It happened again, didn’t it?

Father’s Day is suddenly days away and you’ve got nothing. No plan, no gift, just that low hum of guilt that shows up every year right about now.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a plan. You need a good store and someone who already knows what’s worth buying. I’ve got both. Here are my picks city by city — walk in, grab something great, walk out a hero.

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Toronto — Good Neighbour

One of my favourite stores in the city. Try not to get distracted by all the stuff you didn’t know you needed (it’ll happen anyway).

Head for their basics with a twist: the Naked & Famous pocket tee, a camp collar shirt, or some fun coloured shorts from DL1961. Easy wins, all of them.

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Montreal — Robert Barakett

For 23 years, Robert Barakett has been making genuinely amazing basics for men. This is the gift that gets worn into the ground in the best way.

Check out Club Uomo in Montreal for stock, or Simons if you’re shopping anywhere else in Canada.

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Halifax — Duggers

If you’re looking for great basics in Halifax, go straight for the Patrick Assaraf tees at Duggers. They’re expensive, I won’t pretend otherwise — but they wash like a dream and keep their shape forever.

(Their women’s line is amazing too, so feel free to treat yourself while you’re at it.)

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Vancouver — The Block

Vancouver has such great boutiques. If you want great sneakers, check out The Block — a good pair instantly adds personality to an outfit and works on the guy who says he “doesn’t really care about clothes.” (He does.)

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Calgary — Ed Williams

Let’s be honest: we can all always use new underwear. Ed Williams carries Saxx, which is about as safe a bet as it gets.

Shopping online instead? I bought Bry a set from Manmade and he has been loving them.

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The Point

A good gift doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. A great tee, the right pair of sneakers, underwear he’d never buy himself — these are the things that actually get used, which is the whole point.

So take a breath. You’ve got time. Go support a great Canadian shop and give him something he’ll genuinely reach for.

S.C.