60+ Christmas gifts for Dad he won't have to pretend to like
We've got some ideas you won't think of on your own.
By
Mashable Shopping
on
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.
Credit: Image Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; BROOKLINEN / Fitbit / HARPERCOLLINS / HARRY'S
Whatever the occasion that has you looking for dad gifts (Father's Day, Christmas, Hanukkah), stay far away from clichés like whiskey stones and pocket knives. Unless your dad is an avid tie collector and seriously *lives* for ties, then avoid this played-out gift too. Instead, the best gifts for dads say, “I see your hobbies and I respect them." We've even got some unique ideas you may not have seen before. (We have two words for you: Fire. Harpoon.) From the latest gadgets from Apple, Sony, and Vizio to hip menswear finds, we think you'll find something your old man will love.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
A new Kindle Paperwhite
Best for bookworm dads
Kindles are still the class-A e-reader of our times, and the latest Kindle Paperwhite is a big improvement. It's got a larger, glare-free display that reads like real paper; an adjustable warm light that's easy on the eyes; and an upgraded battery. We've tested the entire Kindle lineup, and this is our favorite of the bunch.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Brenda Stolyar / Mashable
A pack of Apple AirTags
Best for dads who always lose their keys
Give Dad the gift of *not* frantically searching for keys before leaving for work. The classic Apple AirTag works with the Find My network to recover lost items, but dad can also use it to get reminders if he leaves behind a crucial item when leaving the house. Before Christmas, you can grab a pack of four for over 20% off (with free overnight delivery with Prime).
Opens in a new window
Credit: Cardon
An unpretentious skincare set
Best for the skincare-curious dad
Our tech editor (a one-time grooming editor) personally recommends this skincare set. Cardon is a Korean skincare brand that makes no-fuss products for men's skin, and this set includes all of their best products. You may just want to pick up their award-winning and moisturizing daily SPF sunscreen for yourself.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Lego
Lego Super Mario Game Boy Building Kit
Best for Gen-X dads
Gen X-ers and '90s kids will instantly recognize this: The classic Nintendo Gameboy — now in Lego form. For dads who love both Legos and classic Nintendo nostalgia, it's a win-win.
Opens in a new window
Credit: AUDIO-TECHNICA
A Bluetooth-enabled turntable
Best for dads with a vinyl collection
Bring his pile of dust-collecting records into the digital age with this fully automatic turntable from Audio-Technica. It comes with built-in Bluetooth so he can listen to the warm, analog sounds of his favorite LPs via speakers, headphones, and other wireless devices.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
An Apple Watch
Best for tech-savvy dads
Does your dad love to geek out over the latest tech? Then be a Christmas hero and get him the Apple Watch Series 11, the latest smartwatch from his favorite fruit company. In our review, we praised this watch for its longer battery life and impressive always-on display, and it excels as both a fitness tracker and lifestyle smartwatch.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Jackery
A portable power station
Best for dads who are always prepared
Is your dad a member of safety club? Does he love camping? Then he'll appreciate this one: the Jackery Explorer V2 1000. A portable power station is one of the best gifts for dads in 2025. These devices can keep him powered up at tailgates or campgrounds, but they also come in clutch during emergency blackouts — any dad's time to shine.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Breeo
A fire harpoon
Best for dads who love fire pits
This is one of our favorite unique gifts for dads: A fire harpoon. What's a fire harpoon? This 304 stainless steel fire poker from Breeo is laser-welded, and it's perfect for placing logs in the exact right spot for the perfect blaze. You won't find a better Christmas gift idea dads who love nothing more than to sit around a fire pit.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Breeo
A smokeless fire pit
Best group gift
If you and your siblings want to pool your resources and get Dad a big gift, then pick up a Breeo fire pit. These smokeless fire pits are made in the USA, and they're crafted from premium, durable materials. Having tested them ourselves, we can confirm they're absolutely dad-approved.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Birdbuddy
The Birdbuddy Pro Smart Bird Feeder
Best for nature lovers
