57+ unique gift ideas for Dad that are way better than a tie

Unless he truly loves ties. Then that’s OK.

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Credit: Mashable photo composite / BrüMate / Harry’s / Amazon / Therabody

Whatever the occasion that has you looking for dad gifts (Father’s Day, the winters holidays, for example), stay far away from clichés like whiskey stones and pocket knives and try to think outside the box. Unless your dad is an avid tie collector and seriously *lives* for ties, then avoid this played-out gift. Instead, get him something that says, “I see your hobbies and I respect them.”

Even if your dad says he doesn’t need anything, he deserves something cool and special, like a new gadget, a subscription box, or something that will keep him looking ageless for years to come. That’s why we’ve rounded up plenty of ideas for all types of dads, whether he has a green thumb, an affinity for craft beer, a massive music collection, or a deep appreciation for learning new skills and hobbies.

Tile Bluetooth trackers

Best for the dad who always loses his keys

Give Dad the gift of *not* frantically searching for keys before leaving for work. The Tile Pro attaches easily to a key ring, but he can stick it in or on almost anything he wishes to make find-able: wallets, luggage…pets? When something is lost, he can use the phone app to track it down. And if his phone is lost, the Tile Pro can make it ring even on silent.

A new Kindle Paperwhite

Best for bookworm dads

Kindles are still the class-A e-reader of our times, and the latest Kindle Paperwhite is a big improvement. It’s got a larger, glare-free display that reads like real paper; an adjustable warm light that’s easy on the eyes; and an upgraded battery that’ll last up to 10 weeks per charge. It also comes with four months of Kindle Unlimited for free.

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An account to 1Password

Best for tech-savvy dads

If your dad keeps a small notebook beside his computer with all his most precious passwords scrawled inside, then keep reading. 1Password is the same idea, but it moves everything online to a much safer, digital space. A subscription includes the power to autofill saved passwords and can be used across devices. For a limited time, he can even try an individual account for free for 14 days before the membership kicks in.

A shiatsu foot massager

Best for dads with sore feet

If your dad regularly complains about how badly his feet hurt, this foot massager should do the trick. The device’s deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes will eliminate knots and muscle tension, letting Dad enjoy his days just a little bit more. It even has a heating function for the colder months.

An AncestryDNA kit

Best for wannabe genealogist dads

Every history buff dad has been on the verge of purchasing a dilapidated gristmill just because his ancestors once owned it, right? An AncestryDNA kit is the perfect gift for someone writing down that family history. He can see a pie chart of his genes, build that family tree, and maybe even connect with family members who also have an Ancestry account.

A Fitbit Inspire

Best for the couch-to-5k dad

In the days of yore, there were only very bulky fitness trackers. But the lower-profile design of the sleek new Fitbit Luxe is perfect for the dad who goes from work to workout to play without much time for a full costume change. (This one still looks good with a suit!)

A Bluetooth-enabled turntable

Best for audiophile dads

Bring his pile of dust-collecting records into the digital age with this fully automatic turntable from Audio-Technica. It comes with built-in Bluetooth so he can listen to the warm, analog sounds of his favorite LPs via speakers, headphones, and other wireless devices.

A Headspace subscription

Best for the dad who needs a breather

If your dad has trouble sleeping or just needs a minute or two to himself, consider giving him the gift of meditation. Headspace’s gentle audio guidance is perfect for folks who have never practiced before.

A smart sprinkler controller

Best for the dad who loves his garden

Maintaining a pristine lawn requires time, attention to detail, and money. The Rachio 3 can help with all three. Once installed, Dad will be able to use his phone to control his sprinkler system — whether that’s making schedules or starting an impromptu watering session while he’s at work — with options for skipping or changing patterns when it’s raining, windy, or super cold.

Cheryl’s Cookies

Best for the dad with a sweet tooth

No matter the occasion, cookies make a great gift. Your dad can rip into them immediately; plus, you might even be able to snag one for yourself. Cheryl’s Cookies offers a variety of cookies and other treats, with gluten-free, sugar-free, and kosher options.

A smart light kit

Best for the energy-efficient dad

Your dad has probably bitched at the rest of the household for leaving the lights on at some point. Give him complete control over the lights — and the aesthetic — in his home with this smart lighting kit from Philips. The bulbs screw into standard sockets and can be operated through a regular switch, a phone app, or smart assistant commands.

A Yeti insulated tumbler

Best for coffee on the go

These tumblers by the trusted outdoor brand Yeti are made with double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot until the last sip. Their stainless steel exterior is puncture- and rust-resistant, and they have a “no-sweat” design — meaning the outside won’t be covered in condensation and leave a puddle behind.

