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Father’s Day is on the horizon and with it comes the fear of not being able to find the best Father’s Day gift for your dad. After all, dads can be notoriously difficult to buy for, especially the ones who say they don’t need something or want anything.
Plus, if you have a dad who already has everything he could ever need, and if there’s something else that he wants, then he just buys for himself… Well, then you have another problem on your hands! And then don’t even start on trying to set a budget.
Money is tight for a lot of folks right now, and you might not be able to buy your dad the latest or greatest tech gadget. Maybe the idea of a pricey luxury gift stresses you out as well. But don’t panic just yet!
There are some foolproof dad gifts that just about any dad can enjoy. And no, none of them are a tie!
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18 Gift Ideas For Your Dad This Father’s Day
Alright, everyone! Without further ado, it’s time to take a closer look at the 18 best Father’s Day Gifts Dad is sure to love!
1. A Nice Wallet
Most if not all dads have a wallet. But if your dad’s wallet is looking a little worse for wear, get him a new one. Maybe even include a photo of yourself inside! Either way, a wallet is a nice item that he’ll use every day and think of you every time he does.
You can go with a somewhat luxurious option with this $100+ wallet from Paul Smith, or you can choose a more budget-friendly option, like this $30 travel wallet with RFID blocking technology. Both of these wallets are perfect gifts that dads will actually use.
2. A Stylish Pair of Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a fail-proof gift for just about everyone. After all, how many people do you know have just a pair of old, throw-away sunglasses that they paid maybe $10 for? Or ones that they keep breaking over and over just to rebuy them and have them break shortly after again?
Upgrade your dad to a luxury pair of sunglasses that fit his style. You can easily find a high-end pair of sunglasses for less than $80, but you can also splurge if you feel like it. That way, your father can stylishly rock his dad jokes while manning the BBQ.
Related: The Top 10 Things From Camp Chef To Up Your Grill Game
3. A Dopp Kit
Does your dad travel? Like, at all? Whether he’s headed to the woods, on a business trip or just to visit his favorite child (you, of course), a Dopp kit will come in handy.
But what exactly is a Dopp kit? It’s basically a toiletry bag for men that still carries a name used in World War II. Dopp kits are a fantastic budget gift as well, because they look luxurious, but cost very little.
4. Socks (No, Really!)
You’re an adult now. You know that socks are no longer a dreaded gift at Christmastime. You might even request socks on your holiday wishlist. They’re useful!
Dads feel the same. A good pair of socks are always appreciated and make great gifts for every occasion. These high-end, Vermont-made socks will last him a long time and they’re only around $20.
5. A Streaming Service
We all use streaming services, and we all love them, let’s just face it. Few of us have all of the different streaming services out there, though, and many offer a range of different shows, both classics and originals.
Get your dad a subscription to whatever streaming service he has yet to sign up for, whether that’s Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video or another. You’ll not only be giving him the gift of hours of endless entertainment, but you also might find something new to talk about, as you give him all your favorite show recs.
If you already have a streaming service at home, maybe you can get him an Apple TV or a Fire Stick from Amazon so he can stream from anywhere!
6. A Shave Set
Most dads have to shave at least once in a while. Get him everything he needs for the smoothest, best, cleanest shave ever, with an affordable shaving kit from Harry’s.
For just $25, you can send your dad a die-cast zinc and chrome razor handle with three-blade cartridges, a shave gel or cream, travel protector and more. And if he’s not the shaving type, you can always get him a beard grooming kit!
Related: The 8 Best Razors For Men [And 4 Subscription Boxes]
7. A Subscription Box
There are tons and tons of different subscription boxes out there. Find one that will fit your dad’s interests and likes and give him a gift that just keeps on giving.
Whether your dad prefers jerky and hot sauce, or bourbon and bacon, or music and mysteries, there’s a subscription box for him. Plus, many subscription boxes are relatively affordable, and you can pay on them as you go, starting at under $10 per month. After all, isn’t Dad worth it?!
8. A Personalized Gift
Who doesn’t like something personalized with their name, kids’ names or even photos? If your dad is the sentimental type, look through the excellent Father’s Day gifts listed on Etsy. You can personalize just about anything with the helpful community of makers and artists.
