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The 55 Best Gifts for Every Type of Dad

From wow-worthy tool sets to ultra-soft slippers.

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Best Gifts for Dads of 2023

Real Simple / Brian Kopinski

While finding gifts for a significant other or best friend might be a no-brainer, it's tricky finding the perfect gift for dads (especially those who swear they don’t need anything).

“Parents are super busy, so gifting Dad something that will serve a purpose in his day-to-day life is always important,” says Paul Zahn, a lifestyle and entertainment expert. Even simple or inexpensive gifts can “warm his heart” and make a thoughtful addition to his life.

If you’re unsure what to get, “think about Dad’s hobbies, likes, interests, and things that he can truly enjoy for himself,” adds Elisabeth Noel Jones, the founder of GiftMeChic. “You can also just outright ask Dad what he wants. As much as surprises can be fun and nice, sometimes getting Dad exactly what he asked for will make him happy and life easier for you.”

But if you do want to surprise him, we’re here to help. Below, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for dads with a wide range of price points, interests, and hobbies on display. Whether the dad in your life is into watching sports, cooking meals, or curling up with a good book, we’ve got you covered.

Give Dad the gift of entertainment with this handy streaming stick from Roku. If he has a Roku TV, the popular device will let him stream all his favorite channels (including Netflix, Hulu, and more) in vivid 4K picture quality, and he can easily control the settings through Siri, Alexa, or Google voice assistants. The remote takes all the hard work out of the streaming process, letting Dad enjoy his favorite movies and shows with minimal effort.

Featuring 20 must-have grilling tools like tongs, a basting brush, a spatula, corn holders, and more, the Cuisinart BBQ Deluxe Grill Set will be Dad’s right-hand helper during barbecues. All of the durable tools are made from stainless steel, and the set even comes with an aluminum carrying case so Dad can take it with him on a camping trip or to a BBQ in someone else’s backyard.

Large fire pits require a lot of maintenance, which is why this compact and lightweight option from Solo Stove is so great. It takes just minutes to set up on a tabletop or balcony, and Dad can light it with pellets or wood. The resulting fire will be largely smokeless and hot, and when the pit isn’t in use, Dad can fold up its legs and store it in the included portable carry bag.

For the dad who likes his meals with a kick, a hot sauce gift set like this one from Thoughtfully makes for an excellent present. Dad can try out popular sauce flavors like cayenne pepper, garlic herb, and whiskey habanero, sprinkling as much or as little of the seven bottles on his food as he likes. Whether he uses the sauces on chicken wings, chips, burritos, or anything else, the delicious added flavor will go a long way.

If Dad tends to take his coffee or tea on the go, he’ll appreciate this leak-proof travel mug from Kinto. The insulated, stainless-steel container can keep beverages hot or cold (depending on the type) for up to six hours, and it has a 360-degree sipping lid that couldn’t be easier to use. You can buy the scratch-resistant tumbler in one of five elegant colors, and at under 7 inches tall, it’s the perfect size to throw in a bag for a day out.

If Dad isn’t already part of the pickleball craze, he certainly will be once he receives this set of paddles and balls from JoncAye. The cool-looking set (designed for players at all levels) comes with four fiberglass paddles, four balls (two indoor and two outdoor), four grips, and even a bag to store the paddles. All he needs to start playing is a net—and perhaps some friendly competition.

If Dad is a big fan of carbonated drinks, he’ll be ecstatic to receive this bundle from SodaStream. It includes a sparkling water maker, two tall Co2 cylinders, three reusable carbonating bottles, and two Bubly flavors. The easy-to-use maker features three carbonation levels, allowing Dad to make a drink to his tastes. After using this device, he’ll never want to return to regular water.

These electric salt and pepper grinders are a kitchen staple from the future—and one that Dad will love using to season his food. They offer multiple grinding levels, an easy-to-use switch, and can be used for any solid grain seasonings, not just salt and pepper. He can wave one of these grinders over his food to dust it with flavor and spice.

With the weather getting chillier, Dad will appreciate a warm and cozy jacket like this corduroy pick from L.L. Bean. The elegant jacket features super soft Berber fleece lining to keep Dad comfortable on colder days and a relaxed fit that goes with any outfit. It’s available in six colors (including walnut, woodsmoke, and coal), is machine washable, and comes in regular and tall sizing.

