The 40 best Christmas gifts for the dad in your life
Men can be tricky to shop for, but these holiday gifts are a surefire hit.
By Sara Goldstein Updated Nov. 18, 2025
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Let’s hear it for the man who plays “Dad” opposite your “Mom.” He rubbed your swollen pregnant feet (well, he better have), put together your complicated stroller, and told you that you looked absolutely beautiful even when you were stuffing your face with french fries and hysterically crying during a particularly bad rage of your pregnancy hormones.
He’s probably your best friend. And if he isn’t now, he will be after he receives any one of these thoughtful and amazing gifts for dads this holiday season.
The best gifts for men are obviously subjective, so we’ve gathered up our greatest finds for all kinds–the dad in need of a wardrobe upgrade, the tech-obsessed, the resident grill master, you name it.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!
Our favorite gifts for dad
$39.95
Whether he’s hitting the gym or hiking the trails, a packable towel is always a good idea. The super absorbent but totally streamlined microfiber towels from PackTowl dry light years quicker than cotton styles and take up practically no space at all. Even better? They’re infused with polygiene silver-ion odor control so they won’t come home smelling like a swamp.
$109
From daily commutes to once in a lifetime adventures, Portland Gear’s Cascade Backpack makes a stellar companion. The hinged opening is totally clutch for keeping everything easy to access and the weatherproof exterior keeps it dry even if he’s marching through a monsoon. After all, it was designed in the Pacific Northwest.
$39.95
Meticulously designed and guaranteed for life, the innovative belts from Arcade are ready for every adventure. Whether hopping a cross-country flight or trekking up a mountain, the stretchy fabric and patented buckle system is easy to adjust and stays super comfy all day long. And since there’s no metal, it doesn’t even have to come off in the TSA line!
$46
Those early morning wake ups call for an invigorating shower experience–and the Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick from Flamingo Estates definitely delivers. Packed with energizing Organic Peppermint, exfoliating Poppy Seeds and Big Sur Sea Salt, and French Blue Clay to draw out impurities, it’s a cleanser, body polish and aromatherapy experience all in one. Just be warned he’ll never want to go back to whatever crusty bar he’s been lathering up with.
$545
From boat days to tailgates, every dad seems to love showing off his cooler. Ensure he’s got the bragging rights with what might be the coolest (pun intended) one around. The simple-on-the-outside aluminum Tempo Cooler from Oyster is designed to reach temps three times colder and keep them that way longer than other styles. Its space-saving design requires no ice, just flat ice packs which means there’s more room inside and no water to empty out later. And if any part of it breaks, they’ll replace it!
$99.99
Plugging in allll the things takes effort. How about just tossing them onto this instead? The Twelve South HiRise3 Deluxe can juice up his iPhone and AirPods and Apple Watch at the same time and let’s face it—looks way cooler than that tangle of cords he’s rocking. It’s also perfect for a home office since you can use it while you take a video call. (Or watch some game highlights. We’re not here to judge.)
$58
Add a bit of greenery (and green thumb pride) to his desk with this clever avocado vase. It’s perfectly shaped to house an avocado pit and a water at just the right level to sprout and grow with minimal maintenance.
$449 $499
If he’s been an especially deserving dude this year, we’re a puddle just thinking about Hydragun’s StretchPad Massage Mat. Designed with infared heating, 22 precision-controlled air chambers, and three intensity levels, it’s a daily massage on demand. Just lay it out, choose from one of the seven pre-programmed routines and let it stretch, twist and pulse you into total relaxation. (And since he can’t lay on it forever, you can easily get a turn, too.)
$189
Perhaps the most slickly-designed portable chair out there, the updated Cliq ClassiQ 2.0 sets up in seconds and collapses to the size of a water bottle when he’s ready to pack up. And even though it’s small, the seat itself is impressively comfortable and super sturdy. Less time figuring out how to get his chair set up equals more time for sipping beers in the sun. Um, we mean, watching the kids play soccer.
