The Best Father’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Dad
Show him how well you know him with one of these curated presentsBy Buy Side Staff
Father’s Day is around the corner, which brings up a common gifting conundrum: What to buy dad? Even if he insists that he doesn’t need anything or you’re shopping for a first-time dad, we’ve curated a selection of thoughtful gifts that will be sure to impress him (and likely, the rest of your family). From an upgrade to his typical golf apparel to unique kitchen tools that’ll give his grilling game an upgrade, our list includes picks for just about every type of dad.
For the golfing dad
Bad Birdie
Lush Golf Polo
Lululemon
Tapered Golf Pant
If your dad is a regular at the golf club, why not up his game with some new gear? We’re fans of this patterned polo from Bad Birdie, which is made of a soft, stretchy and moisture-wicking blend of polyester and spandex that’ll hold up to long days on the course. To complete his outfit, consider a pair of these stylish tapered golf pants from Lululemon’s new collection to offer an upgrade from his usual khakis.
For the chef
Home chefs, grillers and bakers are likely used to getting their hands (and clothes) dirty in the kitchen. While a little mess comes with the territory when dad’s grilling burgers or whipping up chocolate mousse, he can stay fresher (and even store some of his kitchen tools) with this stylish apron from Hedley & Bennett.
For the new dad
Adidas
Stan Smith Sneakers
Adidas
Stan Smith Crib Shoes
Know a new dad who’s also a sneakerhead? Treat him to some new Stan Smiths (a classic style that he can dress up or down) and a matching infant-sized pair (sizes range from one to four months). He’ll appreciate the new kicks, as well as the ability to coordinate outfits with his mini me.
For the athleisure-loving father
Whether he’s headed to the gym or spending the afternoon on the couch, a pair of cozy joggers from Vuori will keep your dad comfortable (and stylish). With a tapered leg, 10 color options and soft, stretchy fabric, the joggers offer a more put-together take on classic sweats.
For the dad who likes to experiment in the kitchen
Adventurous home chefs and bartenders will appreciate this smoke infuser that can be used to add a smoky flavor to meat, fish and vegetables, as well as cocktails. The handheld device is far easier to use than a large smoker, so you can help him elevate his cooking game without adding clutter to his kitchen.
For the dad who loves game night
If your dad is always the one organizing family game nights, consider this gift: The Monopoly Luxury Edition. This version of the classic game comes with a handsome wooden cabinet featuring decorative wooden plaques and drawers for cards and game accessories that he’ll be excited to display.
For the techie dad
An alarm clock is a practical gift, but one that will be appreciated, especially for the father figure who wants to streamline his personal tech setup. This clock features built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant that he can use to play music or set alarms, as well as six USB charging ports to keep his devices juiced up.
For the dad who overdoes it
Dads who frequent the gym may have had their eyes on a Theragun massager for a while now. The Elite model delivers deep muscle relaxation through percussive therapy and has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to use without putting strain on the hands or wrists. It comes with five attachments and has five speeds to help him get the relief he’s looking for.
For the party host dad
Ooni
Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
Ooni
Volt 12 Electric Pizza Oven
Looking for a show-stopping group gift? You’ll want to check out this pizza oven from Ooni that can be powered by wood, charcoal or gas. It’s Buy Side writer-approved, since it’s easy to set up and store; plus you can bake delicious pizzas in around 90 seconds. If he doesn’t have outdoor space, consider this electric option that we also tested and enjoyed.
For the angry-at-mosquitos dad
Enjoying a cup of coffee or a cocktail on his back patio might be one of your dad’s favorite simple pleasures. But if he’s constantly slapping at mosquitos, the experience is all but ruined. Thankfully, he can ward off pests with this rechargeable mosquito repeller that Buy Side editors own and swear by, and which make for a useful and lower-price gift he can use all summer long.
For the home-workouts dad
Bowflex
SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
Exercising at home doesn’t have to be boring (or force your dad to turn the entire living room into a gym). These adjustable dumbbells were our top pick after testing popular models, since they’re easy to use right out of the box and can be adjusted from 5 to 52.5 pounds.
For the puzzle doer
If you come from a family that puzzles together or have a dad who likes to cozy up with one of his own, this double-sided option—featuring Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house on one side and the Guggenheim Museum on the other—is a great option, especially for architecture fans.
For the podcast listener
Bose
QuietComfort 45
These noise-canceling headphones from Bose came out on top after testing popular pairs, thanks to their impressive sound and noise cancellation, as well as their lightweight and comfortable design. Whether your dad works from home and likes to block out background noise or enjoys turning on a podcast episode when he’s out and about, this pair will instantly improve his audio experience.
For the softie
You may live hundreds of miles away from your dad, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still stay close. These long-distance touch bracelets are a great gift for a sentimental dad; the set comes with two (so you can give one to him and keep one for yourself). Just download the corresponding app and send him a tap when you’re thinking of him, which will light up and vibrate his bracelet.
For the grill master
Any true grill master knows the importance of achieving specific temperatures for dishes, especially when it comes to meat. The Thermapen One is easy to use and comes recommended by multiple experts in our dedicated gift guide for grillers.
For the guy who loves movies
This outdoor projector from Benq was our top pick in our tested roundup because it has a smart design with water resistance and impact protection, as well as an impressive battery life. It’s a handy gadget that will give his summer movie nights a cool upgrade.
For the luxe jet setter
If your father has a big trip coming up, consider the gift of more organized and stylish travel. This passport case from Bottega Veneta is made of the brand’s signature woven buffed calfskin that makes a statement without being too showy. Inside, it provides a pocket for his passport, as well as five card slots.
For the dad who gets to the airport 5 hours early
Briggs & Riley
Large Travel Packing Cubes
Behold: The ultra-practical present. A set of packing cubes might not scream “gift” at first, though a good set, like this one from Briggs & Riley that came out on top of our test, will make preparing for dad’s next trip far easier. We expect he’ll thank you when he’s not stuck fishing through his suitcase for his favorite pair of swim trunks to hit the pool once he reaches his destination.
For the game-day TV watcher
If your dad is still working on his streaming set up, Hulu Live TV offers a lot in a monthly subscription: 85+ live channels, ESPN+, Hulu, Disney+ (great if he’s a “Star Wars” buff) and unlimited DVR. Note that this is a “with ads” option. If you’ve been suggesting he watch “Only Murders in the Building” or “History of the World, Part II,” here’s an opportunity.
For the fashionable dad
Shopping for clothing as a gift can be tricky, but an elevated polo shirt is a solid bet. This one from Thom Browne has a classic silhouette but modern details, like striped trim on the pocket and hem, making it just as fashionable untucked as it is tucked into jeans or slacks.
For the avid reader
David Grann
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
Give your dad the gift of his next beach read with this captivating work of nonfiction: “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder.” Author David Grann tells the story of a naval warship carrying 250 men that left England in 1740 on a secretive mission to steal Spanish treasure, and the chaos that ensued after its shipwreck.
For the happy homebody
Who wouldn’t want to receive a pair of cozy slippers, no matter the season? This pair from Beckett Simonon offers warmth, since each shoe has a plush fleece lining, but is still slim enough to easily pack into a suitcase if he prefers to take his comfiest footwear on the go.