With this digital picture frame from Aura, Dad can watch a constantly updated montage of photos and videos of his loved ones. Whenever he wants to add new content, he can upload the images to the connected app, and they appear almost immediately. Other people can add images to it too, making this a great tech-friendly gift if you and your dad live in different states and you want to share photos of your life.

Save Dad the hassle of going to the gym by gifting him this 5-in-1 adjustable dumbbell set from Merax, which he can use for various workouts from the comfort of home. The cast-iron set is adjustable from 15 to 55 pounds—Dad just needs to spin the dumbbells to change the weight. The set also has anti-slip nylon handles and a safety locking mechanism to prevent accidents. Any exercise enthusiast dad will appreciate a fitness gift that helps him achieve his health goals.

Featuring 500 New York Times Sunday crossword puzzles, this book is a puzzle solver’s dream come true. Any crossword-loving dad will enjoy spending hours digging into these challenging yet fun puzzles, taken from nearly a decade’s worth of newspapers. And why not make it a bonding activity by pulling up a chair and attempting to solve some puzzles with him?

No bar cart is complete without a cocktail shaker set, and this set from Crafthouse by Fortessa is sure to become Dad’s favorite for hosting and late-night cocktails. With two shakers, a strainer, a jigger, and a muddler, he can craft his favorite signature cocktails right from home. If you want to amp up your gift, pair it with the Via Carota Cocktail Set.

Cozy slippers are always a good gift option. These lovely ones from UGG will keep Dad’s feet warm and snug as he walks around the house, thanks to their plush wool lining and smooth leather exterior. They’re fitted with a rubber traction sole to keep him from slipping, and they come in six colors including black leather, dark spice, and chestnut. Trust us: he’ll never want to take these cozy slippers off.

This beautiful glass decanter from Crate & Barrel will make a stately addition to Dad’s bar collection. He can pour his whiskey, bourbon, or scotch into the 32-ounce container, which has a squared-off shape and eye-catching geometric design. The decanter will keep the liquor fresh and easily accessible and looks fantastic whether placed on a bar cart or countertop.

Any dad who loves experimenting with cooking will be thrilled to receive this spice set from Smokehouse by Thoughtfully. The set includes 20 globally inspired spice rubs such as chili garlic, rosemary and herb, Jamaican jerk, lime chipotle, and many more, enhancing the flavor of any grilling recipe.

Last but not least, any music-loving dad will be glad to get a pair of AirPods, particularly Apple’s 3rd Generation model. The beloved wireless earbuds feature 30 hours of battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, and a sweat- and water-resistant design. They come with a charging case, too, and can switch easily between devices during use. From listening to his favorite tunes to taking phone calls to dictating messages, there’s nothing these AirPods won’t help Dad do.

Does Dad often have trouble sleeping, especially when he travels or is stressed out? Gift him this lightly weighted and ultra-soft fleece sleep mask from Nod Pod, which offers just enough pressure around the wearer’s eyes to help with anxiety and lead to a relaxing night’s sleep. It’s available in six colors (including fossil grey and sage green) and is machine washable, allowing Dad to enjoy the mask’s benefits without having to deal with annoying and time-consuming care.

Stanley Cups are all the rage these days, and if your dad loves nothing more than a cold beer, he’ll adore this durable, sleek-looking stein. The insulated, stainless steel beer stein holds 24 ounces’ worth of liquid, keeping it cold for up to five hours (it can also be used for hot beverages, too). The cup comes in eight colors and has an extra-large handle that makes it easy to hold.

Whether you’re trying to teach him the joys of self-care or adding to his collection of skincare products, Dr. Squatch soaps can be a soothing part of his daily routine. The lathering and hydrating bars are scented with "manly" fragrances, like wood barrel bourbon and birchwood, and come in a very giftable set of three.

For the dad who’s always complaining about his back pain, give him this top-rated Thermagun massage gun. It’s a sleek, powerful device that provides a deep tissue massage with minimal effort. It has four attachments, an ergonomic handle, and Bluetooth connectivity, so he can keep track of his routine. Plus, it has a wide speed range that's fully controllable in the app, and boasts a 120-minute battery life.

If the dad in your life likes nothing more than curling up with a good book, a high-quality e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite is a great gift choice. With 8 GB of storage, 10 weeks of battery life, and adjustable, glare-free light settings, the device makes for a relaxing and immersive reading experience. You can pick from three colors and get it with or without ads.

