The 45 Best Gifts For Dads Who Are Hard to Shop For
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Finding great gifts can be tough, but finding gifts for dads, specifically, can be particularly challenging. Paradoxically, a close relationship with someone can make them tougher to shop for. After all, you’ve probably been buying them gifts for a long time; how do you find something thoughtful and personal that you haven’t previously gifted them? While Men’s Journal may not know the dad (or dad figure) that you’re shopping for, we do know a thing or two about coming up with meaningful gift ideas for dads.
The most important thing to consider is what your dad cares about, other than you, of course. Some dads enjoy spending time outside grilling, fishing, or playing golf. Others might enjoy simpler things, like a comfortable shoe or a convenient tech gadget. There are also fitness-loving dads, foodie dads, fashion-forward dads, and history-obsessed dads. There are the dads who say they want nothing or make you promise not to spend too much, too.
However, because MJ has the inside scoop on the best products, including new releases, tried and true classics, and the latest gifts from Amazon, we’re confident we can help find the perfect gift for just about every dad.
Whether you’re looking for the best Christmas gifts for Dad, Father’s Day gifts, birthday gifts for Dad, or personalized gifts for special occasions, these are the best dad gifts to consider this year.
The Best Gifts for Dads of 2023
Whether your dad has always been a fitness junkie or he’s lacing up his running shoes for the first time since high school, a Fitbit is a great and fun way for him to keep track of his goals. The Inspire 3 has features like heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking in a small, unobtrusive package.
[$99; amazon.com]
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OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer 
A meat thermometer isn’t just for the kind of guy who’s always manning the grill—it’s a great gift for dads who cook anything. OXO makes some of the best kitchen gear on the market, including this sleek and affordable meat thermometer, which is easy to read and gives measurements in Fahrenheit or Celsius. The probe cover includes a handy guide for the recommended internal temperatures of different meats.
[$16 (was $23); amazon.com]
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Anker Nano Power Bank 
Got a dad who never wanted a smartphone in the first place but is now the family group chat’s meme master? A power bank is a great gift for the tech-savvy dad who likes his gifts practical. This power bank has a built-in USB-C connector, so you don’t need to worry about bringing a cable. It works with the latest iPhone and all Android and Pixel phones. Anker also makes a Lightning port version of this charger for older iPhone models.
[$30; amazon.com]
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1000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs 
If your dad’s idea of “classics” is less Ancient Rome and more Led Zeppelin, then consider 1000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs, a rockin’ coffee table book. It features over 500 vibrant pages with 1000 album covers across decades and genres. It’s a fun option for any dad who might have sold off his record collection years ago.
[$20; amazon.com]
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Hoka Clifton 9 Road-Running Shoes 
If your dad is constantly on his feet or is the type to consistently complain about foot pain, a good pair of comfortable Hoka shoes can make a big difference. Hoka’s Clifton running shoes have maximum cushioning but a minimal drop for a natural, neutral stride. Of course, they’re also a great option for runners.
[$145; rei.com]
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Opinel No. 08 Oak Black Edition Pocket Knife w/ Gift Box 
Many have fond memories of getting a hand-me-down gift straight from their dad’s pocket, whether that’s a trusty pocket knife or a perfectly worn-in watch. Pay the favor back with this stylish wood-handle knife from Opinel. It’s a great gift for the outdoorsy dad or the one who loves whittling. The French-made blade has a secure and easy-to-use locking mechanism and comes in a gift box.
[$50; amazon.com]
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Filson Dryden Ballistic Nylon Briefcase 
If your dad came of age in an era when men carried attache cases to work but he now works in the era of gray hoodies, Zoom calls, and school bags in the office, he might be confused about which bag to bring to work. Filson’s rugged nylon briefcase perfectly splits the difference between a casual messenger bag and a classic briefcase. It can be carried in hand or over the shoulder, and there’s a roomy laptop sleeve for devices up to 15 inches. Plus, the trolley strap makes it a great option for travel.
[$195; huckberry.com]
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Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite 8.7-Inch Tablet 
Tablets are popular with older users because of their ease of use and larger screens, so if you’re looking for a tech gift for a not-so-tech-savvy dad, a tablet can be a great way to go. You can keep in touch using video calls or set him up with his favorite streaming services. It’s an affordable option with a smaller screen and 32GB of storage, so it’s best suited for casual use.
[$113 (was $119); amazon.com]
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Case Elegance Modern Clip Watch Box 
Watch enthusiasts can be tough to shop for—their preferences might be particular and their tastes might exceed your budget. Watch accessories, however, are the perfect workaround. Do you have a dad who’s ironically always late because he can never find his watch? This sleek, space-saving watch box puts up to six timepieces on display while keeping them organized and in place.