A massage gun

Best for the dad who works out

If you’ve had to listen to your dad complain about his muscles aching after a workout, a massage gun is a lovely gift idea. “Theragun” has become synonymous with “massage gun” for good reason. The super quiet Prime model comes with four different attachments, which are designed for different parts of the body.

A carbonated growler

Best for the craft beer dad

Growlers are often the only way to transport releases from breweries that don’t get bottled or shipped. (We’ve definitely had limited-edition beer go flat on us before.) Enter the uKeg, a stainless steel growler with an adjustable carbonation cap that’ll instantly turn your dad’s fridge into a tap; two CO2 cartridges are included with every purchase.

Nike Pegasus 40s

Best for the runner

Help your dad exercise in style with a pair of Nike Pegasus 40s. These ultra-breathable running shoes are lightweight but supportive and feature a wider fit at the toes for comfort. They come in regular and extra-wide sizes and in lots of different colors; you can also custom-design a pair specially for your pops.

A Philips SmartSleep

Best for dads who get up early

Even if your dad is a morning person, nobody likes being woken up by a blaring alarm. Make his mornings easier with a Philips SmartSleep wake-up light. It simulates the sunrise by gradually brightening in the half-hour leading up to your dad’s set alarm time, resulting in a gentler, more refreshed wake-up. The light also has a dimming setting to simulate sunset, which can help your dad unwind and relax before going to bed.

A towel-warming rack

Best for dads who need a spa day

Your dad can enjoy a toasty towel as soon as he steps out of the shower with this wall-mounted towel-warming rack. (Big five-star hotel vibes.) It’s suitable for drying bathing suits, underwear, and blankets, too — no need to stuff them in the dryer.

A Moleskine notebook

Best for jotting down his thoughts

No journal collection is complete without a classic Moleskine notebook. This highly customizable option features a hard cover with rounded edges, a ribbon bookmark, an elastic closure, and an expandable inner pocket. It’s available in 10 different colors and four sizes, and you can even choose its pages’ layout.

An Amazon Prime membership

Best gift that keeps giving

If your dad still doesn’t have an Amazon Prime membership, bring him up to date by gifting him one. On top of free two-day shipping, he’ll also get access to Prime Video and Music, free Kindle e-books, and more. Plus, he’ll be able to participate in exclusive Prime Day deals every year.

“World Travel: An Irreverent Guide”

Best for the worldly dad

For the off months between his beloved vacations, satisfy your dad’s inner nomad with this collection of stories from Anthony Bourdain. This guide includes some of the late travel TV host’s favorite spots around the world and practical advice about what to do in each locale. The hardcover version would be a cool coffee table addition, but it’s available on Kindle, too.

Baseball park map glasses

Best for the baseball fan

Skip the generic hat or T-shirt and get your dad a unique drinking glass that features a map of his favorite baseball park. At the very least, it’ll be an excellent conversation starter for when he has guests over — especially if they root for another team.

A Harry’s shaving set

Best for the bearded dad

Your dad deserves a razor that’s not going to leave him with razor burn or a bunch of cuts on his face. The Truman Set from Harry’s includes one Truman handle, three blade cartridges, a bottle of foaming shave gel, and a travel cover — all for just $15. (Sign him up for blade refills if you’re feeling extra generous.)

A useful online course

Best for the lifelong learner

Udemy offers more than 100,000 online courses across a variety of topics. Whether your dad wants to learn more about art, coding, or business planning, we’re positive you’ll be able to find a course for him. Bonus: Once you buy a class, he gets access to it for life.

A plant mister

Best for plant dads

If you’ve ever caught him talking to his plants when he thought nobody was looking, he’ll love this gift, which is great for adding moisture to delicate leaves and blooms. Plus, the bottle will look lovely displayed on the windowsill.

Apple AirPods

Best for the podcast-listening pops

Everyone could use a pair of Apple’s fantastic AirPods — even dads who say they absolutely don’t need expensive headphones. He can jam out while on a run or listen to his favorite podcast while cooking, and the wireless charging case is a lifesaver.

A telescope

Best for dads who dig stargazing

Dads *need* to point out the Big Dipper every time they see it. Take your dad’s stargazing hobby to the next level with the Celestron Travel Scope 70. This well-reviewed portable telescope comes with a custom backpack and several accessories; it’s a bit more advanced than the ones made for kids, but it’s still simple enough for beginners.

A backyard game

For the competitive dad

Family gatherings are prime time for dads to bring up how they win at *everything.* If cornhole is getting old, give him a new game to bust out — Kan Jam, for instance. The Frisbee-throwing game requires nothing more than an open field and two players who want to have fun. He can even keep the game in the back of his car for impromptu matches.

