Friends have been telling me I have “serious dad energy” the past 10 years — becoming a real dad only made that worse. And as a dad, I have heard that dads, myself included, can be a real pain to get gifts for. I get it. When people ask me what I want, I usually say “I’m good” or come back days later with some hyper-specific item like a 100-watt USB-C cord or a really particular bike bottle.
While I can’t read your father-figure’s mind and recommend something that will appeal to his exact niche, I’ve written gift guides for years, and have collected gift ideas across all sorts of categories, including products I’ve gifted my dad in the past.
Keep in mind shipping deadlines are quickly approaching (if they haven’t already passed). If you need a gift that’s guaranteed to arrive on time, check out our guide to the best last-minute gifts.
SKIP AHEAD: Best tech gifts | Best travel gifts | Best home gifts | Best fitness gifts | Best apparel gifts | Best kitchen gifts | Best outdoor gifts | Why trust NBC Select?
The best gifts for dad in 2024
Best tech gifts for dad
Apple AirPods Pro 2
If they use an iPhone or MacBook, these are some of the best wireless earbuds on the market. “During the work week, there’s a 99% chance my dad has them in his ears between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. Barking dogs and airplane noise are no match for the noise cancellation these earbuds offer, they excel in nearly every situation our team has put them through.
JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
If your father figure is looking for our go-to outdoor speaker recommendation, it’s the JBL Clip 5. It has a built-in carabiner that lets him attach it to almost anything: a backpack, luggage, exercise bike, shower curtain rod, filing cabinet, the list goes on. It’s also IP67 water and dust proof, according to the brand — we’ve used it at the beach and pool parties with no problem.
Amazon Kindle Scribe
The Kindle Scribe is part e-reader, part notebook — perfect for dads who like to write notes in the margins of novels and documents. Like other Kindles, it’s excellent for reading since it has a bright, glare-free screen and up to 12 weeks of battery life. Plus, it comes with a stylus to write notes, sign documents and more. “The pen is very responsive and it truly feels like writing on paper,” says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez, who received a sample from Amazon.
Best travel gifts for dad
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote
This is one of our favorite everything bags — it’s a weekender, beach bag, grocery tote, whatever he needs. “I’m always surprised by how much it can hold,” says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider. You can personalize the tote with a monogram or name up to ten characters long (just plan for extra shipping time). It comes in four sizes with two strap lengths, as well as a zippered top version.
Apple iPad (10th Gen)
“I wasn’t an iPad person until I got this tablet last year — it’s become my favorite travel companion, especially on long-haul flights,” says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez. He can easily prop it on the seat-back tray table and watch movies and TV shows in-flight. This 10th generation version has a larger screen and more powerful speakers than the previous model, and comes in four bright colors.
Yeti Rambler 30oz Tumbler
This Yeti Rambler is one of our go-to tumblers, it’s a double-wall vacuum insulated cup that can keep drinks the right temperature for hours. If you purchase one through Yeti’s site, you can customize the tumbler with personalized text, monogram or imagery for an additional fee. “My dad must have at least a dozen customized Yetis at this point,” says Malin. “When he moved, he carefully wrapped and packed each one like a prized possession.”
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag
Rodriguez gave this spacious and functional bag to her dad. “My mom and him would fight over who would get to use the bag on their vacations so often that he went out and bought her one too,” says Rodriguez. It’s made with neoprene fabric that’s water resistant, insulating and shock-absorbent, according to the brand. It comes in over ten colors and four sizes (Rodriguez gifted the large).
Apple AirTag
I’ve gifted my parents (and others) this Apple AirTag for the holidays, and they always manage to find a good use for it. It’s a Bluetooth tracker that uses Apple’s FindMy app to show its precise location. The AirTag has found many a lost keyring, crossbody bag and more in my parent’s house.
It doesn’t come with a case, however. If they want to attach it to luggage or a backpack, consider adding something like this Belkin AirTag case to their gift.
Field Notes Memo Book (3-Pack), National Parks Series
I’ve used Field Notes memo books for years to take notes, both at work and at home. They’re just small enough to fit into any bag or back pocket, and have quality paper that doesn’t bleed through. Each book has beautiful cover art of U.S. national parks, though you can also get him a plain black version.
Best home gifts for dad
ExcelMark Custom Engraved Nameplate
“I love the old-fashioned charm this nameplate adds to my desk,” says Fernandez. You can personalize the text, subtext and color, with gold and silver options for the plating. The personalization process takes a few days so it’s not the best last-minute option.
Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Water Bottle
I don’t drink enough water when I’m at home — I have a reusable water bottle, but I usually leave it somewhere and forget about it for hours. Having multiple Hydro Flask bottles solved my hydration woes. I keep one at my desk and one by my nightstand. This 32-ounce version keeps drinks temperature controlled for hours, in my experience, and holds enough to be convenient but not bulky. Plus, it’s compatible with the brand’s many lid options. You can get a personalized text engraving if you order through Hydro Flask’s website (for an additional fee).