$280
Danner’s rugged hand-crafted boots are a favorite among some of our favorite hardworking fellas. They’re completely waterproof but still breathable and last for ages. Every style is a winner but personally we’d choose the Bull Run GTX since it’s a work boot disguised as a fashion boot. Not like he cares necessarily, but we do.
$69
Whether he’s a coffee connoisseur or just wants it fast and hot, Cometeer delivers. Unlike other single use coffee pods, with Cometeer the pod is all you need–no gadget necessary. Instead, each capsule is filled with expertly extracted 10x concentrated coffee from award-winning small batch roasters (like Durham-based Counter Culture and Equator Coffee in San Francisco) which is immediately flash frozen at -321 ºF via a shower of liquid nitrogen. The result? Some of the best coffee on the planet in his cup and ready to drink in less than a minute. Price is for a 32-capsule supply.
$27.99
Between pets, gym bags and (let’s be honest) the kids, keeping his car smelling fresh isn’t the easiest task. Masking with air freshener isn’t always great either. Instead, this minimalist odor eliminator can be hung from the back of the headrest to absorb whatever stink he might be driving around. And because it’s powered by activated charcoal, it actually lasts up to an entire year.
$18
Dads who love to cook also love to have a secret ingredient, don’t they? Luckily the aromatic and just-spicy-enough Algae Cooking Club Gochugaru Chili Oil can work that kind of magic. The complex and addicting aromatic oil (which happens to be the brainchild of Chef Daniel Humm of NYC’s Eleven Madison Park) features a range of spices that perfectly complement everything from scrambled eggs to homemade pizza.
$79.99
With its oversize design and far infared heat technology, this is the body wrap for guys who work hard and relax hard. It’s great for soothing sore muscles or helping with inflammation and as a bonus it makes a great bed warmer on those chilly nights.
$159
When he looks good, you look good, right? And bonus if it looks like something you might be able to lift out of Pedro Pascal’s closet. For example, the Filson Jac-Shirt which has been an iconic staple since the 1970s. It’s as stylish as it is rugged with a timeless silhouette so it’s safe to say he’ll likely wear for decades to come. (Or, let’s be honest–until you buy him something else.)
$24.95
As a parent and an adventurer, he knows just how often a bandana can come in handy– but this one from Nomadix takes the cake. Like their towels, it’s made from a super absorbent recycled microSuede fabric that’s soft, fast-drying and ultra durable. Tie it on to keep the sun off his neck, use it to dry off after an impromptu swim or save the day when the kid spills an entire Nalgene in the backseat. The possibilities are endless!
$98
Listen. It’s almost 2025. There is legit no longer an excuse for dumpy sweatpants. With countless stylish comfy pant options out there nowadays, there is no room for the baggy, stained abominations he may be clinging to. Use them to start a backyard bonfire and stick a pair of these under the tree as a replacement. The Vuori Sunday Performance Joggers are a best-seller because of their sporty and fresh look that’s ideal for everything from travel to Sunday afternoon football.
$18
While sweet dreams can be made of cheese, that’s not exactly what the Eurythmics were singing about. If he’s the type of guy who can’t help but make up his own lyrics (is that not the most dad-like habit ever?), he’ll crush at this party game that asks you to identify popular songs via hilariously incorrect lyrics. Played competitively or casually with friends or just the two of you, it’s guaranteed to bring out the laughs.
$99
If he’s not already a robe convert, he will be after opening this one! The Super-Plush Robe from Brooklinen is made from 100% Turkish cotton that brings the spa vibes every time he wraps himself up.
$69.99
Home chef foodies will adore this sleek gadget that grinds spices on demand. Just fill the reusable FinaMill pods with your spice of choice, pop onto the battery-operated grinder and have fresh ground spices in an instant! We can already see him pretending he’s waiting tables at the Olive Garden as he offers fresh cracked pepper on your pasta.
