We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 40 Best Father’s Day Gifts of 2024

Surprise Dad with game day essentials, handy appliances, and more.

In This Article

View All

In This Article

collage of four father's day gifts we recommend on a blue background
Photo:

Real Simple / Alli Waataja

Since Father’s Day is just one month after Mother’s Day, brainstorming the perfect for your dad or father figure in your life can be a little stressful. Many dads often insist that they have everything they need and shy away from special days dedicated exclusively to them, but Father’s Day gives you the chance to be creative and show your dad, grandpa, uncle, etc. that he is valued, respected, and loved all 365 days of the year. 

If you’re stumped on finding the best gift for your dad or father figure in time for the special holiday, we searched the market for dozens of practical, unique, and fun options based on factors like price, gift type, and overall value to help narrow down your choices. Whether he is a beer connoisseur, dedicated grilling expert, or adventurous DIY handyman, we’ve got you covered. We also spoke with Patrick Kucharson, founder and author of the newsletter Better Gift Coach, for extra gift giving tips to make this holiday even more special.

Perfect for toting to work or game day tailgates, the water-resistant Carhartt Deluxe Lunch Cooler Bag has an insulated main compartment to keep snacks and lunches cool, and is big enough to store a six-pack of soda or beer. It also features a separate top dome that can hold additional foods or beverages, while the front zippered compartment is great for keeping smaller items like keys, utensils, or napkins safely in place.

For the dad that is a lifelong football fan, the New York Times Custom Football Book is the perfect addition to his sports memorabilia collection. The personalized book features approximately 100 pages of New York Times news coverage for the football team of your choice, with highlights, memorable moments, and major events printed throughout. Designed with imitation leather binding and matte silver foil, the book has a premium look and feel, plus the cover can be customized to include dad’s name or a special message. 

*Note: If Dad is an MLB fan, the New York Times also offers a baseball version of the book.

This handy multi-tool pen will replace a few of the loose tools that Dad has scattered in the garage. The 9-in-1 tool conveniently features all of the necessities needed to do handy work, including a ballpoint pen, a phillips and flathead screwdriver, a stylus pen, a bubble level, and more.

When you want to give Dad something more heartfelt, the What I Love About Dad book from Knock Knock is a solid gift choice. The book features 50 fill-in-the-blank prompts that allow you to write everything you love and appreciate about the father figure in your life. With simple prompts, like “You’ll keep ___ forever, won’t you?” or “I love that you taught me to appreciate ___” you can make the messages as humorous or heartfelt as you please.

A universal hoodie is something every dad should have in his closet. This Hanes Men’s Hoodie is made from 90 percent cotton and 10 percent polyester for a soft, breathable, and comfortable fit. It has a drawstring hood as well as pouch pockets to keep his hands warm or store small items. Plus, it comes in 13 different colors and is available in sizes small to 5X.

When Dad is deep in a DIY project, it can be easy to lose or misplace small things like nails, screws, bolts, washers, and more. To help him keep all of his working supplies in place, the Horusdy Magnetic Wristband is constructed with 10 strong magnets, and features two small pockets that are great for holding small metal items and other necessities.

Between work, activities with the kids, and other responsibilities, Dad’s phone is prone to losing charge throughout the day. When he doesn’t have access to an outlet, gift him this power bank from Anker to charge his phone on the go. The power bank features a lightweight, slim design that has a 10,000mAh capacity to universally charge iPhone, Google Pixel, LG, Samsung, and iPad devices. Its MultiProtect safety system also protects your phone from overcharging, short circuiting, and overheating.

If Dad is a pizza lover or enjoys experimenting with cooking, the Ooni Fyra 12 Pizza Oven will wow him with its notable features. The portable, sleek oven weighs just 20 pounds and has foldable legs so it can easily be transported. The oven takes just 15 minutes to reach its optimal (and impressive) 950°F temperature, and cooks homemade pizzas in as little as 60 seconds.

Whether Dad experiences frequent back pain, tweaked his neck sleeping, or is in need of some tension relief, this neck and back massager will soothe and relax all of his achy muscles. The massager sits comfortably around the neck, but can also be utilized on other parts of the body, like the lower back, legs, and abdomen for widespread support. It comes equipped with eight deep-kneading massage heads with adjustable speeds and directions, as well as a heating function.

To give dad some style without sacrificing comfort, opt for these classic stretch cargo shorts from Wrangler. Made from 98 percent cotton and 2 percent polyester, the shorts are extremely breathable and lightweight, making them perfect for the summer months. They have plenty of pockets in the front and back to store essentials, plus they are available in sizes 30 to 54 and come in 13 different colors and patterns.

