50 clever and practical gifts for dad under $50

Don't send dad off to work (or school, as the case may be) with a brown bag. If you think it's embarrassing for you, it's definitely embarrassing for him.

A nice piece for the bar to replace that ratty old plastic thing he stole from Holiday Inn before you were born and life was good.

He'll pick up on it. Just get him started.

If the thought of talking to Alexa blew his mind, wait till he starts using these.

Whether or not dad's a drinker, there's some deep-seated American history in Rothbaum's collection that no one can deny.

Because, according to both Jacques Pepin and this book's late author, no grown man should ever go without knowing how to cook an omelet.

Setting these up will be almost as enjoyable as the fruits of his labor. And while it may take a while to yield, everybody wins with this gift.

History and rum. What more intrigue does a dad need?

Or a breakfast-in-bed tray, as he likes.

Stop letting dad go out with that scraggly Jeremiah Johnson beard and get him some beard oil and balm to shape it up a little.

If his Bloody Mary game is ever lacking, this will surely be incentive to start bedazzling them.

So you can stop getting blamed for your younger siblings' delinquency. Then again, you might be shooting yourself in the foot for this one.

Dad's sick of the same old scotch and soda he drinks on his red eyes. Help him change it up a bit.

What's more precious to dad than his naps? Well, besides you...

If he's using a baking sheet — or worse, nothing but tin foil — to make pizzas, there's no need to discuss it: It's time for a change.

No more bacon grease stains on his favorite football jersey.

This will likely outlast his hair, but when it does, he'll look at it as a fond memory of his long-lost locks — of which, he'll dare not let you forget, you singlehandedly stripped him during your formative years.

Four pouches of gourmet coffee, beans whole or ground, paired with four chocolate bars and tasting notes.

For his inner computer nerd, whether he'll admit it's there or not.

The 2nd generation of the Amazon Echo Dot is less expensive, yet more compatible and compact than it's next-generation replacement. Get this for dad while supplies last. If you don't believe me, let one of our texperts explain.

A not-so-subtle gift for the whole family, but if there's ever a time to let dad know that his feet stink to high heaven, it's the holiday season.

You can make one of your dad's hometown, his college town, his favorite travel destination, or the place where he got engaged or married — you're only limited by your imagination.

If dad doesn't already play the guitar, it's time. There is no instrument more "dad" than the ax. But, just as he loses his keys, he'll constantly find himself in want of a pick. Make no mistake, this little tool will save him a few bucks over the years. Old gift cards and credit cards are fair game, but beware: so is your fake ID.

Dad could always use a massage, but this is for those times when no one is in the mood to give him one.

Heavy salting and charring might not be the best thing for dear old dad's body, but it is simply rhapsodic to his soul.

More salt? Yes, we know. But if dad is anything of a tequila drinker, we're sure there's no better vessel from which to send (or sip) it down his gullet than these hand-carved salt glasses.

Help dad ditch the Cholula and sriracha and tap into his creative side. Even if you've never seen it, it's there. We promise.

If he's being a Grinch or a Scrooge, nothing will put him in the holiday spirit faster.

Whether or not your father's blackheads are shaping into braille, this scrub will leave his skin soft and smooth. As for that stubbly five o'clock shadow? Have a look at one of our shaving kits.

Banish the electric razor from your house by reminding your dad how lovely it is to shave with a real razor, a fine brush, and thick, frothy soap from a mug.

Also, check out our buying guide to the best shaving supplies here.

Because no dad should ever be left with bourbon and no nuts.

If dad's a ramen fiend, he'll love this.

Check out other options from Man Crates here.

There may be no other single gizmo that will make dad feel more like a man than a shucking tool. A classic design that hasn't changed in, like, forever, Opinel has been making knives of all shapes and sizes for almost 130 years. This shucking tool is an all-in-one that can handle oysters and clams.

For an oyster-specific knife, my personal favorite from spending a few months behind an oyster bar is the Dexter New Haven Blade that's available on Amazon for $12.

A solution to anything and everything from tools and loose wires to poorly packed suitcases.

For when delivery pizza doesn't quite deliver.

No matter how black his thumb, there is no way he can kill this thing (at least, we hope).

His campfire meals can only improve with this thing along for the trip.

Help dad feel fresh and clean. He's getting old. Also, check out our buying guide to the best shaving supplies here.

Dad deserves a pretzel made with love, even if he has to make it himself.

Those big whiskey rocks can be heavy, if altogether unnecessary. Here's a more refined, pared down option to chill his spirits.

Inspiration for dad in the kitchen, or maybe just sushi smut.

A compact key tracker for your hapless car-key-losing fool of a dad is honestly a really thoughtful and practical gift.

If dad's a tool guy, he can't possibly not appreciate having one of these on him at all times. If he isn't, and if he never even uses the thing, it'll at the very least make him feel like he's MacGuyver.

Socks might seem boring to you now, but wait till you're a dad. Socks like these will be worth their weight in gold.

If dad's the kind of guy who breaks things (aren't all dads?), this is the fishing rod for him.

Your dad's a classy guy, and even if he's not, he should be drinking from crystal — if not platinum — by now, if for no other reason than all the years he's had to put up with you.

More things he can't possibly break or kill.

In case you've been looking for a way to let dad know that it's time to shave that patchy, salt-and-pepper-colored thing that is growing on his face.

For "rugged" weekends in the great outdoors.

Lest he forgets his one and only pride and joy.

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