51 thoughtful gifts your dad actually wants this holiday season - for every budget
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Dads are known to be particularly tricky shop for. When it comes to getting him any sort of gift, your conversation probably goes something like this:
You: "Dad, what do you want for Christmas?"
Him: "I don't know. You don't have to get me anything."
If you aren't sure what to get your dad this year, you've found the right gift guide. I've put together a list of 50 presents all dads will love - even yours - from sleek leather wallets and high-tech cooking gadgets to "Game of Thrones"-themed Monopoly and a cookbook that'll let him recreate his favorite Shake Shack burger at home.
As a professional product reviewer and as someone who's given her own dad many of the gifts included in this list over the years, I can safely say that your dad will love them all.
Still shopping for more gifts? Check out all of Insider Picks' holiday gift guides for 2018 here.
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A sleek leather wallet
Bellroy Leather Note Sleeve Wallet, $89.00, available at Amazon
This slim leather wallet from Bellroy is perfect for dads who prefer minimalist accessories. It comes in 11 colors, so you’ll be able to find the perfect match. Bellroy also sells phone cases, work bags and backpacks, and key covers.
A gold and leather watch
Filippo Loreti Venice Moonphase Gold Watch, $169, available at Filippo Loreti
You can't go wrong with a watch for a Father's Day gift. This Italian leather and gold watch from Filippo Loreti, Kickstarter's most funded watch brand ever, is a timeless option that any dad will love.
A box of high-quality steaks
Omaha Steaks n' Burgers Gift Box, $59.99 available at Omaha Steaks
For the culinary dad, there's nothing better than a box of his favorite filet mignons, top sirloins, and steak burgers.
A sous vide machine for ambitious home cooks
Anova Nano Sous Vide, $64, available at Amazon
This $64 sous vide machine will make him look like a fancy chef with minimal effort.
A personalized sports jersey
MLB Shop Custom Men's Jersey, $124.99, available at the official MLB Shop NFL Shop Custom Men's Jersey, $174.99, available at the official NFL Shop
The sports-loving dad won't want to take this jersey off. At the NFL Shop online, you can order a personalized jersey with your dad’s name on the back.
A box of his favorite sports team's gear
Find his team's FanChest gift boxes starting at $59
Sports team merchandise can be extremely expensive when bought from pro-shops, on-campus bookstores, or stadiums. Fanchest set out to make gifting team gear a fun and affordable experience, selling boxes full of items for adults or kids starting at $59. The company is also offering special Father's Day boxes for a limited time.
Breathable and machine-washable sneakers
Allbirds Wool Runner, $95, available at Allbirds
These merino wool sneakers from Allbirds, Silicon Valley's favorite shoe brand, are the perfect mix of sporty and stylish. They currently come in tons of colors, and they're even machine washable.
The Amazon Echo Spot
Amazon Echo Spot, $129.99, available at Amazon
There’s an ever-so-slight learning curve in figuring out what Amazon's Alexa can and can’t do, but once that’s passed, the Echo can forecast the weather, read an audiobook, order a pizza, tell jokes, or any number of things moms should find charming. As a bonus, the Echo Spot has a screen for displaying information.
A high-tech car adapter
Automatic Pro 3G Connected Car Adapter, $129.99, available at Amazon
This car adapter allows you to track fuel efficiency, the cost of gas per trip, and even your car's location if it ever gets stolen.
A device that improves golfing skills
Arccos 360 Golf Tracking System, $233.97, available at Amazon
If your dad is a big golfer, this performance tracking system is a necessary addition to his golf bag.
A luxurious shave kit
Harry's Winston Shave Set, $25, available at Harry's (+ $15 for monogram)
This shave set from Harry's is as sleek as it gets. To go the extra mile, you can get his initials engraved into the razor.
A freshly scented beard oil
Joy Peppermint Clary Sage Beard Oil, $30, available at The Art of Shaving
Bearded dads need this beard oil from The Art of Shaving in their lives.
A durable, temperature-maintaining tumbler cup
Yeti Rambler 30 oz Tumbler, $34.99, available at Amazon and Yeti
This Yeti tumbler cup great for any situation, from camping to commuting. The durable insulated cup does a masterful job of making sure drinks keep their temperatures.
A SodaStream
SodaStream Genesis Sparkling Water Maker, $149.99, available at Amazon
The SodaStream lets you to turn plain water into sparkling water in mere seconds. And Dad can adjust the fizziness and flavor level to his personal taste.
A hot sauce sampler pack
The Good Hurt Fuego Hot Sauces Sampler Pack, $34.99, available at Amazon
If you're not quite sure what kind of hot sauce your dad likes, or if he isn't committed to this or that variety of the spicy stuff, then a The Good Hurt Fuego Hot Sauces Sampler is a great gift idea. It features sauces made with peppers that come from India, Mexico, and beyond, and it has flavors ranging from Chipotle Pepper to Garlic Herb to Whiskey Habanero.
