23 Gifts for Dads Who Don't Need Anything
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Dads don't need gifts. Just ask the dad in your life and he'll tell you the same. However, as we all know you should gift him something anyway. I am not only a dad and a gear reviewer, but also someone with a specific philosophy about what makes a good gift for middle-aged men like me.
The best gifts for a dad are things that not only are relevant to his interests but also can be fairly described as “overkill.” Dads tend to like things that are overbuilt but useful. You can rarely go wrong by giving an expensive but excellent version of a thing we use anyway.
Alternately, you can just buy him anything with the logo of his favorite sports team on it. Oh, a set of Cleveland Browns corn-on-the-cob holders! Better buy some sweet corn and fire up the grill!
Below you'll find gifts that I as a dad have personally used and enjoyed. This is the final gift guide to debut this Christmas season, which is appropriate as no one shops for dads early.
Updated December 2024: We’ve refreshed this guide with tons of new picks, including slippers, a Golden Tee arcade machine, and a leather belt.
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Tee Time
Arcade1Up Golden Tee 3D 35th Anniversary Deluxe Arcade MachineGolden Tee is a classic arcade game that doesn't really translate to a home console because of its unique track ball. For a certain type of dad—a dad who misses long, Lite-fueled nights with his college buddies—this arcade cabinet is the greatest gift he'll ever get. The cabinet has eight games including the iconic Golden Tee 3D (95), the original classic, and Shuffle Shot. The track ball and 17-inch display are well made and the games play just like you remember.
Be warned that assembling this 5-foot-tall, 70-pound cabinet is a project—I brought this to my curling club for testing and two dads spent two hours working on it (and described it as “a two-beer job”).
- Photograph: REI
The Most Comfy Camp Chair
Nemo StargazeI’ve sat on a lot of camp chairs in my lifetime. Maybe this is my Archie Bunker moment, but there is only one camp chair I have strong positive feelings about, and this is it. The Nemo Stargaze is as much a hybrid hammock as it is a chair, with a seat that swings between the heavy-duty aluminum support posts. As the name implies, it reclines by adjusting a bevy of nylon straps so that Dad can lean his head back on the integrated pillow and stare up at the starry night sky (or fall asleep with a flask by the fire). Thanks to a low center of gravity it’s easy to get into and out of, and you never worry about tipping over on sand or loose gravel.
- Photograph: Amazon
Born Slippy
Glerups Slip-OnsOne of our former writers recommended these slippers in our guide to the best, and as a diehard Ugg fan I was a little skeptical. However, they've become my favorites over the past year thanks to the supple wool that fits a little like a sock. The calfskin sole is soft and pliable and feels great sliding across my hardwood floors. A pair of slippers is a classic gift for a dad at the holidays and these are my favorites of the moment.
- Photograph: Amazon
A Weather Station
Ambient Weather WS-2902For whatever reason, dads like paying attention to the weather. The discussion goes beyond “really needing” that recent rain and digs into useless precision. That’s why they’ll love the Ambient Weather ecosystem recommended by WIRED senior editor Parker Hall. It lets you know everything from daily rainfall to the current UV index via several weather-measuring doohickeys, accessories, and screens.
The Ambient Weather WS-2902 includes a rain collector and two instruments to measure wind, but it's just one of many tools that can be combined. Building this system out will cover you on gift ideas for at least two to three gifting occasions. Even better, Ambient Weather keeps releasing new products. This is a boon for hard-to-shop-for fathers or nerdy types everywhere. Hall’s dad got his first Ambient Weather device in December, has now installed others in two locations, and is considering adding a third at the family vacation home. The rest of the Hall family is set on gifting ideas for years.
- Photograph: Martin Cizmar
The Best Infrared Thermometer
Thermoworks Hi-Temp Industrial IR w/Circle LaserThere are many good cheap infrared thermometers other than this ThermoWorks model. Your dad probably doesn’t need the nearly 1,500 degrees of range and wide targeting laser with eight measurement points to grill burgers. But, having received this tool as a Christmas gift, and having subsequently used it to make many backyard pizzas and smoked meats, I can confirm that it makes for a great gift. Having a wider circle to read from makes the results much more reliable than the cheaper temp guns. It’s rugged too. I’ve dropped it a few times without any issues. Though mainly used for culinary applications, this is a serious tool that will come in handy if your dad is trying to track down a leak in the attic insulation that’s causing him to burn up a brontosaurus every damned day.
