Dads are tricky to spoil. They’ll either tell you they don’t need anything for Father’s Day, or request something so niche that you don’t even know where to begin your search: “Wait, does he want a digital or click-type torque wrench?”
That’s why we polled dozens of dads (and grandads!) about the best Father’s Day gifts they have ever received and still use, cherish and recommend years later. Whether your dad is more of a gear guy, or has a soft spot for sentimental stuff, this cheat sheet will help you nail his gift this Father’s Day.
At a glance: the best Father’s Day gifts
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For the dad who loves a DIY project:
Leatherman Multitool
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For the fitness enthusiast
Therabody TheraGun Mini (3rd Generation)
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For the dad who wishes they were camping
Solo Stove Bonfire Pit
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Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit none-selected
Outdoor dads can summon good vibes and impromptu marshmallow roasts anywhere they plant this portable fire pit. “My dad and I are both fathers, so we exchange gifts,” said Denis Mikush, a headhunter who received the Bonfire 2.0 from his dad. “He knows I like being outdoors, and this fire pit is portable so I can put it in the car, bring it anywhere and move it around our houses. It burns well and all you have to do is put in wood.”
Zazzle Customizable Driver Cover
Zazzle Customizable Driver Cover none-selected
If the golf guy in your life is too fussy to pick out a club for, help protect his favorites with these customizable club head covers. Mikush loves the set his sister gifted him for Father’s Day. “You can get it fitted to any of the clubs you have,” he said, plus pick a photo and even your own piping color. His driver and hybrid club covers each feature a photo of his dogs, and his putter includes a photo of his daughter.
Wonderbly First Father’s Day For Daddy and Me
Wonderbly First Father’s Day For Daddy and Me none-selected
For that new dad in your life, this customized book is the shortcut to immediate waterworks. “I loved how deeply personal it was,” said Eric Cormier, legal counsel for a federal government agency, whose wife personalized it with real stories about Cormier and his son Nolan. “I was absolutely moved by the idea of having a story about the two of us that I’ll be able to read to him as he’s growing up.”
Even the illustrations are tailored to the recipient. “Rachel was able to customize the characters to our likeness, really adding to the emotional impact. I still tear up a bit when I read it to him. It’s the perfect gift.”
Nations Photo Lab Mouse Pad
Nations Photo Lab Mouse Pad none-selected
If Dad spends hours clicking away at Excel spreadsheets, a custom mousepad can turn his boring desktop into a monument to his favorite people. “My most memorable Father’s Day gift was a mousepad with a picture of me and my children,” said Bruce Sailofsky, a retired quality assurance director in pharmaceuticals and a grandfather. “It was given to me by my wife and I used it my entire career.” This custom mousepad offers templates for inspiration or a blank slate you can use to showcase a special memory of you and dad.
Drelifam Wooden Bed Tray Table
Drelifam Wooden Bed Tray Table none-selected
Start his morning off on the right foot with his favorite breakfast, served in bed on this sophisticated wooden platter that sits on top of a removable pillow for extra cushion. “Father’s Day is special, especially when the kids were little. They would make me breakfast and bring it to me in bed,” said Lloyd Sheiner, a father of four, grandfather and real-estate developer. On days he’s not being treated as royalty, he can use it for reading or browsing on a tablet.
Kodak Wooden WiFi Digital Picture Frame
Kodak Wooden WiFi Digital Picture Frame none-selected
A framed photo of the family is always a thoughtful gesture, but a connected digital frame like this Kodak model lets you curate it for him, too. “It’s a constant reminder of the love you have surrounding you in your life,” said Sheiner. “You don’t have to do any work because people drop the pictures in there [via its accompanying app]. That’s good for guys because they like to have convenience.”
Leatherman Rebar Multitool
Leatherman Rebar Multitool none-selected
Tools make classic Father’s Day gifts – but you need to know your audience. “I once got a chainsaw but I was too scared to use it,” said Sheiner. Instead, try a versatile multitool stacked with everyday tools he knows how to use, such as the Leatherman Rebar. It includes 17 basics from screwdrivers and pliers to knives and wire cutters – no safety briefing required.