$105
He doesn’t even have to be a cologne kind of guy to appreciate Fulton & Roark. The American fine fragrance company crafts some of the most evocative and intoxicating solid scents and delivers them in a badass (and portable!) metal container that can be refilled over and over. Add in their gorgeously packaged aluminum-free deodorant and a triple-milled bar of soap and this gift set may just unlock his inner product junkie.
$74.96 $99.95
Kids who won’t leave the house without a blanket in tow are really onto something. Consider the blankets from Rumpl the grown up version. Designed for every kind of outdoor adventure, the clever, packable design is water and stain-resistant so it can go practically anywhere. Is he a camping fanatic? For those chilly nights under the stars, a cape clip converts it into a wearable cloak. Planning a picnic on the beach? Stake it down with the paracord corners. Ready to pack up and go home? Just stuff it back into the stuff sack and be on your merry way. Seriously, even Linus would be jealous of this blanket.
$190
Make the world a happier place–or at least make it look that way–with the Happy Boost lenses from Spy. These therapeutic sunglasses keep his eyes safe from harmful rays while also boosting mood and alertness by enhancing the color and contrast of the world around him. The visually-stunning polarization also helps cut glare whether he’s working on his golf swing or reeling in the catch of the day. Prices start at $190
$168
You know how dudes can have a tendency to wear the same thing over and over and over until it’s threadbare and in tatters because they love it so much? Well what if I told you there’s a shirt out there they can love and wear that much but it will still look super hot? Meet the iconic Outerknown Blanket Shirt. The durable, woven design rocks a laid back but still put together aesthetic and it’s versatile enough to wear for almost any occasion. It comes in over 20 different patterns which is great because it’s likely he’ll want a whole collection.
$19.99
Can a dad ever really have enough beanies? The simple knit from Carhartt has over 115K five-star ratings and comes in a ton of different colors. A guaranteed hit!
$220
No matter his outdoor interests, dryrobe is the piece of gear he never knew he needed. Part wind-breaking parka, part cozy robe, it’s designed to dry him off and keep him warm no matter the elements. The oversize construction makes it possible to do a quick change underneath while keeping your core temperature up (and without flashing everyone around!) Surfer dads, camping enthusiasts, cold plunge aficionados, swimmers–we can’t think of an adventurer who wouldn’t think this is the coolest gift ever. And on the rare occasions he’s on the sidelines? It’s the perfect thing for winter sport spectating.
$169.99
This gift is perfect for dads who have young kids because it’s like having a personal care assistant that you plug in. Do you need an alarm? This clock has you covered. Soothing sounds? Wind-down time? Meditative lighting? A gentle “sunrise alarm” that won’t give you a heart attack in the morning? Well, here you go.
The best part is, you’ll both benefit from this gadget gift!
$239
I recently bought this bag as a birthday gift to replace my husband’s 25 year old Black Hole bag. The 90’s version would still be going strong if it hadn’t lost a fight with the luggage belt at JFK and come out in shreds. (Even the mighty have weaknesses, I suppose.) It’s so well designed, there was no need to shop around. The clamshell construction makes it easy to keep all your clothes and essentials organized and easy to find without digging while the multiple carry options make it a dream to transport. And since it’s Patagonia you can rest assured it’s a good for the planet as it is for his adventures.
$45
Blow his hot sauce loving mind with this trio from Fly By Jing. Inspired by the flavors of Jing founder’s favorite Chengdu restaurants, these spicy-but-addicting Sichuan sauces are made to electrify your tastebuds. Drizzle the OG Sichuan Chili Crisp over everything from chicken wings to pumpkin soup. Punch up stir frys with the Sweet + Spicy and add and instant oh-la-la to practically anything with the Xtra Crunchy. Clear permanent space on the pantry shelves because this trio is about to become a staple.