An insulated can cooler

Best for the Miller Lite lover

He might be on the beach, in the woods, or on the front porch — but he’s got a beer that needs to stay cool. The bestselling BrüMate Hopsulator is a stainless steel insulated koozie that’s said to keep 12-ounce cans chilled for 20 times longer than standard neoprene coolers. Plus, it comes in a whopping 29 different colors.

A Petcube Bites 2 Lite

Best for the pet dad

If he treats his pet like his child (in a good way), gift him some extra peace of mind whenever he has to leave the house in the form of the Petcube Bites 2 Lite smart pet camera. He can use it to monitor his dog or cat, toss them treats, and even talk to them while he’s at the office or running errands.

A portable Bluetooth speaker

Best for the outdoorsman

Ah, the faint sound of Dad belting his favorite hair metal jams while doing yard work. The newest version of JBL’s carabiner Bluetooth speaker is dust-proof and IP67 waterproof, so he’s good to take it almost anywhere.

A new wallet, damn it

Best for the dad who never shops for himself

If he’s had his wallet since before you can remember, give him a gentle hint that it’s time to move on. This leather option from Fossil features that beloved bifold shape he’s used to and has storage space for all the essentials. Because it’s such a classic style, he’ll be able to keep using it for years (and years and years) to come.

A Herschel duffle bag

Best for dads who pack light

Whether he travels for work or likes to make spontaneous family visits, he’ll need a reliable bag for the times a bulky suitcase isn’t appropriate. Herschel’s ultra-functional Novel Duffle is a weekender bag that comes in a variety of colors and features a dedicated compartment for his shoes.

Kabob Grilling Baskets

Best for the grilling dad

With these grilling baskets, your dad can enjoy perfectly grilled veggies and meat without a skewer. Plus, the basket design allows for easy flipping — he’ll feel like a pro even if he’s not.

Copper Rain Gauge

Best for the novice meteorologist

This copper rain gauge, or pluviometer, lets you measure the precipitation and see Archimedes’ Principle in action every time it rains. So if you have a dad who just loves talking about the weather (did you hear it’s supposed to rain four inches this Friday?), get this rain gauge so he can indulge his passion.

Walabot DIY 2

Best for DIY dads

If your dad has an Android or iOS smartphone, he can use this smart wall scanner to basically have X-ray vision on his drywall or concrete. He’ll be able to see up to four inches into the wall and pinpoint pipes, studs, wires and, yes, even the horrifying movement of rodents.

A sparkling beverage system

Best for sparkling beverage fans

Spärkel allows dad to infuse the delicious tastes of natural ingredients without a CO2 tank. There is no need to be tech-savvy; you or your dad can effortlessly infuse water, tea, juice, wine, fruits, and fresh herbs to create boozy cocktails and family-friendly mocktails. With the emphasis on ‘easy-to-use’, pour Carbonators into the Beverage System and watch the bubbles work their way up through your bottle to fizz up your drink. There are five levels to fit your taste — light fizz or serious bubbles? Get the perfect combination every time.

A yodeling pickle

Best for dads that like a good joke

Dad is sure to get a laugh out of this goofy gift idea. A plastic, yodeling pickle! Batteries are included, so he can enjoy the sweet serenade right out of the box. With the push of a button he’ll feel like he’s been transported to the Swiss Alps.

A high-speed photo scanning system

Best for the family historian

For the dad in charge of keeping the family memories digitized, a high-speed photo scanning system makes the task a cinch. This model is the world’s fastest personal photo scanner, with the ability to scan up to 30 photos as quickly as one photo per second. Add to that the fact that you can scan everything wirelessly, the memory keeper of the family will love the efficiency and accessibility of quickly digitizing thousands of photos.

A soothing sound machine

Best for the dad that has trouble sleeping

Give dad the gift of a good night’s rest with a sound machine that uses state of the art technology to generate dynamic, realistic fan sounds, white noises, and ocean sounds to help block intrusive noises. Relax, concentrate, and fall asleep easier. Featuring ten fan sounds, ten white, pink and brown noise, and two variations of ocean noise, this sound machine helps block out disruptive noise and keep dad relaxed. There’s even a headphone connector and portable speaker to match his environment and sleep style.

A tabletop fire pit

Best for dads who enjoy cozy ambiance

Get the instant ambiance of a real fire with a tabletop fire pit and leave the smoke and clean up behind. This eco-friendly fire pit is easy to light and extinguish. Just be sure to have proper ventilation. Made from temperature-resistant concrete for an enhanced, safe, smokeless, and odor-free experience. The modern, portable designs go with today’s decor and offer an easy way to stage an inviting atmosphere for quiet moments.

