I love finding the perfect gifts for everyone on my list. Kids, significant others, co-workers, friends, and family, I usually have a pretty good handle on what people want or what I can surprise them with. But, there’s always that one person who’s impossible to buy for. Whether it’s because they’re super picky or already have everything, these are the folks you save for last because you’re just tapped out on ideas.
For me, it’s my dad. I have to start thinking about his gifts as soon as the weather turns cool, which is even trickier since his birthday is in September. Double … trouble. Dads are pretty low maintenance, aren’t they? They don’t need a bathroom full of toiletries or a closet full of clothes. They typically don’t like a ton of cooking gadgets and aren’t fussy overall. I think that adds to the predicament. I’ve put together a list of go-to gifts for any dad you need to buy for, so whether they’re a first-time dad, a granddad, or a dog dad, something below is sure to do the trick.
Just Scraping By
Dads are fixers, aren’t they? Whether it’s a scraped knee, a loose door hinge, or a broken heart, they’re pretty good at mending things. These scrapers seem like a simple concept, but they have hundreds of uses. You’ll find the dad in your life tackling everything from removing paint from glass to taking stickers off of purchases with this five-pack of Scrigits. Don’t be surprised if he’s always got one in his pocket.
This Beef Jerky Has a Cult Following
What dad doesn’t like beef jerky? This B.U.L.K. jerky comes in a variety of mouth-watering flavors (like teriyaki brisket and sweet and spicy) and is made in the good ol’ US of A.
Organize Those Batteries
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: “Yeah, just go grab some double AAs from my battery drawer!” This was a constant conversation in my house growing up. Too bad I didn’t know about this battery organizer 30 years ago. This storage solution houses up to 93 batteries and has a built-in tester as well as a cover to keep everything in its place.
Knock Your Socks Off
Does your Pop have foot issues? He’ll thank you endlessly for these compression socks that work for both men and women. I’ve heard numerous reports of foot pain instantly vanishing once these are slid onto feet. These are thin enough to wear under socks or while sleeping or working out. Grab two pairs so he’ll always have some that are clean.
Big Vac Attack
There’s just something about dads and cars, whether it’s his vehicle or one in your family fleet. Help him keep everything looking fresh and clean on the inside with this car vacuum cleaner. Small and portable, he can leave this one in the garage or trunk so it’s always at the ready when he needs it. Three attachments, a long cord, and a storage bag make it an even better value.
Meat Your New Favorite Thermometer
A meat thermometer feels unnecessary until you use one and realize it’s a total game-changer. This one is so versatile because not only can you use it for meat but also deep-frying, baking, grilling, and more. It has a large, lighted LCD screen, is waterproof, and reads a temperature in just a matter of seconds. Grab it in black/white or red.
Drinks On You
Let’s be honest, you’re probably the reason your dad drinks. Give him the gift of homemade beer cocktails with this black and tan layering tool. A black and tan, if you didn’t know, is a layered beer drink that’s one part pale beer and one part dark beer. A stainless steel bar tool, this is a must-have for every man cave.
Crush Your Can Storage
If there’s one thing that’s changed my refrigerator organization, it’s can organizers like these. By themselves, cans take up a lot of room, but these storage bins make it simple and convenient to stay organized. Whether he’s storing beer, seltzer, soda, or energy drinks, these trays will up his organization game. Fill one with his favorite drink and stick it under the Christmas tree.
Light It Up
We all have those corners of our house where light never seems to reach. This clip-on light is perfect for reading, playing games, working puzzles, or shuffling around in the garage. It comes with three lighting levels, easily clips to most surfaces, and has an adjustable arm for precise placement. The best part is you can get by without charging it (under normal usage) for better than a week.
Organize The Junk In His Trunk
This is probably my personal favorite buy over the past 12 months or so because it has really organized the contents of my trunk and freed up so much extra space. The trunk storage organizer has multiple compartments of varying sizes, exterior mesh pockets, and securing straps to keep it in place. When it’s not in use, it collapses to make it simple to store.
A Shave And A Haircut
Men mean well, but I never come closer to wanting to kill one than when I see beard hair all over the bathroom vanity. This beard bib could just save a life. Hair clippings are no match for this grooming cape, which attaches to the neck on one end and the bathroom mirror on the other. If you’re looking for a gift that drops a not-so-subtle hint, here it is.
Here’s The Scooper
I know and you know that this, ahem, scooper is intended to pick up the little gifts your pets leave behind in the yard. But, before you scroll on, consider this: It’s also a great tool for basic yard work including picking up gravel, dirt, rocks and more. This set includes a rake and a tray with lengthy handles to eliminate a lot of bending and stretching.