$399.95
Outdoor fire pits are the best part about cold weather, right? BioLite’s award-winning FirePit+ allows you to bring a campfire pretty much anywhere. The portable design burns both wood and charcoal and is wrapped in an x-ray mesh body to keep the flames visible as the fire burns. The assistance of a four-speed fan keeps it stoked and hot and also allows for top-notch campfire cooking. A cooking grate is included and for the dad who really loves to cook outside, opt for the Firepit Cooking Bundle which includes all the accessories he’ll need to grill, sauté and griddle up his faves.
$75
This is perfect for the chef in your life. The classic cook’s aprons from NYC-based Tilit cover enough clothing to keep them from getting stained, plus have deep enough pockets theycan hold a dishtowel or a phone. If Dad wants to whip up some Sunday morning pancakes, this is the way to do it.
$148
Buck Mason’s timeless looks are always on point, so IMHO you can’t go wrong with anything. (And trust me, I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time shopping on their site because well, look at their models. Come ON.) I’ve picked out a few things for my guy but my current favorite is the Welterweight Double V Crew which is kind of the perfect dude sweatshirt. It’s slim not sloppy with a vintage cut that’s giving mid-century boxer in the best way.
$49.99
Maybe he’s an action sports guy that needs a little less action now and then. Or maybe you’re looking for a way to beat the winter doldrums in the great outdoors without testing the limits of your health insurance. Either way, a pair of snow shoes makes an awesome gift. This pair from Retrospec are easy to take on and off and perfect for beginners. (Don’t forget the poles!)
$145
An everyday sneaker he’ll never want to take off. The NYC-based (and HONY profiled) Atoms sneakers are engineered to not only offer the perfect fit right out of the box, but contour perfectly to your feet as you wear them. Made from a lightweight and flexible polyurethane-coated knit yarn and a cushy proprietary foam midsole, the true magic is in their revolutionary sizing structure. Since 60% of people do not have identically sized feet, Atoms offers their styles in quarter-size increments which can be mixed and matched. (How brilliant is that?!) Add an insole that features antimicrobial copper thread to keep them fresh and he may never go back to wearing anything else.
$159 $189
As a 5′ 2″ woman, I have to admit I never really thought about the throw blanket struggles tall people suffer from. However, I do take snuggling VERY seriously, so when I learned about Big Blanket Co. they had all of my attention. At 10 x 10 their best-selling signature blankets are 50% bigger than a king size quilt–a must-have for movie night but double as the ultimate fort builder. (Because you’re never too old for that.)
$140
Even if he doesn’t think he’s a slipper guy, Olukai is bound to convince him otherwise. Designed with their signature fold-down heel, these leather indoor/outdoor slip ons are lined with sheepskin to keep his feet warm and toasty without getting sweaty. Apologies in advance if he starts wearing them out of the house.
$135
Not convinced on the diaper bag front? That’s fine. Try the Dad Hoodie instead. It’s like what MacGyver would wear if he had to hotwire a car with a paperclip while also carting a tot around. Interior mesh pockets provide a place for everything without adding bulk or necessitating a bag that slows him down.
$2399
From hauling kids to groceries, Rad Power Bikes cargo bikes make a great case for ditching that second car. Sturdy, safe and super easy to ride, the Radwagon 5 can do everything from hauling precious cargo (the extra seat and kids caboose is a must!) to carting groceries to helping you get around town—or get out of dodge. It makes trips to the pool, the post office and the neighborhood park so much more fun—and it’s the perfect family gift for those who like a little adventuring.
$40
The truth is, neck gaitors are a truly undervalued accessory. The lightweight wool gaiters from the base-layer experts at Ibex are ideal for keeping necks warm or free of sun and perfect for keeping your face covered on busy or blustery trails.
$60
From the golf course to the elementary school soccer field, a tough umbrella can be a total lifesaver. The ones that turn inside out with a strong gust? Not so much. This bad boy is designed to withstand 75 mph winds and is guaranteed to make Al Roker jealous.
A version of this article was published November 12, 2021. It has been updated.
