The 45 Best Gifts For Dads Who Are Hard to Shop For

Fitbit Inspire 3 Activity Tracker

Whether your dad has always been a fitness junkie or he’s lacing up his running shoes for the first time since high school, a Fitbit is a great and fun way for him to keep track of his goals. The Inspire 3 has features like heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking in a small, unobtrusive package.

[$99; amazon.com]

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OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer

A meat thermometer isn’t just for the kind of guy who’s always manning the grill—it’s a great gift for dads who cook anything. OXO makes some of the best kitchen gear on the market, including this sleek and affordable meat thermometer, which is easy to read and gives measurements in Fahrenheit or Celsius. The probe cover includes a handy guide for the recommended internal temperatures of different meats.

[$16 (was $23); amazon.com]

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Anker Nano Power Bank

Got a dad who never wanted a smartphone in the first place but is now the family group chat’s meme master? A power bank is a great gift for the tech-savvy dad who likes his gifts practical. This power bank has a built-in USB-C connector, so you don’t need to worry about bringing a cable. It works with the latest iPhone and all Android and Pixel phones. Anker also makes a Lightning port version of this charger for older iPhone models.

[$30; amazon.com]

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1000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs

If your dad’s idea of “classics” is less Ancient Rome and more Led Zeppelin, then consider 1000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs, a rockin’ coffee table book. It features over 500 vibrant pages with 1000 album covers across decades and genres. It’s a fun option for any dad who might have sold off his record collection years ago.

[$20; amazon.com]

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Hoka Clifton 9 Road-Running Shoes

If your dad is constantly on his feet or is the type to consistently complain about foot pain, a good pair of comfortable Hoka shoes can make a big difference. Hoka’s Clifton running shoes have maximum cushioning but a minimal drop for a natural, neutral stride. Of course, they’re also a great option for runners.

[$145; rei.com]

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Opinel No. 08 Oak Black Edition Pocket Knife w/ Gift Box

Many have fond memories of getting a hand-me-down gift straight from their dad’s pocket, whether that’s a trusty pocket knife or a perfectly worn-in watch. Pay the favor back with this stylish wood-handle knife from Opinel. It’s a great gift for the outdoorsy dad or the one who loves whittling. The French-made blade has a secure and easy-to-use locking mechanism and comes in a gift box.

[$50; amazon.com]

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Filson Dryden Ballistic Nylon Briefcase

If your dad came of age in an era when men carried attache cases to work but he now works in the era of gray hoodies, Zoom calls, and school bags in the office, he might be confused about which bag to bring to work. Filson’s rugged nylon briefcase perfectly splits the difference between a casual messenger bag and a classic briefcase. It can be carried in hand or over the shoulder, and there’s a roomy laptop sleeve for devices up to 15 inches. Plus, the trolley strap makes it a great option for travel.

[$195; huckberry.com]

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Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite 8.7-Inch Tablet

Tablets are popular with older users because of their ease of use and larger screens, so if you’re looking for a tech gift for a not-so-tech-savvy dad, a tablet can be a great way to go. You can keep in touch using video calls or set him up with his favorite streaming services. It’s an affordable option with a smaller screen and 32GB of storage, so it’s best suited for casual use.

[$113 (was $119); amazon.com]

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Case Elegance Modern Clip Watch Box

Watch enthusiasts can be tough to shop for—their preferences might be particular and their tastes might exceed your budget. Watch accessories, however, are the perfect workaround. Do you have a dad who’s ironically always late because he can never find his watch? This sleek, space-saving watch box puts up to six timepieces on display while keeping them organized and in place.

[$50; huckberry.com]

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Braun Series 7 7071cc Flex Electric Razor for Men

Braun’s Series 7 electric razor features a flexible rotating head that’s designed to adapt to different lengths of facial hair, including up to three days of growth. An all-in-one charging and cleaning dock is included for easy maintenance. There’s also a handy travel case. It’s the classic dad gift for a reason.

[$135 (was $150); amazon.com]

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Callaway Golf 300 Pro Slope Laser Rangefinder

A golf rangefinder is the kind of gift a golf enthusiast will appreciate, but might not already have. Top golf brand Callaway makes a compact and easy-to-use version. It emits a vibration when it locks onto the pin and comes with a convenient carrying case as well. As far as golf gifts for dads go, this is one of our favorites this year.