Therabody TheraGun Mini (3rd Generation)
Therabody TheraGun Mini (3rd Generation) none-selected
For dads that have been complaining about aches and pains, this mini massage gun is the Father’s Day gift that keeps on giving. “I’m old and sore all the time,” said Daniel Stuart, a senior manager of corporate development. “I use it before and after basketball and tennis. It’s compact, doesn’t take up much space and it has a long battery life, so I can just keep it in a gym or tennis bag.”
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku Streaming Stick 4K none-selected
Dads earn their quiet evenings on the couch, and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K will ensure he’s never bored with his feet kicked up. “We use the Roku for all our streaming services like Prime and Netflix,” said Mark Palefsky, a retired grandfather. “It’s a great source of entertainment, especially after retirement.” The voice search works across multiple apps to find whatever show or movie Dad’s looking for, even if he doesn’t remember which service streams it.
Tstars Matching Father Baby Pizza Shirts
Tstarts Matching Father Baby Pizza Shirts none-selected
“A chip off the old block” seems a little dated, so celebrate a newborn’s likeness to Dad with these matching father-and-child pizza shirts instead. “I thought it was cute and fun,” said Matthew Philip, a web manager. “It incorporates my daughter and it made for a good photo op. Even though she’ll outgrow that shirt, I’ll have mine for a lifetime, which is great.”
Daddy And Me Children’s Padded Picture Board Book: A Story of Unconditional Love
Daddy And Me Children’s Padded Picture Board Book: A Story of Unconditional Love none-selected
There’s no rule against Father’s Day gifting in anticipation of the new role. That’s why Mike Gutty’s wife gifted him a board book for Father’s Day, a month before their daughter’s arrival. “It was given to me during a time when there was a lot of chaos going on, but it was really special to have something to read to her that was about her daddy,” said the business developer. “She loved it too.”
Callie Personalized Daddy We Love You So Leather Travel Passport Wallet
Callie Personalized Daddy We Love You So Leather Travel Passport Wallet none-selected
Gutty’s wife went all out for the Father’s Day that coincided with their 15-year wedding anniversary, gifting him a Louis Vuitton passport holder with a heart and “dad” engraving by their young daughter. “The passport holder and name engraving was super special because I miss my wife and daughter so much when I travel,” said Gutty. “I travel about one week a month and it helps me just remember them. It’s something special that I carry along when I’m away from home.” For a more affordable alternative to the designer version, grab this sentimental option from Etsy with a built-in picture frame.
Win Gift By Van Thang Embroidered Dad Shirt
Win Gift By Van Thang Win Gift By Van Thang Embroidered Dad Shirt none-selected
Go beyond the “world’s best dad” merch with this custom-embroidered shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie made to match a photo you provide. “I got a sweater that says Dad on the front and it has a picture of me and my first kiddo with his arm around me as the ‘A’ in Dad, with his name monogrammed on the sleeve,” said Ethan Dover, a product success manager. “I will always be able to go back to that moment when he was tinier.”
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum with Lavender and Iris
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum with Lavender and Iris none-selected
A signature scent is just about the classiest gift you could bestow upon a dad, whether he’s yet to embark on his cologne journey or already owns a handsome stash. Whatever he currently wears, it’s not like this Jean Paul Gaultier scent. “It’s a very unique smelling cologne,” said Faraz Ahmed, a senior sales analyst. “It has a strong vanilla scent with notes of lavender and iris. It’s a great fall and winter cologne and I always receive compliments.”
Poligo 29-Piece BBQ Grill Accessories Set
Poligo 29-Piece BBQ Grill Accessories Set none-selected
If the grill master in your life always seems to be sprinting back inside for the implement he forgot, this zippered collection of tools will ensure his next session goes off without a hitch. “I’m a big barbecue guy, and every summer [my wife] sees me scrambling to put random tools together,” said Ahmed. “With this set, it allows me to keep everything handy and readily available. It also made me try new barbecue methods like skewers and steaks.”
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Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter, the Guardian’s guide to buying fewer, better things:
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The 15 best gifts for dads in the US – that got a nod of approval from real dads
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Is an AeroPress coffee maker worth it? I tested every model – here’s the good and surprisingly bad
