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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. (And no, it’s not too early to shop and check this one off the to-do list.)
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 special, thoughtful, and unexpected ideas — and then organized them by price. Whatever his comfort level in the kitchen, one of these 66 products is sure to make his day.
Under $25
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). 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.
This savory-sweet mix of soy, mirin, ginger, garlic and green onion can go on anything from short ribs to grilled vegetables (I find it works amazing as a marinade or quick finishing drizzle as it’s quite thin). Plus it comes in a gluten-free version if Dad, or someone he’s cooking for, has an allergy.
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.
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.”
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.)
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
A dad who is a farmers’-market regular would surely appreciate a Baggu tote. 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). And they come in dozens of colors and patterns.
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.
Or opt for this chile-garlic crunch condiment, a take on chile crisp that is similar to Lao Gan Ma but just a bit spicier and without fermented beans. We’ve been told the oil-to-crisp ratio is perfect and that it goes well with pretty much everything.
Under $50
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.)
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.)
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.
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.
Messermeister makes some of our favorite chef’s knives — but sharp blades are nothing if you don’t protect them. For taking his favorites on the go (to a campsite, to a rental house), consider giving him this padded bag that will keep the blades in place and safe.
I’ve recommended gifting produce before. 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. It’s sort of like a cousin of cast iron — a bit thinner and lighter and therefore perfect for maneuvering over a live fire.
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 food writer 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.
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. You can also browse all the gift boxes from the Spice House if you think something else may be more to Dad’s liking.
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”?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 this two-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.
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. You can even get it monogrammed for a small fee.
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.
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.
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 semolina pastas 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Mastering the grill is one thing — but at a certain point, you’re only as good as your ingredients. This set of peppery extra-virgin olive oil, citrus cilantro jalapeño salt, and morita and Calabrian chile salsa macha will ensure dad’s steak, chicken, and vegetables are extra delicious this summer.
If he’s always on dinner duty, he knows that presentation is part of it. Wooden salad bowls can get shockingly expensive — but this one comes highly recommended by multiple pro cooks who praise its looks and how easy it is to care for.
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.
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 corn masa harina that is the best you can buy in the States, according to Rick Martínez.)
Under $200
Strategist senior editor Winnie 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.
Zwilling’s personal-size blender is just as powerful as its larger 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.
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 chef Lauren Joseph says are breathable and sturdy — so much so that they feel good through 16-hour shifts.
He’ll be set for his next cookout with this package of prime steaks (there’s rib eye, skirt, and picanha), plus Wagyu smoked beef sausage from Snake River Farms. It comes delivered straight to his door, and pieces can be kept in the freezer if he doesn’t want to cook it all in one go.
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 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.
“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.
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’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.
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.
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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