June is packed with reasons to celebrate the ones you love—from Father’s Day to graduation—which can make gift shopping feel overwhelming.
Instead of opting for the usual gifts that quickly fade from memory, consider exploring a museum store for truly special finds. These cultural gems offer more than just souvenirs—they’re treasure troves of handcrafted goods made by independent artists, craftspeople, and small businesses. It’s the perfect place to discover locally made gifts for dads and grads that are meaningful, memorable, and full of character.
By choosing locally made gifts for dads and grads from museum stores, you’re also supporting local creatives and helping them continue to share their work with the world.
Here’s a curated selection of gifts that show just how much you care. And the best part? Most museum stores offer both in-person shopping and online options, making it easy to find something special wherever you are. You can find museum stores near you here and online museum stores here.
Oxide Decorated Mugs
American Museum of Ceramic Art
Pomona, California
Start the morning with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa in this beautifully crafted mug by renowned California ceramicist Tom Coleman. Inspired by Japanese aesthetics, Coleman’s work reflects a deep appreciation for nature, balance, and symmetry, each object brimming with restrained elegance and intentional design. Both functional and artful, this mug brings a moment of calm to one’s daily ritual and makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who values quiet beauty in the everyday.
Cummer Oak Lightning Pen
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Jacksonville, Florida
Born from the aftermath of storms, these striking lightning pens turn destruction into aesthetic splendor. Handcrafted by the Northeast Florida Woodturners Association, each pen is carved by master artisans from salvaged oak limbs felled in the historic Olmsted Garden at the Cummer Museum—transforming chaos into a tool for inspiration. Elegant, powerful, and deeply connected to the land, these locally made gifts for dads and grads make a meaningful gesture for anyone ready to write their next chapter.
Seymour Chwast Drafting Table Scented Candle
Poster House
New York, New York
Dads and grads alike will love this limited-edition scented candle from Brooklyn-based atelier Joya, created in collaboration with legendary designer Seymour Chwast. With a rich, grounding blend of Texas cedarwood, tobacco, red juniper, vetiver, oakmoss, amber, frankincense, chalk, musk, and suede, it fills any space with a calming, sophisticated aroma. Even better, it comes in a hand-painted porcelain cup that’s beautiful enough to repurpose long after the candle has burned down.
Chip Carved Box with Lid by Bob Ristow
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
Decorah, Iowa
Handcarved by Iowa artisan Bob Ristow, these one-of-a-kind lidded boxes blend iconic American and Norwegian folk designs into functional works of art. A true celebration of heritage and craftsmanship, each piece keeps essentials tidy and brings warmth and character to any space. These beautifully crafted boxes make a thoughtful and practical gift for both dads and grads—adding a personal touch to desks, dressers, or shelves.
Sabor Judío: The Jewish Mexican Cookbook
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
New Orleans, Louisiana
For the culinary explorer, Sabor Judío is a gift that delights both the palate and the imagination. More than just a cookbook, this richly illustrated volume celebrates the vibrant fusion of Jewish and Mexican culinary traditions, taking readers on a centuries-old journey of culture, flavor, and history. Written by award-winning authors and food lovers Ilan Stavans and Margaret E. Boyle, it features 100 mouthwatering recipes organized by meal, plus special dishes for Shabbat and Jewish holidays including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, Hanukkah, and Shavuot.
Zenzilla Garden T-Shirt
Japanese American National Museum
Los Angeles, California
For the guy who loves monster movies, this locally made gift for dad is sure to be a hit. Designed by artist Joel Nakamura, the 100% cotton tee features iconic kaiju finding their inner peace after a day of mayhem—bringing a playful, zen twist to classic creature chaos. Set against a cool gray backdrop, it’s equal parts stylish and humorous, perfect for relaxing weekends or casual outings.
Whisky Tour Gift Certificate
Carpenters’ Hall
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Give the gift of history (with a touch of indulgence) with this unforgettable experience at Philadelphia’s iconic Carpenters’ Hall. Perfect for the curious explorer, this private, after-hours tour for two includes a guided walkthrough of the landmark site of the First Continental Congress, often called the birthplace of American democracy. The evening continues with special access to the 19th-century library, normally closed to the public, where rare books and archival treasures await. The night concludes with a curated scotch tasting from ImpEx Beverages, and you’ll go home with a beautifully illustrated book detailing the Hall’s rich past.
Rope Twist Paperweight in Cobalt by WheatonArts
WheatonArts
Millville, New Jersey
Design-lovers with an eye for craftsmanship will enjoy a rope twist globe paperweight from WheatonArts Glass Studio. This artful, locally made gift for dads and grads brings both elegance and order to the workspace—and because each one is handmade, no two are exactly alike. Steeped in American design tradition, paperweights like these have been crafted since the 1850s, originally as “end-of-day” creations made from leftover glass. Today, they’re celebrated as iconic pieces of functional art.
Legion of Honor Logo Cap
Legion of Honor / Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Give Dad a gift he’ll actually wear. This classic navy baseball cap is both practical and packed with cultural flair. Featuring the sleek logo of San Francisco’s iconic Legion of Honor, it’s a stylish way to celebrate one of the country’s most renowned art museums on its 100th anniversary. Whether he’s out for a walk or catching a game, this cap offers sun protection with an artful touch.
Homer Blue Boat 300 Piece Puzzle
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
This 300-piece puzzle, featuring a serene boat scene by iconic American painter Winslow Homer, is the perfect way to slow down and spend quality time with Dad. Whether it’s over drinks, weekend mornings, or quiet evenings, puzzles offer a chance to share stories, laughs, and a sense of accomplishment. Thoughtful and engaging, it’s a gift that encourages relaxation and meaningful moments one puzzle piece at a time.
Amelia’s Adventure Blend by KC Tea Co.
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
Atchison, Kansas
Adventurers will enjoy this unique and flavorful black tea blend from Kansas City Tea Co. Inspired by Amelia Earhart’s legendary flights, the tea is infused with orange, raspberry, and coconut—each ingredient paying tribute to a different one of her iconic airplanes. Bright orange zest nods to her first plane, the Canary; raspberry evokes the bold spirit of her “Little Red Bus,” used for her historic solo Atlantic flight; and coconut hints at her final journey aboard the sleek silver Lockheed Electra 10E. Beautifully blended in Overland Park, Kansas, this aromatic tea is meant to be savored and shared.
Looking for More Locally Made Gifts for Dads and Grads?
This month, show the dads and grads in your life a little love with a one-of-a-kind gift from a museum store near you or online.
Our store locator is the perfect resource to discover more gift ideas for your friends, family, and loved ones.
We also hope to see you on November 30, 2025, for Museum Store Sunday! Join our mailing list for exclusive updates leading up to our biggest shopping event of the year.