My dad dabbles in almost every “dad” hobby you could think of — fishing, firing up the grill, stargazing — yet he’s always the trickiest person on my list to shop for. Perhaps it’s because he never hints at wanting anything (or perhaps it’s because I feel the unbearable weight of owing my entire life to him …) Either way, before becoming a seasoned Strategist writer, I would spend weeks trawling for gift ideas for Dad and still come up short.
Knowing others might have suffered this same scenario, I combed through the internet and the Strategist archives to compile a list of birthday gifts sure to delight dads with all sorts of hobbies, interests, and guilty pleasures. From an indoor griddle that makes any month grilling season, a sweet gift option for dad who’s just become a granddad, here are some gift ideas you might not have thought of. You can find all the options below on Amazon, but plenty are available elsewhere, too, for those who like to shop around.
Update on September 13, 2024: New products added, updated prices, and checked stock for all products.
For the dad who dreams of reaching inbox zero
This tiny desk timer boosts productivity by measuring sprints of focus time — and giving a cheery buzz once it’s time to have a break.
For the dad who’s a couch-snack connoisseur
If he’s got more of a sweet tooth, these nuggets combine creamy almond butter and sweet pretzels to effectively answer his cravings. They’re so good that actor Max Greenfield told us he struggles to portion-control them.
For the dad who’s active on r/Pens
The ink glides from this jet black pen (that director Sofia Coppola uses to mark her scripts.)
For the dad who loves eggs
If Dad’s Sunday doesn’t get started until he has wolfed down a Gaston-level amount of sunny-side-ups, he’ll appreciate trying his hand at a new kind of preparation with this handsome Japanese pan. It produces rolled omelets that take a little practice, but what dad doesn’t love a project?
For the dad that’s just been promoted to granddad
This journal helps keep track of all the special early moments in the new baby’s life, and your dad’s new role as a grandfather.
For the dad who’s too impatient for Scrabble
Jason Schwarztman told us he avoids screen time with this quick-fire Boggle game. You can play it solo or in a group. (He had it on the set of Asteroid City.)
For the dad who experiments in the kitchen
You won’t find this slow-roasted-garlic seasoning on supermarket shelves, making it a delightful addition for dads with even the most stacked of spice racks.
For the dad with a drawerful of photo albums
If he’s never been much of a selfie guy, he can use this to take as many family pictures as he likes.
For the dad who keeps it simple
A great quality, long-sleeved T-shirt is an essential in any dad’s wardrobe, and these just so happen to be our favorites.
For the dad who’s on Strava
He can use the Coros to track his running and general fitness, without the need for added apps and more screen time.
For the dad who prefers home cooking to takeout
…And a cookbook to use with that wok
Clarissa Wei’s stand-out cookbook explores the depths of Taiwanese cuisine.
For the dad with a Goodreads goal to hit
Perch this pillow on a bed or chair, and he will get through Middlemarch without a neck crick.
For the dad who hydrates
Eleven Strategist staffers bought an Owala Free Sip last year. I like that the bottle has a straw that allows you to sip mindlessly, great for dads who are trying to increase their water intake.
For the dad who’s always complaining about tight muscles
For achy dads, this spiky ball (that Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard keeps in his bag at all times) is designed to knead out joint pain after a long day of running, cycling, or simply sitting around.
For the dad who puts snack time on his calendar
For the dad who takes care of his cold ones
Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen says her dad (a “well-known gadget man”) can’t get enough of this doodad, which can slice any tin (or beer can) into a smooth-lipped, open top cup.
For the dad who is a candy fiend
If Dad looked forward to your bounty on October 31 more than you ever did, he’ll appreciate a bulk-size box of his favorite types of candy.
For the dad who steals your Cetaphil
Harsher weather calls for deeper hydration, and Bioderma’s moisturizing oil is filled with glycerin and brightening niacinamide.
For the dad who’d rather uncork
T-Pain told us that this electric corkscrew opens bottles perfectly every time.
For the dad who tosses and turns
With soothing white noise, this sound machine — a favorite of comedian Samantha Irby’s — will help him drift off.
For the dad who always books a window seat
If Dad racks up some serious air miles with work, he’s probably fed up with wriggling to get comfortable in an airline seat. But with this pillow — which is cozy and designed to slope against the window — he’ll arrive at his destination without the usual crick in his neck.
