The 37 Best Gifts for Dads

SpaceTime Coordinates Personalized Art Print (from about $45 at the time of publication)

SpaceTime Coordinates will create a personalized art print depicting how the solar system looked at a specific moment in time. We think this makes a special gift for your dad, whether you decide to use the date and time of his birth or to highlight another pivotal event in his life (like your birth). You can opt to include the date and event name on the print for a more symbolic present, or just show the solar system. It’s sweet and simple, and it’ll look great hanging on the wall.

Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic ($30 at the time of publication)

Hot, fresh waffles need not be reserved for restaurant brunches and hotel buffets. Whip him up a batch with one of our favorite waffle makers, and he’ll be ladling his own creations in no time. If Dad prefers his waffles thin and crispy, the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic is an especially thoughtful choice. Among the 30 waffle-maker models we’ve tested since 2014, the Cuisinart stood out for its ease of use, consistent performance, and compact design (it’s a little over 10 inches across), which makes it easy to store even in smaller kitchens.

L.L.Bean Adults’ Katahdin Pom Hat ($30 at the time of publication)

Is there a more quintessentially domestic hat than L.L.Bean’s Katahdin Pom beanie? Since its release in 1988, it has kept heads protected against even the most bitter winter chills, and its six cheery color options make even the bleakest days feel a bit brighter. A great choice for dads of all generations, it’s sure to keep him warm whether he’s chopping wood, pushing swings, or getting the paper at the end of the driveway. He’ll love pairing it with a toasty sweater or puffy coat—and, hopefully, sharing it with you, too.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 ($95 at the time of publication)

Most patriarchs could use more stylish footwear, full stop. We think the dad on your list will love walking around in these sharp white sneakers from Onitsuka Tiger, one of our favorites from testing. These slender shoes are super soft and flexible, with suede accents that offer a sporty flair. The Onitsukas were also the most comfortable leather shoes straight out of the box, with thinner leather than that of many other sneakers for minimal break-in time.

AirVape X ($140 at the time of publication)

If your dad just needs to chill out (and he’s open to it), consider giving him the AirVape X, our pick for the best portable cannabis vaporizer after researching more than 50 models and testing more than a dozen over the past five years. Whether he’s completely new to cannabis or was once a casual smoker, a vaporizer is a great way for him to bypass the sticky, ashy, black mess that comes along with smoking joints, pipes, or bongs. The AirVape X also provides a cleaner taste, less lingering odor, reduced throat irritation, and more efficient use of your material.

Filson Rugged Twill Tote ($195 at the time of publication)

The Filson Rugged Twill Tote makes a great present for Dad for the same reasons we love it as a gift for any other occasion: It’s lightweight, well constructed, and can suit any occasion, from running errands to sitting in on business meetings. It also has a standard but elevated design that makes it appear as though the wearer has it all together (even if that’s not the case). The Filson tote is made from water-repellent, 100% cotton twill, and the inner seams are bound to protect them from fraying. Basically, this bag is safeguarded against all the activities dads are wont to do—but in case you’re still worried, the Filson Tote comes with a lifetime warranty.

Philips Wiz Smart Wi-Fi LED Color Bulb ($10 at the time of publication)

Our pick for the best smart LED light bulb, the Philips Wiz Smart Wi-Fi LED Color Bulb makes it easy for Dad to create a relaxing environment at home, using nothing more than Bluetooth and his smartphone. It casts bright white light and all kinds of terrific colors, and he can program the bulb according to his schedule as well as create special effects, such as presetting certain colors to correspond with his circadian rhythm throughout the day.  The Philips is also the only Wi-Fi color bulb we tested with a Vacation Mode, which will randomly turn the bulb on and off to make it look like Dad’s home even when he’s not.

