19 Great Gifts for Dad
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The Best Pepper GrinderMÄNNKITCHEN Pepper CannonRead more
A Weather StationAmbient Weather WS-2902Read more
The Best Infrared ThermometerThermoworks Hi-Temp Industrial IR w/Circle LaserRead more
Bagging Your LimitTom Bihn Aeronaut 45Read more
Your dad probably isn’t going to complain about any gift you give him. For better or worse, most modern dads don’t get hung up on presents. You know the meme of the older, bearded gentleman with a goofy smile opening a shirt just like the one he has on? There’s a lot of truth to that. However, 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.
You’ll notice some threads running through this manifesto guide: 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. I’m sure some dads want to be “pampered,” but this is not me or the dads I know, who all physically cringed reading this sentence.
If you take away one idea, I hope it’s that when it comes to a gift for a dad, you can rarely go wrong by giving an expensive but excellent version of a thing we use anyway. We especially like things that win the admiration of our peers—nothing makes a dad happier than having another dad-aged dude take note of his stupidly expensive tire pressure gauge and then saying, “Oh, yeah, my kid got me that—they’re a little pricey but I gotta say, always works great.”
Check out the rest of our gift guides, including Gifts for Moms, Tech Gifts for Kids, and Gifts for Outdoorsy People.
Updated April 2024: We’ve added a great pepper grinder, a weather station, a smokeless fireplace, and an apron, and updated prices throughout.
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- 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: 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: 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: 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
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 six-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.
- Photograph: Ibex
A Super Versatile Wool Hoodie
Ibex Indie HoodieI wore this midweight wool hoodie several days a week in the depth of winter it and it’s quickly become one of my absolute favorite pieces of clothing. The cut is sporty but dadbod-friendly. The thumb loops, zippable tall neck, and hood make it more versatile than a traditional wool long-sleeve shirt. Because it's wool, you can wear it many times without washing it, meaning your dad can use it as a layer throughout the winter whether he’s doing yard work, biking, or tossing a football around in the park. (I’ve worn it while doing all three.) For more picks, check out our guide to the Best Merino Wool Clothing by a fellow dad.
- 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.
- 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 them 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 point) on our WIRED coupons site.
- Photograph: Amazon
A Professional Grade Food Processor
Robot Coupe R101BYou may have noticed that "professional grade" is a very powerful marketing term in the Dudeosphere. Even men in white-collar fields want to drive the truck the guy who hung their drywall drives (which seems to be the entire marketing philosophy behind trucks). The Robot Coupe is one of those things. 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: 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: Amazon
The Best Whiskey Glass
Norlan Whiskey GlassDesigned in partnership with Scottish master distiller Jim McEwan, this double-walled whiskey glass is made to bring out aromatics and alleviate ethanol burn. WIRED reviewer Parker Hall (a new dad himself) has used this borosilicate glass many times with bourbon, Scotch, Rye, and other whiskeys of the world. It's a cool drinking experience, with the gorgeous inner glass meeting the outside at a perfect drip-free edge for easy sips. Hall still uses a regular tumbler for basic pours on the rocks, but when he's drinking any high-end spirit that should be sipped neat, this is his go-to drinkware. Don't just take it from him: It's won numerous design awards and sold a half-million units since its release.
- Photograph: Patagonia
The First and Best Fleece
Patagonia’s Synchilla Snap-TI’m sure I’ve owned 50 fleeces over my lifetime, spending multiple years swaddled in napped polyester. Patagonia’s Synchilla Snap-T is not just the first and oldest fleece, but the best—which makes it a timeless gift for your dad. This iconic fleece sweater, an alternative to wool mountaineering wear first made as a collaboration with Polartec, features a loose, boxy cut. The default midweight is the best, but there are endless options. The colorways change seasonally, but the older ones age gracefully—I get constant compliments on my brown Synchilla with teal trim from fall 2012. Pick a seasonal pattern that’s a little offbeat if you’re giving this as a gift.
- Photograph: L.L. Bean
A Do Anything Flannel
L.L.Bean Katahdin shirtDepending on your dad's age, he may have been waiting patiently for decades for the triumphant return of flannel. Happily, it has arrived. This 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, nor 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: Gatorade
A Water Bottle Like the Pros Use
Personalized Gatorade Gx NFL BottleIf your dad is an NFL fan, he’s probably noticed the new Gatorade bottles on the sidelines last season. The bottles not only have the team’s logo on them but are personalized with every player’s name, a delightful detail noted by Chiefs' WR Richie James in a viral video. Your dad is probably not a professional athlete who makes a million bucks a year running routes next to Taylor Swift’s boyfriend and catching passes from a two-time MVP, but if someone with that resume can have his day made by a bottle with his name on it, imagine how stoked a simpler man will be.
Read our Best Reusable Water Bottles guide for more recommendations.
- Photograph: Amazon
Versatile and Cheap Leather Mittens
Kinco Axeman glovesThese leather mittens are ostensibly meant for chopping logs deep in the Maine woods, but if you’re familiar with them it’s probably because of their popularity within the snow sports community where they enjoy a cult following. With a bake-in leather treatment (a fun little Saturday morning project!) and an hour of time the Axeman can match the durability, warmth, and water-resistance of any mitts on the market. Even better, they soften and develop richer color with time, making them one of those rare products that will properly reward your dad’s loyalty and frugality. I’ve used them for two winters now both on the slopes and in the yard, and I can hardly wait for this season's first snow.
- Photograph: Nite Ize
A Tactical Flashlight
Nite Ize T4R Long ThrowI’m working on a new guide to the best flashlights and have more to test, but so far this is the clear standout. The T4R is a mid-sized but heavy-duty rechargeable 1,220-lumen light that’s crushproof, water resistant, and built to military spec. It’s basically a pocket-sized spotlight. The beam goes about 3,000 yards, meaning you could shine it across the Golden Gate Bridge. It comes with a charging cradle and adapters for charging in your car and overseas. I don’t think I needed this flashlight to take my daughter trick-or-treating but I wasn’t sad about it. Your dad won’t be either.
- Photograph: Goal Zero
A Mega Light
Goal Zero Yeti SkylightYes, there are less than 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: 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.
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