For the dad with a NYT Cooking subscription
This is my favorite cookbook in recent years: It has a mixture of unique recipes and practical advice on how to upgrade your go-tos. Perfect for the culinarily experimental dad.
For the dad who’s an unlikely member of Club Chalamet
The Dune box set should tide him over while he waits patiently for the third movie.
For the dad who hates checking his bags
If he has ever suffered an MIA-suitcase situation in the past, he probably hates handing over his luggage. But an easily trackable AirTag means he knows where his cases (or his keys or his wallet) are anytime.
For the dad who’s a Starbucks drive-thru regular
He can skip the queue and brew his own coffee at home with this Chemex coffee maker (one we’ve recommended countless times).
For the dad who looks forward to his Spotify wrapped
My dad always appreciates a new device to blast his Pink Floyd from — and this Bose has been recommended to us time and again.
For the dad who grills all year round
Grill dads need not forlornly hang their aprons in the wetter months as this cast-iron griddle is “the indoor grill that’s closest in spirit to firing up the charcoal,” restaurateur Alon Shaya says.
For the dad who wanted to call you Leia (or Han)
Jalen Brunson told us he can’t live without this Millennium Falcon build. If Dad can recite episodes four to six by heart, he’ll enjoy getting to work.
For the dad who’s the designated cook
Keep his fingers from getting scalded year-round, too, with these expert-recommended grilling gloves.
For the dad who’s a little Bob Ross
We also hear great things about these watercolors, which are suitable for both budding-artist dads and dads who never make “happy accidents.”
For the dad who didn’t even want the dog in the first place (or so he says)
If Dad’s separation anxiety is just as bad as the dog’s, this interactive treat-dispenser toy — which will keep his pal occupied for a while with different challenge settings — will give him peace of mind until he can get back home.
For the dad with a Goodreads account
He can flip away into the small hours with this handy clippable reading light.
For the dad with a regimented packing list
If everything has a designated place when Dad packs his luggage, he’ll appreciate the zillions of handy pockets in this sturdy Patagonia bag (that we named our absolute-favorite weekend bag of them all).
For the dad who likes breakfast in bed
We recommend this simple, easy to store bamboo laptop desks — with vents to prevent laptop overheating — for those that like to work from home. (But it works just as well for lazy Sundays, too.)
For the dad who still has a full head of hair
Make him even more smug by treating him to one of our favorite luxurious hair oils, which keeps hair looking silky and smooth even as the chilly winter winds start to nip at it.
For the dad who needs some downtime
Jessica Chastain told us these earbuds are just the right shape not to cause an earache, are completely soundproof, and have excellent sound quality.
For the dad who dreams of business class
Save your points and give him an upgraded experience (at a fraction of the cost) with these soothing, cooling eye gels (which work just as well for dads simply unwinding at home).
For the dad who got Disney+ purely for Nat Geo
If Dad’s enchanted by noticing the little things, let him delight in the really little things with this dinky microscope. It slips right into a pocket and can be used to see rocks, plants, and textures up close.
For the dad who commutes
If he never has time to enjoy a hearty cup of coffee before heading off to work — and he refuses to pay Starbucks prices — give him a leakproof thermos that we named our best overall for its cleverly designed mouthpiece and temperature retention.
For the dad who doesn’t need Google Maps
Serious hikers need a serious jacket, and you won’t find one warmer (or more stylish) at this price point.
For the dad with a Brooklyn Museum membership
Arts educator Asmaa Walton says that this book is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves visual art and history. The glossy, coffee-table book features work by icons like Gwendolyn Brooks, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, and Lorraine O’Grady.
For the dad who always forgets the pump
For outdoorsy dads, this sleeping pad offers a good night’s sleep without the faff of a foot pump. “The best pad ever: It blows up with just a few breaths and is lightweight and supercomfortable,” says Rob Urry, father of four and a grandfather of 11.
For the dad who prefers to camp in his own backyard
These string lights will add a little razzle-dazzle to the back garden and make sure that his guests aren’t left in the dark on late summer nights.
For the dad who’s partial to a grilled cheese
Dads can whip up their world-famous sandwiches in our top panini press. It’s reliable, easy to clean, and can even be used for indoor grilling.
For the dad who has a study
We love these floating-illusion shelves that would mount nicely in a bookworm dad’s study.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
