Birthday Gifts Your Dad Actually Wants
When you need help navigating challenges in life—whether it be something as small as a tough math problem or a bigger problem like figuring out how to change a tire—there's a good chance that the first person you turn to is your dad.
He's been there to help guide you since day one (literally), but showing him some appreciation when his birthday rolls around isn't always easy. After all, dads are often difficult to read when it comes to what they want, so how are you supposed to get him a gift he'll truly love (and not just say he does)?
Thankfully for you, we've made it easy by putting together a list of the best birthday gifts your dad actually wants. So, forget the cringe-worthy T-shirts and safe bet gift cards to the same old restaurants in your hometown, because it's time to switch up the gifting game. Whether he's more sporty, professional, stylish or anything in between, he's sure to love something from this list.
This Pair of Polarized Sunglasses for the Outdoorsy Dad: $125
If your dad's always asking if you want to join him on a hike or out fishing, get him a gift that will protect his eyes (and his style) while doing all the outdoor activities he enjoys. This pair from Kaenon comes in plenty of colors and features lightweight frames ideal for spending the whole day outside, so you can bet that these shades will soon become your dad's favorite standby.
(via Kaenon)
Also read about: Birthday Gifts Your Mom Actually Wants
This French Press for the Dad Who's a Total Coffee Connoisseur: $40
For the dad who snubs Starbucks and prefers to brew his own batch of craft coffee from home, you won't find a better gift than this POLIVIAR French press (available on Amazon). The double-wall insulation and dual filter screen will make for the best-tasting coffee and the best brewing experience, while the cool green color and real wood handle add a nice touch to the kitchen counter.
(via Amazon)
This Standing Desk for the WFH Dad: $320+
Has your dad turned one of the spare rooms at home into his official home office? If so, you can practically guarantee your status as the "favorite child" by getting him the one gift he's probably been not-so-secretly wanting for a while now: a standing desk. This one from FlexiSpot offers the perfect level of space and customizability, so he can stand or sit however it suits his workday best. Plus, you can choose the perfect desktop material to match his office space if you really want to impress.
(via FlexiSpot)
These Wireless Earbuds for the Dad Who Keeps Losing His: $50
No need to drop all your savings on a pair of AirPods to get your dad a great gift, especially since he probably keeps "misplacing" his around the house anyway. This pair of Echo Buds from Amazon offers the same top-quality listening experience and can even be paired with an Alexa device to make your dad's life even easier.
(via Amazon)
This Watch for the Well-Dressed Dad: $150
Whether your dad thinks an outfit is never complete without a watch or is always running late, you can't go wrong with gifting him this solar-powered watch from Nixon. With a classic yet chic design that any dad out there is sure to love and advanced features that make it remarkably easy to adjust, this watch is ready to last for generations while keeping your dad's style in check.
(via Nixon)
This Shave Gel for the Dad Who Needs Help With His Skincare: $19
Many dads out there are pretty simple creatures when it comes to skincare—as in, they rarely use anything more than soap and water. If that sounds familiar to you, you'll want to get your dad a gift that helps upgrade his skincare regimen without him even knowing it. This shave gel from H.I.M-istry Naturals, for example, offers skin nourishing benefits without your dad having to actually add any extra steps to his (virtually nonexistent) routine. After all, he shaves just about every day, anyway, so you know it's certainly a gift he'll put to good use.
(via H.I.M-istry)
Also read about: The Best Skincare Brands for Men
This Customizable Hot Sauce Set for the Dad Who Doesn't Shy Away From Spice: $36
If you have to remind your dad to put the spices down every time he cooks a meal for your family, he's sure to love this custom gift set from Small Axe Peppers. Every bottle from the brand is made in small batches and sourced straight from community gardens and urban farms in various cities across the United States, so it's one you can feel as good about giving as he will about receiving. The best part? You can pick exactly which four bottles you want included in the set, so you can choose based on his preferences (or just pick the hottest one to see if he can handle it—the choice is totally up to you).
(via Small Axe Peppers)
From dads who spend their days by the grill to the ones who can hardly be separated from their desk, there's something here to please whatever type of dad you have. If you need some additional ideas, though, click HERE to explore options from our list of the best Father's Day gifts your dad actually wants.