Not only does this pack of men’s calf socks from Bombas come with eight pairs of sophisticated, soft socks but they’re all packed away in a colorful gift box that Dad will be delighted to receive. These cotton socks have cushioned footbeds and Y-stitched heels to cup the foot, creating a comfortable fit. Plus, you can tell Dad that the socks give back; Bombas donates one pair to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased.

Want to set Dad up with a solid skincare routine? Buy him this set from Cardon, which includes a purifying face wash, gel moisturizer, and SPF moisturizer. All of the products cleanse and energize the skin, and when used together, they’ll leave Dad’s face feeling fresher than ever. He’ll thank you later.

Gift Dad the experience of sipping a luxurious cocktail from the comfort of home with one of these elegant drink sets from Via Carota. Each kit includes two signature glasses and two bottles of ready-to-drink cocktails so he can pour a perfect drink effortlessly. Whether he loves a classic Negroni, martini, or bourbon-based drink, this gift set will bring the charm of the famed Via Carota restaurant to his bar cart.

For the sports-loving dad, a new cooler will be his must-have at tailgates and events and he will love this lightweight and incredibly roomy model from RTIC. The 32-quart insulated box can hold up to 48 cans of beer and 30 pounds of ice and is sturdy and durable enough to be used as a bench or tabletop, too. It’s available in six colors, so you can get the version closest to Dad’s favorite sports teams.

Upgrade Dad’s coffee-brewing experience with new coffee maker. This drip model from Brauncan make up to 14 cups in one go. He can choose between fast, regular, bold, or iced brews and use the warming plate to keep the coffee fresh for up to four hours. The sleek device has a bright touch display, a 24-hour programmable timer, and is easy to wash, saving Dad plenty of time and effort.

Every dad deserves a little luxury in his day-to-day life, and these flannel sheets perfectly balance practicality and extravagance. Fleece is a cozy favorite for good reason—it’s breathable, soft, and warm, but not stifling. We also love the menswear-inspired patterns that even a highly selective or stylish dad can appreciate.

If Dad has a relentless sweet tooth, the Best of Magnolia Sample Pack might be the best gift you can give him. The gift sampler includes four blondies and four chewy brownies, and you can choose from the iconic banana pudding or a variety pack.

Let’s be real—there’s a decent chance that Dad hasn’t replaced his everyday t-shirts in a long time. This set of five basic yet high-quality shirts from Fresh Clean Threads can easily upgrade his wardrobe. The tees are made from a super soft cotton blend, are available in either crewneck or v-neck fits, and come in various versatile colors. Prepare for Dad to make these his new closet staples.

If Dad is an ingenious home cook or dedicated foodie, he’ll love this compact giftable garden from Gardenuity. It’s small enough to keep indoors on a windowsill, and packed with 4-6 herbs and vegetables tailored to his precise location and season. The resulting customized garden can elevate any recipe and has an included guarantee that all the plants will arrive healthy and ready to grow.

If dad is a movie buff, he’ll undoubtedly love this poster from Curious Charts Commission, which features an illustrated list of the top 100 movies of all time as chosen by IMDb user ratings. He can scratch off any films he’s seen, revealing colorful posters underneath and inspiring him to watch new movies he might have missed. With its unique design, the poster is also a piece of art he can hang in his office or home theater.

Any home chef will be thrilled to receive this sophisticated cast iron skillet, which can go from searing meat to sautéing vegetables in minutes. Dad can bring this skillet from the campfire to the grill to the stovetop, and its extra-large size can fit enough food for the whole family. For an extra-special touch, you can also add a custom engraving to his skillet.

Sweaters are a reliable favorite for gifting, especially during winter months, and this cozy wool-blend sweater from Patagonia is no exception. It’s made with 70% recycled wool and 26% recycled nylon and has a classic cable knit design that pairs well with every outfit. The neutral color options make this a supremely versatile sweater he’ll have in his wardrobe for years to come.

Made from full-grain leather and available in seven colors, this small yet sophisticated toiletry bag will keep all of Dad’s travel products safely stored and easily accessible. The minimalist pouch has two wide and water-resistant zippered compartments, plus elastic bands, mesh pockets, and a subtle leather handle for carrying. You can personalize your gift with Dad’s name or initials, and it comes wrapped in a beautiful gift box as a sweet bonus.

