When it comes to holidays and birthdays, dads are notorious for “not needing anything.” As much as we appreciate the self-effacing sentiment, it doesn’t make them any easier to shop for. Even if your dad has a hobby or new obsession, be it astronomy or 20th-century history, there are only so many star guides and World War II books you can buy him. To help you find the perfect gift for his next birthday, we’ve gathered 34 items across the useful-to-delightful spectrum (many of which are both useful and delightful) for dads of all kinds. While all the things on this list are available on Amazon, we’ve found some of them elsewhere, too, for those who like to shop around.
For the dad with aches and pains
This ball is designed to knead out joint pain after a long day of running, cycling, or simply sitting around.
For the dad who likes to put on a spread
Helena Barquet and Fabiana Faria, owners of New York City’s Coming Soon, put a plate of these out at every gathering. They “taste like really good peanut butter,” according to Faria.
For the dad who’s just been promoted to granddad
This journal helps keep track of all the special early moments in the new baby’s life, and your dad’s new role as a grandfather.
For the dad who takes care of his cold ones
No matter the weather, he can keep his beer cool with this IceMule backpack-style cooler. It can hold up to 18 cans of beer plus ice — ideal for sipping on a summer afternoon.
For the dad who’d rather uncork
If a vintage is more his speed, here’s a very fancy cooler that will keep it fresh alfresco.
For the dad who toss and turns
With soothing white noise, this sound machine — a favorite of comedian Samantha Irby’s — will help him drift off.
For the dad who savors his weekend bike rides
These water bottles come recommended by Jhonatan Moloon, owner of City Bicycles NYC. They’re shaped to fit in almost any cycle holster and keep him hydrated as he whizzes on ahead.
For the dad who always books a window seat
For the dad who knew Alcaraz could do it
If Wimbledon has inspired him to hit the courts, he’ll appreciate a new pair of (our favorite) tennis shoes to run and lunge in.
For the dad who bought himself an egg poacher
This Japanese pan will give him a perfect omelet every time.
For the dad who’s a Starbucks drive-thru regular
He can brew his own coffee at home with this Chemex coffee maker (one we’ve recommended countless times).
For the dad who runs before the sun rises
Strategist junior writer Brenley Goertzen wears these beanies when running in the dark back home (a double win if your dad is a fan of anything Minion themed, too).
For the dad who experiments in the kitchen
Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski told us this black garlic salt is “freaking delicious.”
For the dad who grills all year round
This cast-iron griddle is “the indoor grill that’s closest in spirit to firing up the charcoal,” says restaurateur Alon Shaya — so Dad can grill all year round.
For the dad who never got onboard with digital
If he has never been much of a selfie guy, he’ll appreciate going back to basics.
For the dad who’s the designated cook
Keep his fingers from getting scalded with these expert-recommended grilling gloves.
For the dad who didn’t even want the dog in the first place (or so he says)
Here’s another gift to add to the countless toys he’s bought for his new best friend.
For the dad with a Goodreads account
He can flip away into the small hours with this handy clippable reading light.
For the dad with a regimented packing list
Our absolute favorite weekend bag thanks to its huge capacity, padded straps, and Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens’s favorite features: the “zillion separate little pockets and perfectly sized compartments for things like chargers and night guards and passports and AirPods.”
For the dad who likes breakfast in bed
We named this one of our favorite laptop desks for those who like to work from home — but it works just as well for lazy Sundays too.
For the dad who still has a full head of hair
Treat him to this luxurious oil — beloved by Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho — to keep his hair shiny.
For the dad who needs some downtime
We tested and loved the newest Sony noise-canceling headphones, a great gift for the dad who needs some quiet time (even in a bustling house).
For the dad who uses his miles to upgrade
No matter where he’s off to next, these soothing, cooling eye gels mean he’ll land looking refreshed.
For the dad with a PS Plus account
“It’s an amazing gaming headset that is amazingly comfortable,” says Kahlief Adams, the host of gaming podcast Spawn on Me. You get an impressive sound at a solid price point. “What’s best,” he adds, “is that with an optional dongle, you can use this headset with either of the next-gen consoles, so your value is doubled.”
For the dad with a drawerful of photo albums
If your dad is all about taking analog photos, gift him a handy bag to house his camera. Photographer Jacq Harriet says she’s “obsessed” with her Baggu fanny pack, which is roomy enough to store a chunky 35mm point-and-shoot camera, wallet, water — and plenty of film.
For the dad with a Brooklyn Museum membership
Arts educator Asmaa Walton says that this book is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves visual art and history. The glossy, coffee-table book features work by icons like Gwendolyn Brooks, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, and Lorraine O’Grady.
For the dad who always forgets the pump
For outdoorsy dads, this sleeping pad offers a good night’s sleep without the faff of a foot pump. “The best pad ever: It blows up with just a few breaths and is lightweight and supercomfortable,” says Rob Urry, father of four and a grandfather of 11.
For the dad who prefers to camp in his own backyard
These string lights will add a little razzle-dazzle to the back garden and make sure that his guests aren’t left in the dark on late summer nights.
For the dad who’s partial to a grilled cheese
We recently named the Cuisinart our best-in-class panini press, but it’s also capable of grilling and sandwich smashing.
For the dad who’s a couch-snack connoisseur
Actor Max Greenfield first told us about these tasty almond-butter-filled pretzels that are so good he doesn’t know “how to portion control” them.
For the dad who has a study
We love these floating-illusion shelves that would mount nicely in a bookworm dad’s study.
For the dad who really doesn’t want anything
A great-quality long-sleeve T-shirt is an essential in any dad’s wardrobe, and this one happens to be one of our favorites.
For the dad who’s up for an adventure
If he’s an outdoorsy dad, packing this kayak in his car won’t be an issue. “Sea Eagle, a New York–based company, makes a series of different inflatable boats that can pack down very small and fit in the trunk of your car,” says Brian Van Drie, president of paddling.com.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