[$200 (was $300); amazon.com]

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Classic Fit Striped Oxford Shirt

A dress shirt is a classic gift for a reason. This option comes from Ralph Lauren, an iconic American brand with the kind of cross-generational appeal that’s hard to find. It’s an Oxford shirt, meaning it has a button-down collar and a textured fabric that makes it a more casual alternative to traditional dress shirts. Any dad, whether a style savant or not, will enjoy this.

[$60 (was 125); ralphlauren.com]

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Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8 x 25 Waterproof Binoculars

Nocs’ colorful and compact binoculars make birding fun and accessible. They’re a great gift for any dad who's looking to get into birdwatching or who might want a second lighter-weight pair. They boast IPX7 water resistance and have 8x magnification, which is a good beginner-friendly zoom for birding.

[$95; rei.com]

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Eddie Bauer Men's 1936 Skyliner Model Down Jacket

The Skyliner men's jacket is Eddie Bauer’s signature product. The legend goes that the brand’s namesake designed it after nearly dying from hypothermia while wearing inadequate outerwear. It’s a great story and an even better jacket. Eddie Bauer just reissued this classic piece of outerwear, and it looks as great today as it did when it was first produced in 1936. Whether Dad’s style skews classic or outdoorsy, it’s a great piece to give.

[$160 (was $229); eddiebauer.com]

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Fellow 16-Ounce Carter Move Travel Mug

A stylish reusable mug makes a great holiday gift for dads who need to kick their disposable coffee cup habit. Fellow’s mug is thoughtfully designed, with a slim, cup holder-friendly silhouette and a wide range of colors to choose from. Crucially, it doesn’t have the metallic taste of other travel mugs thanks to the ceramic coating on the inside. If Dad’s a coffee snob, he’ll appreciate any gift from Fellow, a coffee snob-approved brand.

[$35; amazon.com]

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Sangean WR-15WL AM/FM Table Top Wooden Radio

Listening to the radio shouldn’t just be limited to the car. This tabletop radio from Sangean has a stylish wood finish, making it an attractive gift. It’s corded, so it’s best suited for around the house. For any dad who cares more for simpler tech and likes to listen to the radio while doing errands or while reading a book, this is a great affordable alternative to a stereo.

[$90 (was $145); amazon.com]

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S.P.Q.R by Mary Beard

A recent social media trend exposed how often men think about the Roman Empire. If your dad is the history-obsessed type, he might enjoy this book by Mary Beard, a leading author on Roman history. Compelling and comprehensive, Beard tells the story of the Roman Empire from its foundational myth to its final days. It’s a great Christmas gift for dad but it suits any occasion. It’s yours to gift as a hardcover, paperback, audio CD, audiobook, or digitally for Kindle.

[From $14; amazon.com]

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Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie

If Dad’s style leans casual, a cozy hoodie is always a great option. Champion made the first hoodie, and it’s still one of the best. This warm sweatshirt is ideal for colder weather thanks to the dense fleece backing. The fabric is Champion’s famous Reverse Weave, which adds durability and allows it to be washed and dried without shrinking.

[From $36; amazon.com]

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Seiko 5 Men's Stainless Steel Watch

Inexpensive but respectable, Seiko’s 5 line of sports watches is one of the best values in automatic watches. This timepiece has a classic stainless steel bracelet and a subtle black face, although there are other bracelet and face styles to choose from. The timepiece has a day-date window and an exhibition case back so you can appreciate the movement.

[$139; amazon.com]

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Bellroy Travel Folio V2

If you’ve gotten him a wallet in the past, or he already has one he likes, a passport wallet is a great alternative. Whether he’s a frequent flier or just paranoid about losing his travel documents, a stylish travel folio is a great way to make flights a little easier. Bellroy’s take is made from sturdy leather, and there are slots for credit cards and a passport. Plus, a large cash sleeve makes it easy to organize different currencies.

[$159; huckberry.com]

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Igloo Ecocool 30 Cooler

Whether he’s into fishing, camping, or just hanging out in the backyard with a few beers, a cooler is the kind of gift that many kinds of dads will enjoy. This option comes from Igloo, an iconic and affordable brand that manufactures its coolers in the US. This convenient option has a 28-liter capacity and features cupholders on the lid.

[$33 (was $45); rei.com]

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Escali Primo Digital Food Scale

As affordable as it is practical, Escali’s Primo food scale is a great option for any dad who takes cooking, baking, or coffee seriously. With only two buttons, it’s also extremely easy to use; the on/off button includes a tare function, allowing you to subtract the weight of the container or weigh multiple items. The units button toggles between ounces and grams. Plus, there are a lot of colors to choose from.