- Photograph: Conway
Your New Plug
Conway Electric EXTŌ Surge 900Most power strips are eyesores that are best tucked away behind tables or sofas. Not this beauty from Conway Electric, which is made at a factory outside Seattle. The Extō Surge is powder coated in striking colors and has an oversized braided cord over wire guts made in the US and Canada. It's a hefty device, weighing in at 3 pounds. There are six outlets and two USB ports, an old-school USB-A and a modern USB-C, which are tucked next to the center outlets. This surge protector is a conversation piece that Dad can proudly display in his office, workshop, or anywhere else it makes sense to show off your plugs.
- Photograph: Wired
Our Mug
WIRED The WIRED/TIRED 11oz Coffee MugThe dad on your list is probably old enough to remember when WIRED first debuted 31 years ago. Since the beginning, our publication has been providing buying advice and telling you what's good and bad about a product with our WIRED/TIRED rubric. It's had such an impact on the internet that it was turned into a meme. And now, like any good meme, it's also a mug.
Get your dad this two-faced WIRED/TIRED mug so he can broadcast his caffeination status while also showing his love for his favorite website-slash-magazine on the whole damn internet. Full disclosure: This is from WIRED's official merch store, which means if you buy it then it funds our journalism and we get to keep writing product reviews and gift guides. It's a loop, folks! —Michael Calore
- Photograph: Atlas Coffee
A Fresh Cup Every Day
Atlas Coffee ClubYour dad probably drinks coffee. He probably likes it when that coffee is delicious. If he likes variety—I’m an extremist on this and rarely buy the same bag twice—he’ll love a subscription to Atlas Coffee Club, which ships beans from all over the world in every style of roast and grind you can imagine. I am especially fond of the half-bag batches, which means I’m getting new flavors midway through the week.
A Shot of the Dark
Breville Barista Express Espresso MachineThis is the top pick in our guide to the best espresso machines and has everything you need to make a great latte in one slick stainless steel package. The Barista Express will not only produce up to 15 bars of pressure (you only need nine to make a proper cup) and has an arm to steam milk for cappuccinos or mochas but it will grind beans to the proper super-fine consistency. You can probably get better results with more expensive specialized machines but the Barista Express is a fast and affordable way for your dad to replace his Starbucks habit at home.
- Photograph: Amazon
Flood the Zone
Google Nest Cam with Floodlight Outdoor CameraI've had the Nest Cam with floodlight (wired) installed in my front yard for a little more than a year, and it's been super helpful not only in lighting up my entryway, but also offering peace of mind. If Dad has been groaning about lack of light by the porch, or is frustrated with porch pirates, this Nest camera is reliable and easy to use. (However, it might be worth talking about before you buy because unless Dad is comfortable with wiring, he'll need to hire an electrician for the installation.) The dual floodlight is bright and covers a wide area, and in the Google Home app, Dad can configure what turns on the floodlight and how long it stays on.
The camera, which is technically battery-powered but stays topped up via the power to the floodlights, is quick to send motion alerts on people, animals, and vehicles. Dad can create zones so he isn't inundated with endless notifications of cars driving by, and there's even a way for the camera to let him know if the garage was left open. There's a Nest Aware subscription that enables some of these features, including 24/7 and event video recording history, plus the ability to recognize people (though Google's face detection constantly tells me my friends are at my front door when it's just a delivery driver). —Julian Chokkattu
- Photograph: MÄNNKITCHEN
The Best Pepper Grinder
MÄNNKITCHEN Pepper CannonAs silly as it may sound, I have been on the hunt for the best pepper grinder for about two years. Männkitchen’s Pepper Cannon ended that search. This (admittedly expensive) anodized aluminum grinder is sturdy enough to pound a nail into a wall, and it has a finely tuned grinder mechanism that efficiently and precisely crushes peppercorns at more than 50 different mesh sizes. I’ve been working to find the perfect grind for the pepper portion of the rub on my smoked ribs and found it at about 12 clicks from the coarsest setting on this grinder. Well-calibrated gears and burrs made from high-carbon stainless steel make it easy to smoothly power through a pile of peppercorns, and the integrated cup on the bottom stores the pepper until you're ready to apply it. If your dad is a home cook who’s making lots of barbecue or steak, this grinder will up his game.
