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This post is all about the best gifts for dad!
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There are few tasks as difficult as shopping for a man who never asks for anything and hasn’t explicitly wished for a gift since he stopped writing to Santa a few decades ago. We have all been there and if you’re reading this post, you are there right now! Luckily, I firmly believe there is a perfect gift for everyone, even the most difficult-to-shop-for of fathers.
Enter: the ultimate dad gift guide, i.e. your cheat sheet moving forward for the best birthday, Christmas, and Father’s Day gift ideas. I have collected 30 amazing finds that can work for every type of dad. And I literally mean everyone. Does your father love cooking? Perfect, skip the rest and focus on the foodie section. Oh, what’s that? A stylish dad? The fashion edit was created just for you.
Dads are such a wonderful part of life and they deserve to be celebrated with a gift that’s as thoughtful as it is practical and fun. I hope these pieces can make your life easier, your shopping faster, and the father figures in your life feel extra special!
Gifts For Dad – The Practical Edit
When putting together this gift guide, I just had to start with the practical gifts. If the dad you’re shopping for is anything like mine, he will love a good quality gift that can also be used daily. These pieces are a fantastic example that the best gifts don’t always need to be extra unique gifts. Sometimes an elevated take on a basic can also work great!
These top picks are also a great option if you want to play it safe. They will work for most people regardless of age and personal interests. Perfect if you’re shopping on behalf of someone or for an in-law.
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
Classic, compact, elegant, and useful. Is there anything else I need to say about this absolute icon? Living in Switzerland I may be partial to it, but I absolutely love this idea for a small gift that packs a punch.
Apple Watch
This one is for the tech-savvy dads who enjoy more of a luxury gift. On the more expensive side, this is one of those gadgets that can become a fundamental part of their daily life.
Sleek Water Bottle
As far as water bottles are concerned, I have yet to find a brand I like as much as 24 bottles (I have had mine for 7 years – yes, you read that right!). Designed in Italy, sleek, and available in plenty of colors – you can’t go wrong.
On Sneakers
On is a Swiss brand co-owned by the famous tennis player Roger Federer. You can’t go out in Zurich without spotting a pair of these! These sneakers are ultra-comfortable, unique in their design, and perfect for the dad on the run.
MagSafe Charging Station
Another tech gift that comes with functionality without a prohibiting price tag is a multi-task charging station. On a single charge, this accessory can take care of all your dad’s devices. The dream.
Hatch Alarm Clock
The hatch alarm clocks have become absolute best sellers and for a good reason. They can be life-changing for people who struggle to wake up to a traditional alarm. This is one of my favorite gifts of all time.
Gifts For Dad – The Foodie Edit
Foodies are so fun to shop for! I especially like that you can approach this theme from so many angles. Here I’m sharing some of my favorite accessories, but you could even opt for something edible. Think of a sophisticated food basket or a DIY collection of their favorite snacks and treats. The options are truly endless.
If you’re ready to go the extra mile, you could even pair these gifts with little extras like gift cards to their favorite gourmet grocery store or restaurant. That way, the gift will be combined with an experience you can do together!
Grill Cookbook
Dads love to grill, that’s not a secret. So why not encourage this passion by gifting them the ultimate grill cookbook? Plenty of recipes, beautiful pictures, and the secret ingredients to a season of sublime cook-outs.
Meat Thermometer
Building onto the grilling/BBQ theme, let me introduce you to the ultimate meat thermometer. Perfect if your dad is a perfectionist at heart, it’s wireless and comes with an integrated phone app. So fun!
Foodie Dinner Dice
This foodie dice is just what any cook needs to experiment with their skills and try pairings outside of their comfort zone. The best part? No more wasting hours wondering what he should cook!
Re-usable Whiskey Stones
If you’re looking for something that feels very sophisticated, this is for you. These gorgeous whiskey stones are what your dad needs to elevate his drinking and hosting experience. So chic and useful!
Tasting Wine Subscription
If your father loves wine but you don’t have any experience in it, it’s time to leave it to the experts. This one subscription is something he can enjoy over time. Bonus point? It made it to the top 4 wine clubs of 2025 according to the New York Times Wirecutter!
Premium Knives
Any cook will tell you that you can never have enough good knives. Unfortunately, good knife sets tend to be expensive and rarely something that you average amateur foodie invests in. Jump in and save your dad from a dull blade with this gorgeous, Japanese set.
Gifts For Dad – The Self-Care Edit
Self-care gifts tend to be a popular choice when it comes to dads as this is something they rarely invest in themselves. However, being cozy, taking care of oneself, and enjoying the small comforts of life is not something that should only be saved for special occasions.
These finds are great examples of how to elevate daily self-care rituals from brushing one’s teeth to sleeping. I am a strong advocate for finding moments of pleasure and elegance in the chaos of daily life and gifting someone the ability to do so is extra special.
Designer Cologne
Why default to a boring shaving gift set when you can opt for a stunning cologne? Acqua di Parma is an Italian, manly citrus classic that will transport your dad to the Amalfi coast every time he sprays it.
A Premium Electric Toothbrush
Spotlight toothbrushes have been a recent discovery of mine. Developed by two Irish dentists, these brushes are sleek, functional, and incredibly affordable for what they offer. I absolutely love mine!