Put your dad’s face on some socks. Engrave a special message to your dad on the handle of a pocket knife. Put your and your sibling’s names on a stylish leather men’s bracelet. Put the cartoon version of your family on a mug.
9. A New Tool For the Grill
How do you think it became such a stereotype? A lot of dads really do like to grill. Help make his next grill sess a little more convenient, tech-friendly or just plain fun, with some new grill tools and toys.
You could go with a 7-in-1 barbecue multitool that’s also super-budget friendly. It can flip, pierce, grab and more — and even open your dad’s beer.
For the dad who wants to try barbecuing, this gift set of spice blends, barbecue sauce and a scraper will get him started. The wood barbecue scraper is designed as an alternative for cleaning your grill, as a replacement for the typical metal scrub brushes that come with most grill kits.
If your dad is relatively new to grilling, though, you might want to opt for a kit that comes with literally everything. This Grilljoy 31-piece heavy-duty BBQ grilling accessories kit comes with all the grill gear he could ever need. There’s a spatula, tongs, fork, basting brush, cleaning brush, extra brush head, glove, thermometer, grill mats, skewers, corn holders, salt shakers, scissors, and more.
10. A New Tool For Cooking in General
But if your dad isn’t just master of the grill, but reigns supreme over the entire kitchen, you have a lot more options to help him in his culinary pursuits. Surprise him with a handy tool or kit that’ll tantalize his taste buds. You might even get a free meal out of it.
The seafood-lovin’ dad will appreciate these budget-friendly lobster scissors, as well as this highly-ranked oyster knife. Maybe pair the two together and suggest you come over for a seafood feast?
If pizza is more your family’s deal, this portable outdoor pizza oven could be just the splurge-worthy Father’s Day gift you’ve been looking for. It can heat up to nearly a thousand degrees Fahrenheit and cooks pizza fast. It can run off gas or wood, and it is safe to the touch on the exterior, so it’s dad-approved for use, even around your youngest family members.
If your dad is always trying to DIY or copycat his favorite store-bought or restaurant foods, a DIY kit could be just the perfect thing. This particular kit is made with at-home fermentation in mind, so he can make his own pickles, kimchi or anything else he decides to get inventive with. This one, meanwhile, focuses on hot sauces, so he can blend together something that will really knock your socks off.
If your dad is into fitness, then a NutriBullet nutrient extractor blender could be a better fit for him. He’ll be throwing together green smoothies in seconds! But then again, if your dad is all about the carbs, a pasta maker could be more in line with his tastes. The dad who wants to cook that chicken he forgot to thaw, fast, though, will really appreciate the latest version of the Instant Pot.
11. A Frosty Drink (or Two!)
But some dads may prefer to kick back with a cold one versus sweat over the stove or grill. Upgrade his drinking experience with a great Father’s Day gift attuned to his personal preferences.
The wine-o dad may appreciate this Le Creuset wine cooler sleeve that makes taking his favorite bottles on the go easier than ever. It comes in multiple colors and features an adjustable collar, for the perfect fit. The inner gel packs will keep a standard bottle of wine chilled for hours at a time.
If his bar cart could use some love, this mixology set makes a good gift. It comes with a cocktail shaker, wood muddler, beaker, jigger, strainer and stirrer, so he’s all set to start whipping up his favorite cocktails. The only thing that’s missing is the booze.
12. A Better Cup of Coffee (or Tea!)
Maybe your dad prefers cold brew to cold beers, though. If that’s the case, you might want to give him a better cup of coffee with one of these thoughtful gifts that he’ll use on the daily, so he thinks of you every time he enjoys a cuppa joe.
This Chemex pour-over glass coffeemaker is a sure winner for any coffee lover, and it makes eight cups of coffee (so enough to share!). For the dad who’s always drinking his coffee on the go, though, a YETI rambler tumbler is a good pick.
If you think he’d maybe like to try some new coffees out, you can always get him a tasting set from a brand that offers unique, single-origin coffees that he won’t be able to find in his local grocery store.