This viral solar-powered smart bird feeder is Mashable-tested and loved. It snaps a picture every time a cardinal or blue jay stops by for a snack, sending it directly to your phone. It's an ingenious idea, and it guarantees your family group chat will be full of adorable bird pictures. It's been on sale for less than $200 throughout the holiday shopping season.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Historic Newspapers
A custom Historic Newspapers book
Best for mega fans
Die-hard sports fans don't need another jersey. Take a more unique route with Historic Newspapers: a custom hardcover book that memorializes his favorite team's front page moments throughout history (since the team's inception). If he's not a sports guy, choose from musical artists like Ozzy Osbourne or Motown, historical events, or get a book full of past 'New York Times' from his birthday.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Alex Humpreys / Mashable
Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones
Best for audiophile dads
Take it from Mashable's Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth: "If you want best-in-class noise-cancelling headphones and pristine audio quality, the headphones deliver." Is their price steep? Yes. But we all know your dad deserves the best. And these headphones were awarded a coveted Mashable Choice.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Wilder Games / Mashable composite
The "Hot Ones" board game
Best for daredevil dads
If your dad has ever watched Sean Evans's YouTube talk show "Hot Ones" and thought, "It can't be THAT spicy," test his strength with this game. "Hot Ones Roulette" is a board game where you roll the dice to receive challenges and questions. Turn the dreaded "take a dab" card and taste the included hot sauce with a 2,000,000 scoville rating.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Bambu Lab
A 3D printer
Best for dads who like to tinker
A 3D printer would scratch the itch of a dad who's bored with his current handy hobby. The Bambu Lab A1 is a super user-friendly option for beginners that still makes high-quality multi-color creations. Users can create their own design or let the A1 follow a premade pattern. He could make a drone, custom parts for tricky DIY projects, or toys for his own kids — dads on Reddit have made everything from action figures to sleds.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Puffin
A tiny little jacket for his beer
Best for Miller Lite connoisseurs
Puffin makes one of our favorite little gifts for dads — beer jackets. These tiny little can coats keep your hand from freezing when you crack open a cold one, and they're a great conversation starter at cookouts, campgrounds, and tailgates. Pick a style dad will like and you're sure to bring a smile to his face.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Camp Snap
The Camp Snap CS-8 Digital Video Camera
Best for memory makers
Camp Snap is one of the Mashable Shopping team's favorite finds of 2025, and we think they make some of the best Christmas gifts for dad in 2025. These retro-style digital cameras are totally screen-free, keeping you in the moment while you make memories. This model lets dad take videos, which he can bombard the family chat with later.
Opens in a new window
Credit: L.L. Bean
Comfy, long-lasting slippers
Best for walking around at home
Even if your dad is a Crocs guy, give him some cozy around-the-house footwear that's more appropriate for cold weather. L.L. Bean's Wicked Good moccasins have thousands of five-star reviews for being super comfortable, moisture-wicking, and durable. We never said slippers are the most unique gifts for dads, but they're a classic for a darn good reason.
Opens in a new window
Credit: THERABODY
A massage gun
Best for dads who work out
If you've had to listen to your dad complain about his muscles aching after a workout, some daily percussive therapy would be a much-appreciated gift. "Theragun" has become synonymous with "massage gun" for good reason. The super quiet Prime model comes with four attachments for deep tissue work on different body parts.
Opens in a new window
Credit: YETI
A Yeti insulated tumbler
Best for coffee on the go
These tumblers by the trusted outdoor brand Yeti are made with double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot until the last sip. Their stainless steel exterior is puncture- and rust-resistant, and they have a "no-sweat" design — meaning the outside won't be covered in condensation and leave a puddle behind.
Opens in a new window
Credit: MasterClass
A year of MasterClass
Best for lifelong learners
Surely there's at least one dream hobby that he's mentioned several times. A MasterClass is the perfect way to get him started. These online courses aren't taught by just anyone — he can learn electric guitar from Tom Morello, photography from Annie Leibovitz, or 3-pointer tips from Steph Curry.
