The Best Gifts for Foodie Dads

He’ll be pleased to receive is this classic knife from Opinel with a sharp stainless-steel blade that folds into a wooden handle (which is quite nice to grip, for the record). It’s super-versatile, but we especially like it for cutting fruit, cheese, or other treats on a hike or at a picnic.

Don’t let the thin frame of these tweezer tongs fool you: They’re not the tiny kind for plating micro-greens on fancy dishes. They’re somewhat of a cross between those and standard tongs — and more useful than you can imagine. They’re delicate enough to flip singular ingredients, like fried potatoes or shrimp, but with a strong-enough grip to handle larger ones, too, like chicken thighs. (They’re also great at grabbing stray bits that fall onto the stove as you’re cooking.)

To help Dad up his game in the kitchen, consider giving him a small Japanese mortar forgrinding spicesto release their nuances and freshness. This one is a favorite of both chefCamille Becerraand co-owner ofBurlap & BarrelEthan 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 two-pound box of fancy popcorn kernels 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.

Helena Barquet and Fabiana Faria, owners of New York’s beloved design shop Coming Soon, are both obsessed with CB’s peanuts — another great option if he likes to snack. “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 makespeanut butter,peanut brittle, and its own take onCracker Jack.

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

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.

If he already has Maldon, Strategist contributorHannah 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.”

Viski makes dependable barware — and these stainless-steel cocktail picks are no exception. The design is simple in a good way and will inspire Dad to spear olives for his martinis and cherries for his Manhattans.

Grill presses are exceptionally useful: Dad can use them to smash burgers, sear meat, smush sandwiches, and get crispy skins on everything from potatoes to fish. This particular model is designed so that it can be stacked with more than one when he needs extra weight. Plus, the slats allow for some steam to escape so food doesn’t get mushy.

Dads love gadgets, and no matter how experienced you are in the kitchen, chopping garlic is a pain. This small and mighty tool, recommended by Strategist writerAmbar 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 Strategist writerDominique Pariso, who used one to keep her White Claws ice-cold, even on hot summer days. If Dad is abeer drinker, they come in a standard size that’ll keep his favorite 12-ounce IPAs chilled, too.

For the dad who wants to dabble in the art of sushi, Strategist contributorEunice Byunswears 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.

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

Or opt for this chile-garlic crunch condiment, a take on chile crisp that is similar toLao Gan Mabut just a bit spicier and without fermented beans. We’ve been told by a couple of pro cooks that the oil-to-crisp ratio is perfect, and it goes well with pretty much everything.

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

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 ofcut-resistant gloves.)

He might also like this year’s “It”cutting board. It comes in five sizes, from mini to extra-large, and is made from ethylene-vinyl acetate, the material preferred by a lot of Japanese restaurants. Its rubbery feel is ideal for rocking his knife back and forth.

[Editor’s note: This item may not arrive before Father’s Day]

For the dad who likes project cooking, consider a paella pan. He can fit this one on the grill to feed a crowd.

Strategist contributorMargaret Ebydiscovered this pan after a decade of trying to find something to replicate the effects of a grill indoors. “You can use your broiler, but the problem with broilers, particularly in the kind of rickety oven that came with my rental apartment, is that you have no idea what’s going on in there,” she says. Now she uses this pan for perfect peppers, eggplant, green beans, okra, and more — ideal for the dad who doesn’t have a grill but wishes he did.

Iconic NYC restaurant Via Carota sells high-quality batched cocktails in stunning bottles, like this classic Negroni. All he has to do is serve it cold over ice — with an orange peel as garnish.

[Editor’s note: Depending on your location, this product may not arrive until after Father’s Day.]

If he’s a bread man, this lame for scoring the top of loaves will make a nice upgrade to the one he has. The deep-brown walnut color of the wood and gold detailing is nice, without being over-the-top decorative.

I’ve recommendedgifting producebefore. If Dad is known for his guacamole (or lives in a place where it’s hard to find good avocados), this box of stunning California Hass ones is sure to hit. They all come underripe and will soften to perfection on his countertop.

