Father Essentials: Gray Malin
Written by Erin Feher
It’s June, which means we are serving up all the love for the dads in our lives. And as we did last year, we are turning over our Mother Essentials column to a few of our favorite papas. Today’s Father Essentials star is none other than the fine art photographer, New York Times best-selling author, and father of twins, Gray Malin. The West Hollywood-dwelling dad was inspired by his adorable 18-month-old tots, Max and Dove, to create his second children’s book, A World Of Opposites, which debuted last month. Each spread in the brand new board book explores the concept of opposites through a pair of Malin’s eye-popping photographs taken in locales stretching from Antarctica to Africa. From the barren desert landscape of Namibia (DRY) to the crashing teal waves of the Australian ocean (WET), the book—just like the author’s wanderlust-inducing photography—is sure to get kids and their parents dreaming of adventures to far-away places. Below, check out Malin’s 13 current Father Essentials.
Preppy PJs. “Chic and comfy, these pajamas are the whole package. With all of us lounging more around the house during the quarantine, it’s fun to have PJs that make you feel like you’re on a luxury getaway.” Men’s Classic Fit Piped Pajamas, $182, Derek Rose.
Pools, by Lou Stoppard. “I just recently bought this book after I saw it featured in an article. I was immediately struck by the aesthetic of the design and execution of the book. It’s the perfect accent for a coffee table or to just read through and look at the images with your kids!” Pools: Lounging, Diving, Floating, Dreaming: Picturing Life at the Swimming Pool, by Lou Stoppard, $58.50, Bookshop.
Pretty Picture Frames. “Putting photos of us and the kids on display throughout the house is something I thoroughly enjoy doing. I think keeping memories alive and being able to look back fondly on moments is so rewarding!” The Beach Picture Frame, $55, Gray Malin.
Boozy Body Wash. “This product smells phenomenal and is not too overpowering. It’s suited for sensitive skin and environmentally friendly, so it has lots of points in my book.” Malin + Goetz Rum Hand and Body Wash, $36, Nordstrom.
My New Kids Book. “The fact that my brand is able to offer kids products is so special to me and has been a natural progression since I’ve become a father. My second kids book, A World of Opposites, which was released earlier this year, has been especially fun to read to Max and Dove during quarantine because they are at the perfect age to really enjoy the pictures. While we can’t travel together at the moment, it’s been amazing getting to teach them about the far opposites of the world through this book!” A World Of Opposites, by Gray Malin, $16.55, Bookshop.
Tropical Float. “We’ve been so lucky with beautiful weather in Los Angeles—something that we never take for granted! We love to have pool days with the kids and this float is a fun, relaxing way for my husband and I to catch some rays.” The BHH Float, $30, Float Naked.
Hole 10 Pebble Beach Golf Links. “For this photo, I captured an aerial image of coastal bliss combined with the vibrant colors of the greenery on the golf course. This is one of my favorite images that features a golf motif, something I think resonates with many dads out there!” Hole 10 Pebble Beach Golf Links, $249, Gray Malin.
Leather Travel Kit. “I always need another travel kit for my toiletries and this one is impeccably crafted and has a vintage feel.” Shinola Detroit Zip Travel Kit, $225, Zappos.
Classic Polo Shirt. “This polo, along with every piece of Orlebar Brown clothing I own, are staples of my wardrobe. Any dad would love the fit and quality of this shirt!” Sebastian Navy Tailored Fit Pique Polo, $195, Orlebar Brown.
Bamboo Candle. “This candle reminds me of being in a serene outdoor space and always brings me joy. I enjoy lighting it in any room in my house.” Nest Bamboo 3-Wick Candle, $68, Burke Decor.
Take-Me-Away Moisturizer. “I keep one of these at my desk and I’m obsessed with the silky feel and wonderful smell. It makes me feel like I’m on vacation!” Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Coconut Moisturizer, $8.49, Thrive Market.
The Beachiest Swim Shorts. “I always love having patterned swim shorts, they’re fun and vibrant for days spent in the sun. I just recently purchased a pair of these and I will definitely be wearing them for pool and beach days to come.” Bulldog Jolly Brollies Mid-Length Swim Shorts, $345, Orlebar Brown.
Dreaming-of-Capri Tote Bag. “The image on this tote is one of my favorites in terms of evoking serious wanderlust and longing for summer. The beach tote can fit so many items inside and has perfect details, including a leather handle and bold white stitching. This is the bag I will be carrying around with me for the next few months!” The Capri Tote Bag, $25, Gray Malin.
Want to hear more from the boys? Check out Sage Advice for New Dads from More Experienced Fathers, shop these 50 Great Gifts for Dad, and peep the Father Essentials of pro pops Bryant Terry, Joey Gonzalez, and Pete Oswald.
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