Opens in a new window
Credit: HEATGENE
A towel-warming rack
Best for dads who need a spa day
Your dad can enjoy a toasty towel as soon as he steps out of the shower with this wall-mounted towel-warming rack. (Big five-star hotel vibes.) It's suitable for drying bathing suits, underwear, and blankets, too — no need to stuff them in the dryer.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Meta
Smart glasses
Best for dads who don't bring their phone everywhere
Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses look just like the classic Wayfarers, but more than clearer vision lies through the lenses. They can take pictures or record 3K video of whatever he's looking at (great for vacations or ensuring he gets the right grocery list item), translate in real time, plus call and text — all hands-free. Add his actual vision prescription or opt for casual sunglasses.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Bellroy
A cool waterproof backpack
Best for dads who pack light
Bellroy is an Australian brand that makes some of our favorite EDC items for men. This roll-top backpack will keep dad's items dry even in the rain, and it has a sophisticated and thoughtful design. While it's roomy enough for all his essentials (including a 16-inch laptop), it can still slip underneath an airplane seat.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Govee
Permanent outdoor lights
Best for extreme holiday decorators
Dad lives to go full Clark Griswold with his holiday display each year, but the ladders and string lights that tie themselves in knots when humans aren't looking? Infuriating. Help him ditch the stressful parts with a set of waterproof lights that stay up year-round. This 100-foot set from Govee connects to an app for seasonal color coordination — the neighbors simply can't compete with this.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker Blonde Whiskey
Best for spirits lovers
Does your dear old dad appreciate a fine bottle of scotch, bourbon, or whiskey? While these are all classic brown liquors, Johnnie Walker also has a unique Blonde bottle. This tawny-colored spirit is matured in first-fill American oak casks, which provides a slightly sweeter taste. It also features woody notes and a hint of spice, ideal for holiday cocktails or drinking neat.
Opens in a new window
Credit: AMAZON
An Amazon Prime membership
Best gift that keeps giving
If your dad still doesn't have an Amazon Prime membership, bring him up to date by gifting him one. On top of free two-day shipping, he'll also get access to Prime Video and Music, free Kindle e-books, and more. Plus, he'll be able to participate in exclusive Prime Day deals every year.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Ohio Steel
A pull-behind lawn sweeper
Best for dads who have a riding mower
So he has decided he's over pushing a lawnmower around, but he's still raking leaves by hand? A lawn sweeper for his riding mower will make it easy to keep that yard looking pristine year-round. This one from Ohio Steel gets great marks for its sturdiness on bumpy ground and ability to grab stubborn debris like pine straw.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Moft
A phone case, wallet, and stand in one
Best for minimalist dads
This origami-inspired Moft iPhone case can act as a wallet, phone grip, and stand all in one. It's compatible with any MagSafe iPhone, from the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max all the way back to the iPhone 12. Plus, dad will appreciate that you were able to buy it on sale.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Moleskine
A Moleskine notebook
Best for dads who make lists
Ah, the art of jotting stuff down. If your dad still prefers handwriting his thoughts over opening his Notes app, replenish his notebook stock with a Moleskine. The Classic notebook is beloved on the internet for its quality hardcover construction, crisp bleed-resistant paper, and helpful ribbon bookmark.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Renpho
A shiatsu foot massager
Best for dads with sore feet
If "my dogs are barking" is your dad's number one complaint, this Renpho foot massager should do the trick. Rated five stars by more than 5,000 Amazon buyers, its deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes eliminate knots and muscle tension, letting Dad enjoy his days just a little bit more. It even has a heating function for the colder months.
Opens in a new window
Credit: HARRY'S
A Harry's shaving set
Best for bearded dads
Your dad deserves a razor that's not going to leave him with razor burn or a bunch of cuts on his face. The Truman Set from Harry's includes one Truman handle, three blade cartridges, a bottle of foaming shave gel, and a travel cover — all for just $15. (Sign him up for blade refills if you're feeling extra generous.)
