Father’s Day Gift Ideas If You Still Don’t Know What to Get
From the dad who “already bought it” to the one who claims he doesn’t need anything, these thoughtful gifts might actually impress him this year.
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Photo by Julia Gartland
Let’s be honest: dads are objectively some of the hardest people to shop for. Whether it’s the “I don’t want anything” dad, the “just buy me socks” dad, or the “already ordered it myself” dad (the audacity), landing on a thoughtful, actually appreciated gift can feel impossible. One year my dad asked for a handheld leaf blower that my sisters and I promptly bought and I think that’s still his favorite gift ever. And yes, that's on here.
For this guide, I had to outsource—asked friends, combed through Reddit threads, and consulted my own father (an avid golfer and outdoor work enthusiast). The takeaway? Most dads either already have the gear for their main hobby, or what they want is way out of budget (why are all their hobbies so expensive?).
One Reddit dad summed it up perfectly: “Honestly, a simple ‘thank you’ would set me up for the year.” And another chimed in with some tough love: “Just ask him what he likes to do—don’t ask us.” It made me laugh, but they’re kind of right. If you don’t know their exact interest, trying to buy into their hobby is risky. Some of these gifts might be a huge miss—or worse, something they already have five versions of.
So instead, this list leans into thoughtful picks, little luxuries they wouldn’t think to buy for themselves, and gifts that invite quality time. Also, if you have some ideas for me for my next guide, please comment or send my way.
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My Go-to Picks
For the golf dad (or the dad who just likes a quality belt). It’s adjustable, high-quality, and doesn’t scream golf gear if he wears it off the course.
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Great for wine-loving dads who don’t finish a bottle in one sitting (or who just want a glass mid-week without committing).
Functional, durable, and something they’ll use daily. We love a customized version in our family because it feels more personal or even funny (if you go the witty route).
High-tech, useful, and makes grilling feel like less of a guessing game. If he doesn’t already have this, it’s a guaranteed hit.
For the Dad Who Cooks or Grills
The kitchen is his kingdom—or at least, the patio grill is.
This collection is cool because it works inside like regular Le Creuset cookware, but it's tough enough for the fire pit or grill. The dutch oven is a great pick if you want to splurge, but I also love the skillet.
Okay yes, a hot sauce bundle sounds a little cliché—but this one is handpicked by J. Kenji López-Alt, aka the chef behind some of our most popular recipes. The set includes picks perfect for grilling or dipping. AND it includes Secret Aardvark Habanero, one of my personal go-to sauces.
No more cherry tomatoes falling through the grates. A smart (and good-looking) upgrade.
This is my official Father’s Day cookbook selection (maybe not saying much, but I do preview new cookbooks everyday). I love the story behind this one and the fact that the author talks about his family in it. If your dad is into Italian food (or wishes he was born there) this is a great pick.
If he’s serious about his cheese drawer, this is the upgrade he didn’t know he needed. It’s a great and easy way to store cheese, especially after cleaning up a charcuterie board.
For backyard BBQ dads who love their smoker. I combed the Reddit threads and asked some people who have smokers what they like. You can’t go wrong with Fire & Flavor and it seems like cherry, hickory, or maple are great picks.
With deep grooves to catch juices and a sturdy surface for slicing, it’s basically made for the dad who takes his grilling seriously. Bonus: it looks good enough to bring straight to the table.
A smarter way to grill corn—no slipping, no sticking, and no chasing cobs around the grill. The fold-up handle makes it easy to stash when grill season’s over (aka never, if it’s up to him).
Did you know you can get Wagyu beef delivered to your door (or a gift card to do so)? I found out the best way possible—by trying a slider at a food and wine festival—and immediately looked them up. The beef is next-level, but if you’re not ready to splurge on steaks, their salts and rubs are also top-tier and way more budget-friendly.
More fashion-forward than your average BBQ getup. This is the apron I can’t escape these days. Every bartender and chef I’ve seen out recently is wearing this (including Carmi from The Bear) and it has phenomenal reviews.
Is your dad also averse to having appliances on the counter? If he’s anything like my parents, he doesn't want one of those giant air fryers that take up half the counter. This one from Tasti-Crisp is perfectly-sized and stores away easily.
Book: Eat What You Watch
This one has been around for a decade, but I find it underrated (okay, maybe it’s not, but here’s your yearly reminder it exists). A cookbook-meets-movie guide for dads who like dinner and a film.
