Best Gifts for Dads
Updated: Dec 19, 2022
Gifts for the one who, in my life, is the hardest to shop for!
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If your dad is anything like mine, he's one of the hardest people to shop for because he buys anything he wants for himself, leaving his wishlist empty 100% of the time. But this should make your life easier with gift ideas for the enthusiast dad whether it's skiing, cooking, grilling, or golfing or just for the dad who purchases everything he wants himself.
For the Dad Who Buys Everything He Wants
This super soft, sustainably built pullover is great for cozy days at home or traveling but is also nice enough to wear out or to work from home and take calls in.
These are the best shoes -- extremely lightweight, comfortable, and more stylish than any of my dad's other shoes. Whether he's a runner or not, these are great. I got them for my dad last year and he LOVES them.
Paired with freshly popped popcorn from the stovetop (I use Cookie + Kate's method), this makes popcorn taste like movie theater popcorn in an instant.
For the nostalgic dad, this book can be customized with someone's name and features the front page of the NYT on their birthday every year. This also makes a beautiful but meaningful coffee table book.
I got this for my dad a few years ago and he loves it. From classes on negotiation to mixology and cocktail making; from Bob Iger to Coach K, Neil deGrasse Tyson to Steve Martin, there are so many great courses to choose from. This is great for the dad who needs more shows to watch on planes (you can download episodes with certain plans) or the one who's always learning and trying new things.
For the Skier or Outdoor Enthusiast
This is a great base-layer for skiing to wear over a t-shirt to add warmth without bulk. The zip also makes it a great option if he gets too warm.
Bombas makes the best socks ever, and these are a great addition for the winter. Thick enough to keep feet warm without being too bulky or sweaty. Winter socks are always an afterthought and this is something he'd probably never buy himself.
This is one of my top purchases of 2022. I bought this before my own ski trip and I use it constantly. It was particularly great for the slopes because it's not bulky, weighs nothing itself, holds a lot, and fits perfectly in an inside pocket of my jacket. I also use this all the time for for other random things when I don't want to carry a heavy water bottle and don't need insulation.
A nice boot bag is something I don't think anyone thinks about until you're lugging your skis and boots around. This one is built incredibly well and has comfortable straps. It can also fit most helmets and mittens/hats and goggles.
My skin is never more dry than when I am skiing. The mountain air combined with sunburn and windburn is awful. This is so helpful for combatting that and my dad always ends up borrowing it when we're shredding gnar together. For a more affordable option, I also love this one.
For the Dad Who Likes to Cook
I know these are expensive but they are dishwasher safe, the measurement can't rub off, and they're heavy enough to not tip over when you try to fill them. They're an indulgent gift that he would have forever. Plus, this set includes a 2/3 cup. Here are the spoons, too, if you're feeling particularly generous.
An oil cruet makes life so much easier so you don't have to fumble around with caps and lids. This one is particularly beautiful and they have a ton of colors. If you want to fill it with something special, this is my favorite olive oil.
This is my dad's favorite meat thermometer. You can probe 4 different pieces of meat at a time to appease everyone's tastes. Also, my parents still live in the midwest and winters are brutal. This allows him to sit inside and get alerted when the food is done wirelessly.
While not directly related to cooking, this is great for foodies to try new roasts from different makers around the country. I love this particularly because I can send coffee from local roasters in NYC for him to try. Pricing is also very flexible so it can work for almost any budget.
For the Dad Who Likes to Golf
I've gotten my dad a few pairs of these and he loves them. He says they're comfortable while still looking nice enough to wear to even the most upscale clubs. They're light enough to wear in warmer months but transition well for spring and fall.
These are the best sunglasses and they're incredibly affordable. This pair in particular is unisex and I wear them all the time. I think they function as an updated Wayfarer at a better price point which is perfect for being out on a golf course. The temples are also thin enough to wear with a hat without being a nuisance.
This sunscreen is incredibly effective but goes on invisibly and doesn't require dirty or sweaty hands to rub it in. It also doesn't make hands dirty ruining gloves. This is also a great option for the skier in your life as it's easy to put on on the lift at any time. It's water- and sweat-proof, too.
You'll have to know what kind of ball your dad uses but this is a great option for those who go out regularly. This allows them to never question which is theirs nor have to carry around a Sharpie to label their ball.
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