[$25 (was $27); amazon.com]

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King C. Gillette Double Edge Safety Razor w/ 5 Refill Blades

If your dad takes an old-school approach to shaving, he might enjoy this classic safety razor from King C. Gillette, Gillette’s boutique line inspired by classic grooming techniques. The kit includes a stylish double-edged safety razor and five replacement blades. It’s the kind of tool that displays beautifully on a bathroom vanity.

[$28 (was $35); amazon.com]

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L.L. Bean Zip Hunter’s Tote Bag With Strap

L.L. Bean’s Hunter tote was designed for hunting, but the comfortable padded shoulder strap and coated water-resistant internal lining make it a great option for everything from the gym to the beach to weekend errands. There are no pockets, but the wide opening lends itself to use with internal organizers. Like many of L.L. Bean’s bags, you can add a monogram, which makes this a nice personalized gift for dad given the subtle but special detail. There are three sizes to choose from, so check the dimensions closely.

[$55; llbean.com]

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Google Chromecast with Google TV

Google Chromecast with TV is a great gift for the dad who loves streaming but doesn’t want to upgrade his TV to a smart one. This model includes a remote and a smart TV interface, making it a substantial upgrade over the original version of the Chromecast which required casting from your phone. Plus, Google TV’s interface is intuitive and customizable, and it’s substantially cheaper than other streaming sticks. This is the HD version, and a 4K version is also available.

[$20 (was $30); bestbuy.com]

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Kiehl’s Pure Serum Texture Skin Care Set

A grooming set is a great gift for the dad who wants to step up his skincare game. Kiehl’s makes a wide variety of grooming sets, including this skincare bundle that includes a face cleanser, serum, and facial cream. The largest tube is 2.5 ounces, making it a travel-friendly option.

[$52; nordstrom.com]

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Bodum Chambord 8 Cup Coffee Press

A French press is a great gift for dads who love coffee, especially if they prefer bold flavors and a rich aftertaste. Bodum’s Chambord coffee press has a generous 34-ounce capacity for brewing multiple cups of coffee. A word to the wise; while cleaning a French press can be tricky, a simple solution is to fill it with water and pour it out into a fine mesh strainer over the sink, then dump or compost the grounds.

[$29; amazon.com] 

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Putt-a-Bout Par Three Golf Putting Green

If your dad is the golfing type, he might not be able to hit the links as often as he’d like. The Putt-A-Bout is a great gift for dads who golf that’ll let them practice putting or just kill some time indoors. The backing keeps the green flat on a variety of surfaces, and it’s easy to roll up and store.

[From $35; amazon.com]

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Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Dopp Kit

If your dad taught you to shave, then he deserves better than toting his own grooming supplies in a toothpaste-stained Ziploc bag. Herschel’s Dopp kit stands up on its own and has a bright pinstripe lining, so it’s easy to go through to find what you’re looking for. Plus, it’s a good size for carrying your necessary toiletries without overwhelming your travel bag.

[$38; nordstrom.com]

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Patagonia Men's Retro Pile Fleece Jacket

Patagonia’s Retro fleece jacket is a good gift for dads who are always cold at movie theaters and outdoor sporting events but are loath to admit it. It’s made from recycled polyester fleece and features hand pockets and a stand collar for extra warmth.

[$149; dickssportinggoods.com]

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Converse Jack Purcell Low Top Sneaker

A classic pair of sneakers makes a great gift, especially for the dad who hasn’t refreshed his shoe collection in a while. The Jack Purcell is a more refined low-top tennis sneaker from Converse, making it feel a little more grown-up than the high-top Chucks of his ‘90s grunge days.

[$70; nordstrom.com]

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Ray-Ban 54mm Wayfarer Sunglasses

Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer unisex sunglasses are as classic as they get, and because they suit so many different face shapes, they never really go out of style. The frames are made from durable acetate and have 100% UV protective lenses. It’s a great classic gift for the hard-to-shop-for dad.

[$171; nordstrom.com]

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Leatherology Medium Snap Bound Journal

If you’re looking for a great personalized gift for dad, Leatherology is a brand that needs to be on your radar. They make high-quality personal leather accessories like wallets, bags, and keychains, all of which can be monogrammed. Their journal makes a great gift for any dad who prefers to take notes by hand. The leather portion of the journal is also a replaceable cover for the spiral paper notebook (available from their site), meaning the leather cover can continue to be used after the pages are filled up.

