Updated on Apr. 15, 2025
Skip the tie this year and spring for one of these unique Father's Day gifts instead. We talked to real dads to find out what's on top of his wish list.
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There’s no doubt dads are some of the most influential people in our lives. Of course, they should be celebrated all day, everyday—but especially on Father’s Day. If you’re finding yourself stuck on what to get dad this year, or don’t want to get him yet another gadget he’ll get bored with after a few weeks (trust us, we know the struggle), look no further.
We asked the men in our lives for the dad’s day gifts at the very top of their list, from personalized presents to lawn and garden gear. You can rest assured these gifts will be well received by all the dads in your life, whether it’s their first Father’s Day or 30th.
Shopping last-minute? Check out these last-minute Father’s Day gifts or easy-to-send gift baskets, too.
“I’d like some kind of grilling gift, like an upgraded meat thermometer, to add to my collection of grill accessories. I have my eyes on this Meater thermometer. It has all the bells and whistles for accurately and quickly measuring any meat’s temperature. Plus, being able to monitor the process via the Meater app is a total treat for grill nerds like me.” —Jim Koetting, father of Madi Koetting, Taste Recipes Associate Shopping Editor
“I really like how the whiskey enhancing oak tumbler enhances the flavors of my favorite bourbons. All bourbons are aged in charred oak barrels, and what better way to bring out those flavors? Most recently, my favorite bourbon for this tumbler is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked—it’s the perfect match.” —Dana Higley, father of Annamarie Higley, Taste Recipes Shopping Editor
“I’ve been eyeing cordless lawn and garden tools with an interchangeable battery, like this mower, trimmer and blower combo from Ryobi. It would be a real time-saver in lieu of plugging in multiple extension cords or having to replace a spark plug.” —Jeff Bandurski, father of Katie Bandurski, Taste Recipes Senior Shopping Editor
“I’d like a gift certificate from a local butcher shop so I can pick out some steaks to grill. Or a gift basket, like this Omaha Steaks box, with premium cuts. I mean, what guy doesn’t want a meat delivery? It’s full of all my favorite things.” —Adan Franco, husband of Missy Franco, Taste Recipes Senior Set Stylist
“I love coffee but have limited time in the morning to make it. It also doesn’t help that I’m a big coffee snob. I’d like a tool or product that is fast to brew but isn’t gritty or poor quality. The coffee pods from Comeeter are at the top of my list.” —Steve Way, father of Emily Way, Associate Shopping Editor, Sales and Deals
“My wife and I each have one of these rocking chairs on the back deck now—she got one for Mother’s Day and then I got one for Father’s Day. It’s nice to relax in them together. I like that they’re low maintenance—no staining, no sanding, no nothing.” —Al Kaminski, father of Lisa Kaminski, Taste Recipes Editor
“My wife and I love growing veggies with our son. We have a tiny backyard, and raised beds will help maximize space—and keep the plants away from hungry bunnies.” —Ian Cliffe, husband of Ellie Martin Cliffe, Taste Recipes Content Director
“I expect to be barbecuing often this summer, and my grill cleaning brushes are worn out. I’d love a new set, and maybe some gloves and a dad-themed apron to go with it.” —Richard Glenn, father of Reina Galhea, Deputy Shopping Editor
“I’d honestly love a subscription to Bespoke Post. I have a hard time shopping for things like that for myself, and getting a box each month will feel like a fun treat for myself. Dads deserve self-care, too!” —Elliot Borden, brother of Stephanie Hope, Reader’s Digest Shopping Editor
“While it’s not the manliest Father’s Day gift—I have all the power tools and yard equipment I need—I would waste countless hours playing tabletop corn hole.” —Brad Holden, Family Handyman Deputy Project Editor
“I want to be the ‘cool’ Dad! But in all seriousness, I’d use this cool-down fan while working on projects around the house, on the boat or in the garage this summer.” —Dan Doster, father of Nicole Doster, Content Director of Strategy and Performance
“My closet is filled with Duluth Trading Company’s high-quality clothes, and I’d love to unwrap DuluthFlex Fire Hose carpenter pants for Father’s Day—or any day of the year. I love them for working on our farm.” —Scott Woodward, husband of Peggy Woodward, Taste Recipes Senior Food Editor
“I had wanted a smoker for a while, but couldn’t justify getting one for myself. So, it was a real treat to get this smoker for Father’s Day! I love being able to experiment with different cuts of meat and woodchips for the perfect smoked meal.” —David Stanko, father of Caroline Stanko, Taste Recipes Editor
“I like to make bread and the recipe usually says to score the top with a lame before baking. A lame seemed like a luxury so I tried to get by with a sharp knife. The knife never worked very well because it was never sharp enough, and I ended up flattening the newly risen bread trying to score it. My daughter got me a bread lame and I couldn’t believe how much better that one simple tool made my bread. I would never try to score my crust with a knife again.”—Mike Racette, father of Emily Parulski, Taste Recipes Senior Editor. This Father’s Day, give the gift of yum by making one of our dad-approved recipes.
Proof that heartfelt words go a long way, the most popular Father’s Day gift is a greeting card. Other popular gifts given on Father’s Day include clothing (think socks, ties, and T-shirts) as well as gift cards and special outings, like sporting events or a dinner out.
Ask any devoted dad and he’ll tell you that what he most wants for Father’s Day is time with his family, whether that’s going to the movies, having a BBQ or just hanging out at home. Time to relax and sleep in takes a close second, and “experiences over stuff” is also a common answer. Whatever you choose to gift the dad in your life, make sure it’s personal, thoughtful and not just more stuff.
You can’t go wrong with a thoughtful gift (like the ones we suggested above), but other fun Father’s Day ideas include going fishing or hiking, organizing a BBQ for Dad and his friends or putting together a family game night.
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make Dad feel special; a thoughtful card or a photo montage of favorite memories both make wonderful gifts. Plan a day doing everything that he loves to do, and make an effort to be totally present—that means putting away the phones and really focusing attention on Dad.
Additional research contributed by Katie Bandurski, Senior Shopping Editor