This Rozato Tabletop Fire Pit is compact enough to conveniently use both indoors and outdoors. The fire pit is constructed with a solid steel base and tempered glass panels, and only requires isopropyl alcohol or bioethanol fuel to light a fire. Along with the fire pit itself, the kit comes with a bamboo serving board, three extendable roasting sticks, four cheese forks, and a cheese knife to make s’mores or other tasty treats!

Regardless of how young or old you are, dad jokes will never get old. Level up dad’s usual jokes with Ian Allen’s The Very Embarrassing Book of Dad Jokes, a collection of jokes that any dad will appreciate (and add to his ever-growing arsenal). The book consists of 224 pages of silly jokes and stories perfect for the dad that thrives off of telling the corniest of jokes.

This set includes three sunglasses with UV400 protective lenses that completely block out UVA and UVB rays, giving dad’s eyes the ultimate protection. The polycarbonate, polarized lenses are made to reduce bright glares, and boost contrast and visual clarity in various settings. The lenses also come in a plethora of colors, such as black, blue, pink, green, purple, and orange too.

For the beer enthusiast dad, the Original Craft Beer Club Subscription will help him expand his palette and expose him to new breweries, flavors, and beer types. Each subscription box contains either 12 or 24 beers (depending on the selected plan) from breweries from two different regions in the United States. In addition to the eclectic brews, each box also contains tasting notes with information about the featured breweries and specific beers.

If you want to help your dad or father figure embrace his inner Tiger Woods, this Golf Essentials Kit makes for a great gift. The kit includes everything needed for a day of golfing, including a microfiber towel, cleaning brush, foldable divot repair tool, and more. For added convenience, a durable carrying case is also provided to hold everything together.

Dad can show school pride and protect his tables and countertops with this set of college football coasters. The set includes two helmet-shaped bamboo coasters adorned with the colors, logo, and details of a college sports team of your choosing. Currently, there are 18 team varieties to choose from, but Uncommon Originals has vouched to expand its assortment to include other colleges.

If your dad or the father figure in your life loves video games, you will undoubtedly impress him with this full-size arcade from Aracade1Up. The machine features 14 retro Bandai Namco games, including Pac-Man, Galaga, Galaxian, Dig Dug, and Rolling Thunder. With gorgeous artwork along the cabinet, a 17-inch color LCD screen, and WiFi-enabled leaderboard, this arcade will become dad’s favorite new toy.

The Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker is built with two high-sensitivity drivers and a patented bass port to deliver crystal clear, stereo sound while playing all types of music. It is made with a waterproof IPX5-rated casing, and has a long-life battery that holds a charge 24 hours for extended use. Plus, the bluetooth 5.0 technology maintains a connection from up to 66 feet away.

Featuring grilling tools like a spatula, tongs, a long fork, and a long knife, this 34-piece grilling set contains all the essentials dad needs to cook summertime favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, kabobs, and more. All of the tools are made from professional grade stainless steel and can be stored in the provided sturdy, aluminum carrying case for easy organization and transportation.

Perfect for Dad’s nightstand, office desk, or workshop, the Skylight Digital Picture Frame displays a digital photo album with pictures that are either sent to a unique Skylight email address or uploaded through the user-friendly Skylight app. The 10-inch color screen has an impressive 1280 x 800 resolution, and dad can swipe through pictures with its convenient touch-screen technology. Friends and family can upload pictures too, making for a personalized gift from cherished loved ones that can be constantly changed or updated.

Appeal to Dad’s love for beer and cooking with this set of beer-infused spice rubs. The set includes six different spice rubs that are made with the flavors of various beers such as the Honey Mustard IPA Rub or Jalapeno Lime Pilsner Rub. They are versatile to use as a rub, in a marinade, or as a mix-in to a specialty dish, and come in 8-ounce beer cans for extra style points.

For the dad that needs more targeted muscle relief, the TheraGun Handheld Percussion Massage Gun is a certified favorite among customers. The one-button massager features a triangular handle designed to reduce strain on the wrists, arms, and hands as you hold it. With its three-speed massage settings and various attachments, the massager provides the equivalent of a 15-minute, deep-tissue massage to problem areas in under two minutes.

Regardless of season, any dad can appreciate a pair of slippers. These slip-on UGG slippers are comfy and cozy due to their plush wool lining, foam footbed, and feathery light outsole, making them perfect for dad to wear as he lounges around the house. They also feature a buttery smooth suede upper and come in chestnut, black, dusted cocoa, and dark gray colors.

