Gifts for Dad quick picks
Under $25: Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion Socks
Under $50: Genesis Variable-Speed Close-Quarter Drill
Under $100: Lululemon Evolution Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt
Over $100: Smithey Deep Farmhouse Skillet
There’s no single best gift for dads. But that doesn’t mean you should admit defeat and grab some generic novelty tee from the bargain bin. Whether he’s a foodie, coffee lover or someone who won’t shut up about golf, your dad deserves a personalized gift tailored to his interests.
That’s why we’ve made our gift guide as comprehensive as it can get, including a variety of products for different budgets and interests, from culinary delights and kitchen gadgets to wardrobe essentials and power tools. And given that we have years of experience reviewing, testing and curating, you can trust us to furnish our gifts guides with the best products on the market.
Need even more gift ideas? Take a look at our other expert-vetted guides, including gifts for men, gifts for women, gifts for teens, Amazon gifts and editor-loved gifts.
Best gifts for Dad under $25
Family game night just got a whole lot more exciting with this personalized puzzle. You can put anything that’ll pull at his heartstrings on it, be it a family portrait, a glamour shot of him in his high school yearbook or a portrait of his dog.
With these Wolverine-like claws, your dad can "go grizzly" and shred huge cuts of meat, making pulled pork and shredded chicken easy. Our favorite part is that he can just throw them in the dishwasher when he's done.
For a pair of socks as tough as he is, gift him these merino wool hiking socks designed with plenty of cushioning and antimicrobial properties. While they’re comfortable enough for everyday wear, they also provide next-level durability.
If Dad loves Korean BBQ, gift him this sweet and savory sauce and he'll be able to make favorites like galbi without leaving the house. The gochujang-infused sauce is also versatile enough that you can use it for stir-fries, pizzas and wings.
If you want to give a heartfelt, thoughtful gift but have trouble opening up, this journal from Knock Knock does some of the work for you. It contains sweet, heartwarming fill-in-the-blank sentences you simply have to complete.
Dad’s bushy beard-and-mustache combo is what makes him unique, but if it needs a little more structure, he’ll certainly appreciate this highly giftable stainless steel scissor and comb set to help him put his best face forward.
It doesn’t get more sentimental than this personalized patch you can iron onto the back of Dad’s favorite tie so he can carry a special memory with him wherever he goes.
If he's the type to douse his food in hot sauce, treat him to this set of 10 mini hot sauce bottles of varying heat levels. The 2-ounce bottles can go practically anywhere with him, from the office for weekday lunches to across the country to upgrade his in-flight meals.
He likely has an arsenal of dad jokes in his back pocket, but it can be tough to come up with material before his morning coffee. No matter: This dishwasher-safe 10-ounce ceramic mug is complete with corny one-liners so he can be prepared all hours of the day.
Best gifts for Dad under $50
If your dad is still sipping on Folgers, nudge him toward quality coffee by gifting this earthy, complex instant coffee. In our testing, we found that it tasted more like brewed coffee than instant, though some found it bitter.
If your dad is the kind of guy who walks around the house snacking on a bag of trail mix, then we have the gift for him: a customizable box of Bjorn Qorn. Depending on the size you order, you can mix and match up to five flavors of this irresistible popcorn, from classic to spicy.
There's a reason CNN Underscored editors and experts love Ghia: It tastes great, mixes well in mocktails and is 100% alcohol-free. It's the perfect gift for a dad who's trying to cut back during Dry January and beyond.
A pair of Goodr OG sunglasses may be affordable, but these durable, scratch-resistant shades don't feel cheap. For under $30, Dad will get polarized sunglasses treated with a no-slip, no-bounce coating that we've found actually works (a bonus for runners). Plus, there are a ton of styles to choose from.
The Japanese-made V60 is one of our favorite ways to make pour-over coffee, especially when you use barista James Hoffmann's recipe. It's an added bonus that it's available in multiple colors from most retailers.
This double-walled vacuum-insulated mug will keep his coffee and tea hot — or cold if he prefers iced drinks. Either way, there won't be any condensation on the outside. Plus, it's dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Start your dad’s day on a sweet note (or allow him to get over that 3:00 p.m. slump) with a sweet treat. The premise of Sugarwish is simple: You’ll send him the Sugarwish, and he’ll choose his favorite varieties (like peach rings or Jolly Ranchers) that’ll come in a gift box with a personalized card.
Is he prone to aches and pains and in need of a little lower-back TLC? If so, our managing editor, Rachel Quigley, loves this lumbar support pillow that literally will have Dad's back at his office chair, on the couch, at the dinner table or in the car thanks to its thick and durable memory foam material and contoured silhouette.
Fill your dad's pantry with Ramune, Pocky and other Japanese treats with a monthly TokyoTreat Snack Box delivery. We've tried the subscription service ourselves and fell in love with the variety of snacks and candies, including green tea KitKat bars and a packet of colorful mochi jellies.