Field Notes National Parks Memo Books ($13 for a three-pack at the time of publication)

We love Field Notes notebooks of all designs for their quality, but this special collection featuring 18 national parks on the covers of these perfectly pocket-sized memo books is especially alluring. Depending on which three-pack you pick, your dad might be inspired by the richly hued depictions of Denali National Park’s green aurora, the bison of Yellowstone, or some of the world’s largest trees courtesy of Sequoia National Park. (You could also buy the entire series—there’s 18 in all—so that you don’t have to choose.)

Wildgame Innovations Mirage 18 ($90 at the time of publication)

Whether your dad is a hunter, a hobbyist nature observer, or just someone who wants to know what goes bump in the night outside his rural home, an inexpensive trail camera is a surprisingly effective tool for capturing clear images and videos of wildlife. Our testing showed that the Wildgame Innovations Mirage 18 is the best trail camera under $100 because of its 720p video resolution and ability to detect movement from up to 40 feet away.

Henry & Sally Playing Cards by Art of Play ($25 at the time of publication)

Danish brewery Mikkeller is renowned for not only its beer but also art director Keith Shore’s distinctly funky label design. If your dad has been looking forward to cracking a beer with friends and playing cards, he may delight in Art of Play’s Henry & Sally Playing Cards featuring Shore’s unique art. For even more brownie points, pair a deck with a few cans of Mikkeller beer (we’re partial to its stouts, but a tasting bundle will please all palates).

Oculus Quest 2 ($300 for 128 GB at the time of publication)

If your dad is an early adopter who’s always on the lookout for the latest and greatest tech, or if he’s already the proud owner of an Xbox or Playstation, a virtual reality headset could be the perfect escape. The Oculus Quest 2 is Wirecutter’s pick for the best VR headset because it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to use. It doesn’t require any cords or expensive PCs, so your dad can play games anywhere. Just don’t be surprised when he won’t give you a turn.

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow ($90 at the time of publication)

When was the last time your dad bought himself a new pillow? Was it after you puked on his bed after eating too much Halloween candy in third grade? If so, it’s time he had a new one. A pillow might not be the most glamorous gift, but we’ve found shredded-foam pillows like the Nest Bedding Easy Breather to be life changing, both in comfort and in their impact on our sleep quality. It’s the ultimate practical present that Dad might not even know he’s missing.

Lego Star Wars: The Mandalorian The Razor Crest ($130 at the time of publication)

In these strange and stressful times, a 1,000-piece Lego set (1,023 pieces, to be exact) paired with a cup of coffee sounds like Dad’s perfect Saturday-morning escape from his usual doomscrolling. We’ve been drooling over Lego’s The Mandalorian The Razor Crest set since we first saw it. (How can you resist tiny Baby Yoda?) We think dads who are Star Wars fans will get a kick out of it too.

Thelonious Monk, Palo Alto Vinyl LP (about $25 at the time of publication)

Just before his band broke up—and at the height of racial tensions in Palo Alto, California, in the late 1960s—Thelonious Monk made the unexpected decision to accept a student’s request for him to play a show at Palo Alto High School. A recording of the event can still be enjoyed on CD and vinyl, offering a portal to another era (and just some really great music).

Traeger Pro 575 ($900 at the time of publication)

A grill might not be the most original gift for dads, but our favorite pellet grill is anything but traditional. The Traeger Pro 575 maintains its set temperature to produce tender, juicier meat more consistently than the competition. It can also connect to Wi-Fi, allowing cooks to monitor it from afar—and freeing up Dad to join the party instead of hovering over the food. (No judgment if he wants to throw a few burgers on the ol’ charcoal grill for fun, though.) For an even better gift, throw in a pack of pellets so that he’s 100% GTG (good to grill).

Codenames ($12 at the time of publication)

Whether or not your dad already plays a lot of board games, we think he’ll like Codenames (one of our picks for the best beginner board games for adults). The interactive word-guessing game is played in teams; pairing players of different abilities is a fun way to expose younger family members to new vocabulary words. It’s quick to play, easy to learn, and flexible on how many people can participate—from four to 12 or more—making it a great choice for groups of various sizes.