[$50; huckberry.com]
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Braun Series 7 7071cc Flex Electric Razor for Men 
Braun’s Series 7 electric razor features a flexible rotating head that’s designed to adapt to different lengths of facial hair, including up to three days of growth. An all-in-one charging and cleaning dock is included for easy maintenance. There’s also a handy travel case. It’s the classic dad gift for a reason.
[$135 (was $150); amazon.com]
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Callaway Golf 300 Pro Slope Laser Rangefinder 
A golf rangefinder is the kind of gift a golf enthusiast will appreciate, but might not already have. Top golf brand Callaway makes a compact and easy-to-use version. It emits a vibration when it locks onto the pin and comes with a convenient carrying case as well. As far as golf gifts for dads go, this is one of our favorites this year.
[$200 (was $300); amazon.com]
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Classic Fit Striped Oxford Shirt 
A dress shirt is a classic gift for a reason. This option comes from Ralph Lauren, an iconic American brand with the kind of cross-generational appeal that’s hard to find. It’s an Oxford shirt, meaning it has a button-down collar and a textured fabric that makes it a more casual alternative to traditional dress shirts. Any dad, whether a style savant or not, will enjoy this.
[$60 (was 125); ralphlauren.com]
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Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8 x 25 Waterproof Binoculars 
Nocs’ colorful and compact binoculars make birding fun and accessible. They’re a great gift for any dad who’s looking to get into birdwatching or who might want a second lighter-weight pair. They boast IPX7 water resistance and have 8x magnification, which is a good beginner-friendly zoom for birding.
[$95; rei.com]
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Eddie Bauer Men’s 1936 Skyliner Model Down Jacket 
The Skyliner men’s jacket is Eddie Bauer’s signature product. The legend goes that the brand’s namesake designed it after nearly dying from hypothermia while wearing inadequate outerwear. It’s a great story and an even better jacket. Eddie Bauer just reissued this classic piece of outerwear, and it looks as great today as it did when it was first produced in 1936. Whether Dad’s style skews classic or outdoorsy, it’s a great piece to give.
[$160 (was $229); eddiebauer.com]
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Fellow 16-Ounce Carter Move Travel Mug 
A stylish reusable mug makes a great holiday gift for dads who need to kick their disposable coffee cup habit. Fellow’s mug is thoughtfully designed, with a slim, cup holder-friendly silhouette and a wide range of colors to choose from. Crucially, it doesn’t have the metallic taste of other travel mugs thanks to the ceramic coating on the inside. If Dad’s a coffee snob, he’ll appreciate any gift from Fellow, a coffee snob-approved brand.
[$35; amazon.com]
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Sangean WR-15WL AM/FM Table Top Wooden Radio 
Listening to the radio shouldn’t just be limited to the car. This tabletop radio from Sangean has a stylish wood finish, making it an attractive gift. It’s corded, so it’s best suited for around the house. For any dad who cares more for simpler tech and likes to listen to the radio while doing errands or while reading a book, this is a great affordable alternative to a stereo.
[$90 (was $145); amazon.com]
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S.P.Q.R by Mary Beard 
A recent social media trend exposed how often men think about the Roman Empire. If your dad is the history-obsessed type, he might enjoy this book by Mary Beard, a leading author on Roman history. Compelling and comprehensive, Beard tells the story of the Roman Empire from its foundational myth to its final days. It’s a great Christmas gift for dad but it suits any occasion. It’s yours to gift as a hardcover, paperback, audio CD, audiobook, or digitally for Kindle.
[From $14; amazon.com]
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Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie 
If Dad’s style leans casual, a cozy hoodie is always a great option. Champion made the first hoodie, and it’s still one of the best. This warm sweatshirt is ideal for colder weather thanks to the dense fleece backing. The fabric is Champion’s famous Reverse Weave, which adds durability and allows it to be washed and dried without shrinking.
[From $36; amazon.com]
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Seiko 5 Men’s Stainless Steel Watch 
Inexpensive but respectable, Seiko’s 5 line of sports watches is one of the best values in automatic watches. This timepiece has a classic stainless steel bracelet and a subtle black face, although there are other bracelet and face styles to choose from. The timepiece has a day-date window and an exhibition case back so you can appreciate the movement.
[$139; amazon.com]
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Bellroy Travel Folio V2 
If you’ve gotten him a wallet in the past, or he already has one he likes, a passport wallet is a great alternative. Whether he’s a frequent flier or just paranoid about losing his travel documents, a stylish travel folio is a great way to make flights a little easier. Bellroy’s take is made from sturdy leather, and there are slots for credit cards and a passport. Plus, a large cash sleeve makes it easy to organize different currencies.
[$159; huckberry.com]
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Igloo Ecocool 30 Cooler 
Whether he’s into fishing, camping, or just hanging out in the backyard with a few beers, a cooler is the kind of gift that many kinds of dads will enjoy. This option comes from Igloo, an iconic and affordable brand that manufactures its coolers in the US. This convenient option has a 28-liter capacity and features cupholders on the lid.
[$33 (was $45); rei.com]
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