Comfortable and stylish jeans
Mott & Bow Wooster Dynamic Stretch Jeans, $118, available at Mott & Bow
Give the gift of good style with these jeans from Mott & Bow. For a limited time, you can use the code "FATHERSDAY18" for half off a shirt when you purchase a pair of jeans.
A 10-pack of soft and stylish underwear
MeUndies Men's Boxer Brief 10-Pack, $170, available at MeUndies
Made from MicroModal and elastane, MeUndies claims their underwear is three times softer than cotton.
Soft, crisp sheets and bedding
Brooklinen Queen Classic Hardcore Sheet Bundle, $187.50, available at Brooklinen Brooklinen Queen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle, $213, available at Brooklinen
Brooklinen's luxe sheets are among our favorites for their affordable price, sophisticated look, and unbelievable comfort. The company's Hardcore Sheet Bundle has everything your dad needs to completely makeover his bed — and stay nice and cozy all year long. It includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, a duvet cover, and four pillowcases.
A cozy and supportive pillow
Leesa Pillow, $75, available at Leesa Leesa Blanket, $99, available at Leesa
Give the gift of a good night's sleep with this luxurious and supportive pillow from mattress startup Leesa. I also cannot say enough wonderful things about the Leesa Blanket, which is equally giftable and all kinds of cozy.
A Kindle Paperwhite
All-New Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, $99.99, available at Amazon
If your dad is tired of lugging around heavy hardcovers, a Kindle Paperwhite is an extremely thoughtful and practical gift. The latest version is now waterproof too.
A TV-themed game of Monopoly
Monopoly: Game of Thrones Collector's Edition Board Game, $45.99, available at Amazon
This gift is a two-in-one if your dad is a fan of both board games and "Game of Thrones."
A classic stovetop espresso maker
Bialetti 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker, $34.95, available at Amazon
This classic kitchen accessory is perfect for the coffee-loving dad who wants to bring cafe-quality coffee home. The Bialetti stovetop espresso maker not only makes great coffee, but it looks great on the counter.
A gift subscription to a popular coffee club
Atlas Coffee Club 3-Month Gift Subscription, $55, available at Atlas Coffee Club
If your dad's veins run dark roast, a coffee gift won't go unused. We recommend a subscription to the Atlas Coffee Club, which curates a global selection of single-origin coffee that gets freshly roasted and shipped to your house from $9 per bag.
An all-encompassing online subscription
Amazon 1-Year Prime Membership, $119, available at Amazon
Everyone loves Amazon Prime and the plethora of perks that come with a membership, so why not gift a subscription for an entire year?
A durable and waterproof speaker
UE BOOM 2 Wireless Mobile Bluetooth Speaker, $115.95, available at Amazon
The UE Boom 2 sounds good and is well-designed, but perhaps the coolest thing about it is that it has an IPX7 water resistance rating — so he can use it in the shower, in the pool, or to take on the go. It also comes in a bunch of fun colors.
Patterned socks to liven up his outfits
Happy Socks The Beatles Collector Box Set, $42 from Happy Socks and $84 Nordstrom
Some people complain about getting socks for holidays, but dads will love this Beatles-themed gift set with an array of patterned socks inspired by the iconic art of "Yellow Submarine."
An at-home workout system
TRX Suspension Trainer Basic Kit, $149.95, available at Amazon
For the active dad, you can bring the gym home with this TRX trainer.
A handy duffel bag
Aer Duffel Pack 2, $170, available at Aer
If your dad is a frequent traveler or gym-goer, he'll love this versatile duffel bag and backpack hybrid.
A Fitbit
Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband, $123.47, available at Amazon
The Fitbit Charge 2 lets him track his workout in real time on its bright, easy-to-read screen, plus, it has a heart rate monitor and sleep tracking. We think it's the best Fitbit you can buy today
A modern turntable
U-Turn Audio Orbit Special Turntable, $459-$529, available at U-Turn
This turntable is the sleek home accessory your dad didn't know he needed. He can bring his old records out of storage and enjoy them with this modern record player.
A record organization system
WE LASERS Vertical Vinyl Record Dividers (Set of 7), from $90, available at Etsy
Your dad can organize his records in style with this alphabetical wooden divider set.
A subscription service for new vinyl every month
Vinyl Me, Please 3-Month Gift Membership, available at Vinyl Me, Please, $99
Every person's vinyl collection is deeply personal, so instead of trying to guess his taste, let him choose the record himself. Each month, he'll choose and receive one LP, pressed exclusively for Vinyl Me, Please, from a collection of Essentials, Classics, and Rap & Hip Hop.