CRKT Drifter ($45 at the time of publication)

The more you carry around a pocket knife, the more uses you’ll find for it. Everything your dad needs to take care of—from opening delivery boxes to fishing out little objects from between floorboards—can be accomplished without him having to search around for a specific tool. After more than 60 hours of testing, we found that the best pocket knife for most people is the Columbia River Knife and Tool Drifter: The grip area works with all hand sizes and will remain comfortable for Dad even during tough cutting.

Astor Wines & Spirits gift card (from $25 at the time of publication)

If your dad routinely unwinds after work with a bottle glass of merlot, we bet he’d appreciate a gift card from his local wine shop. If he doesn’t have one, we recommend Astor Wines & Spirits, which has a collection that spans the globe and often runs sales on already affordable wine. While Astor Wines & Spirits is based in New York City, it ships nationally (check its website for state-based restrictions). It also has a great selection of sake and spirits for the dad who isn’t the biggest vino fan. But if his tastes are evolved enough that he knows exactly what he likes, he can search the Astor site for wines by name, country, region, or grape.

MegaPro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Driver 211R2C36RD ($40 at the time of publication)

We’ve been testing screwdrivers for eight years now, but none of them have worked as solidly as the MegaPro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Driver 211R2C36RD. If your dad spends a lot of time tinkering with various repairs around the house, a great screwdriver is essential. Although most screwdrivers are fine, the MegaPro 13-in-1 will help your dad work faster and expend less effort. Plus, as its name suggests, the MegaPro comes with a comprehensive bit selection (six double-headed driver bits, totaling 12 bits, and the ¼-inch hex end of the stem) conveniently nestled inside the handle—and therefore much harder to lose.

Hasami Porcelain Mug (from about $30 at the time of publication)

Mugs by Hasami (a Japanese ceramics brand) are gorgeous porcelain pieces that always look like a set, no matter what size or color you end up buying. They’re easily (and pleasantly) stackable, making it a joy to view more than one on your shelves, and they come in three different color options. Wirecutter’s Tim Barribeau waxed poetic about Hasami porcelain in 2017 and again in spring 2020, and for good reason. We bet one of these mugs will become your dad’s favorite too.

Kalita Wave 185 Dripper ($25 at the time of publication)

Among the drippers we tested for making great pour-over coffee, the Kalita Wave 185 produced the most consistent, flavorful, and balanced coffee, perfectly suited to your dad’s sophisticated taste buds. After brewing more than 150 cups, we found the Kalita Dripper’s flat-bottomed design promoted more-even water drainage, making it easy for beginners to get consistent results (it made great coffee even when we eyeballed the amount of water per pour, or when our aim and timing were off).

We like that it also comes in ceramic and stainless steel versions. Picking one material over another is ultimately a matter of your dad’s preference: Try sneaking a couple of innocuous questions into casual conversation to help you decide which variant might make the best surprise for him.

Droll Yankees 18-inch Onyx Mixed Seed Tube Bird Feeder with Removable Base ($50 at the time of publication)

For dads who enjoy birding from their kitchen—or escaping to the yard for solo observation time—Wirecutter’s pick for the best bird feeder is the Droll Yankees 18-inch Onyx Mixed Seed Tube Bird Feeder with Removable Base. It was the sturdiest and best-built bird feeder we tested, with tough metal components that secure tightly to the body. The Onyx is versatile enough to hold several different feed types, and it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee against the damage any pesky squirrels might do. The base is easy to take off and clean, and—most importantly—there’s plenty of room for birds to perch.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 ($380 at the time of publication)

If your dad lives in a busy city or complains often about loud noises outside his house, we recommend the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. While expensive, it’s the best wireless noise-cancelling headphone set that Bose has ever released; we’ve found that some people even use the Bose 700 to help them fall asleep.

These headphones are worth the price if your dad values performance, comfort, and some control over his auditory environment. He can adjust the level of active noise cancellation on a scale from 0 to 10, depending on how much of his surroundings he wants to hear. The Bose 700 has a lightweight design, so it’s comfortable to wear for hours; plus, the controls are easy to use, and the headphones fold flat for uncomplicated storage.