Opens in a new window
Credit: GROWLERWERKS
A carbonated growler
Best for craft beer heads
Growlers are often the only way to transport releases from breweries that don’t get bottled or shipped. (We’ve definitely had limited-edition beer go flat on us before.) Enter the uKeg, a stainless steel growler with an adjustable carbonation cap that'll instantly turn your dad's fridge into a tap; two CO2 cartridges are included with every purchase.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Wisdom Panel ; Mashable composite
A pet DNA kit
Best for cat or dog dads
If he has a child of the furry four-legged variety, a pet DNA kit for any non-pure bred dog or cat would be a thoughtful — but also really fun — gift. With a swab of his dog's mouth, Wisdom Panel's massive database can offer a breed breakdown along with potential genetic health risks. Wisdom Panel makes cat DNA tests, too, if he's always wondered if his cat is merely fluffy or part Maine Coon.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Skylight
A Skylight Calendar
Best for dads with hectic schedules
Think of the Skylight Calendar as the Kindle of digital home displays: It gives you everything you need, and nothing extra. This practical (and fun) way to keep track of the family calendar, to-do list, grocery list, and chores is ideal for harried parents. One of the hottest gifts of the year by far, our reviewer awarded the Skylight a coveted Mashable Choice.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
New Apple AirPods
Best for podcast-listening pops
Everyone could use a pair of Apple's fantastic AirPods — even dads who say they absolutely don't need expensive headphones. We've been seeing the latest AirPods Pro 3 for $219 even after Black Friday, but for a more low-stakes investment, the base model AirPods 4 have gone on sale as low as $69.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Flint & Tinder
Sherpa-lined winter gloves
Best gift he'll actually use
Gloves aren't the most exciting gift ideas for dads, but they're something dad will actually use and appreciate. These sherpa-lined leather winter gloves are a best-seller at Huckberry, and they're made from premium materials that will keep his fingers nice and toasty.
Opens in a new window
Credit: OFFIDIX
A plant mister
Best for plant dads
If you’ve ever caught him talking to his plants when he thought nobody was looking, he’ll love this gift, which is great for adding moisture to delicate leaves and blooms. Plus, the bottle will look lovely displayed on the windowsill.
Opens in a new window
Credit: HARPERCOLLINS
"World Travel: An Irreverent Guide"
Best for well-traveled dads
For the off months between his beloved vacations, satisfy your dad's inner nomad with this collection of stories from Anthony Bourdain. This guide includes some of the late travel TV host’s favorite spots around the world and practical advice about what to do in each locale. The hardcover version would be a cool coffee table addition, but it's available on Kindle, too.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Epsono
A high-speed photo scanning system
Best for preserving prized family photos
For the dad in charge of keeping the family memories digitized, a high-speed photo scanning system makes the task a cinch. It's hard to find a more solid model than the Epson FastFoto FF-680W. It can scan up to 30 photos as quickly as one photo per second, and it can all be done wirelessly. The family's appointed memory keeper will love the efficiency and accessibility of preserving old photos, handwritten letters, and more.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Uncommon Goods
A copper rain gauge
Best for novice meteorologists
It's in a dad's genes to diagnose every ominous storm cloud. Afterward, this copper rain gauge, or pluviometer, lets you measure the precipitation and see Archimedes’ Principle in action every time it rains. He'll have fun comparing the numbers after each rainfall — not before a "free car wash" or "ducks'll be happy" joke.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Solo Stove
A tabletop fire pit
Best for porch hangs
Gift the instant ambiance of sitting around a fire even if it's not real campfire weather — or if he doesn't have a yard. Both Mashable and much of the internet think the Solo Stove Mesa is the best tabletop fire pit. It's portable, comes in multiple colors, and works with wood or pellets.