Loop Dream Earplugs
If he has a hard time falling (and staying) asleep because of noise, we highly recommend Loop earplugs — for many of our staffers, they’re the secret ingredient to sleeping soundly through New York City noise. The Dream earplugs are made specifically for sleep, with soft foam-silicone ear tips that are gentle on the ear, according to the brand.
Amazon Gift Card
I’ve never been upset to receive an Amazon gift card as a present. Every dad I know (myself included) is constantly buying little necessities and luxuries from the storefront, and seeing a gift fund balance on my account always sparks joy and gratitude for the person who made that happen. The gift card is available as a physical card or a digital code.
Best fitness gifts for dad
Theragun Relief
Every time I’ve gifted someone a massage gun, everyone in the group wants to try it out. This one from Theragun has a triangle-shaped handle that makes it easy for me to reach tricky spots like my shoulder blades and mid-back. It’s also simple to use: there’s one button that turns it on, off and changes the massage speed.
Brooks Ghost 16 Running Shoes
The Brooks Ghost 16 is one of my favorite shoes for walking and running — it’s a shoe I recommend to basically anyone looking for a comfortable, stable fit. It has a durable, shock-absorbing sole and enough arch support to be helpful and not obtrusive. It comes in many sizes and widths, so you can rest assured his size is available.
Best apparel gifts for dad
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
I’ve given and received so many Carhartt beanies over the years, and I’m always excited to add a new color to my collection. It’s made of acrylic rib knit and has a fold-up cuff design with the Carhartt logo front and center. It comes in one universal size and more than twenty colors.
Blundstone 587 Round Toe Chelsea Boot
In the winter, the thermal version of these boots are basically my second skin — always on my feet and ready for anything. They pair well with almost any outfit, and are so much easier to pull on and off than any other boot I own. The shoe is made with water-resistant leather and has a cushioned midsole for added comfort.
Best kitchen gifts for dad
Atlas Coffee Club Coffee Subscription
If he needs fresh beans or wants to try purposefully ground blends for espresso or pour over, an Atlas Coffee Club subscription is for him. NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman reviewed it, and tried international blends from India, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador. (The brand sent him three bags of ground coffee as part of a three month subscription). You can gift a three- to 12-month subscription of whole, ground or pod compatible coffee, with surprise beans or emails ahead of time where he can choose his preferences.
Our Place Daily Cutting Board
Cutting boards are one of those things my dad always says he is going to replace but never gets around to actually doing. This simple, dishwasher-safe cutting board comes from one of our favorite kitchen brands Our Place. It’s a little over 15 inches long and 10 inches wide, and has non-slip sides.
Fly By Jing Variety Pack
Fly By Jing is one of our favorite AAPI-owned food brands, and with this variety set he’ll get a jar of the Sichuan Chili Crisp, a sweet and savory Zhong Sauce and extra crunchy Chengdu Crunch. “I’m not usually a spicy food person, but putting a little of the Chili Crisp sauce on my home eggs, toast or salmon adds a crunch and kick that is just perfect,” says Malin.
Best outdoor gifts for dad
Goodr OG Sunglasses
Walking, running, hiking, biking or just hanging out on a sunny day, these Goodr sunglasses won’t go flying off his face thanks to the grippy, rubberized finish. “I can wear these sunglasses on 10-mile runs and never have to adjust them,” says Malin. They’re also not very pricey — he won’t have to worry if they get a little beat up in a bag or on a weekend getaway.
Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Pocket Knife
My dad has a habit of gifting me pocket knives and multitools, and while I don’t think of myself as a pocket-knife kind of dad, I somehow end up using them almost daily around the house. Opening packages, cutting bags, tweezing splinters, this multitool from Victorinox tackles lots of jobs around my apartment.
Celestron Nature DX 8x42 Binoculars
If he has any interest in birds, wildlife or just spotting faraway buildings and landscapes, this pair of binoculars has helped me handle all three with ease. They’re easy to adjust to your eyes and face shape, in my experience, and easy to handle thanks to the rubber and plastic casing. The lenses have an eight-time magnification and can focus as close as 6.5 feet.
Solo Stove Mesa Fire Pit
This tabletop fire pit can help bring a warm focal point to his outdoor space, and is small enough to move and store easily. It’s about seven inches tall and five inches across, and you can personalize it with his favorite sports team or a custom message if purchased directly from Solo Stove (for an additional fee). The stove requires firewood or pellets, which are sold separately.
Netvue Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder
A bird feeder is a great way to get colorful visitors soaring towards Dad’s house. This smart bird feeder automatically records birds as they visit the feeder. The Birdfy app sends a notification when a bird is in view, and he can open it to watch a live video feed, or check saved clips later. The camera is IP65 weatherproof — so dust, rain and snow shouldn’t cause any issues, plus it comes with a solar panel for renewable power.
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Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a reporter who frequently covers technology and fitness, where I’ve written about the best fitness trackers, wireless earbuds, TV brands and more. For this article, I curated gifts using my first-hand experience as a new dad, as well as NBC Select staff picks, and top-rated items from previous coverage.
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