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Best Father's Day gifts: 40 unique and surprising gift ideas

All the stuff he never knew he wanted.

Dylan Haas

on May 24, 2024

All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

Gifts he never would've thought to buy himself. Credit: AMAZON/UNCOMMONGOODS/PLUTO/MUSE/MASHABLE PHOTO COMPOSITE

Father figures come in many different forms — whether biologically related to you or not. All it takes is having someone who cares for you and acts as a role model to guide you through the trials and tribulations of life.

If you're shopping for a Father's Day gift for the paternal figure in your life, but don't want to stick to anything traditional or safe, keep reading.

Not all dads enjoy the typical Father’s Day gifts — some are more eccentric and appreciate things that are a bit more outside the box. For those types of dads, you need to get them something truly unique and special, which we can totally help you with. (Looking for something on the cheaper side? Check out these recommendations instead.)

From superhero-themed tool sets to shiitake-mushroom-sprouting logs, here are 40 gift ideas that the father (figure) in your life never knew they wanted. (And check out our other Father’s Day gift guide for even more options.)

Topics Family & Parenting

Credit: dodowin

Contour gauge tool

Best For The DIY Dad

No corner is too tight, no molding too complicated for the dad in possession of this handy, oh-so-smart gauge that's great for everything from woodworking to carpentry, and a host of other home repair situations. Use it to accurately measure an irregular surface and help alleviate the headache that often accompanies this kind of DIY work.

$28.96 Amazon

Credit: AMAZON

Custom Framed Soundwave Art

Best For The Music Lover

Does your dad have a favorite song that you've heard him humming along to for as long as you can remember? If yes, one of these soundwave art prints are the perfect way to immortalize a tune and provide him with a physical representation of his timeless classic of choice. We promise that the next time he hums along to that song, he'll be thinking of the great Father's Day gift you got him. 

$99.99 AMAZON

Credit: SEPHORA

Maison Margiela 'Replica'

Best For The Scent-conscious

Buying someone a fragrance doesn't always mean you think they smell bad. On the contrary, a fragrance that has some sort of deeper meaning behind it can be one of the most thoughtful gifts you could get, and Maison Margiela's Replica line is a perfect mix of nostalgia and personality in a bottle. Our personal favorite is "By the Fireplace," which sparks memories of calm winter evenings spent with the family. 

$126 SEPHORA

Credit: THINKGEEK

Marvel Thor Hammer Tool Set

Best For The Comic Fan

It's fun and practical. If your dad is a true comic geek and went back to see every Avengers movie in theaters more times than anyone can count, this tool set disguised as Thor's hammer is a great way to support his nerdy habits as well as give him something he can actually use in his everyday life. With 44 pieces in total, he'll be fully kitted out, Asgardian style. (Just make sure he doesn't throw it expecting it to come back — it's heavy.)

$99.99 THINKGEEK

Credit: ETSY

Personalized Collar Stays

Best For The Formal Father

Anyone who wears a collared shirt regularly knows how infuriating it can be to spot a surprise crease. They're basically impossible to completely get out and you end up looking like a dunce. That's where collar stays come in, and these stainless steel stays are another step up from the plastic ones that come with most dress shirts. What's even more is that these are customizable with an engraving of your choice — personalized just for him.

$12.99 ETSY

Credit: AMAZON

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

Best For The Classic Dad

Ray-Ban's Wayfarer sunglasses are a timeless classic and will instantly make whoever dons them 100 percent cooler. If your dad has a retro taste in fashion but still wants to keep things minimalistic, these shades are just the ones to help him achieve effortless style in no time. They truly go with any outfit for any occasion. 

$124.77 AMAZON

Credit: NORDSTROM

Tumi Delta ID Lock Billfold

Best For The Private Dad

If you care about your dad (which we know you do), you should also care about his privacy, which this ID Lock wallet from Tumi protects flawlessly. The brand's ID Lock technology protects others from scanning encrypted personal information on your credit cards and other valuables. Plus, it's Tumi — their stuff is nice.  

$85 NORDSTROM

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit

Best For The Spicy Dad

If dad is a hot sauce connoisseur, consider making his day with this DIY hot sauce kit. It comes with all the ingredients needed to make the spicy substances, as well as simple step-by-step instructions on how to get to the delicious final product. Add a little more than the recommended amount for an extra kick (but beware, this stuff can get hot).   

$35 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: AMAZON

Tangram Smart Rope

Best For The Gym-goer

Yup, there's even a "smart" version of jump rope now, and it's the perfect gift for your cardio-obsessed papa. With the downloadable Smart Gym companion app, the Tangram Smart Rope will keep track of your dad's jump count, calories burned, and workout session times. Complete with an adjustable rope length, this is a must-have for the tech-savvy gym-goer.

$59.95 AMAZON

Credit: URBAN OUTFITTERS

Stainless Steel Straw Set

Best For The Environmentalist

It's time to get with the program: Plastic straws are a no-no. If your dad is interested in reducing his carbon footprint, stainless steel straws are a great place to start. This set of four is perfect for travel as well as everyday use, and the included cleaner is handy for when he's not near a sink.

$16 URBAN OUTFITTERS

Credit: URBAN OUTFITTERS

Tapology Wine Aerator and Dispenser

Best For The Wine Dad

Listen, not all dads fall into the beer drinking stereotype — sometimes they just want to crack open a nice cabernet. This wine aerator and dispenser was made for those dads. Just insert the bottle of choice, let it breathe a little, and press the button for that delicious vino. Bonus points for throwing in a charcuterie board.

$99.95 URBAN OUTFITTERS

Credit: AMAZON

Tooletries Shower Organizer

Best For The Disorganized Dad

Is your dad the kind of guy who leaves his bath products all over? If so, put an end to that and help him get his self-care life together with this shower organizer from Tooletries. It's antibacterial (so it will never produce mold), and perfectly fits a toothbrush, razor, and all the little fixings that come along with them. Stick it anywhere in the shower and it's ready to go — you can even pick up the shower mirror from Tooletries and complete the set. 

$16.99 AMAZON

Credit: AMAZON

The Zero Waste Cookbook

Best For The Responsible Dad

Another gift for the eco-friendly father, The Zero Waste Cookbook is not only an informative and interesting read, but it's also an amazing guide to living a more waste-free life through cooking. From using corn husks to make a vegetable stock to using lemon zest for infusing vodka, this cookbook teaches you how to make your food supply stretch longer than you ever thought it could.

$13.38 AMAZON

Credit: AMAZON

Ember Mug

Best For The Tea Drinker

Here's the tea: The Ember Mug is a truly next-level product for any and all hot-beverage-drinking dads. Through Ember's app, your dad can control his preferred temperature, which the mug will adjust to on command. Just one charge will give the mug a whole hour of juice, and he can even save temperature presets for different types of drinks. 

$79.99 AMAZON

Credit: AMAZON

ili Instant Translator

Best For The Traveler

Not all avid travelers are fluent in all the world's languages. Maybe your dad knows a little bit of high school French, but struggles when it comes to languages like Japanese and Russian — that's where the ili Instant Translator comes in. Just utter any English phrase into the receiver, and ili will translate it into Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, or Korean. Oh, and it's compact, so traveling with it is a breeze. 

$199 AMAZON

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

West Coast Style IPA Brewing Kit

Best For The Aspiring Brewer

Give your dad the experience of concocting his own brew with this fun West Coast Style IPA Brewing Kit. All the ingredients are included and portioned out to create one gallon (that's right, a whole gallon) of beer, all with easy, step-by-step instructions. Cheers! 

$45 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

Gardener's Tool Seat

Best For The Dad With A Green Thumb

If gardening is one of your dad's favorite pastimes, consider this portable seat and tool holder to help keep him comfortable and organized while he's putting in the work to grow all that fresh produce. The water-resistant seat and bag are easily detachable from one another and provide an effortless experience for all the green-thumbed dads out there.

$36 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: WALMART

'Galaga' Arcade Machine

Best For The Retro Gamer

This one will have your dad reeling. Transport him back in time with this awesome throwback — a fully functional Galaga arcade machine. Watch him bask in the adrenaline-pumping, old-school fun as he blasts through armies of countless extra-terrestrial invaders, all in the comfort of home. High score contest, anyone?  

$299 WALMART

Credit: HOMESICK CANDLES

Four Twenty Homesick Candle

Best For The Former Hippie

This one is a little on the nose (get it?), but this Homesick Candle is the perfect scent for your dad to relive his days of outdoor festivals in the park and long nights listening to his favorite records with his pals. Light it up without any worry and bask in the notes of bergamot, cannabis, sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli, and musk.  

$29.95 HOMESICK CANDLES

Credit: CRATE AND BARREL

Stelton Collar Espresso Maker

Best For The Coffee Connoisseur

Rich, full-bodied espresso isn't only attainable in coffee shops. Treat your dad to his favorite beverage without ever leaving the house. This Italian cooktop espresso maker is simple to use and perfect for modern kitchens. Simply fill the lower chamber with boiling water, the upper with espresso-grind coffee, and place on a medium flame until pressure causes the water to filter through the coffee grounds.

$89.95 CRATE AND BARREL

Credit: AMAZON

PhoneSoap Cell Phone Sanitizer

Best For The Neat Freak

Have you ever thought about the number of germs that are probably on your phone at the end of the day? The answer would send shivers down your spine. The PhoneSoap sanitizer was made for anyone concerned about hygiene, and if your dad fits that picture, consider getting him one of these. Using two germicidal UV-C bulbs, PhoneSoap kills 99.99% of all bacteria and germs on your mobile device — all while charging it in the meantime.  

$59.95 AMAZON

Credit: AMAZON

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Best For The Hydrated Dad

One of the most popular insulated water bottles on the market, a  Hydro Flask is one of the best ways to ensure your dad stays hydrated (and reduce his carbon footprint). The Hydro Flask's unrivaled insulation capabilities keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours, and cold drinks cold for an entire day. The wide-mouth straw allows for easy beverage access, the coating provides just the right amount of grip, and they look great.

$44.95 AMAZON

Credit: POLAROID

Polaroid OneStep 2: 'Stranger Things' Edition

Best For The Nostalgic Netflix Binger

Polaroid cameras have seen an uptick in popularity in recent years, mostly because of the nostalgic, tactile feel that their photos produce. If your dad is a Polaroid fan and also happens to love Stranger Things, this camera was literally meant for him.

$109.99 POLAROID

Credit: FIREBOX

Brick Yourself Custom Lego Figure

Best For The Toy Collector

Check out this gift for maximum cuteness. Brick Yourself is a service that enables you to make your very own custom Lego figures, so get creative and figure out a design that fits your dad the best (you can even dress him up like Batman if you so please). It's sentimental, thoughtful, and just plain fun. 

$44.99 FIREBOX

Credit: AMAZON

Jack Black Skin Saviors Set

Best For The Self-care-obsessed

Dads need a proper skincare routine too, and this set from Jack Black is a great start. It includes a daily facial cleanser, energizing exfoliator, double duty moisturizer, and an intense therapy lip balm, making it a comprehensive skincare package that will turn dad into a self-care aficionado in no time. 

$35 AMAZON

Credit: MUSE

Muse

Best For The Stress Ball

If your dad is suffering from intense stress, the Muse meditation device will surely help him find his center. All he has to do is pop the headband on and start the Muse companion app. The device translates his brain activity during meditation into the guiding sounds of weather, helping him decompress. The app tracks and measures his progress, leading him to become an eventual relaxation expert.

$149 MUSE

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

Tune Out Musical Sleep Mask

Best For The Red Eye Flyer

We couldn't think of a better device to have for a long-distance flight that's crowded with noisy passengers. The Tune Out Musical Sleep Mask is a light-blocking eye mask that also happens to have integrated headphones. Your dad can pick his favorite lullaby and slip into a relaxing slumber with no outside distractions. 

$34.95 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: REI

Rechargeable Lantern

Best For The Camper

Is your dad constantly asking you to go on camping trips? First piece of advice: Just go already. Second piece of advice: Bring along this rechargeable lantern to keep your campsite well-lit and free of the things that go "bump" in the night. It also includes a colorful Northern Lights LED preset, two USB power ports to charge your phone, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for extended use. Your dad will be forever grateful.  

$44.73 REI

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit

Best For The Fun Guy (get It?)

The texture and earthy flavor of the shiitake mushroom have made them one of the most highly prized edible fungi around, and if you know your dad has a taste for them, giving him the gift of his own supply will simply make his day. This mushroom growing log has organic shiitake spores planted inside — all you need to do is place it in a dark, cool, and damp place. Your dad will be able to harvest every six weeks for up to three years.

$30 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: AMAZON

Garmin Speak

Best For The Navigator

If your dad is still using MapQuest print-outs or the debatably worse fold-out roadmaps, we say it's time to push him towards an upgrade. And the Garmin Speak is a great jumping off point. Complete with Alexa-powered voice controls, the compact Garmin Speak works in tandem with its companion app to give your dad turn-by-turn directions, weather forecasts, and more all in one place. Just stick it on your dad's windshield and he'll be able to get just about wherever he's going. 

$49.99 AMAZON

Credit: AMAZON

ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide

Best For The Aspiring Chef

We're past the age of grilled steaks — it's all about sous vide nowadays. While it takes longer and is a more involved process, the result is dangerously delicious, which is why it's a great gift for foodie dads. This sous vide tool from ChefSteps is the sleekest, most compact option out there, and makes the process simple for newbies. Using the Joule app, you can visualize exactly how cooked your cut of choice is, making for predictably perfect yields every time.

$199 AMAZON

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

Tube-Wringer

Best For The Cheapskate

This is the best invention that you never knew existed. We literally all go through the struggle of getting that last bit of toothpaste out of those almost-done tubes, but usually to no avail. With the Tube-Wringer, getting every last drop out of your toothpaste tubes is a cinch. If your dad is on the cheaper side and doesn't like to waste precious pennies, this is the gift for him. 

$24.95 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

Handmade Razor Blade Sharpener

Best For The Bearded Dad

Some dads are blessed with luscious, voluminous beards, but some consider it a curse. Staying baby-faced can run up quite a bill considering the price of razors alone. That's why this blade sharpener is a wonderful option for regular razor-purchasers. Just drag a disposable razor across a few time, and it'll be good as new. As an added plus, your dad will be doing his fair share to keep those disposables out of landfills.

$19.95 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: URBAN OUTFITTERS

elago Charging Hub

Best For The Device Hoarder

Is your dad always complaining about charging cord build-up as a result of all his devices? With this charging hub from elago, he'll be able to give all of his devices some juice without the cord spaghetti that he dislikes so vehemently. Included in the hub are spots for an iPhone, Apple Watch, and a pair of AirPods, making this perfect for his bedside table. 

$25 URBAN OUTFITTERS

Credit: UNCOMMON GOODS

Survival Kit

Best For The Adventurer

This one is for the dad who constantly goes on adventurous excursions into the unknown (or even one who just travels often). Packed into this all-encompassing (and compact) survival kit are water purification tablets, a compass, a wire saw, reflective trail markers, and waterproof matches. Oh, and the case that they're held in is also a military grade flashlight. Just chuck it in his bag and never again be plagued by distracting worries in the wilderness.

$130 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

Game-Used Baseball Bat Bottle Opener

Best For The Sports Fan

What better surprise for your baseball-loving father than a bottle opener made from a bat that was actually used in a major league game? We can't think of one. Choose from any of the 30 MLB teams and receive a certified authentic piece engraved with the team's name. Your dad is going to love popping open a cold one on game day for years to come with this special gift.

$115 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

Toaster Grilled Cheese Bags

Best For The Lazy Cook

Now here's something truly ingenious. If your dad isn't much of a cook, but is a big grilled cheese fan, you need to get him these toaster bags. They're a no-fuss way to cheesy heaven — just pop the assembled sandwich into one of the three included bags (which can be used up to 50 times) and put it in the toaster. That's it. No pre-heating the pan, waiting to flip the sandwich, or messy cleanup afterwards — just pure enjoyment. 

$10 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

Couch Arm Table

Best For The Couch Potato

This one is for all the dads out there who love to get lazy on the couch. To make the relaxation session just a bit more luxurious, just place this wooden "table" over the arm of the couch and your dad will be able to chill while he perfectly balances food, drinks, or even remotes without any worry of it falling over. Perfect for those dads who live in small spaces that can't easily accommodate end tables.

$150 UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: UNCOMMONGOODS

Avocado Tree Starter Kit

Best For The Millennial Dad

With this avocado tree kit, your dad will be able to grow his own supply of the green delicacy and make as many avocado dishes as he pleases — it's the gift that keeps on giving. Just insert the pit of your most recently eaten avocado into the pod, float it in a water bath, place on a windowsill, and watch as it comes to life. Once the avocados are grown in 10-15 years, it'll be time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. 

$20 UNCOMMON GOODS

Dylan Haas

Lead Shopping Reporter

Dylan Haas is a Lead Shopping Reporter for Mashable, where he covers all things gaming, laptops, fitness, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day. Before joining the team at Mashable, Dylan received a B.A. in Communications from Pace University and contributed to publications like Paste Magazine, Bandsintown, and others following a brief stint as a marketing and management assistant in the music industry.