Books 

For the guy who can spend hours in the bookstore or library and loves the feel of a real book in his hands, head over to Union Ave Books downtown. The space is small and personable, and the employees are friendly. They have a good selection of trending novels and classic literature. 

Location: 517 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902  

McKay’s 

While McKay’s has more locations than just Knoxville, it could be a great place to find a gift for Dad, especially if you are on a budget. If you don’t have a ton of money for a gift, consider taking some books, video games, etc. that aren’t being used at your house anymore, and trading them in for cash or McKay’s cash. Then you can get something new or used at McKay’s and voilà — you did it for free! It’s a gift to Dad and a gift to yourself that you cleared out a closet or shelf at home.  

Location: 230 Papermill Pl Way, Knoxville, TN 37919

For the Dad who has everything: Experience Gifts 

Festivals

Knoxville almost always has a good festival going on! Give Dad the gift of tickets to one of our city’s festivals, whether for a day with family or with friends. There is something for everyone and these festivals usually include great local food and vendors.  

Shows and Concerts  

Don’t forget to check out who and what is playing at our local theaters. 

The Tennessee Theatre

The Bijou Theatre

The Clarence Brown Theatre

Okay, there you have it — plenty of ideas to get Dad the gift he always wanted, right here in our city. I’d love to see more ideas for local dad gifts in the comments!