A fan favorite from our shop (we get asked about it all the time on social). It’s lightweight, drip-free, and perfect for prepping a lot at once—like when you’re roasting a full sheet pan of veggies or firing up the grill and need a quick drizzle.
For the Cocktail, Coffee, or Tea Connoisseur
Whether it’s a morning ritual or an after-dinner unwind, drinks are his thing.
Maybe not the most exciting, but a lot of people are lacking good bottle openers. This one’s from our own line that’s designed by our community for our community. It’s solid brass, sleek, and looks stellar on a bar cart.
If he’s into espresso martinis, this is the gold standard. Find it just about any liquor near you and bring some espresso over to go with it.
Does he have a Chemex? If so, get him this! No paper waste, all flavor. A great swap for the eco-conscious coffee nerd.
Design-forward and delicious—a total flex for the tea drinker. I’ve written about Tea Forte before, but this collab with Frank Lloyd Wright’s foundation? Way too cool. The packaging is gift-ready,
If he’s into wine, this one will impress. It’s award-winning (Wine Spectator's #1 wine of the year), complex, and kind of a flex to bring out for a special dinner. A great pick for the dad who already knows his way around a decanter.
I tried this one recently and had my dad try it too—it got the official seal of approval. It’s smooth, crowd-pleasing, and just fancy enough for Father’s Day. (If your dad’s more of a white wine guy, my mom swears by their Chardonnay.)
A small but thoughtful add-on. Bonus points if paired with his favorite drink. Handmade in New York’s Hudson Valley and cork-backed so they don’t scratch.
Kind of the official glass for wine enthusiasts. And while a full set might run you $300+, this two-pack is the perfect entry point. The shape is designed specifically for bold, full-bodied reds, helping smooth out tannins and bring out all those layered aromas. Translation: your dad’s go-to Cab is going to taste even better.
A botanical-forward gin with a little kick. Plus, it looks great on the bar cart. This is one of my favorite gins and it's already on my dad’s bar cart.
For the dad who’s really into Irish whiskey—this bottle is a splurge, but such a good one. And if you're looking for something a little more affordable, Natterjack has some great lower-proof options too that are just as solid.
For the Dad Who Likes to Hang Out Outside
If he'd rather be hiking, tinkering in the yard, or simply sipping on something outside, these gifts cover it all.
If you can't gift a trip, you can at least bring the scent of his favorite park to his home office (or garage).
Yes, they’re comfy. Yes, they open beers. A win-win. This one falls more in the category of the dad who likes to drink outside than hike outside.
If he’s the kind of dad who actually sets the table for backyard dinners, this flatware is a total upgrade. It feels a little French café, a little steakhouse—perfect for summer nights spent eating outside.
This backpack keeps drinks cold and hands free. Whether he’s hiking, tailgating, or just walking to the park, it’s the upgrade his old cooler never saw coming.
Smells good, keeps bugs away, and looks a little cooler than citronella.
Great for rainy hikes, kayaking, and general outdoorsy stuff. Also comes recommended by a dad who loves to hike which led me down a deep-dive of outdoor socks.
A solid layer for dads who won't let a little weather cancel their plans. Hikers love these and reviews are phenomenal.
Lightweight, shatter-resistant, and actually cute—these are made for patio spritzes, backyard lemonades, or whatever he’s mixing up outside. A major upgrade from the random plastic cup stash in the garage.
Sounds random, but it’s iconic. Now that I’ve mentioned it a couple of times, I had to include it. I have to say, it’s kind of fun to use and we mostly use it clean off the patio before having dinner outside.
Soft on top, water-repellent on the bottom—basically made for cool evenings by the fire pit or picnic ground lounging. It's cozy, packs easily, and doesn’t scream “camping gear.”
This one comes recommended by a dad who loves to hike. Perfect for backpacking, camping, or just tracking the temp while he pretends to need it.
Fuel his wanderlust (or just his dream of retiring to a cabin in the woods). A subscription to Outside or National Geographic is a solid go-to, but there are also tons of niche options depending on his thing—woodworking, off-roading, home repairs, even survival skills. It’s the kind of gift that shows up all year long and feels a little more thoughtful than another tool set.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever given the guys in your life? I’m always looking for ideas so please drop me your favorites!