Another ace idea for the dad who loves to grill is this carbon-steel pan, far and away the favorite of Strategist senior writerMichael Zhao(who has tested a bunch of them) and senior editorWinnie Yang. It’s sort of like a thinner and lighter cousin of cast iron, with an extra-sleek surface.

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.

This olive oil is blended with red chile peppers, jalapeño peppers, chipotle peppers, and paprika. It’s fantastic drizzled over pizza, dips, noodles, and more for a spicy finish.

Speaking of pizza, this curation of top-notch spices will take any pie — homemade or ordered in — to the next level. It includes a Parmesan-packed blend, garlic powder with herbs, a mixture of Italian herbs, and crushed red-pepper flakes.

This Vietnamese-coffee kit from 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.

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 alonger listof recommended bottles if you want to shop around a bit.

Here’s a nice idea for the dad who watched all of Anthony Bourdain’s shows — and needs something to read on vacation this summer.

You can never go wrong gifting aknifeto someone who loves to cook. This one, a particularly affordable Japanese-style blade, was recommended to us by food writer and editorMatt Rodbard, who found his digging throughTokyu Handsin Shibuya. “It feels like a high-quality knife for the price,” he says.

If he’s always on the go, consider gifting him a newtravel mugso 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.

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.”

For the dad who loves wine but relies on a corkscrew and rubber stoppers, consider thistwo-in-one gadget. Many serious wine professionals told us it’s a fantastic buy because it can go 80 hours without a charge and it creates a vacuum-seal for bottles he has opened but wants to save.

If he’s a cold-brew guy, this OXOcoffee makerwill be a hit. He can brew a batch to last days and keep it in the fridge.

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 comerecommended by several chefswe’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. You can even get it monogrammed for a small fee.

A dad who loves to cookandcamp will appreciate a propane stove, especially when a site doesn’t have designated grills. This one has two burners and wings to block the wind. If you really want to make his day, throw in a carbon-steel skillet too (our very favorite model is up above on this list).

This gift would work for the camperandthe griller dad. When he’s cooking outside in the dark, this provides a bright and focused light so he can see what he’s doing.

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

For the pasta enthusiast, this Sfoglini subscription will be a sure hit. The box shows up quarterly and includes three of the brand’s signature semolinapastas as well as three specialty varieties (think seasonal flavorings, limited-edition shapes, and alternative grains). It includes recipes, too, so he’ll never be without inspiration to get cooking.

A quality pair ofkitchen shearscan be used to break down a chicken, remove fins from a fish, snip herbs, and cut vegetables. (Not to mention, it’s handy to have a pair for plain old cutting open packages.) These are our very favorites, made by Wüsthof, the German brand that’s famous for itsknives. “When I tested them, I loved how easy they were to pull apart and clean, and that they never separated in my hands during the toughest kitchen tasks,” says Strategist contributorKiki Aranita. “They also have a satisfying tension when you’re snipping with them, which gives your fingers more control.”

Goodsheet pansare essential for so many culinary pursuits, whether you’re baking chocolate-chip cookies, roasting broccoli,or even cookinga wholechicken 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. 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 singlehalf-sheet panfor $45.

[Editor’s note: As of this writing, the Sheet Show set is out of stock in all colors, but you can sign up for restock noticeshere.]

Another functional art piece Dad might enjoy are these spiral coasters from Sophie Lou Jacobsen. She’s better known for her colored-glass objects, but these are quite eye-catching. They’re made from aluminum coated in nickel, for a slightly warmer metal finish.

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 theViceroy Chicagohotel. “They have a blown mountain at the base, which I think make them fun and handsome,” she says. While they don’t offer landmarks fromeverystate, there are a lot to choose from.

If he’s always on dinner duty, he knows that presentation is part of it.Wooden salad bowlscan get shockingly expensive — but this one is loved by multiple pro cooks who praise its looks and how easy it is to care for.