Give Dad The Runaround
My mom is the runner in this family, but she swears by this running belt that stashes away things like her house keys, smartphone, and headphones. Comfortable and convenient in a one-size-fits-most design, the reflective striping will keep him safe on evening walks while storing important belongings. A built-in port for his headphone wires is a nice additional feature.
Add Fuel To His Fire
My grandmother used to love to say, “Play with fire and you’ll wet the bed.” I promise you, I never did that but I also didn’t play with fire. Test the theory with the man in your life by gifting him these charcoal fire starters. These work great for campfires, grills, fireplaces, and smokers, and are waterproof so they’ll still work even in soggy conditions.
Cocktail In A Box
I’m seriously considering gifting a few of these this holiday season, particularly when it comes to our white elephant gift exchange at work. Housed in a compact, portable tin, dad will love having a cocktail starter that only needs alcohol added to it. These are great for travel, too, so dad doesn’t have to spend $15 for a cocktail aboard the airplane.
Lather Up
Nothing says “tough guy” like a no-frills bar of black soap, but there’s more than meets the eye with this little guy. Bursting with tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus, this bar is perfect for fighting stubborn skin conditions like acne and eczema, while deodorizing, refreshing, and soothing dry skin. This one is good for all skin types since it has no synthetic ingredients.
Lighten His Wallet
Dads spend a fair amount of money on the people they love so lighten his wallet in another way by grabbing this stick-on wallet that adheres to his smartphone. I carry a folio case, which allows me to have the same functionality and I don’t know how I lived before it. Remember to throw a little cash in there if you gift this one; an empty wallet as a gift is bad luck!
Water You Gifting?
As a self-proclaimed water bottle expert, I feel it’s my duty to include at least one stainless steel bottle option on this list. These are so versatile because they work for hot or cold beverages and have a handy loop for easy carrying. I love the wide mouth on it, too, so you can add extra ice. Buy it in sizes from 25 to 64 ounces.
Shed Some Light
My dad loves practical gifts, which is great for me because I love gifting things that people will really get a lot of use out of. This collapsible lantern goes from camping and bonfires to emergencies and garages with just a snap. Weatherproof and both water- and wind-resistant, this lantern also doubles as a phone charger and flashlight. It’s also chargeable via a USB or solar power.
Give Dad The Slip
I don’t know any dad who wouldn’t love a pair of slip-on moccasins like this snuggly option from IZOD. Available in black, brown, or gray, these feature a rubber bottom for indoor wear and moderate outdoor activity. The slipper styling also means no lace tying or retying, just easy-on comfort that he’ll never want to take off. It’s a perfect wintertime gifting option.
Seasoning Greetings
You can’t beat a guy who’s mastered the art of the grill, but you can help him up his game with this thoughtfully-curated collection of spices that’s perfect for everything from ribs to steaks and everything in between. This set comes with 20 spice blends including exotic flavors like lime chipotle and chili rosemary and classic options like cayenne and garlic salt.
Break Out The Big Guns
That is definitely not a “dad bod” in the photo above, but dad will still get a lot of use out of the massage gun pictured. Equipped with five-speed levels in a lightweight package, this ergonomically designed massager includes six interchangeable heads to get just the right amount of pressure.
Dads In Plaid
Dads will get a ton of use out of this quilted and lined flannel shirt jacket with a hood. Made by Wrangler, these jackets have a ton of great features including front and side pockets, a quilted interior for warmth, and a relaxed fit that works in a variety of settings. Choose from various color options and sizes up to 3X.
Make It A Massage
Before you think, “He’d never use that,” think about all the places he could — in his car, at the office, at home. You’re “warming” to the idea, aren’t you? This massage seat cushion is one of those little luxuries he’ll never know he needed, with 10 vibration settings and even heat. He can customize his settings and intensity level to deliver comfort to his head, upper and lower back, seat, hips, and thighs.
Let’s Get Ready to Tumble
You can never have too many tumblers, especially when they’re decorated with fishing lures and bear the name Tervis. This 16-oz. tumbler will become his new favorite, whether he’s sipping a brew or a cold brew. Both microwave- and dishwasher-safe, this cup is true Tervis quality with a wrap design wedged between the tumbler’s walls so it’ll look as good a year from now as the day you bought it.