If you want to give your dad jerky outside of the usual Slim Jims, opt for a subscription from Craft Jerky Co. for Father’s Day. The company offers six different subscription plans like a keto-friendly box, the booze-infused assortment, and a hot and spicy variety, just to name a few. Each box contains two to eight bags of artisan jerky flavors from a variety of brands across the country, and you can even add a gift note to the box for a personal touch.

Despite its retro-looking appearance, this classic watch from Casio is always in style. The fashionable watch has a blocky, rectangular dial with a digital clock face, alarm, and stopwatch to tell time. It also features a three-link bracelet design with a fold-over clasp closure for a snug and secure fit. Dad will also appreciate the fact that it is water resistant, so he can wear it while he participates in a number of activities and adventures.

For the dad that has a love for all things spicy, this TRUFF Mini Variety Pack is the way to go. The set contains three TRUFF condiments: a black truffle-infused olive oil, a black truffle hot sauce, and a spicier black truffle hot sauce that can be used on a variety of meats, veggies, and sides. The hot sauces are specially crafted with a blend of red chili peppers, black truffle, agave nectar, and spices for a deliciously well-rounded, savory finish to any meal.

To save dad the headache of having to dig around for small golf essentials, this handy golfer’s portable organizer keeps these types of items in one convenient place. The compact hard-shell case is equipped with multiple compartments and a metal clip to hold an ID, credit cards, or cash. It also comes with golfing necessities like a magnetic ball marker, divot tool, mini marker pen, and pocket line marker for a smooth golfing experience for Dad.

Perfect for storing coffee or tea on-the-go, the 20-ounce Yeti Rambler Tumbler is made from  stainless steel and features a double-wall vacuum insulated body to keep beverages hot or cold for hours. The trademarked MagSlider lid uses magnets to tightly lock in temperatures and add an extra protective barrier to prevent Dad from spilling his beverage. It’s BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and has a “no sweat” design that guarantees all hands stay dry while holding it.

From the esteemed America’s Test Kitchen comes Meat Illustrated, a comprehensive, foolproof guide to cooking with all types of meat, including beef, veal, pork, and lamb. The book consists of 432 pages containing over 300 recipes with chapters that are organized around and dedicated to butchering, prepping, and cooking specific cuts of meat. Whether your dad or father figure is a novice cook or an expert chef, he will adore the hand-drawn illustrations and step-by-step photos included in the book.

Manscaped is known for its line of grooming products for men, and the waterproof Beard Hedger trimmer is one of its most highly reviewed items for good reason. Unlike traditional clippers and trimmers that have several attachments, the innovative device features a zoom wheel with 20 different lengths of .5mm to 10mm to adjust the length of the blade. It also has a special built-in comb design that gently lifts and trims flat hairs in one stroke.

For the dad that needs to revitalize his steak knives, this kit comes complete with 400, 1000, 3000, and 8000 grit whetstones made from aluminum oxide to make even the dullest of blades razor sharp and shiny. In addition to the whetstones, the kit also comes with a non-slip bamboo base, a non-slip silicone holder, a flattening stone, and more to make the sharpening process smoother.

A basic baseball cap is always a safe gift for any dad. The Odessa Ball Cap from Carhartt is made with 100 percent cotton and features a moisture-wicking Coolmax sweatband to help absorb sweat during strenuous activity or hot summer outings. For a customized and snug fit, the hat has a hook and loop back closure that adjusts to the shape of your head. Plus, it’s available in a whopping 52 colors.

For the dad that loves to build things, this realistic LEGO Architecture Statue of Liberty Building Set will keep him busy for hours. The set contains 1685 pieces that, when assembled, create a 17-inch tall replica of the iconic American statue. It also includes a decorative nameplate to make the display stand out.

If Dad loves getting experimental with crafting different alcoholic drinks and cocktails, the Drink Like a Man: The Only Cocktail Guide Any Really Needs book is an excellent gift. From Esquire’s former drinks correspondent, David Wondrich, and former senior editor, Ross McCammon, the book details how to make 13 classic cocktails, along with plenty of cocktail variations, large-batch drinks for a crowd, and more. Dad is sure to have fun channeling his inner bartender as he sifts through 100 colorful photos and 125 unique recipes.

As delicious and enjoyable as they are, kabobs can be a pain to assemble and make. With these handy grilling baskets, dad can say goodbye to the wooden skewers, and put together various meat, veggie, or mixed ingredient kabobs. The baskets are made from steel wire, and topped with a hardwood handle that makes for easy flipping (and grilling).