What DIYer dad wouldn't appreciate a good tool kit? With 290 pieces, this tool set from Husky Mechanics contains everything a handyman needs to tackle projects around the house. From wrenches to sockets to adapters, the high-quality tools in this kit are for DIYers of all skill levels. They’re easy to clean and very durable, too, thanks to their polished chrome finishes, so Dad won’t have to replace any of the tools for a long time.

No more distraction for Dad as he works; with these noise-canceling headphones from Bose, The over-ear headphones come with 20 hours of battery life, a crisp and clear microphone system, and 11 levels of noise cancellation so Dad can pick one that’s best for his particular needs. Plus, since they’re Bluetooth-enabled, he can conveniently use them to take phone calls.

This Smokey Bear sweatshirt is a gift that gives back to the outdoorsman or conservationist dad. The Landmark Project donates 10% of the proceeds from each purchase to the U.S. Forest Service’s Wildfire Prevention Education Fund. With a comfortable unisex fit and two timeless colorways, this will quickly become Dad’s favorite sweatshirt.

A great cologne can make a huge difference in his daily self-care ritual, so why not give the dad in your life a top-notch aroma like this fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent? A sophisticated woody cologne featuring flavorful hints of sage, vetiver, apple, and tonka bean, it’s a highly appealing scent that can go with practically any outfit or occasion—and it’s available in three sizes. When Dad gets compliments on his cologne everywhere he goes, he’ll have you to thank.

Want to impress your dad? Buy him this full-size arcade machine from Arcade1Up, which includes 14 retro games like Pac-Man, Galaga, and Dig Dug. He’ll love revisiting the classic games of his youth and tracking his scores on the WiFi-enabled leaderboard—plus, the colorful cabinet will look super cool in his home. Some assembly is required, but once the machine is set up, good luck getting Dad to take his attention off it.

Whether Dad is a master chef or a novice in the kitchen, he’ll love having a high-quality knife set on hand. This option from Henckles comes with 20 stainless steel pieces, including paring knives, steak knives, kitchen shears, and more, all with precision-cut blades and lightweight, comfortable handles. And then there’s the self-sharpening ash wood knife block, which keeps the knives at their best and features labeled slots so Dad won’t have to wonder where each knife goes.

Video games are fun for all ages, and with the Nintendo Switch Lite, Dad can enjoy all his favorite games while at home or on the go. This compact and lightweight device is smaller than the traditional Switch, making it easily portable, and it comes in three colors (blue, coral, or turquoise). Dad can use it with any number of Nintendo-brand games (like Animal Crossing or Mario Kart) and have a blast no matter where he is.

Great luggage is the ideal gift for the adventuring dad who’s always jetting off to the next destination and the Away Carry-On Suitcase will be a game-changer. Available in nine colors, this carry-on is lightweight yet durable and boasts an interior compression system, easy-grab handles, and 360-degree wheels. For an extra gift, you can personalize the bag with Dad’s name or initials, adding fun customization and a pop of color to the already-impressive luggage.

Whether he’s setting new goals or striving to stay on top, the Daily Focus Notepad can streamline his to-do’s and boost productivity. Each page includes three sections for the day’s top three priorities, tasks, and any notes or reminders. We love the handy check boxes, which give him the satisfaction of crossing off items from his list.

Regardless of whether Dad has an acquired style, the playful stripes and vibrant colors of the Dusen Dusen Turf Stripe Bathrobe will add flair to his daily routine. The 95% cotton terry material is super soft and cozy, and the contrasting colorways are an eye-catching twist on the traditional white bathrobe.

The Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder is a practical gift for the dad who’s always on the go. He won’t need to juggle his coffee and hefty luggage with one hand anymore—this pick secures onto the luggage handle and offers three pockets that can tote small items including a phone, passport, keys, and two drinks.

Give your dad a kickstart to cultivating a garden with this seed-starting greenhouse kit from Jiffy. The kit comes with 72 peat pellets, a base tray, plant labels, a clear greenhouse dome, and a pouch of plant vitamins. All Dad needs to do is add water and the flower, herb, or vegetable seeds of his choosing; after that, he can sit back, relax, and watch the seeds thrive.