For the tea-lovin’ dad, the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric pour-over kettle will help him pour the perfect cuppa without ever once touching the microwave (oh, the horror!). The best part? This kettle is super-stylish, sleek and contemporary.
Want to gift your dad an espresso machine, but don’t think you have the budget for it? Think again. This Gemini Espresso Maker from the MoMa Design Store is less than $50 and comes in multiple colors. Plus, it’s super cute. In addition to the espresso maker, your gift will also come with a coffee mug and saucer. Everything’s there for your dad to brew up a fresh cup of caffeine.
13. A Way To Listen To His Tunes
For the dad who wants to take his favorite music with him everywhere, help him out with a Bose SoundLink Bluetooth speaker. This little piece of tech is ultra-rugged, so he can take it anywhere, from the job site to the woods to his favorite fishing hole. It features a tear-resistant strap and rubberized silicone exterior, as well as a waterproof speaker and six-hour battery.
However, if your dad prefers to listen to his music or favorite podcast solo, or maybe if you’d really just prefer that he did so, you can help him keep his tunes to himself, with a new pair of Skullcandy Push Active Tire wireless earbuds! These heavy-duty little guys are sweat and water-resistant, feature hands-free voice controls, offer 44 hours of battery life. They are ideal for wearing during Dad’s latest outdoor adventures, unlike those AirPods he lost.
But if your dad often listens to music at work or in between his at-home Zoom meetings, then some new desktop speakers could be in order. These options are stylish and small and offer unprecedented sound quality for the price.
14. A Bite To Eat
Live too far away to take dear ol’ Dad to his favorite restaurant? You can still send the best dad ever something scrumptious. And no, that doesn’t mean just sending him a gift card. Send him some of the best eats that can be shipped in the mail.
Goldbelly offers complete meals and favorite items from restaurants, bakeries and other food producers and providers all over the country. This is especially a good choice if you know your dad is missing his favorite restaurant in a favorite travel destination.
For something he can eat as soon as the box arrives on his doorstep, it’s time to turn to Purdy’s chocolates. The brand offers a range of Father’s Day chocolates and themed boxes, ranging in price.
If your dad is a steak aficionado, a box from Vermont Wagyu is sure to impress. The Dad’s Dream Box comes with two large New York strips and one large chuck eye. If he’s not strictly a steak guy, you can still get him a range of food to throw on the grill!
Try opting for this Grilling Heroes Box from Porter Road, which comes with two dry-aged steaks, two pounds of dry-aged burger patties and two pounds of bratwurst sausage links.
15. A New Piece of Tech
Sure, you might have to show him how to use it, but a new piece of tech can be a fun gift for Dad that keeps on giving for years to come, as he enjoys his favorite media or just uses his new gadget to make his life a little easier. For instance, an Amazon Echo Show is a nice pick for the dad who has yet to upgrade to a smart home.
For the dad whose media of choice is a good novel, a Kindle Paperwhite will allow him to enjoy his favorite books on the go. This particular Kindle is even waterproof, so there’s no worries, even if he wants to read while floating around the pool.
If your dad has taking photos with his Apple smartphone down, but he hasn’t quite figured out how to get those photos from his phone to anywhere else, help him out with the HP Sprocket. He gets to print his photos just like in the olden days, but the process has become a little more streamlined and simple.
16. A New Hobby
If your dad may have recently retired and he could really use a new hobby, you might help him get started, with one of these perfect gifts that will help him explore a new pastime.
A MasterClass subscription might be a good place to start. He can learn all sorts of fun skills there and choose to pick up or drop new hobbies as often as he wants. Whether he wants to learn cooking from Gordon Ramsay or comedy from Steve Martin, he can try it all, plus more, no strings attached.
Or maybe a little stargazing is in his future. This Gskyer Telescope at Amazon comes with two magnifying eyepieces and a tripod. There’s even a smartphone adapter that will let your dad take photos of his celestial discoveries.
17. Your Time
While we’ve all been self-isolating the past few months, it’s seemed to make it more apparent just how important our relationships with our family, found family and friends are.