Opens in a new window
Credit: UNCOMMON GOODS
Baseball park map glasses
Best for dads who live for baseball season
Skip the generic hat or T-shirt and get your dad a unique drinking glass that features a map of his favorite baseball park. At the very least, it'll be an excellent conversation starter for when he has guests over — especially if they root for another team.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Hatch
A sunrise alarm clock and sound machine
Best for dads who get up early
Even if your dad is a morning person, nobody likes being jolted awake by a blaring phone siren. Make his mornings easier with the viral Hatch Restore 3 alarm clock. It simulates sunrise by gradually brightening ahead of his set alarm time, gently signaling the wake-up hormone. At night, it doubles as a nightstand lamp and sound machine. He can choose a soothing glow and sound pairing while he unwinds, then switch to one of 80+ science-backed sleep sounds overnight.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Mission
A cooling hat
Best for outdoorsmen
Whether he's hiking, fishing, or just doing yard work, any outdoorsy dad will love this innovative cooling hat. All he has to do is wet the hat, wring it out, and give it a little wave through the air to enjoy up to two hours of cooling at 30 degrees below body temperature. Plus, it offers UPF 50 protection to keep the sun off his head, face, and neck — perfect for dads rocking a bald head.
Opens in a new window
Credit: SodaStream
A sparkling beverage system
Best for fans of fizz
SodaStream allows dad to make all the sparkling water he could ever drink, infusing the delicious tastes of natural ingredients without a CO2 tank. So, if you're dad's La Croix budget is getting out of hand, he'll be sure to appreciate this one.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Niupipo
A pickleball starter set
Best for dads who can play
Pickleball is taking over the world, and the beauty of this sport is that anyone can play. Whether dad has a competitive streak or just wants an excuse to spend time with the grandkids, this starter set has what he needs to discover America's new favorite pastime.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Anker
A portable projector
Best for movie buffs
If your dad is the backyard-party-throwing type, grab him a projector to show movies on the side of his house while he uses the 16 pairs of grill tongs everyone else got him. The soda can-sized Anker Nebula Capsule, a top-rated pick on Amazon, can play up to four hours of video on a single charge and comes with its own built-in 360-degree speaker.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Flint & Tinder
A really hip jacket
Best menswear gift for dads
The classic trucker jacket from Flint & Tinder has a cult-following, and it's an all-time menswear great. Even if Dad isn't exactly fashion-forward, he'll be able to pull off this look. The waxed canvas jacket will keep him warm and dry on outdoor adventures, but it's also perfect for everyday duty. As an added bonus, he'll instantly look cooler when he wears it.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Celestron
A telescope
Best for dads who dig stargazing
Dads *need* to point out the Big Dipper every time they see it. Take your dad's stargazing hobby to the next level with the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80Z. With the app pulled up and his phone docked to the telescope, he can follow on-screen arrows on a live 3D view of that night's sky to locate constellations, stars, and more currently overhead. It's more advanced than the ones made for kids, but still pretty budget-friendly.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable
A fitness tracker
Best for dads on a health kick
Is dad trying to count his steps — or his cholesterol? If a whole Apple Watch feels like overkill, there are more affordable ways to put some handy fitness-related features on his wrist. Our favorite budget fitness tracker, the Fitbit Charge 6, has been on sale at Amazon for under $100 this holiday season.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Keter
A side table/cooler combo
Best for dads who love to host
Whether he's lounging by the pool or shooting the breeze with guests, this smart side table will definitely come in handy. It can simultaneously stash up to 40 12-ounce cans inside its cooler base. The pop-up bar top reveals access to the goods for party mode, but it can also remain closed to act as a standard side table.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Philips
A smart light bulbs starter kit
Best for the energy-efficient dad
Your dad has probably bitched at the rest of the household for leaving the lights on at some point. Give him complete control over the lights — and the aesthetic — in his home with this smart lighting kit from Philips. The smart, color-changing LED bulbs screw into standard sockets and can be operated through a regular switch, the phone app, or smart assistant commands.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Lodge
A Yellowstone cast-iron skillet
Best for Costner fans
Would your dad be best buds with Kevin Costner if "Yellowstone" was real? Just know that Lodge designed a cast iron skillet with "Dutton Ranch" stamped into it. He could use some long-lasting merch to ease the pain of the show being over.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Sunday
A smarter lawn care service
Best for greener grass
If your dad likes to spend time puttering around in the yard, then we promise he's going to love Sunday. This smart lawn care subscription uses advanced data and satellite imagery to triangulate exactly the right lawn care products for each customer's home. Then, they provide all the products dad needs to ensure the grass is always greener on his side of the fence.