If Dad is looking to complete any home renovation projects in the near future, ensure he’s well equipped with this reliable right-angle drill designed for accessing compact spaces. It also has adjustable speeds, a nonslip grip and a powerful motor.
For the dad who already has (and loves) his bidet at home, consider a portable model, which will keep his bum clean on the go. In our testing, this model was our favorite, thanks to its ergonomic design and retractable nozzle.
If Dad has a bit of a soda habit, show him you care by putting Olipop's sodas on his radar. They come in nostalgic flavors he knows and loves such as vintage cola, classic root beer and cream soda.
Dads get protective over their grilling gear, and based on their superior grilling skills, it's not hard to see why. This four-piece engraved barbecue utensil set is bound to be one of his prized possessions for years to come.
Fewer foods are more comforting than ramen, and that rings especially true for editor-loved and cult-favorite Momofuku noodles from celebrity chef David Chang. Available in delectable flavors like Soy & Scallion and Tingly Chili, these noods make a perfect meal starter, and in our experience, they're actually quite filling and spicy.
Whether he’s manning the BBQ or stepping out to grab the mail, he’ll find about 100 opportunities a day to live in these must-have comfy waterproof clogs.
Travels around the world and quick trips to his local trail all call for head protection. This moisture-wicking hat has UPF sun safety, a 3-inch brim and an adjustable drawcord (perfect for windy days).
Coffee and chocolate are always welcome gifts, especially when they complement each other. In the Peaches & Cream pair, Bean Box includes Onyx Coffee Lab's fruit-forward Ethiopian blend with cappuccino white chocolate. Name a more iconic duo ... we'll wait.
Best gifts for Dad under $100
This is one of the few attractive wooden, analog chess clocks associated writer Maxwell Shukuya could find for his dad's birthday. Since it's entirely mechanical, there are no batteries required.
The Sonder LA Laurel is our favorite wood cutting board. It's got grooved edges that can hold extra juice and handles for easy carrying. But it's the cutting board's durable, teak construction that really sells the Laurel. Buy it for any dad who loves spending time in the kitchen.
Underscored social coordinator Gabriella Triolo wanted to spend more quality time with her dad, so she sprang for this fun crafting kit for his birthday. The all-inclusive pack comes with air-dry clay, acrylic paint and shaping tools — everything you and Dad need to make colorful, funky incense holders.
Every man should own a well-fitting, durable white T-shirt like this Heavy Tee from Buck Mason. While it's priced higher than other shirts we tested, it was also shockingly soft and fit a variety of body types.
If your dad is tired of rummaging around in his cupboard for his nose hair trimmer, shaver and other manscaping tools, save him time with this all-inclusive beard trimmer. On top of including four attachment heads, it also impressed us with its stellar battery life and ability to shape lines.
Our electronics writer, Henry T. Casey, loved the classic MagSafe PopSocket, which we found made it easier to shoot photos and videos with our admittedly large 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max. This model takes that design further, integrating a cardholder wallet for even more utility. It's a great gift for dads who constantly drop their phones and Apple power users.
Though Harry's is better known for shaving supplies, the company's skin care suite should be on your radar. Our editor found that the comprehensive kit offered an effective routine at an affordable price, making it a great entry point for dads new to skin care.
If he's still running out to shovel snow off the car in slides, ensure he stays nice and cozy with these durable winter boots complete with a rubber outsole for plenty of traction on icy terrain.
Despite being cheaper, more portable and quieter than their electric counterparts, manual coffee grinders are still vastly underrated. But one of the biggest bonuses of an analog routine is the relaxing morning ritual of measuring, grinding and brewing by hand. If that's something Dad can appreciate, snag this top-notch model, which is way more precise than any blade grinder.
Burlap & Barrel, which was featured on season 14 of "Shark Tank," makes single-origin spices from 26 countries around the world. This gift set comes with six of the brand's most popular spices, such as black lime and purple stripe garlic, so Dad can add flavor to nearly any homemade meal.
Allow Dad to listen to his favorite tunes on the go with our favorite travel speaker, boasting crisp, bass-heavy sound and a long 16-hour battery life. He can use it while on the go or while setting up shop in his man cave for hours.
Dads who are into birds are really into birds. Allow him to communicate with his favorite species using this unique hand-carved instrument set that will resonate with the likes of American robins, mallard ducks and black-capped chickadees.
This practical fleece pullover will serve him well during everything from chilly summer nights to early fall days at outdoor games. The quarter-zip style is great for impromptu ventilation, while the recycled polyester microfleece fabric is buttery and cozy. Underscored associate editor Jillian Tracy loves the women's style of this jacket for being active in chilly outdoor weather.
Want to get Dad a gift he'll actually use? Consider the Leatherman Sidekick, the best multitool we've tested. It offers 14 tools that you'll actually use, including a knife, Phillips-head screwdriver and needle-nose pliers.
