fathers day 2023

The Best Gifts for Foodie Dads

Photo: Retailers

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Dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, but if he loves to cook (or eat or drink), you’re sure to find something on this list he’ll appreciate unwrapping this Father’s Day. Maybe he already started firing up the grill and is hankering for some specialty gear. Or perhaps he has an ever-growing bar collection that could always use another bottle. To help you find a wide range of gifts that are sure to please any foodie dad (even if you’ve tried to get him to refer to himself a different way), we combed through our archives and pulled the most thoughtful ideas — and then organized them by price. Whatever his comfort level in the kitchen, one of these 68 products is sure to make his day.

A few notes before you browse: We’re getting very close to the holiday (Sunday, June 18), so though we’ve checked that everything on this list should arrive in time (some with expedited shipping), we recommend you buy sooner, rather than later. You can also head here for even more Father’s Day gift ideas and sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of all our coverage.

Under $25

This barbecue sauce comes recommended by former Strategist writer Chloe Anello, who said it went over well after she gave it to her own dad. The traditional Japanese barbecue sauce can go on anything from short ribs to grilled vegetables. And it comes in a gluten-free version if Dad (or someone he’s cooking for) has an allergy.

He’ll certainly be pleased to receive is this classic knife from Opinel with a sharp stainless-steel blade that folds into a wooden handle (said handle is quite nice to grip, for the record). The blade is super-versatile, but we think some of its best uses are for cutting fruit, cheese, or other treats on a hike or at a picnic.

TNK All-in-One BBQ Multitool
$20
$20

If he’s already started charring sausages and flipping burgers, consider this clever multitool for grilling. With seven functions, including tongs for flipping and a fork for piercing vegetables, it’s the only one he’ll need all summer long.

From $24

To help Dad up his game in the kitchen, consider giving him a small Japanese mortar for grinding spices to release their nuances and freshness. This one is a favorite of both chef Camille Becerra and co-owner of Burlap & Barrel Ethan Frisch. “Part of the challenge with whole spices is that they can go everywhere if you don’t have a big one or hit it at the wrong angle,” Frisch says. “But this one is textured and meant to push the particles down in the bowl as you’re grinding. They don’t go flying.”

This blue-corn masa harina comes recommended by cook and recipe developer Rick Martínez, who says it has pronounced “toasted-almond and pecan flavors.” High-quality masa is hard to come by in the States, but Masienda, who sources heirloom corn from Oaxaca, is working to change that. If you want to take your gift to the next level, consider bundling the bag with a tortilla press, too.

[Editor’s note: There’s only one shipping option for this item, so while we can’t guarantee an on-time delivery, we still think it’d make a great gift.]

Another corn product we love: fancy popcorn kernels from Bjorn Qorn. This two-pound box will last him through weeks of sports games, TV shows, and movies. (Plus, it makes a fun snack to put out if he likes to host.)

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting expedited shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

Helena Barquet and Fabiana Faria, owners of New York City’s beloved design shop Coming Soon, are both obsessed with CB’s peanuts. If Dad loves to snack, he will be, too. “They taste like really good peanut butter,” Faria says. “They have a long shelf life. They’re fun to put out when you have people over. They’re just delicious.” The brand also makes peanut butter, peanut brittle, and their own take on Cracker Jack.

This condiment made from blended preserved lemons comes recommended by chef and writer Lauren Joseph. She uses it in drinks, slathered on grilled meats, stirred into yogurt for dips, and more.

Maldon Sea Salt Bucket
$14
$14

Chefs and avid cooks alike love Maldon flakes as a not-too-salty finishing seasoning for both sweet and savory foods. The giant bucket might look over the top, but it’s also practical. We promise he won’t run out before next Father’s Day.

Saltverk Birch Smoked Salt
$11
$11

If he already has Maldon, Strategist contributor Hannah Howard, a former restaurant cook, says this jar of smoked salt is worth having in his spice rack. “It’s the secret ingredient on my meat, my salads, my chocolate-chip cookies; it makes everything taste better and fancier,” she says. “As for the texture, it’s crunchy and slightly chunkier than Maldon’s paper-thin flakes.”