The three-month gift membership includes one bonus record, while the six- and 12-month ones include two bonus records.
A streaming TV player
Roku Ultra 4K/HDR/HD Streaming Player, $89, available at Amazon
A media streaming device can transform your dad's so-called dumb TV into a smart one that plays shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Prime Video, and other streaming services. The best of the bunch is the Roku Ultra with its easy-to-use interface and 4K video streaming.
A book that dives deeper into the 'Star Wars' universe
"Phasma: Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi," $16.54, available at Amazon
If your dad is a "Star Wars" fan, you won't want to miss out on giving him this book.
A modular lighting system
Nanoleaf Aurora Rhythm Smarter Kit, $199, available at Best Buy
This unique lighting system not only looks cool, but it can also replicate a natural sunrise and combat the effects of seasonal sunshine deprivation.
A beer-brewing machine
PicoBrew PICO Model C Beer Brewing Appliance, $329.17, available at Amazon
The PicoBrew C is a sleek, accessible home-brewing system that may just make you forego buying cans and bottles from the supermarket. For $338, this may just be the Father's Day gift that keeps on giving — to dad and to your whole family.
His new favorite jerky
Chef's Cut Tender Real Steak Jerky Variety Pack, $49.49, available at Amazon
For jerky-loving dads, we're fans of Chef's Cut. The flavors in this variety pack include Original Recipe, Chipotle Cracked Pepper, Sweet and Spicy, and Asian-Style Teriyaki.
His next pair of everyday boots
Thursday Boot Company Scout Chukka Boot, $149, available at Thursday Boot Company
Thursday Boot Company's boots are sleek enough for the office, but rugged enough to handle the cold and wet weather of winter. They're also very comfortable, requiring little or no break-in period. We love them so much we named them the best men's boots in our buying guide.
A movie night
Fandango Gift Card, $15-$100, available at Fandango
Nothing beats going to the movies his kids.
A handy multi-functional tool
Leatherman OHT Multi-Tool, $89.95, available at Amazon
This multi-functional tool does it all, plus it has a 25-year guarantee.
Modern over-ear headphones
EVEN EarPrint H2 Bluetooth Headphones, $179.98, available at Amazon
High-quality Bluetooth headphones don't have to be ugly and industrial-looking. These walnut and steel headphones from EVEN are both stylish and functional.
A custom map poster
Grafomap Custom Map Poster, from $49, available at Grafomap
Grafomap is a website that lets you design map posters of any place in the world. 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.
A leather iPhone X case
Nomad Rugged Case for the iPhone X, $34.99, available at Best Buy
If your dad has the new iPhone X, he'll definitely need a protective yet stylish case. This brown leather case is also available for the iPhone 7/8 and iPhone 7/8 Plus.
A fast wireless charger
RAVPower Fast Wireless Charger, $29.99, available at Amazon
The RAVPower Fast Wireless Charger is specially made to support the new iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. It also works with any Qi-compatible Android phone. The charger can output 7.5 Watts of power to charge your iPhone 50% faster than older 3.5 to 4 Watt wireless chargers.
Stylish computer glasses
Felix Gray Blue Light Computer Glasses, from $95, available at Felix Gray
If he sits in front of a computer every day, he needs these blue light glasses that increase magnification, reduce glare, and filter out blue light in order to reduce eyestrain. They're also available with prescription lenses — we tried them and loved them.
A health and ancestry genetic test kit
23andMe Health and Ancestry Genetic Test Kit, $139, available at Amazon
This genetic test kit from 23andMe is great for the dad who's interested in learning more about his family history.
A cookbook from his favorite burger joint
"Shake Shack: Recipes & Stories," $18.69, available at Amazon
If your dad is a fan of Shake Shack, he’ll love this cook book that will teach him how to make his very own ShackBurger.
A ceramic pizza stone
Pizzacraft 15" Round Ceramic Pizza Stone with Solid Stainless Frame, $35.62, available at Amazon
Homemade pizza is delicious, but it can be tricky to perfect. This ceramic pizza stone will make sure your pizza comes out perfectly cooked every time.
A drone
BLADE Nano QX BNF Quadcopter, $53.49, available at Amazon
This quadcopter will prove that you're never too old to play with toys.
An iPad
Apple iPad (Latest Model with Wi-Fi, 32GB), $269.99, available at Best Buy
Tech-obsessed dads will love to get their hands on the latest iPad.
A leather iPad case
Leatherology iPad Portfolio, from $175, available at Leatherology
This leather iPad portfolio comes in 17 colors, so there's sure to be one that your dad will like. You can even get it monogrammed for an extra personal touch.