Beautiful Set of Pjs
Men seem to often underestimate how a perfect pair of pajamas can transform the sleeping experience. Time to rescue your dad from his sweats and replace them with this gorgeous cotton set from JCrew.
Cozy Slippers
Cozy slippers are a fundamental human right. Luckily for you, they also make a great, affordable gift. Opt for a more high-end pair like this one from UGG for a piece they’ll be able to enjoy for a long time to come.
Gifts For Dad – The Fashion Edit
In this part of the gift guide, I wanted to focus on elegant fashion accessories. Style is, of course, incredibly subjective but I believe there are a few classics you just can’t go wrong with.
Whether it’s a small hat or a designer belt, the gift you choose should be easy to integrate into your father’s wardrobe. Think of what colors your dad usually wears, what fabrics, what brands and designs. Having a somewhat clear idea of his average shopping profile will make sure you don’t go for a beautiful piece that ends up forgotten in a corner of his closet.
Carhartt Baseball Cap
Simple, functional, and iconic. I love the casual look of a Carhartt baseball cap. Especially in a more sophisticated color like burgundy or sage. Perfect to spice up even the most basic of outfits.
Classic Handkerchief
If your old man is also old at heart and loves a good tradition, a personalized handkerchief may be a great gift idea. This seller on Etsy will embroider your own handwriting and personal message! 10/10
Italian Leather Wallet
Piquadro is an Italian affordable luxury brand known for its high-quality leather and signature blue border. I like to describe their pieces as classics with a twist. This wallet is the perfect evergreen accessory!
Ribbed Cotton Sweater
A ribbed sweater is such an elegant but understated piece. Cotton is a great option if you’re gifting it for Father’s Day. Opt instead for Cashmere or wool during winter or Christmas time.
Casual Rugby Shirt
If your dad loves the old-fashioned charm of the East Coast, a long-sleeve rugby shirt may be the perfect addition to his wardrobe. Casual but not basic, this is a piece he will get so much usage from!
A Beautiful Leather Belt
Hugo Boss is a great brand for designer, high-quality belts that won’t deplete your savings. Especially their more youthful lines are full of great options that combine the brand quality with a more affordable price point.
Gifts For Dad – The Personalized Edit
When I think of a thoughtful gift, I often like to look for an element of customization. Whether it’s a monogram, a small engraving, or a custom design, crafting something specifically for them is a great way to make the recipient feel special.
I’m sharing some of my favorite customizable pieces here, but don’t stop yourself from thinking outside the box. Even if you picked a gift from one of the other sections, get creative and find a way to customize it a bit. I promise it’s worth it to go the extra mile for the sake of uniqueness and the surprise element!
Monogrammed Laptop Case
If your dad carries around a laptop every day, a new, monogrammed case can be the perfect practical but sentimental gift. I love how organized this piece is!
Personalized Card Deck
A personalized card deck is the perfect funny gift if your dad loves a good time with social games and you want a truly unique piece. So fun!
A Caran D’Ache Engraved Pen
Caran D’Ache is a premium stationery brand from Geneva, Switzerland. Their pieces are absolutely stunning and this engraved pen is the perfect addition to any businessman or lawyer’s desk.
Personalized Desk Mat
Building onto the office’s theme, this leather desk mat is a simple but practical and beautiful piece. The degree of customization is pretty flexible and the color choice is very broad. What else can you ask for?
Gifts For Dad – The Crafty Edit
If you believe that a good gift needs to have a handmade element to it, welcome to the crafty side of things. These gifts for dad all require some level of personal effort to assemble/create/design, making them a great occasion for you to express your creativity and for your dad to receive something truly unique.
Of course, if you decide to go with a crafty gift, make sure to plan ahead of time. I speak from personal experience when I say that pulling stressful overnights to finish a gift project is not the best way to approach something that’s supposed to be fun!
Sweet Photo Album
Nothing screams I love you more than a curated collection of your favorite memories together. This gorgeous leather photo album can also double as a scrapbook if you’re feeling extra creative.
DIY Canva Magazine
Another gift I LOVE to recommend is a DIY magazine in Canva. Use this fantastic template as a starter and personalize the magazine with photos and fun facts about your dad. Extra points if you add some hilarious stories!
Embroidered T-Shirt
Is there a special inside joke between you and your dad? A character or symbol you associate with him? If so, turn it into a custom embroidery patch and elevate a basic T-shirt or sweatshirt into a sentimental piece of fashion.
Scavenger Hunt
Use these amazing Father’s Day-themed clues to set up the scavenger hunt of the decade. Depending on your budget, you can have him find his favorite snacks or a small selection of gifts. So fun!
To Conclude
This post was all about the best gifts for Dad!
Whether you’re looking for the best Father’s Day gifts or a birthday present that he will absolutely love, these great pieces are as fun as they are practical and thoughtful. As you settle on the perfect gift, always check whether you can add customization to go the extra mile and turn even a simple item into a custom one.
Lastly, don’t forget to include a heartfelt card with your gift. You can opt for something hilarious and cheeky or pour your heart out. I promise this will be the most cherished part of it all!
Happy shopping and let me know in the comments what is your dad’s favorite gift you have ever given him. I love hearing your stories! 🎁
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