For the dad who started baking sourdough during the pandemic and never gave it up, consider this recommendation from Strategist contributor Andrew Parks. He says a double-sided lame is perfect for slicing “free-associative patterns on the top of your loaves so people think you’re far more experienced and artistic than you actually are.” We also love that this one comes in a nice box to keep it protected.

No matter how experienced you are in the kitchen, chopping garlic is a pain. This small and mighty tool, recommended by Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla, is here to help. You simply load cloves into the wheel and roll it around to mince them up. No knife skills or hard-to-clean presses required.

We first heard about Brümate’s stainless-steel koozies from a Strategist writer who used one to keep her White Claw ice-cold, even on a hot summer day. If Dad’s a beer drinker, they come in a standard size that’ll keep his favorite 12-ounce IPAs chilled, too.

From $20

For the dad who wants to dabble in the art of sushi, contributor Eunice Byun swears by this inexpensive knife that a fisherman recommended for making it at home. It’s not a proper sushi knife, but Byun says it’s good enough to get Dad started until he wants to upgrade to a higher-end model.

This special bottle of olive oil was recommended to us by an olive-oil sommelier who calls it her “steak oil” and describes its peppery notes as perfect for searing the cut itself and then making a chimichurri to go with it. “It can really stand up to all that garlic and all those herbs,” she says.

[Editor’s note: There’s only one shipping option for this item, so while we can’t guarantee an on-time delivery, we still think it’d make a great gift.]

If he likes to sip on whiskey, a delicious bottle is a sure bet. We’ve got several to recommend, but this one “stacks up against the best in the business,” according to spirits writer Robert Simonson.

A dad who is a farmers’ market regular would surely appreciate this trio of Baggu totes. They’re super sturdy, can fit a surprising amount of stuff — from freshly baked baguettes to gallons of organic milk — and pack down to fit inside any other tote (or the convenient pouch they come in).

$20 for 2

Zab’s is an all-time Strategist favorite. The original has a vinegar-y hit, while the St. Augustine boasts a slightly sweeter heat. If you can’t decide, gift them both.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting 3-day shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

For the dad who cooks and cleans, How to Wash the Dishes by Peter Miller (a bookstore owner and author of a couple cookbooks) would make a delightful and funny present. It’s an actually insightful and well-written guide to being on dish duty.

Under $50

From $38

This is the upgraded version of Japanese company Benriner’s classic green mandolin slicer that chefs swear by. (If Dad’s clumsy, consider throwing in a pair of cut-resistant gloves.)

Photo: retailer

If he’s an iced coffee guy, this Ovalware carafe, which brews overnight in the fridge, is a sure hit. He can wake up to his caffeine ready to go in the morning. (It works for tea, too.)

Material the Good Shears
$30
$30

Kitchen shears are a necessary tool in any cook’s arsenal — but they’re not all created equal. Even if he already has a pair, he’s sure to appreciate this upgrade from Material Kitchen. They’re beautiful, incredibly sharp, and comfortable to hold. The biggest plus: They come apart for easy cleaning yet never detach while you’re using them.

[Editor’s note: There’s only one shipping option for this item, so while we can’t guarantee an on-time delivery, we still think it’d make a great gift.]

$30 at Material
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with code: STRATBDAY

For dads who are precious about their wooden countertops, Graf Lantz makes the best coasters around. The felt absorbs moisture instead of letting it pool at the bottom.

Dubbed the “next Lucky Peach” by Strategist contributor and cookbook author Priya Krishna, Whetstone magazine, co-founded by Stephen Satterfield and Melissa Shi, is a journal of food origins and culture, with an emphasis on storytelling. There are digital and print subscription options and single issues available for purchase.

Atlanta-based chef Steven Satterfield’s latest cookbook is a guide to making delicious vegetables (though as you can see from the cover, meat and fish are certainly included). It’s full of approachable recipes (many with fairly short ingredient lists) and tons of ideas for letting produce shine.

If he’s all about the maple-syrup pockets, this super-affordable waffle iron comes highly recommended as a reliable and easy-to-clean model — which means Dad is sure to love it. After all, what better way to spend weekend mornings than making thin and crispy waffles with “Eggo vibes”?