Any pet parent will proudly display this custom-made portrait of their furry friend. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift your dad will cherish forever. Just don’t be disappointed if it replaces a photo of you and your siblings.
You don't need to drop $300 to gift your dad a great sous vide cooker. Case in point: This sub-$100 model offered the best balance of functionality, performance and build quality out of the 10 sous vide circulators we tested.
If he's got something special to celebrate, there’s no better way to get him into the festive spirit than with a fancy surf-and-turf meal. This filet mignon and lobster tail duo for two will have him salivating for the rest of the week. Plus, it's infinitely more creative and fun than buying him a gift card to his favorite restaurant.
Best gifts for Dad over $100
As someone who travels over 200,000 miles annually, Underscored travel editor Kyle Olsen knows a good backpack when he sees one. The Peugeot Voyages is one of his favorites, earning plaudits for nailing the balance between functionality and fashion. It's a thoughtful gift for any dad who travels or commutes non-stop.
There's no getting around it: This cooler is expensive. But if your dad is someone who frequently goes outdoors with friends and family, our testing team is convinced it's worth the investment. It keeps food and drink cool, is built like a tank and comes with a dry goods basket.
Though they were originally designed for ultra-distance running, you're more likely to find these dad shoes in a wine bar in Bushwick than on the trail, according to our fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw. Even if that's the last place you'd find Pops, he's sure to love how comfortable and practical they are! And with a pair XT-6s, he'll be the coolest dad on the block.
Having tried a friend's pair of these slippers in the winter, Shukuya can confidently say that these things are peak cozy. Plus, Dad can wear them in and out of the house.
If there's a visible layer of dirt and dust on Dad's floor, make his life easier with this 2-in-1 robot mop and vacuum. In our testing, it was the only mop and vacuum that thoroughly cleaned our floors, thanks to its dual spinning pads.
Smithey's lineup of beautifully hand-crafted cookware has impressed us. The company's No. 19 skillet was the best nonstick cast-iron pan we've tested, and this carbon-steel model won us over with its heirloom-quality construction. "Outside of aesthetics, the hand-forged, carbon steel pan has proven to be a kitchen powerhouse," an editor wrote in her review. Expensive as it is, this is a gift that your dad can enjoy for years, if not decades.
If Dad's dusty, coffee-stained drip coffee maker looks tired and old, replace it with this bad boy from Braun. It was one of the best drip machines we tested, in part because of its wealth of settings, including over-ice, cold brew and bold settings.
Prove to Dad that rain boots don't have to be ugly with this attractive pair from Merry People. In our testing, we found they were truly waterproof, easy to clean and grippy enough for slick terrain.
The Oura Ring is awesome, in the truest sense of the word. The stylish fitness tracker keeps detailed track of vitals 24/7, and yet it isn't much bulkier than a typical ring. That said, we don't recommend it for dads who might want a dedicated fitness tracker, as it isn't compatible with some sports, such as weight lifting.
Does your dad love a good fire? Then look into the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, a (relatively) smokeless, packable backyard fire pit. In our testing, it came out on top as the best smokeless fire pit you can buy.
Whether he lounges in them all day or looks forward to throwing them on after a long commute in a stuffy suit, these soft and luxurious modal PJs from celeb-approved brand Tommy John will be Dad's new go-to.
One of the heavyweights in the barbecue industry makes a mean grill complete with smart technology, and we think it's the very best pellet grill money can buy for its ability to produce even and tender cooking results with plenty of woody and smoky flavor.
Both our testers and experts have heaps of praise for these 10-millimeter-drop shoes, with reviewers praising their comfortable fit. So, whether your dad is a seasoned long-distance runner, avid walker or just beginning his fitness journey, these extra-soft shoes will make Dad look forward to getting active.
If Dad has been complaining about bottleneck traffic to and from work (and is looking to squeeze in some extra physical activity throughout the day), you can’t go wrong with our favorite budget electric bike. He'll love its compact design and hauling power.
Every night will feel like a stay at a luxurious hotel with this ultra-plush robe. It's made of long-staple Turkish cotton and features a cozy shawl collar, deep pockets and an adjustable waistband tie. You can even get it monogrammed so Dad can feel like the king of his castle.
Some dads make baseball their entire personality, and special occasions call for leaning into it. These unique game-used baseball cuff links are sure to bring a tear to his eye, coming from popular teams like the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals.
A Theragun will forever be one of the best gifts you can buy your dad, especially if he's riddled with aches and pains. The whisper-quiet massage gun has three speeds and is compact enough to tote around from the office to the gym.
Beef up Dad’s home gym with arguably the only piece of equipment he’ll ever need. Though expensive, these personal trainer-approved adjustable dumbbells replace 15 (!) sets of weights with the turn of a dial.
If he's always struggling to fall and stay asleep, the Hatch Restore 2 will be a game changer. The clock does so much more than sound a blaring alarm: It offers meditative sleep guides, white noise and more. We also love its understated design.