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Every year we get really excited about picking out the best gifts for dads who like to cook because—biased as we may be—we think that dads who know their way around the kitchen are also just the best dads, period. We’d be lying if we said we didn’t also enjoy taking this opportunity to remind everyone that no father anywhere wants whiskey stones for Father’s Day or the holidays, no matter his age or drink preference. (And if you believe the dad in your life might be the exception, we guarantee you’re not the first one to think that, and there’s a good chance he already has a set or three collecting dust in the basement.)
With that very important announcement out of the way, let’s get to what is inside this gift guide for dads. The gift ideas below include durable kitchen tools, specialty condiments, coffee, and small appliance upgrades, and even some rugged outdoor gear for the dad who likes to hit the nearest park or playground with a picnic basket or cooler in tow. Most are products we use at home, gadgets we’ve tested, and food and ingredients we’ve tasted and loved.
No matter what the dad in your life likes to cook (or eat), keep reading to find the best Father’s Day gifts.
Kitchen gear for dads
Gifts for the dad who slays breakfast
Gifts for the dad who stays caffeinated
Gifts for dads who love to grill
Gifts for outdoorsy dads on the go
Gifts for the dad who’s always doing yard work
Gifts for the pizza fanatic dad
Gifts for dads who love small appliances
Gifts for beer-loving dads
Cocktail gifts for dads
Ingredient gifts for dads
Edible gifts for dads
Goofy gifts for dads
Kitchen gear for dads
If your dad is a quality-over-quantity type of guy, he might have taught you to calculate the “cost per use ratio” of every purchase. That equation will absolutely fail on any prom dress (sorry, never wearing that again) but works perfectly on a piece of heirloom-quality cookware, like a Le Creuset Dutch oven or a thick wood cutting board that won’t warp. Instead of a cheap knife set, blow your budget on the chef’s knife that came out on top in our testing (and if you’re feeling generous, throw in a knife sharpener to keep it in good condition). If you have less to spend, consider a Microplane grater; once he uses it, he’ll wonder how he ever cooked without it. Or opt for new cookware. He can use our product-review-winning cast-iron skillet to sear pork chops. Or, give him a carbon-steel skillet that’s as versatile as cast iron, but lighter in weight. If he’d like to try trendy ceramic cookware out, pick up a Caraway Pan for Father’s Day.
Gifts for the dad who slays breakfast
Every cook has their specialty, and if your dad’s is breakfast, consider upgrading some of his equipment. You can’t go wrong with the best waffle maker in the game (or one that makes Lego-shaped waffles instead). If he’s known for his savory breakfast, go for a new griddle or nonstick pan for bacon and eggs.
Gifts for the dad who stays caffeinated
If your dad is a coffee drinker, there’s no shortage of great gear in that department, including our favorite gooseneck kettle for the perfect pour-over; the king of drip coffee makers to take the fuss out of the process; and our favorite espresso machine if he does want to make a bit of a fuss over his morning routine. You should also consider a subscription to really great coffee beans, so he’ll always have a few varieties on hand.
Need more coffee gift ideas? Go for a French press that’s double-filtered to prevent bitterness, and a countertop device for the dad who’s really into cold brew. And for the dad who’s dying to impress the cool baristas up the street, a coffee tasting class will probably do. Of course, no set of coffee gift ideas would be complete without a mug or two, and we’ve got some suggestions for those—including a high-tech mug that keeps your coffee warm via a rechargeable mechanism (don’t worry, the mug itself is cordless). For the less techy dad, a hand-thrown mug from Etsy is the ultimate unique gift because no two look the same.
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Gifts for dads who love to grill
There are so many great gifts for the grill master dad this year. If he prefers to keep it old-school, the extra-stylish anniversary limited edition of our favorite charcoal grill (which comes in delightfully retro colors like “hot rod yellow,” “diner green,” and “rock n’ roll blue”) could be just the right thing. Or maybe he just wants to hang by the firepit to the sound of his carefully curated Spotify playlist. In that case, opt for one of the best outdoor speakers we tested earlier this year. Need more ideas? Go for a super-smart meat thermometer, some heat-resistant grill gloves with silicone grippers, a weatherproof outdoor prep table, or a grill grate expander for his classic Weber.
Gifts for outdoorsy dads on the go
Outdoorsy dads of all ages will be thrilled to have some rugged gear for camping, fishing, picnicking, and, generally, just being a dad about town (or the middle of nowhere). Think heavy-duty travel coolers and totes, a super-portable waterproof speaker with amazing sound, insulated drinkware, or an iconic multitool with utensils for filleting the catch of the day, chopping veggies, opening cans, and so much more. And outdoorsy dads who take the “dad” part of their job seriously will look great telling campfire stories from an upgraded camping chair or pushing around an all-terrain stroller wagon with plenty of room for kids and a cooler.