Don’t Be A Tool
Guys love tools. I think when they’re born, they get a birth certificate and a socket set. This two-piece multitool pen set is going to look great in a stocking with amazing functionality. These pieces have various features including a bright LED light, screen stylus, ruler, bubble leveler, Phillips and flathead screwdriver, and writing utensil in one. This is one he’ll be certain to use, for less than $17.
Drop This Hammer
While we’re talking about tools, how about a multifunctional hammer? This heavy-duty gadget has 14 tools in one and is made of stainless steel so it’ll hammer, cut, tighten and fix things easily with no need to rummage in a junk drawer or toolbag. The best part (that I didn’t see until I’d already decided to include it in this list) is the engraving that proclaims, “Best Dad Ever.”
Watch His Reaction To This One
If he’s got a watch collection, then he needs this 12-slot watch case, which keeps them neat and dust-free in an organizer with a glass lid so he can admire his stash. This box is also great for storing and displaying his cuff links, jewelry, rings, necklaces, and more. The metal lock catch is designed for easy one-hand opening and the velvet interior will safeguard your valuables.
Buy Him A Bluetooth Beanie
Mundane tasks are so much simpler to accomplish when you can add a little music behind them. This Bluetooth beanie will keep his head and ears warm while also playing his favorite tunes from his smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. The exterior is fully stitched and lined with wool lining to keep heat in. This beanie also works to help you answer calls, change volume, or skip songs in a playlist.
Beer And Chill
This is one of the more ingenious products I’ve seen on Amazon lately. These Corkcicle Chillsners work by adding them to the freezer to get them good and cold and then can be dropped right into a bottle of his favorite brew. These fit most standard bottles to deliver an ice-cold drink without watering it down. This purchase includes a set of two.
Throw It All In A Weekender
Whether he’s headed out on a business trip or you’re going for a weekend away together, he’ll look stylish carrying this weekender bag over his shoulder. Available in blue, black, gray, or coffee, as well as an extra-large option and one with a shoe bag, this duffle is as handy as it is chic. One reviewer said, “This bag is spacious, huge side pockets and there are pockets in the front and back … perfect to hold your plane tickets and IDs/passport without rummaging through your bag.”
Sun’s Out, Guns Out
This is a perfect gift for the gun lover in your life. A deluxe cleaning kit, housed in a bullet-shaped storage case, he’ll love keeping his gear clean and working properly with the pieces in this set. It includes cleaning rods, wire brushes, mops, adaptors, patch holders, cleaning patches, a nylon brush, a double-ended cleaning pick, an empty oil bottle, and a case. One reviewer said, “Got it for my husband and it is awesome. He loves it. He uses it for his hunting rifles.”
Put A Creeper Under The Tree
Guys who love spending time tinkering in the garage will be excited to receive this creeper seat, which can be used as a stool for sitting or can be laid flat for shimmying under a car. Thick, padded cushions make it comfortable for supporting weight up to 300 pounds. Change its position from seated to flat with a quick flip of a retractable pin.
Grooming For Your Groom
Good hygiene is always in season. This nail clipper kit is a great addition to a stocking that he’ll be able to use at home or take on the go. Equipped with seven different grooming gadgets in a case with a push-button opening, it’ll secretly be the gift he gets the most use out of over the years … even if he won’t admit it.
Show Support For His Team
Are we still doing the mask thing? I think we are. Regardless, this officially-licensed hooded gaiter can be used in a multitude of settings, whether he’s hitting the slopes or attending a sporting event. The hood is a nice addition for extra warmth. And, hey, I’m not saying he has to convert to a Patriots fan, but we’re accepting new applications all the time.
Try A Telescope
There’s just something about a telescope, isn’t there? Being able to check out your favorite team up close or observing nature or the sky, it’s a gift he’s unlikely to buy for himself but will appreciate nonetheless. This one is technically a monocular (as opposed to binoculars) with a smartphone holder for freeing up your hands. It’s both waterproof and durable with optical glass for clear viewing.
A Wallet For Minimalists
I had lunch a few days ago with a friend whose wallet was legitimately almost the size of my purse. This minimalist wallet isn’t for him, but it might be perfect for the man in your life. Equipped with RFID technology in a sleek aluminum and steel package, he can put this in a jacket or pants pocket without the bulge of a heavy traditional wallet.
Give Him This Combo Cup
A lot of guys enjoy a drink and a cigar together and this whiskey glass is designed for both. A traditional cup for enjoying your beverage, it also has a built-in ergonomically designed cigar holder to hold a cigar securely in place when sipping. With a heavy-duty glass base and premium glass throughout, he’ll enjoy his whiskey, bourbon, scotch, vodka, and more in a one-handed design.