Each year, on the third Sunday of June, we have the opportunity to celebrate the dads in our lives thanks to Father’s Day. Whether you are shopping for your partner, baby daddy, father, or father-in-law, this round up of gift ideas will surely be a welcome surprise. And let’s give a special shout-out to those first-time dads—they deserve special honoring as they embark on a brand new season of life.
Why surprise the magnificent men in your life with a Father’s Day gift? Well, day in and day out they hustle their hearts for the family. They take dirty diapers to the curb, rock skin-to-skin snuggles, teach our kiddos the importance of safe rough housing, and so much more. Hands down they deserve the best Father’s Day gift you can muster. It is the least we can do to tangibly show our appreciation for all their efforts.
Jump to the best gifts for dads:
- Our top 8 gifts :
- Portable car jump starter – prep for emergencies
- The best books – perfect reads for dads
- Fun waffle maker – better than a basic one
- Wireless headphones – tech that merges safety and convenience
- The best dad bag – a timeless tote
- Baby wearing for big kids – dads are going to love this carrier
- Memorable beef – it’s what’s for dinner
- Hot/cold tumbler – beverages at the perfect temp are a true gift
Find the Perfect Father’s Day Gift
My quest to find the perfect Father’s Day gifts for the dads in my life actually begins after Christmas. Yes, really.
After Christmas gift giving, when I begin to assess the next year, I jot down all the dads I’ll be buying for in the months ahead. It helps to keep a phone note with their name and gift ideas as you think of them—include your partner/husband, dad, father-in-law, step-dad, your ex/co-parent if that applies, and other male mentors who ought to be honored on Father’s Day. Note their hobbies, favorite brands, and what they like to eat: all those details will help you curate the perfect gift when celebrations and holidays sneak up on you.
Just like moms, not every dad is the same. Some love sports, some love books; some love camping and some prefer video games. Some dads are the DIY home improvement type and others can’t get enough of their car. In reality, many have a number of hobbies and passions so often your gift inspiration can start there. Ask yourself:
- What do they love to do in their spare time?
- What clubs/activities do they participate in?
- When they have a moment to relax, what does that look like?
- What do they need? (Listen, I’m not above gifting my hubby with socks, because sometimes, you truly need a good pair of socks!)
- What’s something they would never buy for themselves?
Let the answers to those questions guide your Father’s Day gift giving so they unwrap something they will truly love this year.
No Gift? No Problem
Although gifts are a wonderful sentiment—and we hope you find something in this list that speaks to you–just keep in mind that it’s truly is the thought that counts. There are plenty of ways to show the dad in your life some appreciation that don’t cost a time, such as:
- Cook up their favorite meal
- Give the gift of down time
- Present a special card from the kids
- Pick up their favorite snacks, like candy, chips, and soda
- Embark on a family adventure, like a hike, day at the pool, or a family-friendly bowling competition
Experiences will not only act as a gift but a great way to make memories together and as for snacks? Well, everyone loves snacks.
Ready, Set, Jump!
Lithium Jump Starter
The GB70 is a portable lithium-ion battery jump starter pack that can jump start a dead battery in seconds. Plus, it can even recharge other devices like a phone or tablet with a USB port. It's designed for a car, boat, RV, truck, or basically anything with a gas engines up to 8 liters and diesel engines up to 6 liters. You'll get up to 20 jumps from a single charge and it's safe, with spark-free technology.
Nothing makes me laugh more than watching my husband jump on our trampoline, but that’s not the kind of jumping I’m talking about here. If you can’t decide what to get dad for Father’s Day consider a portable car jump starter. It’s practical and a great gift for the kind of guys who are all about preparedness. Plus, in the circumstance where they need to put it to use, you will be giving them time! With a portable car jump starter, they will be back on the road in no time at all.
A Father-Focused Read-a-Thon
Everyday Millionaire: How Ordinary People Build Extraordinary Wealth - And How You Can Too
From best-selling author Chris Hogan, this book culminates data and stories from over 10,000 interviews–the largest study of American millionaires ever done. Financially-savvy dads will be excited to learn that millionaire status has nothing to do with income or background. Hogan’s inspirational message confirms that: “It doesn’t matter where you come from. It matters where you’re going.” This book’s wealth of knowledge is written in a tangible, interesting way that will encourage promising next steps for your family’s future.
For dads who like to read, you can also choose a fun or introspective father-focused book. Some great parenting books include: Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids, or, for a humorous twist, go with Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada.
You can opt for a hard copy or an audio version; my husband much prefers audio these days because he can listen on his commute. It might even be worthwhile to purchase two or three for him to read with his dad, brother-in-law, or friend. Books are best read when discussion follows, right?
The Galaxy’s Best Breakfast
Star Wars Millennium Falcon Waffle Maker
Serve up the galaxy’s best breakfast with a waffle shaped Millennium Falcon! I mean, how fun is that? Dads, kids, friends, you name it, they will be impressed with this new breakfast appliance. The design creates perfect wells for melted butter and syrup and if you really want to get wild you can add a side of lightsabers (grapes on a skewer) to Father’s Day brunch. Better yet, the Star Wars Millennium Falcon Waffle Maker can also cook hash browns, cookies, cinnamon rolls and more, so he can let his aspiring chef’s imagination fly.
Growing up my dad was the king of breakfasts. He could flip a mean pancake, scramble the best eggs, and his waffles were always a family fave. When my mom was out for the evening he would often make breakfast for dinner too.
