The Best Father’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Dad
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Father’s Day is this Sunday! So if you haven’t already, it’s time to turn your attention to probably the hardest person in your family to buy for. Perhaps your dad will simply buy himself any new thing that catches his eye. Or perhaps your dad is the opposite, the definition of economical, and never hints at a desire for anything more than what he has. Either way, the key is to figure out a gift they didn’t even know they wanted, like a plush robe to replace the decade-old one, or the cookbook of a restaurant they once saw on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Because budget is also important, I’ve separated 37 thoughtful gifts for all kinds of dad by price. At the time of publishing, the gifts below should arrive in time for Father’s Day, and I’ve made a note of any that won’t.
Gifts I personally think are the best
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This supremely powerful grinder throws off ten times the amount of fresh pepper as lesser models.
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A Japanese gardening doodad that will keep the sidewalk weed-free.
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For the dad who needs to be reminded that the dinner table is a Facebook-free zone.
Under $25
For the dad you call for DIY advice
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A “really charming” stud finder that will keep him from drilling unnecessary holes into the wall.
For the dad in a war with the HOA
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This nifty little tool will keep his sidewalks clear of weeds.
For the dad with perfect penmanship
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Pentel Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil - 3-Pack
A pack of mechanical pencils favored by Sir James Dyson.
For the dad who sneezes from May to August
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He’ll get a kick (and some serious decongestion benefits) out of this NASA-approved nasal emollient, which helped one Strategist contributor finally relieve her sore and stuffy sinuses.
For the dad who sings in the shower
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The buttons on this speaker work well even with slippery, soapy fingers, so Dad can switch from podcasts to the Bee Gees with no problem.
For the dad training for his first marathon
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Don’t let Dad make the rookie mistake of running in cotton socks and ending up with blisters. These wick moisture away from the foot and feature silver threads to keep them smelling fresh even on long runs.
For the dad who plays it safe
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A condiment that still packs a punch (but not a wallop).
For the dad whose big three are garlic, onion, and ginger
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Recommended by Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla, this gadget (and what dad doesn’t love a gadget) makes garlic chopping a breeze.
For the dad who will sit anywhere
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Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch told us that he’s very particular about sitting: This comfy, foldable mat means he can do it comfortably anywhere — from highland hikes to the airport.
Under $50
For the dad Ubering on the side
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This car diffuser is much more discreet than a tree hanging off his rearview mirror.
For the dad who prefers to get his protein from the grill
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A remote thermometer means Dad can check on the progress of his fillets and chops from the comfort of the sofa.
For the dad who can (and will) work anywhere
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This easily compressible keyboard can snap on to any phone or tablet to make an instant workspace.
For the practical dad …
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A bumpproof, scratchproof, MagSafe phone case for the dad who likes his gifts to serve a purpose.
… and the practical dad on tour
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Another functional (yet stylish) option: This luggage tag looks smart, and also stows an AirTag for dad to track his possessions from terminal to terminal.
For the low-intervention wine dad
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‘The Four Horsemen: Food and Wine for Good Times from the Brooklyn Restaurant,’ by Nick Curtola and Justin Chearno
If you can’t get him a table, get him the next best thing.
For the Star Wars dad
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Star Wars LEGO can really get up there in terms of price, but this beginner-friendly model (that the two of you can build together) isn’t too expensive.
Under $100
For the dad who is addicted to Facebook
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The Brick
Remember when your parents banned cell phones from the dinner table? It’s time to return the favor.
For the dad who wouldn’t be caught dead with an Aeropress
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Alessi makes the coolest-looking stovetop espresso machine around.
For the dad always prepared for a rainy day
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Davek’s umbrellas are basically indestructible (and they come with a lifetime guarantee in case he loses it).
For the recently retired dad
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If his new hobbies include birding, these binoculars are good for beginners and are “highly compatible with the chaotic city-birder lifestyle,” according to Strategist writer Kat Gillespie.
For the dad who is too stylish for a DeWalt
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Gift him this steel Japanese toolbox in a pleasing shade of blue.
For the nostalgic dad
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If Dad misses the days of (instant) film, he’ll get a kick out of the Polaroid Go, a compact instant camera that Strategist writer Jordan Bowman praised for its sharp picture quality, reliable focus, and easy-to-use controls.
For the five-o’-clock-shadow dad
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Every barber I interview says safety razors are the best way to shave, and that this tool is the best way to do it. (Replacement blades are cheap, too, dad will be relieved to hear.)
Under $200
For the dad who always sears the perfect ribeye
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While this grinder is expensive, “every twist throws about ten times the amount of pepper onto whatever product you have it aimed at, similar to dusting by hand,” Brine New York City executive chef Joseph LoNigro explains, making it great for grilling dads.
For the dad who always needs a (flash) light
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Strategist senior writer (and certified picky guy) Michael Zhao calls this an “endgame” flashlight that surpasses all others.
For the dad who’s always on his feet
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When he finally has a chance to sit down, he can slot this heated foot massager right by the couch.
For the dad who would grill anywhere …
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Another feature of our Summer 100 is this portable grill, which makes a barbecue anywhere … finally possible. Dads, rejoice!
… or anytime
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Remove the only non-fun part of grilling with a robot that does the cleanup for you.
[Editor’s note: The Grillbot will arrive after Father’s Day.]
Under $500
For the dad who aches
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We’ve called this a “heating pad on steroids” — and we mean it. It heats up and vibrates to soothe soreness and inflammation across the back.
For the dad who always checks the One Bite Pizza Rankings
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He’ll be slinging perfect margherita pizzas in no time.
For the dad with high cholesterol
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My own dad, who never asks for anything come Father’s Day, had a very specific request for this smart toaster oven, apparently beloved by his favorite radio hosts. I’m mostly just relieved he’s made gifting easy this year, and, to complete the gift, I will be giving him a demo on how to air-fry hot wings.
More Father's Day Gifts
- 40 On-Sale, Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts (That Don’t Look Last-Minute)
- 34 Early Prime Day Deals on Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts
- This On-Sale Indoor Putting Green Will Arrive by Father’s Day
- Make Him Smell Nice: The Best Grooming Gifts for Father’s Day
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