If dad has a collection of vintage vinyls, he’s sure to love this Audio-Technica Stereo Turntable. The system plays both 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records, and features a built-in phono preamp that can be connected to powered speakers, a home stereo, a computer, and more. It features a sleek, minimalist design as well as an updated tone arm base and head shell to reduce resonance and improve tracking.

When Dad is firing up food on the grill, or cooking up a storm in the house, a meat thermometer can be a trusty companion that helps to tell when meat, fish, or poultry reaches the perfect internal temperature. This meat thermometer has a lighted digital interface and temperature probe that impressively measures internal temperature within two to three seconds. There is a convenient meat temperature chart on the thermometer itself, and it’s water resistant for easy cleaning.

If Dad frequently streams movies or watches Youtube from his phone, he’ll appreciate this cell phone stand and bluetooth speaker. The stand is compatible with 4- to 13-inch smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, and has an anti-skid silicone pad backing and bottom to prevent your device from sliding off the stand as you adjust it. With built-in Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the speaker instantly connects to devices and maintains a connection up to 33 feet away.

Great for coffee enthusiast dads, the Cometeer Mixed Roast box contains a premium selection of 32 light, medium, and dark roast capsules that can be added to hot or cold milk or coffee for instant enjoyment. Each capsule contains brewed and flash frozen coffee extract, which is then shipped on dry ice straight to your doorstep. When stored accordingly, the Cometeer capsules have a three year shelf life, so dad can stretch his box for years.

This camping chair will become Dad’s new best friend for tailgate gatherings, camping trips, or backyard barbecues. For starters, it has a fold-out side table with shelves to store cameras, books, and more. It also features a detachable insulated cooler with multiple pockets and folding backpack strap to easily tote it around. In addition to its impressive features, the 19.5-inch wide chair includes a cup holder, cell phone pocket, and specialized fabric loops for umbrellas or sports banners.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the most popular Father’s Day gifts?

As dads are kings of practicality, Father’s Day gifts that can be utilized repeatedly, such as tools, cookware and grilling tools, electronics, clothes, and books are items that any dad will appreciate. But if you’re looking to make Father’s Day a little special, opting for a more personal gift isn’t a bad idea.

“The most popular Father's Day gifts typically fall into two categories: sentimental items and time together,” Kucharson explains. For sentimental gifts, anything that highlights your relationship with Dad, such as a printed photo book, digital picture frame, dad quote book, or mug, etc. are excellent options. But if your dad isn’t the biggest gift guy, spending the day doing any activity together is a great alternative. “I often suggest gift-givers send their father a link to upcoming Ticketmaster events and tell Dad to pick an event to attend together,” he adds.

How much should you spend on a Father’s Day gift?

The amount of money you spend on a Father’s Day gift is up to your specific preferences and budget. Father’s Day gifts can cost as low as $5 and reach up to hundreds of dollars depending on the brand, quality, and product type. Remember, gifting is not about how much you spend on an item, but rather the thought and personal significance it has to you and the recipient. “My advice is to focus on Father's Day gifts that are high in sentimental value, not monetary value,” Kucharson recommends.

What Father’s Day gift do you get for a dad who wants nothing?

No matter how much you push and pry, most dads will tell you they don’t want or need anything come Father’s Day. “Dads, more than any other demographic, tend to be labeled as the gift-recipient who ‘doesn't want anything, doesn't need anything,’” Kucharson says. “In my experience as a son and father, we often say that because we don't want to burden our loved ones with buying more stuff we know we don't truly need.”

Rather than pestering your dad or the father figure in your life with questions pertaining to what stuff they need or want, shift your focus on gifting them quality time together by asking what kind of activities they want to do.  Whether it’s streaming a TV show or movie on Netflix or going for a walk, as long as you spend time with them, they'll appreciate it. 

How can you make a father feel special on Father’s Day?

Ultimately, Father’s Day is about reserving time to show your dad or a father figure that their role is valued and appreciated. Any gift that celebrates fatherhood and highlights your specific relationship with him works best, and this can look different from person to person. Cooking dad a Father’s Day brunch, baking him a delicious cake, going to a sports game or concert, or simply talking to him and reminiscing about the great times you’ve shared together will make him feel just as special as giving him an expensive gift.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Alicia Geigel, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To find the best Father’s Day gifts, she weighed factors like price, gift type, customer reviews, ratings, and overall value. For expert gifting tips, Alicia consulted Patrick Kucharson, founder and author of Better Gift Coach, a weekly newsletter that focuses on unique and meaningful gift ideas.

Related Articles