- Photograph: Rocco
A Stylish Mini-Fridge
Rocco Super Smart FridgeThe garage fridge is a staple of dad life. The Rocco Fridge is the perfect fridge for fathers with upscale taste. Most mini-fridges are eyesores, but the Rocco Fridge is a piece of functional furniture with a midcentury appeal and modern style. The Rocco lets you easily store dozens of cans and bottles of many sizes on its six pullout shelves, so whether he likes beer, wine, or soda, he can fit them all in here. The top surface also acts as a bar cart so he can house bottles of liquor and personalize it.
If Dad likes keeping a smart home, the Rocco Fridge is the move because you can connect it to an app on your phone (iOS only, for now) where you can control two different temperature zones, energy-efficient modes, and the internal lights. He may also appreciate that the Rocco Fridge scans every drink you’re storing. It then automatically creates a visual list on the app, so in case he forgets to take the grocery list to the store, at least he’ll know which drinks he’s running low on. —Andrew Watman
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- Photograph: Martin Cizmar
A Waxed Canvas Apron
Hedley & Bennett Waxman ApronI tend to forget aprons exist until my shirt is covered with flour and/or barbecue sauce, which may be why I keep getting aprons as gifts. I have been gifted at least four novelty aprons in my nearly nine years of fatherhood. The problem with the other aprons I've received is that, while they did have dad jokes printed on them, the thin cotton didn’t do a lot to prevent seepage to my shirt. This waxed cotton apron from Hedley & Bennett solves for that. This is an apron you’ll find in professional kitchens. We've got a coupon for free shipping over $125 (some of the aprons alone are above this price) on our WIRED coupons site.
- Photograph: Amazon
A Professional-Grade Food Processor
Robot Coupe R101BYou may have noticed that "professional grade" is a powerful marketing term in the Dudeosphere. Even men in white-collar fields want to drive the same truck the guy who hung their drywall drives (which seems to be the entire marketing philosophy behind trucks). The Robot Coupe is along those same lines. This brand of French food processor is ubiquitous in professional kitchens and coveted by people who want that same performance at home. If you’re looking to julienne carrots and cucumbers for salad rolls or whip up a big batch of buttery-smooth hummus, you’re not going to get there with a food processor from Target.
The Robot Coupe takes up about as much room as a KitchenAid mixer but is sturdy with sharp steel blades designed to keep their edge for years. The motor’s power is measured in horsepower. I bought mine used from a man who sold it because his wife said it took up too much space. When I asked him what he liked to make with it, he got a faraway look in his eye. It was understood that the appeal of the device extends beyond the practical; you want a Robot Coupe because it’s what the pros use. When I posted a picture of it to my Instagram, multiple dads messaged me to express envy or support. Your dad could be that dad.
- Photograph: Hydragun
The Bee's Knees
Hydragun Heatpulse Knee MassagerI recently injured my left knee … cleaning. Yes, that’s what happens when you’re dad age. It was an extremely large and ambitious cleaning project but, nevertheless, the injury left me feeling very old indeed. That knee injury has lingered for 11 months and only improved significantly in the two months since I got this miracle device from Hydragun. The Heatpulse straps directly onto your knee and is powered by a rechargeable pack that connects via USB-C. It heats up to a maximum setting of 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) and has various massage speed settings. I just crank both up to the top and let it go until it shuts off and this is probably what your dad will do, too. The Heatpulse has made a marked difference in how good my knee feels.
- Photograph: Homage
A Great Football Crewneck
Homage Cleveland Browns Brownie '59 CrewneckAs a man once said: I don't wear jerseys, I'm 30-plus. Of late I've also found myself veering away from hoodies to crewneck sweatshirts and this super soft and stylish gray sweatshirt from Homage has become a staple this season. A nice sweatshirt bearing the logo of your dad's favorite team is one of the safest gifts you can give.
- Photograph: L.L. Bean
The Best Flannel
L.L.Bean Katahdin shirtThis flannel from L.L.Bean is the best I’ve ever worn and I think your dad will agree. It’s a poly-wool blend that feels rich and soft but also durable. I wouldn’t hesitate to curl up by a firepit in this, or to chop up a cord of firewood. The slightly fitted cut is flattering for me and probably looks even better on a dad who hits the gym regularly.