Panasonic Electric Body Hair Trimmer and Groomer for Men ER-GK60-S (about $65 at the time of publication)

Facial hair may not be the only hair your dad wants to be rid of. (We don’t judge, and neither should you—he changed your diapers, after all.) In that case, we recommend the Panasonic Electric Body Hair Trimmer and Groomer for Men ER-GK60-S. The Panasonic trimmer is vertically oriented (unlike other trimmers that work horizontally), water resistant, and extremely powerful, so your dad can easily cut through any annoying body hair in a single pass. And the battery lasts 40 minutes when fully charged—more than enough time to get the job done.

L.L.Bean Men’s Wicked Good Moccasins ($80 at the time of publication)

We’ve been wearing and recommending L.L.Bean’s Wicked Good Moccasins since 2017, and no other slippers we’ve tried have been as comfortable or kept our feet as warm—making them the perfect gift for your dad. Their stitching is durable, and the suede shearling upper means he won’t have issues with the moccasins wearing thin or splitting open on top. And L.L.Bean backs these slippers with a one-year guarantee, if anything should happen in that time (although we don’t anticipate it).

Tilit Contra Chef Apron (about $95 at the time of publication)

Most waxed aprons are made from canvas, with a thick top layer of paraffin to repel water, but that makes them heavy and stiff. The Tilit Contra Chef Apron, on the other hand, is made from a thinner cotton fabric that contains a water-repelling solution. This little detail makes the Tilit Contra lighter and more comfortable than typical waxed-canvas aprons. We think the clean lines, narrow bib, and welted pockets give this apron a neat and polished look, and we think Dad will agree.

Katz’s Delicatessen Complete 3-Course Dinner for 4 ($125 at the time of publication)

Cooking—although a fun, collaborative, and often unifying task—can also be extremely laborious. How about you buy Dad a three-course dinner from the famed Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City’s Lower East Side instead? Dishes include such delicacies as homemade matzo ball soup, hand-sliced pastrami, corned beef, and chocolate babka. The soups, meats, and knishes come frozen inside a cooler, the soup is individually portioned and packed in bubble wrap, and the meats and knishes rest in vacuum-sealed bags. (The bread, pickles, babka, and mustard are inside the same package but separate from the cooler.) Although Katz’s claims the meal serves four people, we think you and your dad can probably finish it off yourselves, if you’re really hungry.

Grid5 ($140 at the time of publication)

If your father is fascinated by how things work, Grid takes apart old cell phones (Android, iPhone, even Blackberry) and fashions them into works of art, with each part labeled and arranged like a little tech map.

“I’m not the kind of person who holds on to old iPhones when I upgrade to a new one, but there’s always a bit of a nostalgic pang when I let go of last year’s model,” says senior staff writer Nick Guy, who bought the Grid5 in 2020. “Grid Studio’s framed Apple devices help soothe that longing and also feel a lot more practical than just keeping an old phone in the drawer.” (Note: Grid sells framed versions of old phones but doesn’t ask you to provide your specific device.)

Nemo Victory Blanket ($50 for a two-person blanket at the time of publication)

Every occasion is made better outdoors. Help your dad elevate a whatever meal into an alfresco fete by gifting him the Nemo Victory Blanket. Comfortable, durable, and compact, the Victory Blanket was the standout model in our picnic-blanket testing and looks great spread out over some grass. Make this one a home run by joining Dad for a baguette and cheese (don’t forget a picnic basket), or even just a stack of magazines and companionable silence.

Zach & Zoë Sweet Bee Farm Wildflower Honey (about $25 at the time of publication)

Stirred into tea, blended into baked goods, or spooned onto yogurt, honey is the sweetener that dazzles, with a flavor complexity that white sugar could never hope to achieve. Give the dad in your life a really nice jar of honey courtesy of family-run apiary Zach & Zoë. The bees are raised free of pesticides, the honey they harvest is sold without additives, and the taste is amazing. Zach & Zoë’s unfiltered honey also comes in several flavor infusions, from lavender to fresh ginger to raspberry and more.