He’s always wanted to start his own hot-sauce brand, so make it happen with this kit from FarmSteady. It comes with a half-gallon glass jar, a fermentation weight, a lid with an airlock, and kosher salt, plus instructions. All he has to do is add the ingredients of his choice.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting 3-day shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

Whether or not he actually fishes, these spice blends will make any catch of the day shine (even if it’s from the grocery store). The set of four includes salmon, classic Cajun, fish fry, and Chesapeake Bay seafood seasonings. (You can also opt for Spice House’s Barbecue Collection if meat is more his thing.)

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting express shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

This Vietnamese-coffee kit from Nguyen Coffee Supply will let him try his hand at brewing some beans he probably can’t pick up at any old grocery store. It comes with the tools he needs to brew them traditionally, too.

[Editor’s note: There’s only one shipping option for this item, so while we can’t guarantee an on-time delivery, we still think it’d make a great gift.]

A dad who loves to cook and camp will appreciate a propane stove, especially when a site doesn’t have designated grills. When we compiled the best camping gear, a few experts recommended this one, which has two burners and wings to block the wind. If you really want to make his day, throw in a Lodge carbon-steel skillet, too.

A Hydro Flask, which will keep water (or, ahem, picnic wine) cold for hours, is a favorite insulated water bottle of many discerning people (including a lot of Strategist staffers), but here’s a longer list of recommended bottles if you want to shop around a bit.

Co-created by sisters Vanessa and Kim Pham, Omsom delivers traditional Asian spices to any doorstep. There are plenty of options to chose from, but this sampler of Southeast Asian spices seems particularly giftable to a dad who can never have enough flavor.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting expedited shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

For the dad who watched all of Anthony Bourdain’s shows and misses his friendly but irreverent presence, the late chef’s first cookbook could be both a balm and a resource for new dishes.

Seki Magoroku Chef’s Knife
$32
$32

You can never go wrong gifting a knife to someone who loves to cook. This one, a particularly affordable Japanese-style blade, was recommended to us by food writer and editor Matt Rodbard, who found his digging through Tokyu Hands in Shibuya. “It feels like a high-quality knife for the price,” he says. If you like the idea of giving a knife but this one doesn’t strike your fancy, check out our list for more options.

Chocolate never misses — especially when it comes wrapped in well-designed packaging. This set includes sea-salt, salted-caramel, orange, rhubarb-ginger, and plain bars. If you’re lucky, maybe Dad will share with you.

If he’s always on the go, consider gifting him a new travel mug so he can take his coffee with him. The MiiR Flip Traveler is a particular favorite of many coffee experts who appreciate its fantastic temperature retention, tight-fitting lid, and sleek design — but if you want to shop around even more, head here.

If your dad loves to cook, he probably already has a collection of cutting boards — but likely none as good as these. We named them the best overall you can buy after many pro cooks sung their praises. Made from recycled materials, they’re incredibly durable and don’t stain or scratch (unlike most plastic boards). Plus, they’re lightweight enough to bring outside for grilling season.

[Editor’s note: There’s only one shipping option for this item, so while we can’t guarantee an on-time delivery, we still think it’d make a great gift.]

This sweet bottle opener comes recommended by designer Ben Kicic, who first spotted it at a friend’s house (and immediately asked about it). It “has a strong graphic element, but because of its size, it’s not too loud or overbearing,” he says. “And clearly it works as a conversation starter.”

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting premium shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

As an alternative to a traditional decanter, wine buyer and educator Zwann Grays loves a porrón. It also lets your wine aerate but is more fun. “You can pass it around; people can pour the wine straight into their mouths,” she says. “Just about every wine bar in the city and abroad will have one of these somewhere in their reach.”

Under $100

A dad who cooks a lot should have an apron so he doesn’t accidentally splash red sauce on that shirt you gave him over the holidays. Hedley & Bennett’s come recommended by several chefs we’ve spoken to; they aren’t the cheapest, but that’s part of what makes them giftable (if Dad already has a workhorse apron, this could be the “fancy” one he throws on when cooking for guests). It has three front pockets (one at the chest and two by the hips) and the deep charcoal color will look sharp while hiding stains. It’s available in lots more options, though, and you can even get it monogrammed for a small fee.