If he’s the kind of cook who getsveryinto projects, why not letmastering pastabe 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 makelasagna, fettuccine, and tagliolini, but if he wants to level up, he can buy accessories that allow it to do even more.

For the dad who wants to keep the coffee coming, consider asubscriptionto 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).

Making homemade tortillas is a flex — and a downright fun project for any dad who likes to spend time in the kitchen. This press not only looks good but is engineered to allow for a range of thicknesses and sizes, and comes with custom reusable liners printed with a tortilla sizing ruler. (The brand also makes this heirloom cornmasa harinathat is the best you can buy in the States, according to recipe developer and cookbook authorRick Martínez.)

[Editor’s note: This item may not arrive until after Father’s Day.]

Thesewine stoppersare 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 ofLeon & Sonin Brooklyn. He also endorses the company’sbottle openers, which work for beer, of course, but also for wines with a similar style of cap.

If he ever takes his knives on the go — to a vacation home, to a friend’s house to help cook — get him a handsome knife roll. This two-toned one is made by one of our favorite knife brands, in collaboration with a family-owned leather company in the Netherlands.

Yang gifted this next-level thermometer to her husband last year — and both of them love it. The tool connects to an app on your phone and uses eight sensors to give you a view of what’s happening inside your food (whether on the stove or grill), taking in data every five seconds, and can predict when it’s cooked to your preferred doneness.

No shade to Lodge, which we love, but if he’s been using the same cast-ironskilletfrom the brand forever, it might be nice to get him an upgrade. This one comes out of the box supremely smooth, is easy to handle because it’s more lightweight, and has especially good-looking handles.

Zwilling’spersonal-size blenderis just as powerful as itslarger model. It is, of course, perfect for making single-serving smoothies (which Dad can even take on the go in the same cup he used to blend). But it’s also super-handy to have around for marinades, sauces, dressings, and dips — a real versatile tool.

If he drinksmoka pot coffee, he likely has a Bialetti. And while that works great, this Alessi version will look especially cool sitting on the stovetop.

A bit of a wild-card idea, but if he stands in the kitchen for long periods of time, he’ll love these unisex shoes that Joseph says are breathable and sturdy — so much so that they feel good through 16-hour shifts.

[Editor’s note: Sizing is somewhat limited for this style.]

If Dad’s serious about making coffee at home, then he’s going to need a seriouscoffee 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 loves drinking cocktails but has yet to jump into making them at home, this expert-approvedbarware setis a solid place to start. Itincludes a shaker, muddler, strainer, and jigger — basically everything he could possibly need to concoct his favorite beverages.

“I think before you can make any drink properly at home, you have to have a jigger,” says Brooks Reitz, restaurateur and founder ofJack 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.

If he already has achef’s knifehe loves, a nakiri knife would make an excellent addition to his collection (especially one with such a stunning wood handle and textured steel blade). It has a straight blade shaped a bit like a small cleaver, designed to be particularly good at breaking down large vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage, as well as slicing, dicing, and chopping onions, peppers, all manner of root vegetables, and more. Still, it can be used for delicate tasks like chopping herbs, too.

Another idea for the dad who loves to host is this clever bowl. The center holds dip; the outer ring, chips. It’s perfect. No notes.

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

This suggestion comes in right at the $200 mark — and yes, it’s a $200pepper 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.

Yeti’scoolersreign supreme. They’re ultradurable and extremely efficient (seriously, ice does not melt in there). Dad will appreciate having one for trips and backyard hangs alike.

A qualitycutting boardis like a quality knife: A dad who likes to cook can never have too many. And that’s especially the case when you’re gifting him one designed for aesthetics as much as function, like this.

If he’sjusta tea guy, this smart kettle that Strategist contributorDavid 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 makersare 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 (andfrothed milk) if that’s your dad’s thing. If you want to go even fancier, you can check out the brand’s entire rangehere.

This is no ordinary toaster oven. It’s asteamoven — and “the Ferrari of steam ovens” at that, as Strategist writerAmbar Pardillaputs it. 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.