[$65; leatherology.com]

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Miansai Cruz Leather Bracelet Gold Vermeil

A leather rope bracelet is a tasteful and easy-to-wear piece that your giftee doesn’t have to be too precious with. The thin cowhide leather bracelet features a gold vermeil clasp, and there are several colors to choose from. It comes in three sizes. If you’re unsure about size, Miansai also makes adjustable one-size-fits-most rope bracelets.

[$85; miansai.com]

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Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove

Maybe he’s got his at-home grill setup on lock, but what about on-the-go? Coleman’s propane-powered camp stove is highly portable and features propane-powered burners. The covers fold outward, protecting the flame from the wind. Two adjustable burners make it easy to whip up a meal for the family with his favorite cast iron skillet.

[$100; rei.com]

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Uncommon Goods Gardener's Tool Seat

For dads who have taken to gardening in their golden years, a garden tool set like this one lets them keep their tools close at hand without straining their backs or knees. The compact tool kit attaches to the stool, but they can be used separately, too.

[$48; uncommongoods.com]

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Cole & Mason Derwent Wood Pepper Mill

Dads who are serious about their home cooking will already know the value of fresh ground pepper, but they might not already have a quality pepper mill. This mill from Cole & Mason has stylish wood detailing and a clear acrylic body that makes it easy to know when to refill it.

[$37 (was $55); amazon.com]

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JOOLA Tundra Pickleball Paddle Set

Pickleball has proven to be a bona fide phenomenon, and it’s a great way to enjoy the competitiveness of tennis without as high of a learning curve. This set from trusted pickleball brand Joola includes two paddles, a carrying pouch, and four balls. Just remind him to stretch, first, since pickleball injuries are on the rise.

[$80; amazon.com]

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Echo Show 5

A smart display like Amazon’s Echo Show 5 is a great way for Dad to enjoy music at home or control his other smart home devices. A built-in camera makes it great for video calls, too. It’s also handy for checking the weather and calendar, and it can be used for displaying and sharing family photos.

[$40 (was $90); amazon.com]

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Barbour Tartan Wool & Cashmere Scarf

A scarf is a great gift for the old-school dad in your life, but unlike other clothing gifts, you don’t have to worry about finding the right size. This option from British label Barbour has a classic tartan pattern and is made from 95% wool and 5% cashmere.

[$75; nordstrom.com]

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Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Duffle Bag

This duffle bag from Briggs & Riley is the ideal gift for the dad whose idea of casual is a sports coat. The duffle has a built-in garment bag, so he can travel with his best suit without worrying about wrinkles, and there are internal compartments for easy organization. The bag is constructed from sturdy ballistic nylon that’s designed to take a beating.

[$369; nordstrom.com]

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‘47 New York Yankees MLB Classic Baseball Hat

The dad hat may have been co-opted by the fashion-forward scene, but there’s a reason dads still rock their namesake caps. ‘47 Brand is the king of the dad hat, especially if the dad in question is also a sports fan. This Yankees hat is just one of many team options: don’t panic, Boston fans.

[$29; urbanoutfitters.com]

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Sur La Table 5-Piece Metal Bar Tool Set w/ Stand

A stylish bar set is a great gift for dads who are self-proclaimed mixologists. The kit includes the basic tools needed other than the mixing glasses and cocktail glasses. There’s a jigger for measuring, a strainer, a stirring spoon, and a bottle opener, as well as a stand to keep it all organized. The kit is made from stainless steel with a modern matte black finish.

[$30 (was $75); surlatable.com]

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TP-Link - Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini with Matter

A smart plug doesn’t exactly have the wow factor of other gifts, but it can make a good stocking stuffer for dads. Smart plugs are very useful and can be beneficial for older family members who might have a harder time reaching certain devices to turn them off. They’re ideal for everything from lamps to fans and small kitchen appliances. TP-Link’s simple and affordable plugs are compatible with Alexa, Apple, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings.

[$30; amazon.com]

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Tom Ford T-Line Soft Grain Card Holder

If your dad has a taste for the finer things, he might appreciate a luxe cardholder wallet from Tom Ford. There are six card slots, including one with a “T” cutout which is both clever branding and a convenient way to grab your most used card. It has a pleasant textured grain and is available in cognac or black.

[$450; nordstrom.com]

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