Gifts for the dad who’s always doing yard work
Maybe you have the type of dad whose “exciting weekend plans” mean a whole day of weeding, spreading mulch, cutting the grass, or fixing up that one rocking chair that always squeaks. If that’s the case, arm them with the best tools to accomplish all their around-the-house projects. A quality set of work gloves, water-resistant work boots, and a heavy duty tool box or tote are great places to start. If you’re looking for more gardening and outdoor gift ideas for your dad or anyone else in your life, check out our gifts for gardeners guide.
Gifts for the pizza fanatic dad
If your dad is looking to level up his outdoor cooking game, an pizza oven is going to make you the favorite child for the foreseeable future. If that’s a little out of your price range, a baking steel can also do the trick. Throw in a pizza wheel, some nice dough, and a bottle of high quality oil from our favorite brand, Brightland, and pizza night never looked so delicious.
Gifts for dads who love small appliances
Dads? They like gadgets and tech gifts. And there are probably a few kitchen appliances even the most gadget-loving dad doesn’t have…yet, anyway. If you’re not sure which way to go, a sous vide wand is the perfect cooking gift for anyone who appreciates precision, and a do-it-all countertop oven that’s also an air fryer for making super-crispy food is seriously one of the most useful small appliances you can buy. Should any of his go-to cooking gadgets be in dire need of an upgrade, help Dad with a 14-cup food processor from Cuisinart or a new smart toaster that makes every piece exactly the way he wants it. And for the dad that likes to listen to Billy Joel or Nickleback while he’s cooking dinner, give him the gift of AirPods—and in turn give yourself and other members of the household the gift of superior reign over the AUX cord.
Gifts for beer-loving dads
If the dad in your life loves beer, cracking a cold one is already an experience. But we’re willing to bet it’s an experience that could use an upgrade, whether that’s in the form of a handblown pint glass for his favorite IPA or pilsner, a sleek beer fridge to call his own, a fun bottle opener that’s too big and cool to live on his keychain, or the definitive book on pairing beer and food. For the dad who likes to make his own beer, or sustainably source his favorite in bulk at the local brewery, consider a growler. And for the dad who takes his beer less seriously, a puffy vest for his favorite can is the perfect gift.
Cocktail gifts for dads
We promise we won’t use this space to complain more about whiskey stones. Instead, let’s focus on the gift you should get your scotch, bourbon, or rye loving dad: an upgraded set of whiskey glasses or a set of really beautiful ice molds (this jewel-like ice will look great in any cocktail). For the dad who loves a martini, a meditation on the drink's long history from drinks expert Robert Simonson. For the dad who makes a mean margarita, a luxe cocktail shaker. For the dad who wants to get fancy, a cocktail smoker will make them feel like a bartender at their favorite restaurant. And for the dad who really wants to get in the weeds and learn the origin of nearly every mixed drink, go for the definitive scholarly work on cocktails from David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum.
Ingredient gifts for dads
Home cooks of every skill level could use a jar or two of something that’s a dinner ace in the hole—an ingredient that can transform anything into a flavorful meal with just a drop, dash, or drizzle. Quality spices, specialty condiments, and really good sauces make ideal holiday gifts because they’re a level up from what your dad might buy for himself—and with any luck they will quickly become his go-to staples. You might even find that he requests a restocking of that hot sauce or flavor-boosted curry ketchup you got him as a Father’s Day gift. You could also opt for a bottle of small-batch vinegar or olive oil for salad dressings or for BBQ and grilling season. Or for a dad who really likes to DIY, consider a hot sauce kit that will allow him to make his own spicy condiments.
Edible gifts for dads
Even dads who like to cook need a break sometimes—especially new dads caring for babies. And we recommend giving foods that feel like a real treat: caviar, oysters, fancy cheese, a salami gift set, a high-quality bagels-and-lox spread from an iconic New York City spot, next-level chocolate bars, or even a whole jamón—because he’s the best dad in the world, right? (Pro tip: Food also makes a great solution when you’re in need of a last-minute gift.)
Goofy gifts for dad
We don’t condone dad jokes, but they’re a fact of life, and we should probably be acknowledged on Father’s Day. For the perennially goofy dad, we’ve got novelty gift ideas, including a matching pizza T-shirt and onesie set perfect for the new dad celebrating his first Father’s Day, lobster slippers for all of your dad’s outdoor seafood boils this summer, and a Star Wars–themed Instant Pot for the dad who wants to cook with the Force.
About to give in and buy a gift card? Stop! Get more gift ideas and gift guides below:
