If we’re being honest, Father’s Day (June 21 this year) doesn’t have quite the same hype as Mother’s Day. And most dads we know claim that it’s nothing more than a Hallmark holiday.
But it actually has a moving history. In 1910, poet and sculptor held the very first Father’s Day at the YMCA in Spokane, Washington, to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran. (He raised Dodd and her five brothers alone, after their mother died during childbirth.) More than half a century later, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a proclamation declaring that Father’s Day be celebrated on the third Sunday of June.
Now, even if your dad isn’t a war vet and a single parent to half a dozen kids, he may very well be a hero to you. And while it’s hard to beat that craft you made in elementary school or sharing some quality time, we’ve got plenty of other smart Father’s Day gift ideas, including a pair of , an awesome , and .
We also have guides to the best and , and we have more great gift recommendations for and .
Board shorts
Made from a light, soft 16-wale corduroy, these good-looking drawstring shorts hit above the knee and have side and back pockets. They also come in some mellow, pleasant shades.
If your dad was a back in the day (and who wasn’t?), these velvety-soft might transport him. They have two slash pockets, an elastic waist, and a flattering, 6.5-inch inseam. And then there’s the styling: This pair reminds us, in the best way, of the iconic Ocean Pacific shorts worn by surfers in the ’80s. The corduroy has a slight stretch (thanks to 2% percent spandex), and the shorts come in five low-key coastal colors.
Hand saw
This pruning saw also works for light carpentry. The short blade makes a slower cut, but this model folds up for quick and easy storage (unlike our other handsaw picks). It’s excellent for cutting a board, and your dad can bring it on camping trips.
When we asked colleagues for Father’s Day gift ideas from their beats, two guys from our home-improvement team simultaneously suggested the . Writer Tim Heffernan declared it “my dad’s favorite of the tools I’ve given him over the years.” The 5-inch, hard-chrome-plated steel blade is lightweight and rust-resistant, and this tool has a comfortable, non-slip grip. Tim says it’s “a good fit for anyone with a yard or garden that has trees and shrubs that need pruning.” It’s also handy for camping and for backpacking, since it weighs less than half a pound (including the plastic case).
Old-school vices
Bordering on a caricature of masculinity, this 13-ounce, lead-free-crystal rocks glass is handy nonetheless, with a slot to hold a cigar.
If the father in your life enjoys classic gentleman’s pleasures like cigars and whiskey, this throwback glass might tickle his inner Don Draper. Made with lead-free crystal by barware manufacturer Viski, the exudes an elegant gravitas. And the slot can fit a cigar up to a 54 ring gauge — or the type of fatties reportedly preferred by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mark Twain.
A how-to for virtually everything
One of Kickstarter’s most successful campaigns, this massive, hand-illustrated book is a labor of love and a remarkable how-to, history, and artifact all in one.
Part coffee table book, part how-to guide for building a civilization from the ground up, is endlessly engrossing for anyone who likes to know the basics of nearly everything, from the foundations of dentistry to crop rotation. The 5-pound, hand-illustrated book is not cheap, but your dad can pop in and out of it for the rest of time.
Grill anywhere
This portable propane grill is sturdy, easy to use, and big enough to grill burgers for a small crowd. It’s on the heavy side, but the handles are comfortable to hold for transport.
Our pick for , the 24-pound relies on a small, 1-pound propane tank, so it’s relatively simple to tote to park picnics, tailgate parties, and beach bonfires. Our testers declared it great for both high-heat and low-and-slow cooking, and they appreciated the fold-out side surfaces for prep, as well as the easy-ignite switch.
Pitch perfect
This history of the World Cup is by one of the world’s leading sportswriters. It reports from the stands, the pitch, and the pubs to tell the story of how soccer and the tournament have changed in the era of globalization.
The World Cup is on its way to the US, and the soccer-loving dad in your life can prepare for the big event by studying , by Simon Kuper, a sports journalist who has attended every World Cup since 1990. This tome chronicles nine World Cups to tell the engaging, up-close story of how the tournament has changed since its inception, in 1930. But it’s not just a book about soccer: Kuper is also concerned with globalism, corporatism, and how the massive changes in soccer reflect other major cultural shifts.
Survivor vibes
Written by a longtime wilderness instructor, this classic guide (first published in 1987) uses photos, diagrams, and careful instructions to teach survival and wilderness skills.
With this 304-page , fans of survival shows and adventure novels can learn how to create a shelter, build a fire, and fell trees, among other backwoods skills. Learning wilderness first aid and how to trap and forage for food will be useful for all sorts of outdoorsy types — including campers, adventurers, scouts, and, yes, those who want to audition for Alone.
Old-school tunes
This affordable portable CD player works great, and it has intuitive controls. But it isn’t ideal for use in rugged conditions.
If your dad has a proud collection of clear-cased discs just waiting for their chance in the spotlight, he’s in luck. The compact is about the size of a Page-A-Day calendar and has just five buttons, one knob, and a power switch. It plays on its own, but it can also connect to Bluetooth speakers. Our testers were thoroughly impressed with its excellent audio quality, simplicity, and general performance. They wished, however, that the lid had a latch, so it wouldn't pop open during walks and hikes.
Booze-kissed coffee
This Chicago roaster blends barrel-aged beans — which lend a hint of booze and a sweet finish — into a novel blend.
ages green coffee beans in liquor barrels. Kitchen-team members tried a bunch of coffees aged in liquor barrels, and — a blend of richly flavored Central American coffee with barrel-aged beans — was their favorite. “It has more balance than ones we tried from other roasters,” said editor Marilyn Ong. “Anchored with a chocolaty depth, this coffee also has a hint of heady booze and a long, sweet finish.” The bright, kaleidoscopic packaging is also pretty metal.
Sentimental stuff
With more than 250 questions, this journal book can prompt your dad to tease out the highlights, regrets, and surprising moments of his time on earth thus far.
If your dad is the reminiscing type, he might enjoy . Divided into 12 chapters, the book includes more than 250 prompts, such as “Did you have a nickname growing up?” and “What was the biggest surprise about being a parent that you discovered after your first child was born?” We recommend getting a hardcover version or the (available only on the publisher’s site, it features gold-foil lettering, a ribbon bookmark, and acid-free paper). Once it’s all filled out, you might be surprised to learn new things about your father, and this book will be well worth passing on.
Office nonsense
Twist this magnetic maple-and-steel fidget toy to create virtually endless corporate baloney. The final deliverable will ensure buy-in with stakeholders.
If your dad has a corporate job, he might get a kick out of the — or be annoyed that he has to hear “leverage” and “circle back on” at home. The twisting toy displays silly business-speak phrases on three sides, which he can turn to combine in new, ridiculous ways. And if he’s guilty of speaking business-ese himself, this could be a gentle plea to tone it down.
Mobile gaming
The Backbone One accessory turns a smartphone into a console, complete with joysticks, triggers, and buttons for the optimal mobile-gaming experience.
For a casual gamer dad on the go, the might allow him to sneak in a little more “me time,” such as on a train commute or a work trip, or at one of those interminable swim meets. Compatible with mobile, PC, Xbox, and PlayStation games, the accessory wraps around iPhones 15, 16, and 17, or an Android, and it turns the smartphone into a portable game console, with the same buttons you’d find on modern controllers and a USB-C charging port. Just make sure you know which phone model your dad has before purchasing it.
Keeping time
Inspired by the Windy City’s architecture, this quartz-movement watch features a navy dial with gold accents and the day and date.
The is undoubtedly a more suave way for your dad to check the time than fishing around in a pocket for his phone. Inspired by the architecture of the Windy City, it has a navy dial with gold accents and a cork-hued, adjustable leather strap. The quartz-movement watch includes the day and date on its face, and it’s water-resistant down to 165 feet.
Superior sips
This flamingo-pink modern bourbon cocktail is complex and well balanced, with a hint of mint. And it comes from one of our favorite canned-cocktail companies.
(pack of eight)
For many cocktail enthusiasts, the Paper Plane — made with bourbon, lemon juice, and amaro — is a favorite modern classic. For , the canned-cocktail company Tip Top teamed up with Sam Ross, of New York’s Attaboy and Diamond Reef, who created the drink. And it was a standout for several testers in our .
Sleek slicer
This locking, single-blade number has a rustically good-looking brass handle, and the stunningly sharp carbon steel blade keeps its edge cut after cut.
This pocket-size utility knife comes with a colorful aluminum or clear recycled PCTG case, and it uses standard utility-knife blades.
A dad with a small knife in his pocket — for cutting string, tape, and apples — is a handy thing indeed. The 4-inch ’s notably sharp blade is forged from three layers of blue carbon steel, and it folds out of a textured brass handle. The mechanism is purposefully tight, so users will open the blade carefully and slowly. Manufactured by Nagao Kanekoma since 1894, this model has a devoted following among knife nerds. For a smaller, handier unit, consider . This little knife can hang from a keychain or fit in a pocket, and it uses standard utility-knife blades. And, unlike the one your dad probably already has, this knife comes in more than a dozen easy-to-spot colors.
Movie time
From the buzzy indie production company A24, this graphically engaging book of lesser-known movie recommendations is divided by age group, and it highlights nearly forgotten gems for real cinephiles.
Movie night can be a struggle: so many streaming platforms, so many opinions, so many kids wanting to watch the same old dogs over and over and over again. Add all to having to research whether a given film is age-appropriate for antsy kids on a Friday night. That’s where the 100-page comes in: Divided into chapters by age group (preschoolers, tweens, and so on), this book provides off-the-radar movie recommendations, along with symbols to denote content, such as scary characters or bad language. And it offers more than mere lists of family fare: Each unique, colorfully designed spread features engaging elements (like trivia and activities) to encourage burgeoning young cinephiles.
Fresh projects
It took Philadelphia chef Marc Vetri 10 years to research this book. And considering this now-essential cookbook’s crystal-clear instructions and excellent recipes, we’d say the effort was worth it.
This hand-operated roller-and-cutter set is durable and easy to use, and it churns out silky, fresh pasta.
(price varies by color)
For a creative dad who is more drawn to doing things than to getting things, a real win might include working on a project with him, and making pasta by hand is hard to beat. Gifts writer Mari Uyehara says her crafty dad has been making fresh pappardelle and more with the for as long as she can remember. And the affordable, durable hand-cranked roller — which reliably turns out smooth, thin sheets of pasta— is also a . To learn how to use it, , by acclaimed Philadelphia chef Marc Vetri, is the definitive American cookbook on the subject.
Slicker style
This well-made, mid-length coat has a charming retro appeal and is terrific for commuting.
The is among our . Made from rubbery (perfluorochemical-free) polyurethane, this 100% waterproof jacket has a classic slicker vibe. Its design is inspired by Helly Hansen’s original fisherman coats from the 1950s, but this coat also looks sleek and stylish by today’s standards. It falls just above the knees, and it’s soft, easy to move in, and great at keeping the rain out. It does tend to trap heat, which is welcome in cold weather but sweaty in warmer temps.
Let there be light
This simple-to-use, bright-enough headlamp offers long-lasting battery life and reliable performance, year after year.
We love using headlamps for everything from camping to reading in bed to walking the dog. It’s also smart to have them on hand for emergencies, and they completely eliminate the need to hold a flashlight in your mouth while you’re trying to do fidgety things, like igniting your pilot light. A headlamp is an all-purpose necessity, so if your dad doesn’t already own a good one, now’s the time. The has been for over a decade because it provides exactly what everyone needs: a bright beam, easy-to-navigate buttons, and long-lasting battery life.
Grill heads
This all-about-grilling cookbook explains the science behind barbecuing in an accessible fashion, and it features more than 100 novel recipes.
In this follow-up to his definitive on barbecuing, the BBQ Hall of Famer and founder of AmazingRibs.com tackles a new set of skills. covers brining, sous vide, and smoking with tea, herbs, and spices in 114 recipes that include prime rib, Nashville hot chicken, and pho with leftover brisket and smoked bone broth. Both experienced barbecuers and newbies are sure to learn something new.
Trunk show
This two-compartment organizer contains clutter and frees up much-needed trunk space.
There are two types of car guys: Those with messy autos and those with pristine ones. And the is great for both types. The accordion-style, 72-liter structured storage bin has multiple compartments, tons of pockets, and Velcro on the bottom (to keep it from sliding). Writer Elissa Sanci (a self-proclaimed slob) is such a fan that she wrote : “Even though this organizer is on the larger side, when it was installed, it somehow freed up space in my trunk and cut down on the chaotic visual clutter. I can still fit grocery bags, large packages, and even a full-size suitcase right beside it.”
Comfy Crocs
A more sophisticated version of the durable, comfortable classic style, this pair has a leather-like texture and a sleeker silhouette.
(price varies by color)
A big stylistic leap forward from the original style, the has a texture that approximates full-grain leather, yet it can be hosed off. (This pair is made with the same soft proprietary resin as the originals.) If your dad wasn’t a Crocs convert before, he might be when he sees the Dylans. Gifts editor Hannah Morrill scooped up a pair for her partner. They’re still a go-to years later, and they look the same as the day he got them.
Walking socks
Connie Park/NYT WirecutterThese socks provide the best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.
If a long walk in the woods is your dad’s idea of a good time, he’s going to need some good socks. The beloved are constructed with breathable merino wool, nylon, and Lycra spandex, and their form-fitted toes and underfoot padding make them especially comfy. These socks are among the most durable pairs tested. Yet Darn Tough’s lifetime warranty guarantees that your dad can send them back at any time (even if it’s just because they’ve worn out), and the company will replace them for free. Hannah’s partner just got a pair and has bragged to her about the warranty at least 10 times already.
Flip-flops with a twist
These leather flip-flops are supportive, well made, and comfortable. And the bottle opener embedded in the sole will delight any good-time guy.
(price varies by size)
Reef flip-flops are beloved among surfers and frequent beachgoers because they are well made, comfortable, and designed with a supportive, arch-friendly sole. But (made from and non-marking, super-grippy rubber) holds a secret: an at-the-ready bottle opener embedded in the sole. My husband, who’s a surfing father of two, loves the quality of Reef’s shoes, and he says he can’t feel the opener under his foot at all. Dude! Bundle this pair with your dad’s favorite pry-off six-pack, and watch the good times roll.
Hangout spot
Claire Wilcox/NYT WirecutterAvailable in 26 colors, this breathable, quick-drying nylon hammock is small enough to take anywhere yet durable enough to last for years.
The strong-but-silky is perfect for camping and backpacking, yet it’s also suitable for close-to-home hangs in the backyard. Made from slightly stretchy nylon and reinforced with triple stitching at the seams, it is one of our favorite . The SingleNest weighs just a pound and stuffs down to the size of a grapefruit. And it comes with strong carabiners and a nautical-grade line for hanging, so it can safely and securely support up to 400 pounds (and most dogpiles).
An everyday hoodie
It doesn’t get simpler or more classic than this cotton-blend, zip-up hoodie with front pouch pockets. The price (under $20) is especially appealing, but the quality can vary.
(price varies)
Everyone needs at least one zip-up . And this one is affordable enough that you can scoop up a couple (which is a good idea, since hoodies are often “borrowed” by other family members). This soft, 50-50 cotton-poly number is double-stitched and durable, washer- and dryer-friendly, and made partly from recycled plastic. It comes in about a dozen colors and in extended sizes, from S through 3XL. We love throwing this hoodie over PJs while grabbing the paper or taking the dog out, wearing it on an early morning power walk, or packing as a you-never-know extra layer. One staffer noted that the garment was quick to pill — not surprising, given the price — but other staffers have been wearing theirs for years with no issues.
Tip-top toolbox
This two-tier Japanese steel toolbox has a roomy primary chamber and adjustable top compartments to hold smaller objects.
This five-pocket canvas bag slots smaller tools, like pliers and screwdrivers, into zippered pouches, and everything rolls up into a bag your dad can carry.
This exquisite is not as ding-resistant as plastic models (), so it’s not ideal for rough-and-tumble job sites. But for more-genteel hobbyists (fishing, leatherwork, painting, woodworking), the box’s clean lines, enamel finish, and cheery colors are an invitation to create. This toolbox is about 13 inches long, and it has 10 adjustable compartments on top, but the company also sells and versions. The may not be big enough to serve as a primary toolbox, but the handled, 12-inch canvas roll bag is great for someone who has basic tools or who wants to bring just a few supplies for small jobs.
Joe on the go
This mug is perfect for on-the-go sipping, and it has excellent heat retention and a leakproof lid.
(16 ounces)
(20 ounces)
(16 ounces)
The is one of our longest-standing picks: After six years of testing, it still we’ve tried. Thanks to the vacuum insulation, it keeps coffee (or tea, or bone broth, or whatever your dad is into) piping-hot for hours. And the lid locks so securely that even the bumpiest drives won’t cause splashes or spills. The mug comes in a number of peppy colors (salmon, aqua) as well as subdued hues (navy, black, gray), so you can choose the one that best matches your dad’s style.
A gardener’s BFF
The humble hori hori knife digs, cuts, saws, picks, and prods. This model has a durable, rust-resistant steel blade, a strong wooden handle, and a synthetic-leather sheath.
Whether your dad has a really green thumb or is just getting into gardening, the is sure to become his most treasured helper. It has sharp teeth, so it’s ideal for digging, sawing, picking, and prodding in the garden, and the stainless steel body prevents it from dulling or rusting. This knife comes with a handsome, synthetic-leather sheath, so your dad can safely stow it in a pants or apron pocket.
A closer look
Your dad can view birds, vistas, and other faraway things with these tough, waterproof binoculars. And they provide ultra-high-definition 8x magnification at a much lower price than similar models.
For the dad who loves observing nature in all of its detail — even from a distance — you can’t go wrong by giving him a pair of everyday binoculars, so he can watch birds and insects from the backyard or on a hike. The binoculars, our , are exceptional for their ability to adapt to focusing on bright and dark subjects from afar.
A looping laugh machine
This handmade wooden voice recorder (with pitch control and a switch to play recordings on a loop) is a children’s toy, but it can also entertain kids at heart.
If your dad is a bit of a jokester, he'll be pleased as punch when he’s speaking into the ’s built-in microphone and manipulating his voice with its simple-to-use pitch control and looping capabilities. The toy (yes, it’s intended for kids) plays 30-second audio recordings, and it has four very self-explanatory buttons. Just be prepared to receive a few weird-sounding phone calls or voice messages.
Royal flush
With their pastel illustrations, these artistic playing cards celebrate America’s national parks.
Whether your dad is an avid poker player or more of a Go Fish guy, you can elevate his game with a set of elegant cards benefiting a great cause. These feature spare, almost poetic line drawings of landscapes in America’s national parks, including Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion. And the company gives 5% of each sale to benefit the National Parks Conservation Association.
Meaningful magnets
Create custom photo magnets from your Instagram, desktop, or mobile photos. They’re incredibly strong and laminated (to protect against errant kitchen splashes).
If your dad is the sentimental type, he will love seeing you, your siblings, or his grandchildren every time he opens the fridge. Our favorite photo magnets come from , and you can easily select images from your desktop, phone, or Instagram feed to create a four-pack of 3-by-3-inch magnets or a nine-pack of 2-by-2-inch magnets. We don’t love that shipping costs about $10, but the experience is so simple and fast, we think it’s worth it.
A luxurious robe
Made from 100% Turkish cotton, this generously sized unisex waffle robe is cozy and thick, yet it’s still lightweight enough for all seasons.
Use promo code WC28
Few things on this planet are more pleasurable than padding around your home wearing a soft robe on a lazy morning — with no jeans or obligations in sight. And you can supply your dad with the uniform (even if you can’t guarantee the other elements). We , and the lightweight-yet-plush is one of our favorites. It’s available in a range of unisex sizes, from XS to XL, and it comes in four colors (plus a few limited-edition ones that change each season), so it’s sure to suit any dad on your list.
We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more .
Mari Uyehara contributed reporting. This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.
Meet your guide
Samantha Schoech
What I Cover
I discover, vet, and write about gifts of all kinds from my office in San Francisco. I am particularly drawn to all things shiny or bookish, but I try not to impose my taste more than is strictly necessary.
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Further reading
by Sri Rain Stewart and Sarah Gannett
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No matter what your dad is into — books, music, games, the outdoors, or all of the above — we have a gift that is sure to scratch the itch.by Hannah Morrill
The man who has everything might like one of these best-in-class upgrades to his favorite things.by Samantha Schoech
We have dozens of gifts at dozens of prices to please even the hardest-to-shop-for dads in your life.
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