This gift set from Made In is a knockout of a gift. It includes their stainless-steel pizza steel (the perforated bottom will help create a crispy bottom crust), plus some great ingredients to go alongside: Graza olive oil (another Strategist favorite), high-quality pizza flour from Hayden Flour Mills, and a can of Bianco DiNapoli Tomatoes.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting overnight shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

For the pasta enthusiast, this Sfoglini subscription will be a sure hit. The box shows up monthly and includes one of the brand’s signature pastas, as well as a seasonal variety like ramp or chili pepper. It includes recipes, too, so he’ll never be without inspiration to get cooking.

A dad who is often on breakfast duty (or one who just takes the most important meal of the day seriously) will love a Zwilling Madura, the very best nonstick skillet around. It doesn’t degrade or scrape easily (even after being run through the dishwasher), the handle stays cool to the touch, and it’s comfortable to lift and flip food.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting premium shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

Good sheet pans are essential for so many culinary pursuits, whether you’re baking chocolate-chip cookies, roasting broccoli, or even cooking a whole chicken or turkey. They’re also the type of thing you can use for decades without replacing. If Dad’s pans are looking a little (or a lot) the worse for wear, consider surprising him with this trio of cheery blue ones from Great Jones, a brand on our list of expert-recommended sheet pans. Included are two quarter-sheet pans and a larger half-sheet pan, but if you think Dad doesn’t need all three, you can get a single half-sheet pan for $40.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting expedited shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

If he’s still dragging his feet about hopping on the Instant Pot train, a Father’s Day gift of the perennially popular appliance might finally be what gets him onboard.

Aicok Slow-Masticating Juicer
$80
$80

Maybe your dad likes to start his day with freshly made juice. According to Debi Mazar, who has been juicing since the ’70s, this model is better than any of the “expensive, fabulous juicers” she’s bought over the years — so much so that she calls it “the best juicer I’ve ever used.” As she explains, “It fits perfectly on my counter, is easy to assemble and clean, and makes two and a half glasses of the most fabulous juice ever, without all the pulp others can give you.”

$130

If he’s the kind of cook who gets very into projects, why not let mastering pasta be his next one? The Marcato Atlas Pasta-Maker is considered one of the best nonelectric versions (an electric model is probably overkill for someone dabbling in the art anyway). As is, the machine can make lasagna, fettuccine, and tagliolini, but if he wants to level up, he can buy accessories that allow it to do even more.

These wine stoppers are just as much pieces or art as they are functional objects. They’re pricey, yes, but that makes them the kind of thing he likely wouldn’t buy for himself. “They add a little drama without being too much,” says Chris Leon, owner and wine director of Leon & Son in Brooklyn. He also endorses the company’s bottle openers, which work for beer, of course, but also for wines with a similar style of cap.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting priority shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

If beer is more his thing, consider gifting one of these pint glasses from North Drinkware, recommended by Rebecca Carey, the food and beverage director at the Viceroy Chicago hotel. “They have a blown mountain at the base, which I think make them fun and handsome,” she says. While they don’t offer landmarks from every state, there are a lot to choose from.

For rocks glasses, cocktail developer and video host Evie Negri-Albert likes this ridged option. The company Nude Glass makes many different styles, though, so you can find one that best suits your dad.

[Editor’s note: There’s only one shipping option for this item, so while we can’t guarantee an on-time delivery, we still think it’d make a great gift.]

The Thermapen ONE is arguably the best gift to give the home cook who has it all. It’s easy to use and provides superaccurate readings in a matter of milliseconds.

Dad can hone the art of making paella (and serve a crowd) with Made In’s 13-inch pan. Cookbook author Lesley Téllez (who owns several pieces of the brand’s carbon-steel cookware) says the material is incredibly sturdy and retains heat very evenly.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting overnight shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

For the dad who wants to keep the coffee coming, consider a subscription to Trade. Each delivery — which can include three, six, or 12 bags — can be customized to his taste and will introduce him to some of the nation’s best roasters (many of which he might never have heard of before). If you’re interested in giving him a coffee subscription but would like to shop around, be sure to check out our full list of Strategist-approved options.

Under $200

Zwilling’s personal-size blender is just as powerful as its larger model and is perfect for making single-serving smoothies. Dad can even take his drink on the go in the same cup he used to blend it.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting premium shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

A bit of a wild-card idea, but if he stands in the kitchen for long periods of time, he’ll love these shoes that chef Flynn McGarry calls “the most comfortable I’ve ever worn.” (Strategist contributor Chris Black recommends them too.)