If your dad is also a breakfast king consider gifting him a new small appliance for his breakfast shenanigans. Choose the Star Wars waffle maker or opt for a top notch skillet to get sizzling. Also: what’s better than a gift that also gives back to you when Dad wants to cook breakfast? Genius, I know.
An Everyday Necessity
Apple AirPods Pro with Charging Case
Some call them magic, and because the Apple AirPods are always on and always connected—they are pretty magical They even know when they are in your ear and pause when taken out thanks to optical sensors and motion accelerometers. Apple Airpods charge quickly and easily a and the Pro version comes with extra-comfy earpieces and noise-cancellation that my husband swears are magical. (Maybe we need these for the kids??) For an extra special touch, engrave the case with a mix of letters, numbers, and/or emojis. Plus, they're on major sale for Black Friday.
Tech dad or not, headphones are an everyday essential and a wireless option is something he doesn’t know he needs. Once you go wireless, you’ll never go back! Whether the dad in your life enjoys listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, nothing is better than wireless Apple AirPods. They also connect for easy, hands-free calls and Siri can help enable other hands-free things like asking for directions and adjusting the volume. That’s a big win when it comes to both safety and convenience.
Dad’s Forever Bag
Filson Dryden Briefcase
Available in four, water resistant colors, the Dryden Briefcase from Filson is a fantastic bag option for dads. With two exterior pockets, two interiors, and space for a 15” computer, everything has a place in this tote. It even has a trolley sleeve when you take it on the go aside luggage. Without a doubt, the Dryden is perfect for everyday use and a gift that will certainly make every dad’s top list of gifts received.
Gone are the stuffy briefcases of old—these days dads need a hip, sturdy bag to tote their essentials. From a laptop to their current read to the mail that needs their attention (and definitely even a spare stash of diapers and wipes), a crossbody bag with pockets is a must. A good bag can act as a diaper bag, an office bag, a travel carry-on and more. Look for one like the Dryden Briefcase from Filson for Father’s Day—it’s a gift that will see daily use and become a well-loved staple.
Baby Wearing for Big Kids
Piggyback Rider Standing Child Carrier
For children 2+ and up to 50 pounds, the Piggyback Rider Standing Carrier is the perfect carrier for parents on the go. It is compact, lightweight (just three pounds), and easy to adjust. You put it on like a backpack, secure the safety harnesses, and then, adventure awaits! Dads will love the ability to tote their kids around and giving a gift that enables dad to better and more easily parent is a fun way to celebrate fatherhood.
Babywearing dads are a breed of their own! Truly, carrying your baby, toddler, or big kid is a wonderful way for dads to bond with their kids. As an infant, they can hold their babies close in something like a Tula Free-to-Grow or Ergo carrier and if you are a hiking family there is nothing better than the Osprey Poco.
But what about those big kids that needs ups beyond the weight limit of traditional baby carriers? Look no further than the innovative Piggyback Rider Standing Child Carrier.
Dinner Is Served
Kansas City Steaks Boneless Ribeye Steaks
What meat-eating dad doesn't want a nice, juicy steak for Father's Day? If you have siblings, get together and go in to send your pops a surprise package full of delicious ribeye sticks. I never would have guessed you could send steak through Amazon, but hey, why not just embrace it? This vacuum-sealed pack of boneless ribeyes comes with four 8 ounce steaks, so it's plenty to last for Father's Day and beyond–or for you to invite yourself over for dinner too.
For the dad who says, “No, no, I don’t need anything” consider serving up an extra tasty gift. You can opt for a home cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner–all his favorites all day long, or you can showcase your love with a mail order main dish that specializes in prime cuts of meat.
Most dads will swoon at a perfectly cut rib eye, brisket, or the wow factor, Tomahawk steak from Five Marys Farm. That’s a steak he will never forget and a Father’s Day meal that will definitely go down in history.
We’ll Drink to That
Engraved Yeti Rambler
Yeti has quite the assortment of drinkware but it’s this 20-ounce tumbler–the Rambler with MagSlider lid–that’s the most versatile. This size holds the perfect cup of coffee or chilled beverage and fits into cup holders when you are away from home. With 14 colors to choose from and the option to personalize with engraving you really can’t go wrong with this quality gift for all the men in your life. And yes, it is dishwasher safe, so we’ll drink to that.
If the dad in your life is a beverage guy (what dad isn’t?) have I got the perfect gift pairing for you! Select their favorite drink, or two, or three and snag them the best temperature-controlled tumbler on the market. Best of all, you can get it engraved with their name, nickname, favorite number, monogram, or even a custom logo. Need drink ideas? How about Dad’s Root Beer, a new hard cider, or fixings for margaritas.
The Best Gift of All
Let’s face it, sometimes dads are super particular and purchasing a gift isn’t what they would truly appreciate. In that case, give them a little shopping money to put towards one of their wish list items. In my experience dads always have a big-ticket item on their radar. Recently my husband has hinted at both a riding lawnmower, a generator, and a new TV! (Subtle, Dad, subtle.)
Pair those Jacksons (or Benjamins) with a card full of thoughtful words and perhaps a Daddy portrait drawn by the kids. Any dad will love having their praises sung and those portraits always offer a fun chuckle while being a sweet keepsake of your child’s view of their dad.
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