J.Crew Broken-in short-sleeve T-shirt ($35 at the time of publication)

A white T-shirt is a sartorial blank slate, making it equally perfect for the casual dad who lives in sweatpants and the fashionable father who wants to showcase his accessories. Wirecutter’s style team researched and tested dozens of white T-shirts, and the J.Crew Broken-in short-sleeve tee was a crowd favorite. It fit most of our testers nicely, was well constructed, and felt comfortable and light to wear.

Smallhold Blue Oyster Grow Kit ($35 at the time of publication)

If you have a dad who likes to cook with mushrooms or geeks out on fungus science, a mushroom grow kit—equal parts icky and miraculous—makes the perfect gift. All he needs to do is mist the spore-dusted block a few times a day with water and wait for the magic to happen. (It takes about a week for each batch of mushrooms to become full grown; the kit can be reused a couple of times.) Wirecutter senior staff writer Nick Guy received this kit (nicknamed Maurice) as a gift from his wife, and in a little over a week, they had “a bounty of beautiful, inverted, bell-shaped shrooms” that made a “delicious base in a vegan birria.” If you’re looking for something a little different, we also like this mushroom-growing kit from Smugtown Mushrooms.

Jasper Hill Farm The Vermonter ($85 at the time of publication)

The only gift better than cheese is more cheese. We cannot more highly recommend the offerings from Jasper Hill Farm, a cheesemaker in Greensboro, Vermont. (The Vermonter collection pulls double duty as one of our favorite gift baskets that don’t suck.) Everything the farm sells is made at its on-site creamery or ripened in its underground aging facility, and The Vermonter in particular features the perfect charcuterie assortment of three mouthwatering cheeses, a box of sea salt crackers, and sweet, maple-roasted nuts.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.

Melnor 65020-AMZ Metal Nozzle ($13 at the time of publication)

A proper hose nozzle should shower delicate flowers and blast the mud off a truck tire with equal aplomb, and the Melnor 65020-AMZ Metal Nozzle can do both. During our testing, it stood out due to its durable construction and generous variety of spray patterns (seven total), running the gamut from a deck-rinsing jet stream to a mist that can coddle even the most fledgling seedlings.

Samsung HW-Q900A ($1,100 at the time of publication)

A soundbar is the simplest way to give your father a theater-quality surround sound experience at home, and among all those we tested, the Samsung HW-Q900A performed best. Its soundbar/subwoofer combo is easy to set up, provides excellent audio performance, and comes with an abundance of connecting options (including two HDMI inputs, an HDMI eARC connection to pass higher-quality audio from your TV, built-in Amazon Alexa voice control, and wireless audio streaming through Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth.) Because it’s a bit pricey, we also think this would make a great combined gift from siblings or grandkids.

Wahl Elite Pro High Performance Hair Clipper Kit ($60 at the time of publication)

Many of us learned how to cut our own hair during the early days of the pandemic, and though barbershops are back in business, your dad may have discovered he prefers the DIY ‘do. For that, we think he—or his in-house stylist—can’t do better than this clipper from Wahl: Its sharp steel blades easily slice through fine, thick, smooth, and coarse hair without slowing down, clogging, or making a ton of noise. And with 10 included guide combs, your dad will have several length options to experiment with. Over years of testing, they’re still the ones we reach for time and again.

Coleman Classic Propane Stove (about $38 at the time of publication)

For the dad who loves to camp, hunt, or use any excuse to be in the great outdoors, an easy-to-transport camping stove will make a great gift. After testing 13 and even dissecting three of them, we found that none beat the Coleman Classic Propane Stove. On a single 16-ounce tank of propane, this stove can cook with both burners on high for roughly an hour, and it has the barest minimum of parts, so it’s easy to maintain.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.