So, if you’re tight on cash this Father’s day, one of the best and most appreciated things you might be able to do is simply spend time with your dad, whether that’s safely in person, via video chat or over the phone.
18. And If All Else Fails… A Gift Card!
And if nothing else on this list caught your eye, get him a gift card to his favorite store. Maybe he likes grilling? Maybe he needs a new t-shirt? We’re all doing a fair bit of online shopping from home these days. He’ll have a fun time browsing and picking his gift, and you’ll know he actually got something he wanted.
Whether your dad is celebrating his first Father’s Day as a new dad or his tenth as a veteran dad, finding a thoughtful gift will stick with him for a lifetime. Uncommon Goods and Etsy are two of our favorite shops to find great gifts and gift sets for any occasion. DIY is also never a bad option when it comes to gift-giving.
No one knows Dad better than you. Show Dad he is the best dad around with a heartfelt Father’s Day card and a gift he will treasure.
How to Pick a Gift for Dad
Not finding the perfect pick among our gift ideas above? If you’re having trouble picking the perfect present for Dad this Father’s Day, consider a few things.
What Does Your Dad Need?
Every dad says they don’t want anything for Father’s Day. So, if he doesn’t want anything, what does he need? Talk to people in his life and ask those who might be around him more often if they’ve noticed him needing anything recently.
Maybe it’s something he doesn’t even know that he needs! But if you know of a handy gadget or piece of tech out there that’ll make his life easier, even if it’s just a charger dock for his phone, you may have just stumbled upon the perfect present for your dad this Father’s Day.
What’s Your Budget?
Your budget may do a lot of the deciding for you. However, don’t let a smaller budget hold you back from buying something you know he’ll really love.
No, that doesn’t mean you should break out the credit cards! But instead, see if you can’t persuade your siblings or your mother to go in on a Father’s Day gift idea with you.
You can also combine a Father’s Day gift with a birthday gift if your dad’s birthday falls close by on the calendar. You might also opt for a joint gift for both Father’s Day and Mother’s Day if your gift idea is something Mom will also use.
Think of Him, Not You
Sometimes, your dad will tell you what he wants for Father’s Day. Maybe he just wants a T-shirt. Or a new set of golf clubs. What about a day with the family? Or a gift card to Home Depot? Dick’s Sporting Goods or Bed Bath and Beyond are two great places as well.
If you’ve been shying away from giving Dad what he’s asked for because you just think it’s too boring or you yourself wouldn’t necessarily like it… Stop that! If you have a dad who’s said exactly what he wants, you’re in a great position because you can just shop for what he’s asked for!
Understand That It’s Not All About the Presents
At the end of the day, just know that the holiday isn’t really about buying the best Father’s Day gift. It’s corny and cliche, but it’s true. Even if your dad doesn’t always show it, we bet that he just wants to know that you care about him as much as he cares about you.
Whether you show that through a day spent together or with the help of a unique Father’s Day gift all depends on your relationship. Do what feels best for you and your dad!
You might also be interested in: Hydro Flask vs Yeti [Insulated Water Bottle Showdown]
The 18 Best Father’s Day Gifts Dad Is Sure To Will Love:
- A Nice Wallet
- A Stylish Pair of Sunglasses
- A Dopp Kit
- Socks (No, Really!)
- A Streaming Service
- A Shave Set
- A Subscription Box
- A Personalized Gift
- A New Tool For the Grill
- A New Tool For Cooking in General
- A Frosty Drink (Or Two!)
- A Better Cup of Coffee (Or Tea!)
- A Way To Listen To His Tunes
- A Bite To Eat
- A New Piece of Tech
- A New Hobby
- Your Time
- And If All Else Fails… A Gift Card!
Holly Riddle
view postHolly Riddle
Holly Riddle is a travel, food and lifestyle writer, and a full-time freelance content creator after several years on editorial staffs for a multitude of publications ranging in topic and audience demographic. She currently acts as the editor at large for Global Traveler magazine and is a regular contributor at Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily, TravelMag, CruiseHive and more. Ghostwritten work for travel clients has appeared on Forbes, Bloomberg, Inc. and other top publications. She also manages blogs for tour providers, hotels and tourism boards.
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