The epicurious dad will delight in the eclectic snacks and treats in the Bokksu Gift Snack Box. You can opt for a single month’s worth of snacks or amp up to a subscription level. It’s packed with 20 Japanese snacks, candies, a tea pairing, and a magazine—plus free shipping directly from Japan.

If your dad loves golf and cornhole, this is the perfect gift for him this holiday season. The GoSports BattleChip Versus Golf Game combines both activities, allowing players to work on their chipping techniques while having fun. The game (which can be played four separate ways) comes with two wood-framed targets, a hitting mat, 16 foam balls, a scorecard, and even a tote bag so Dad can take it on the go for his next camping trip or tailgate.

Whether it’s a hectic workday or an intense game with his favorite team, the RCA Mini Retro Refrigerator will keep Dad’s favorite drinks chilled and on hand. The compact size can fit anywhere, while the 6-can capacity offers enough capacity so he can avoid constant restocking. Plus, we like the vintage-inspired design for a gift that’s stylish and functional.

Gift dad cozy, rugged comfort with this stylish collared jacket from The Normal Brand. The wool blend fabric is warm and insulating for rugged adventures and daily errands, and has a muted check pattern that pairs well with just about any outfit.

For the dad looking to level up his health regimen, opt for the Oura Ring fitness tracker. It has a sleek and unassuming profile (no bulky watches or tech here) but has all the high-def insights he needs to improve his workouts, daily habits, and recovery. You can also choose from four finishes to complement dad’s style.

Whether dad already has a daily meditation practice or wants to add mindfulness into his routine, a floor cushion pillow can elevate and encourage his healthy habits. This stylish pillow from Degrees of Comfort comes in 13 colors and is versatile for floor lounging, reading, and yoga.

Anyone can benefit from a little at-home spa day, dad included. The Medical King Foot Spa has massagers, heat, and a pedicure stone to smooth away rough calluses and dead skin. Whether he is in desperate need of a pedicure or already has a dedicated self-care routine, this foot spa will be his new favorite way relax and unwind.

Elevate his everyday style with this classic stainless steel necklace from Kay Jewelers. With three finishes (black, gold, silver), and five chain lengths available, you can customize his chain for a thoughtful and timeless gift that will get daily use.

Questions You Might Ask

How much should you spend on a gift for your dad?

The amount you spend on a gift for Dad depends on your finances, according to Zahn. “If you are on a tight budget, scale back on material items and ramp up your gifting with something more sentimental like a DIY photo album or magnet,” he says.

Remember that “it’s not the price of the gift that matters but the thought and love that went into it,” says Jones. 

Is it okay to give your dad a gift card?

According to Zahn, gift cards are a great gift for dads. “One way to spice things up is to break up the amounts and spread it across a few of his favorite spots,” he says. “Maybe get Dad a Dunkin' card for a few morning coffees and a $10 card to his favorite fast food spot for lunch and close the gift out with a $30 card to Dad's preferred happy hour spot.”

Gift cards are also great for shoppers who aren’t sure what products Dad wants most. “If you know that Dad loves to shop at Home Depot, for example, and you don’t know the difference between a hammer and a nail, then a gift card is 100% the way to go,” says Jones. Just make sure to “wrap it nicely and add a little note,” she adds, "so Dad will know you put thought and love into it despite it simply being a gift card.”

What are some good experience gifts for Dad?

“A great idea for an experience gift for Dad is DIY gift cards,” suggests Zahn. “Does Dad love cocktails? Gift him a DIY Gift Card redeemable for a Holiday Cocktail Happy Hour where you whip up a few holiday drinks for Dad. Is Dad a big sports fan? Give him a DIY Gift Card for a tailgating kid, and when he wants to redeem it, fill a small basket with small sizes of his favorite snacks and a few beers or sodas.” Gifts like these can be inexpensive but are personal and appreciated by the recipient, notes Zahn.

Jones adds that the best experience gifts are ones that you and Dad can do together, such as a virtual lesson from a sommelier to teach you both about wine. “I love experiential gifts because they leave a lasting memory that cannot be thrown away,” she says. 

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and The New York Times, and updated by Quinn Gawronski. To find the best gifts for dads, she researched a wide range of products with selections for every price point, interest, and hobby. She also spoke to lifestyle and entertaining expert Paul Zahn and GiftMeChic founder Elisabeth Noel Jones to get additional insight for this story.

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