The dads in my life work hard, rarely sit down, and decidedly do not use those tired whiskey stones that tend to pop up in gift guides for dads.
While shopping for your dad (or a dad you care about) might seem like a daunting task, I’ve found that dads are generally easy to impress, and they’ll demonstrate nothing but sheer appreciation for even a mug. Imagine what might happen if you get them something they’ll actually use? If you’re aiming for a smile, a gasp, or (dare we dream) a single dad tear this holiday season, these 15 gifts are your best bets.
All prices current at the time of publication.
Gifts for new dads
Custom Photo on T-Shirt
I fretted for weeks over what to get my husband for the holidays during his first year as a dad. This sentimental option was a no-brainer. I simply flipped through my camera roll to find a core memory (this one’s of him raising our newborn into the sky), and got it embroidered on a t-shirt in my choice of color and style. He initially refused to wear it and wanted it framed for posterity, but when I told him how affordable of a gift it was, he instantly added it to his sartorial rotation.
Manscaped The Beard Hedger SkinSafe Cordless Beard Trimmer
In the first few weeks and months of parenthood, my husband made it a point to keep his beard at bay with this Manscaped trimmer so as not to irritate our daughter’s delicate skin. It gives him a great excuse to keep up with grooming even when he’s got bottles and bum cream on the brain. Thanks to its waterproof design, he can even use it in the shower for extra convenience.
The Dad Hoodie
I initially got this stretchy fleece hoodie for my husband as a gag gift, but it’s proven to come in clutch on more than one occasion. While he has no qualms toting around our Lululemon diaper bag, this one-stop-shop of a hoodie also carries it all. It’s got six compartments to fit everything from diapers to bottles to wipes to snacks.
Gifts for dads who work too much
Nalgene Custom 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Sustain Bottle
With hard work comes energy expenditure, and with energy expenditure comes thirst. If your love language is making sure your loved ones stay hydrated, gift him a Nalgene water bottle you can personalize with your own images and text. The one I designed for my husband is admittedly NSFW, but he brings it with him wherever he goes, thanks to its convenient carry strap and wide mouth for a satisfying sip. Design yours with family photos, his favorite sports team’s name or an inside joke.
Theragun Therabody Prime (5th Generation) Massage Gun
The moment I got my paws on a Theragun in 2019, my life was changed. I undid years of physical (and maybe even emotional!) stress in a few minutes with this percussive massage device designed to target hard-to-reach areas. I particularly recommend the Theragun Prime for dad for its ergonomic design, multiple attachments and accompanying app that offers personalized routines. While it’s the ultimate gift for dad, you’ll find yourself “borrowing” it for extended periods too.
Marshall Kilburn II Bluetooth Portable Speaker
The idea of a “man cave” is a little outdated, but this sound system lets dad rock out to his favorite dad tunes anywhere in the house. Sound feels crisp and bass-heavy even in rooms with otherwise lousy acoustics, and he can always tinker with the analog control knobs to suit his tastes. Its 20-hour battery life has retained gloriously over the several years I’ve owned it. Upgrade to the Kilburn III, the latest model, for enhanced specs like 50 hours of battery life and higher water resistance.
Gifts for dads who love food
Arthurs: Home of the Nosh: A Big Personality Cookbook of Delicious Jewish Favorites
Instead of having him wait in line for brunch, allow him to whip it up on demand with this recently published Arthurs Nosh Bar cookbook, a renowned restaurant in Montreal. Full disclosure: my husband serves as a head chef, and I can confirm that the pancakes are in fact the best way to start a Sunday morning. In it, chefs and restaurateurs Raegan Steinberg and Alexandre Cohen share that celebrated pancake recipe, plus over 115 other festive favorites like egg salad party sandwiches with caviar, roasted lamb shoulder with saffron and hot cocoa brownies.
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Halo Versa 16 Outdoor Pizza Oven
Trust me when I say these pizzas will bring all his dad friends to his yard. Our Halo Versa 16 rotating pizza stone oven is an instant party hit, cranking out pie after pie with aplomb in minutes flat. We get our friends and family to top their own pizzas, making the journey almost as exciting as the destination. Sure, it’s on the pricier side, but if you like to entertain, it’ll pay for itself in the amount you’ll save on skipping delivery for gatherings.
Vitamix Ascent X4 Blender
My chef husband is veritably hooked to our Vitamix, so much so that, on a few occasions, he’s used it to prep ingredients for the restaurant because it gets the job done more efficiently than the commercial equipment at his work. Whether dad’s into experimenting with soups, sauces and smoothies or would like to try whipping up dough for homemade bread, baked goods or pizza, the Vitamix Ascent should top the gift list for the guy in your life whose world centers around good food.
Gifts for dads who love sports
Black Diamond Men’s Momentum Rock Climbing Shoes
My husband is an avid climber with plenty of tired dads to fraternize with at the climbing gym. Whether it’s dad’s first foray into the sport or he’s got a couple tough climbs under his (belayer) belt, these Black Diamond climbing shoes will provide him ample grip. They also offer a flexible midsole and a snug fit to support technical footwork.
MLB Game Used Baseball Cuff Links
I’ve put lots of thought into the gifts I’ve given my dad over the years, but these cufflinks are some of my best work. They’re made from used and vintage baseballs from Major League Baseball games, and my dad’s are from his favorite team, the Montreal Expos. (RIP.) Allow dad to wear a piece of history from his favorite team, and he’ll look put-together while feeling like, well, himself.
Human Touch Reflex Sol Foot and Calf Massager with Heat
My husband and I are both avid athletes and personal trainers on the side, and rarely do we cool down from a workout without a five-minute session on this foot massager. While it may look like sterile hospital equipment, it actually delivers a spa-like experience by boosting circulation and melting tension from calf to ankle to foot. Complete with several massage modes and a heat component to really get in there and promote recovery, this foot massager is a fitness fanatic’s dream.
Gifts for dads who love to travel
AirJustable Travel Neck Pillow
You know the trope where sleep-deprived dads nod off, mouth agape, and instantly jolt themselves back awake? They just need somewhere to rest their head. If he’s logging serious air miles, make sure he doesn’t go another flight without this Coop neck pillow. It inflates with a few CPR-like presses, has remarkably soft microfiber and memory foam construction and stays in place with a handy drawstring. My husband and I are big fans of Coop’s boutique hotel-esque bedding, so this is the ultimate way for dad to recreate that same comfort on the go.
Carry-On Pro
Dads are notorious for stuffing a month’s worth of clothing into a carry-on. Ease the burden (or contribute to the thrill) with this unbelievably capacious Monos carry-on made of tough polycarbonate that keeps your valuables safe. My husband and I successfully loaded it up with several outfits for each of us on a trip to Amsterdam and then Jamaica without having to check a single bag. Sure, it sustained a few scratches, but those are just battle scars for all the jostling it’s endured.
Pi8 Reference In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds
Whether dad is chasing his bucket list destination or commuting to work, you won’t find better earbuds to make the journey sweeter. Since this became a routine addition to my husband’s lifestyle, whether we’re on the road or at home, I’ve had to fight for his attention because he never takes them off. And that is a true testament to their comfort, sound quality and intuitive design.
