Health

post updated Apr. 10, 2023

23 Gifts Your Dad Will Actually Love

Who said he was the toughest person to buy for?

By Isabelle Eyman

‘Tis the season for gift guides aplenty. While October only just wrapped—and we’re still sneaking our kiddos’ candy—the transition from fall to the holiday season feels almost instantaneous. Our favorite stores have replaced their Halloween displays with twinkly lights and ornaments galore (psst… I have my eye on these). Take one spin around the internet and it seems that finding the perfect present is on everyone’s mind. To relieve some of the stress and put the fun back in gift-giving, we’ve got you covered with our guides to thoughtful and meaningful gifts. First up: the best gifts for dads—in other words, the notoriously hardest-to-shop-for person on your list.

I’ve been lucky: my dad loves what he loves, so if you get him a book or a puzzle, he’s a happy guy. But in recent years, I’ve challenged myself to think a bit outside of the box. What would be truly special? What would make him feel seen and loved in a way that any old present can’t do? Answering those questions resulted in an hours-long online shopping expedition that led to the gift guide you see here today. So if you’ve also got gifts for dads on your mind, you can trust that he’ll be happy to find any of the following presents under the tree.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

Adam Goldberg breakfast_gifts for dads — Image by Belathée Photography

23 Gifts for Dads He’ll Love This Holiday

Every product is curated with care by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle

u003cpu003eI can sense the hesitation. A thermos? For my super cool dad who deserves the best gift in the world? Listen up: This u003cemu003eisu003c/emu003e the best gift in the world. After decades of use, my dad (heartbreakingly) lost his own on a camping trip last summer and is well overdue for an upgraded replacement. If your dad likes his coffee hot and his warm weather beverage of choice ice cold, he’ll be more than grateful to unwrap this functional, leakproof, and packable gift.u003c/pu003e

Darn Tough Men’s Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

u003cpu003eAs a New Englander, there are two things I’m most proud of: 1) our maple syrup and 2) our ability to keep warm no matter the conditions. The main reason we’re capable of doing the latter? The fact that we have no less than four pairs of these socks in our dressers at all times. Bonus: The brand stands by its lifetime guarantee.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eu003ca href=u0022https://darntough.com/pages/made-in-vermont-usau0022u003eu003c/au003eu003c/pu003e

Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Light

u003cpu003eI’ve always found flashlights and camping lights to be cumbersome and inconvenient. But the Mini Hozuki Lantern was designed to be compact, intuitive, and offer a warming light (can your camping equipment do that?). Just be sure your dad packs a pair of AAA batteries.u003c/pu003e

Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit

u003cpu003eI gifted this tabletop fire pit to my dad for Father’s Day and he’s obsessed. Everyone in my family has their own, and we can each safely say that they are worth the investment (prices range depending on what size you purchase). They’re great for outdoor fires even in the winter and toasting s’mores on the weekend. Endless fun awaits.u003c/pu003e

AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press

u003cpu003eAnother fan-favorite that my dad can’t stop raving about (this was his present two years ago). While he was once a French Press fanatic, this on-the-go device set-up has changed his tune. It produces a smooth, warming cuppa and works just as well in your kitchen at home as it does in the great outdoors.u003c/pu003e

Williams Sonoma Classic Solid Apron

u003cpu003eWhether your dad’s the chef of the household or is famous only for his once-a-year, Thanksgiving gravy (hey, pops), this apron keeps the man looking sharp while his outfit stays clean.u003c/pu003e

Roo Double Camping Hammock

u003cpu003eGrowing up, without fail, my dad would unpack the hammock first before even touching the tents (yes, even in the middle of a thunderstorm). If your dad likes to laze about or enjoy a good old nap in the sun, this hammock is ideal. And if he’s willing to share, know this: it fits two.u003c/pu003e

Camille and Adam in Oaxaca_gifts for dads — Image by Michelle Nash

Our Place Walnut Cutting Board

u003cpu003eOur Place first won our hearts thanks to their internet-famous Always Pan, but with all the stunning product drops since, we keep coming back for more. If your dad is serious about his cooking and likes his knives sharp (see below), he can trust this board’s American black walnut wood to keep things in check. And for the father who loves a good twofer, this board also doubles as a stunning serving platter.u003c/pu003e

Outdoor Voices MegaFleece Snap Up

u003cpu003eOutdoor Voices’ version of the ubiquitous snap-up sweater has to be our fave. It’s soft, stylish, and roomy enough for layering. He’ll be happy to cozy up in the brand’s recycled wool MegaFleece fabric. (P.S. It’s worth stealing the next time you’re home for the holidays.)u003c/pu003e

Faherty Legend™ Sweater Shirt

u003cpu003eA classic style with an upgraded design. This sweater-shirt hybrid is soft to the touch and boasts a stretchy knit, so he’ll be comfy no matter the adventure.u003c/pu003e

Pottery Barn Leather 100 Hikes Of A Lifetime Coffee Table Book

u003cpu003eIf your dad’s serious about his bucket list, he’ll be happy to keep this book by his bedside or on the coffee table.u003cemu003e 1000 Places to See Before You Dieu003c/emu003e is renowned for being the best travel book in the worldu003c/pu003e

Material Kitchen The Trio of Knives

u003cpu003eThere’s nothing like a set of sharp knives to make a home kick happy. Even Oprah has featured these on her favorite things list, so you know they have to be good. Stored properly, these will last your dad a lifetime. u003c/pu003e

King Arthur Flour Crêpe Making Set

u003cpu003eIf he’s famous for his Saturday morning pancakes, this crêpe making set will help him take things to the next level. With the perfect pan and a foolproof mix, dad will have everything he needs for deliciousness in a pinch.u003c/pu003e

Brian De Lowe making drinks_gifts for dads — Image by Michelle Nash

Away The Large Toiletry Bag

u003cpu003eFor some reason, I’ve never found a well-organized toiletry bag for men. While every women’s version seems to have a pocket for just about every product, most men’s toiletry bags imply that dad doesn’t care about being organized on the go. That is, of course, until now.u003c/pu003e

Pottery Barn Wooden Monopoly Board Game

u003cpu003eIf his Monopoly board box is fraying at the edges, take it as a sign to get him this special version of his favorite game. Every design element has been considered—from the hardwood dice down to the die cast metal tokens. Game night will never be the same.u003c/pu003e

Barbour® Classic Bedale Jacket

u003cpu003eIf you haven’t felt waxed cotton before, know that you’re in for a treat. This jacket’s exterior is soft to the touch but is guaranteed to keep him warm and dry through the colder months. Even if your dad isn’t sartorially inclined, he’ll love this jacket’s clean-cut fit.u003c/pu003e

Beer of the Month Club The U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club

u003cpu003eHelp your dad get to know some of the country’s best brews. By joining the U.S. Microbrewed Beer Club, your dad will get a monthly shipment of twelve hand-crafted beers from microwbreweries across the nation. Plus, the monthly newsletter is filled with tasting notes, brewery features, beer profiles, and even suggestions for the best foods to pair with his brews.u003c/pu003e

Haand x Toma Bloody Mary Brunch Kits

u003cpu003eIt’s not brunch without his favorite Blood Mary. Choose from either original and mild or horseradish-laced mixers for a weekend meal he’ll never forget.u003c/pu003e

man serving broccoli rabe — Image by Michelle Nash

Therabody Theragun Mini

u003cpu003ePowerful and portable, get ready for this miniature version of the popular massager to become his new best friend.u003c/pu003e

Crosley Velvet Voyager Bluetooth Record Player

u003cpu003eIf you’ve heard him say u0022there’s nothing like hearing [insert classic song here] on vinyl,u0022 then you know what to do. Gift him this beautiful, vintage-inspired record player, and never look back.u003c/pu003e

Fly By Jing Triple Threat

u003cpu003eMy boyfriend’s sister just got him this set for his birthday and our meals have never been more flavorful. The trio of Sichuan sauces ranges from hot and spicy to sweet and tangy to the mix he’ll soon be using to flavor everything. Don’t pass up these staples that are taking the food world by storm.u003c/pu003e

Marlowe Man Premium Pack

u003cpu003eThink your dad isn’t into skincare? Get ready for him to be hooked on this set. It includes every product you could think of to help him get glowing head to toe. Get ready for him to embrace self-care with open arms.u003c/pu003e

The Letters of Ernest Hemingway Hardback Set Volumes 1-3

u003cpu003eIf your dad loves a good read, Hemingway’s letters are sure to keep him entertained. With letters that encompass his youth and rise to literary stardom, these volumes are the best way to get an intimate, up-close look at the man behind some of the greatest works of our time.u003c/pu003e