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting expedited shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

Maybe he’s been itching to try out an air fryer. With this one — which we named our best overall pick for its large size, durability, ease of use, and superior performance — he’ll be turning out platters of his world-famous wings in no time.

Another countertop-appliance idea? A rice cooker, which he’s sure to appreciate whether or not he’s good at cooking grains in a pot. There’s a reason so many people are obsessed with using them.

If Dad’s serious about making coffee at home, then he’s going to need a serious grinder. The Baratza Encore conical grinder is one of the best out there — and was recommended to us by multiple experts. It has 40 grind settings, allowing him to choose grounds for all the different kinds of brewing methods, from French press to pour-over to drip to cold brew.

If he doesn’t have the outdoor space to grow his own ingredients, he can tend to them indoors with this expert-recommended herb garden that requires minimal effort, thanks to its built-in grow light and self-watering mechanism.

If he’s a frequent host, he’s sure to appreciate this beautiful and practical cheese stone. Kurt Beecher Dammeier, the founder and CEO of the Seattle-based Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, likes the stoneware surface because, unlike some wood or marble boards, ceramic “won’t stain from oils or acids and is very easy to clean in the dishwasher, which is especially handy when you’re serving a really soft cheese,” he says.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting 2-day shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

If he loves drinking cocktails but has yet to jump into making them at home, this expert-approved barware set is a solid place to start. It includes a shaker, muddler, strainer, and jigger — basically everything he could possibly need to concoct his favorite beverages.

Cosori Premium Food Dehydrator
$136
$136

If he’s already a master bartender with a fully stocked bar cart and lots of mixology books, cocktail expert Fred Minnick says this dehydrator can help take his cocktails (and breakfast) to the next level. Minnick uses it to dehydrate oranges that he says will improve “the taste of whatever spirit is poured, be it a $10 bourbon or $100 Scotch,” with just one slice. The appliance has also become an integral part of his morning routine: “My favorite thing to make after oranges are dehydrated cured egg yolks. With toast and coffee, they are just sublime.”

“I think before you can make any drink properly at home, you have to have a jigger,” says Brooks Reitz, restaurateur and founder of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. “You’re measuring small amounts of very potent ingredients and even an extra quarter ounce can make a big difference.” This one is pricey but made of pewter, which means “it’s beautiful and will last forever,” Reitz says.

[Editor’s note: Shipping and processing times vary, but with we recommend selecting express shipping if you want a guaranteed on-time delivery.]

Under $500

This suggestion comes in right at the $200 mark — and yes, it’s a $200 pepper mill. But before you roll your eyes, hear us out: It’s the best one on the market, favored by many professional chefs who swear the large chamber, adjustable and consistent grind size, and sleek look make it well worth the price.

If he has a coffee or tea setup at home, consider upgrading his electric kettle to this highly durable one recommended by professionals. It has precise temperature control (important no matter what form you take your caffeine in) and temperature hold, a gooseneck pour spout for ultimate control, and looks really nice sitting out on the counter.

Breville One-Touch Tea Maker
$280
$280

If he’s just a tea guy, consider this smart kettle that Strategist contributor David Schwartz (a self-professed tea enthusiast) calls “groundbreaking.” It’s expensive, yes, but not only does it brew tea at precise temperatures depending on the type of leaf and your desired strength, it automatically removes the leaves by way of a robotic component once the steep time has been reached. That means Dad can walk away and get a perfect cup of tea without having to worry about over- (or under-) steeping.

Espresso makers are notoriously expensive — often upwards of $500 or even $1000. But Breville is much-loved by coffee experts for their relatively affordable and high-performing home machines. This is the cheapest in their whole line, but will still produce quality espresso (and frothed milk) if that’s your dad’s thing. If you want to go even fancier, you can check out the entire range here.

This is no ordinary toaster oven. It’s a steam oven — and “the Ferrari of steam ovens” at that, as Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla put it when she reported on the subject. You pour a bit of water into the machine, which ensures anything inside will absorb some moisture (and not just direct heat). Dad can simply toast bread, of course, but he can also crisp up leftover pizza, warm a flaky croissant, reheat leftovers without drying them out, and make sandwiches with perfectly melted cheese.

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The Best Gifts for Foodie Dads