- Photograph: Duer
Adventure-Ready Pants
Duer No Sweat Relaxed Taper PantsAt some point in the near future, we may be bringing you a full guide (or two) to adventure pants, which we define as those pants you see advertised on Instagram for people who climb fourteeners, vacation in Papua New Guinea, and/or drink IPA on brewery patios with their dogs. These stellar pants from Duer will be in the mix on that guide. The publicist who pitched me called Duer “the ultimate dad brand,” and I was skeptical (publicists have been known to occasionally promote their client's interest even when they have to stretch the truth!), but, wow, they really are. They’re made with stretchy plant-based Lyocell fiber instead of spandex and stay cool in the heat while also giving full flexibility—too often you sacrifice breathability for stretchiness, but not here. Fellow dads will agree these are what you wear to see Wilco on a summer tour when you’ve got lawn seats and don’t want to have bare skin on the grass. I wore them to my daughter’s swim meet on an 80-plus-degree day and remained very comfortable.
- Photograph: Zilker Belts
The Belt Way
Zilker Belts Midnight RiderA belt is one of those classic gifts for dads and this is a very stylish choice. Zilker belts are handmade in Buenos Aires with rugged leather that softens slowly—mine feels like it did out of the box even after a month of near-daily wear. There are a variety of hand-stitched patterns, including this one which uses white nylon thread against black Argentinian leather. There are a couple dozen different color combos to choose from if you want to pick Dad's favorite.
- Photograph: Amazon
Peace of Mind
Apple AirTags (4-pack)Last summer I had what I can only describe as a harrowing moment in fatherhood: I couldn’t find my keys while on a road trip with my 8-year-old daughter 500 miles from home. It turns out I had a hole in the pocket of my shorts (dads are always wearing old clothing past the failure point), and to make it a true nightmare, I’d just been walking for a few miles on a path along the Mississippi River. I got lucky and found my keys in the parking lot. I immediately bought an AirTag and a keychain holder for it. Dads often feel deep personal responsibility and shame connected to things like losing their keys. A set of AirTags will help assuage that anxiety, plus allow him to low-key LoJack his bike or a vehicle (your dad knows what this means) and maybe even something like his tackle box.
- Photograph: Tom Bihn
Bagging Your Limit
Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45If there’s one thing most dads agree on, it’s the appeal of beating a system designed to swindle them. Thus the appeal of a maximum allowable carry-on bag. Airlines are always trying to chisel you, and this bag by Tom Bihn grants you every last square inch of promised space in the overhead bins on a typical domestic carrier.
But this Seattle-made bag does a lot more than max out your free luggage allotment; it’s also made of incredibly sturdy 1,050-denier ballistic nylon with bombproof YKK zippers. It has hidden backpack straps and the most comfortable cross-body strap I’ve ever used. This is a bag that excels at being tossed around and lugged down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. I own two of these and have had the first one for more than a decade. I don’t fly without it and neither will your pops.
- Photograph: Martin Cizmar
A Mega Light
Goal Zero Yeti SkylightYes, there are only about two dozen items on this list and two are extravagantly expensive forms of lighting. Trust me, this is what dads want. We like seeing stuff at night. The Skylight is a new device from Goal Zero, makers of some of our favorite portable power stations, which can light an entire backyard, garage, or campsite. It has six adjustable LED panels putting out 6,000 lumens attached to a retractable pole that will soar up to 12 feet high to give you coverage for a 300-foot area. It’s all rated for IPX4 water resistance, so you can leave it outside all night without worry. I’ve used it in the basement where it illuminated corners I forgot existed, and in my backyard where it allowed me to grill into the evening without a headlamp. Finding new uses for it is half the fun of owning it.
- Photograph: Amazon
A Smokeless Modern Fireplace
Solo Stove Lloyd Modern Gel Fuel FireplaceI've been dreaming of owning a Malm Zircon fireplace for years, but they’re out of my price range and incompatible with my chimney-less home. This smokeless pit by Terraflame, a sub-brand of Solo Stove, fits the bill. The Lloyd’s cone-shaped silhouette echoes the midcentury modern design of the Malm, but instead of logs and a flue you get space for three gel canisters that provide 6-inch flames with a soft crackle—it’s enough to feel like a real flame but without any smoke or soot.
The Lloyd is light enough to move around (I have it against a wall in my living room), and it’ll look great in the corner of a man cave, den, or basement. A smokeless fire pit offers your dad the perfect excuse to kick back with a glass of whiskey or wine and watch the flames dance, and this one looks good when it’s not lit too.