Opens in a new window
Credit: New Balance
A new pair of sneakers
Best cool dad sneakers
New Balance has perfected the dad sneaker. No, you're not reviving his all-white (plus grass stains) lawn mowing sneakers from back in the day. We think the New Balance 515 V3 sneaker is the perfect blend of hip and comfortable, and they come in a ton of colors.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Muse
A meditation headband
Best for dads who can't relax
Meditation can be an incredibly beneficial practice for managing stress, but it can be tough to know how to get started. Help Dad on his mindfulness journey with this smart wearable meditation band and its accompanying app that can train his mind and body to relax with immersive audio feedback.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable
A treat tossing pet camera
Best for anxious pet dads
Any helicopter pet dad (and we mean that as a compliment) would get a ton of use out of an interactive pet camera. With more than 6,500 five-star reviews, the internet has pretty unanimously named Furbo as the best camera and treat dispenser. Dad can monitor and talk to his cat or dog while he's away from home, and can toss treats through the app.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Timex
A timeless Timex watch
Best for punctual dads
Some watches are truly timeless. Unfortunately, most of them cost upwards of $5,000. However, this Timex is the exception. No matter which color you choose, the Timex Expedition watch has a classic style that's perfect for everyday wear.
Opens in a new window
Credit: JBL
A portable Bluetooth speaker
Best for dads who are always outside
Ah, the faint sound of Dad belting his favorite hair metal jams while doing yard work. The newest version of JBL's carabiner Bluetooth speaker is dust-proof and IP67 waterproof, so he's good to take it almost anywhere.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Ivtivfu
A rolling grill basket
Best for grilling more than burgers
Cylindrical metal baskets make it easier to grill things that would normally fall through the grates. It's a fun way to switch up the typical burgers and hot dogs menu, or to streamline side dish prep. Vegetables, shrimp, and other seafood can be placed inside, then easily rotated so everything cooks evenly.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Vizio
His first soundbar
Best home theater gift idea
Modern TVs are incredible technological achievements with only two flaws: motion smoothing and weak internal speakers. We can't promise dad will ever stop using motion smoothing, but the uber-popular Vizio V-Series soundbar will deliver surround sound to his home theater.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Brooklinen
Our favorite super-plush robe
Best for dads who like to be cozy
We love Brooklinen's super-plush collection, which includes the softest, fluffiest bath towels we've ever tested. And you can also enjoy that premium fabric in robe form. Sure, robes aren't the most unique gifts for dads, but we really do swear by these robes — as does Oprah. They're one of Oprah's Favorite Things, after all.
Opens in a new window
Credit: KAN JAM
A backyard game
Best for competitive dads
Family gatherings are prime time for dads to bring up how they win at *everything.* If cornhole is getting old, give him a new game to bust out — Kan Jam, for instance. The Frisbee-throwing game requires nothing more than an open field and two players who want to have fun. He can even keep the game in the back of his car for impromptu matches.
As Director of Special Projects, Nicole Cammorata helps guide Mashable's editorial innovations, licensing programs, and specialty series. Previously, she was the site's Executive Editor and its very first Shopping Editor before that. Nicole is also Mashable's resident gifting expert and gets a thrill out of helping readers find the perfect present. She received a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and an MFA in fiction writing from The New School. She lives in Maine with her husband, their three young children, and a backyard full of flowers.