A cooling hat

Best for outdoorsy dads

Whether he’s out huntin’, fishin’, or just doing yardwork, your dad will love this innovative cooling hat. All he has to do is wet the hat, wring it out, and give it a little wave through the air to enjoy up to two hours of cooling at 30 degrees below body temperature. Plus, it has built-in UPF 50 protection to help keep his head, face, and neck from getting sunburned — perfect for dads rocking a bald head.

A meditation headband

Best for the dad who needs to relax

Meditation can be an incredibly beneficial practice for managing stress, but it can be tough to know how to get started. Help Dad on his mindfulness journey with this smart wearable meditation band and its accompanying app that can train his mind and body to relax with immersive audio feedback.

A side table/cooler combo

Best for the dad who loves to chill

Whether he’s lounging by the pool or taking breaks between flipping burgers on the grill, he’ll love the convenience of this sleek side table that can simultaneously stash up to 40 12-ounce cans inside its cooler base. The pop-up bar top reveals access to the goods for party mode, but it can also remain closed to act as a standard side table for his newspaper and morning coffee.

A DIY hot sauce kit

Best for the dad who spices things up

If your dad loves to add heat to every recipe, he’ll love getting this opportunity to make his very own hot sauces. This all-inclusive kit comes with three types of dried, whole hot peppers, a variety of spices, vinegar, bottles, fun labels, and more. It also includes recipes to create six types of hot sauce, like Curry Pineapple Hot Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce, and Smoky Garden Sauce.

Smart sunglasses

Best for the social dad

Maybe he’s trying to launch his influencer side hustle, or maybe he just likes to share his life with his friends on “the Facebook” — either way, these genius Ray-Ban Stories sunglasses will keep him well connected. The newest edition of these smart glasses combine the classic style of Ray-Ban Wayfarers with Bluetooth connectivity and a hands-free camera.

A smarter lawn care service

Best for greener grass

If your dad likes to spend time puttering around in the yard, then we promise he’s going to love Sunday. This smart lawn care subscription uses advanced data and satellite imagery to triangulate exactly the right lawn care products for each customer’s home. Then, they provide all the products dad needs to ensure the grass is always greener on his side of the fence.

New noise-canceling headphones

Best for music-loving dads

Sometimes, to make sure a gift doesn’t disappoint, you just have to spend a little bit of coin. And if dad doesn’t have his own pair of noise-canceling headphones to listen to his favorite tunes, then he’ll be delighted to discover what he’s missing.

His first soundbar

Best home theater gift idea

Modern TVs are incredible technological achievements with only two flaws: motion smoothing and weak internal speakers. We can’t promise dad will ever stop using motion smoothing, but the uber-popular Vizio V-Series soundbar will deliver surround sound to his home theater.

A new pair of sneakers

Best dad shoes for dad

New Balance has perfected the dad shoe, and these walking sneakers are the perfect blend of hip and, well, dad. We’re partial to this handsome olive green colorway, but there are tons more options available depending on dad’s style (or lack thereof).

A pickleball starter set

Best for dads who can play

Pickleball is taking over the world, and the beauty of this sport is that anyone can play. Whether dad has a competitive streak or just wants an excuse to spend time with the grandkids, this starter set has what he needs to discover America’s new favorite pastime.

A new outdoor backpack

Best for outdoorsman dads

Did your dad teach you everything you know about hiking and outdoor safety? Us too. Osprey makes high-quality and adventure-ready backpacks that any outdoorsman would be proud to own, like the roomy Daylite Plus.

Extra-comfy memory foam moccasins

Best for walking around

Is your dad the type of guy who loves his Crocs? Then give him some comfy around-the-house footwear that’s more appropriate for cold weather. These cozy moccasins have a memory foam footbed and will work well even if dad has wide feet.

A timeless Timex watch

Best for punctual dads

Some watches are truly timeless. Unfortunately, most of them cost upwards of $5,000. However, this Timex is the exception. No matter which color you choose, the Timex Expedition watch has a classic style that’s perfect for everyday wear.

A Yellowstone cast-iron skillet

Best for Costner fans

Does your dad love Kevin Costner the TV show “Yellowstone”? He’s not the only one. This year, surprise him with this limited-edition Lodge skillet inspired by the hit TV show. It may be a limited-edition, but a Lodge skillet will last a lifetime.

Dana Froome is a Production Associate at Mashable where she works on Snapchat Discover, Mashable Reels, and AMP Stories. Prior to this, she was a consultant at Maybelline New York and an intern at MarieClaire.com and Cosmopolitan.com.

Ashley Keegan is a freelance contributor to Mashable.

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