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24 Best Gift Ideas for the Dad Who Has Everything

No, he does not need another tie—but he’s sure to appreciate a genius backyard BBQ gadget, a bespoke valet tray or another of these expert-recommended presents

Author
Author

Written By

Sarah Grossbart,

Written by

Sarah Grossbart

Contributor, Buy Side from WSJ

Sarah Grossbart is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ and lifestyle expert specializing in entertainment, shopping and fitness.

Rachel Simon

Written by

Rachel Simon

Contributor, Buy Side from WSJ

Rachel Simon is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ and lifestyle expert specializing in travel.

Updated June 21, 2024, 8:31 PM EDT

A navy, monogrammed watch roll, Leatherman multi tool and an orange wallet against a green background.
The Smoking Gun Pro Smoke Infuser

BrevilleThe Smoking Gun Pro Smoke Infuser

$145

Ankle Socks (12-Pack), Men's

BombasAnkle Socks (12-Pack), Men's

$156 $133

Greca Diver Watch

VersaceGreca Diver Watch

$1595

E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

ThermacellE55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

$40

RFID Leather Bifold Wallet

Royce New YorkRFID Leather Bifold Wallet

$98

Wireless Sleep Headphones

SleepPhonesWireless Sleep Headphones

$100

3 Month Plant Subscription

Horti 3 Month Plant Subscription

$155

Digital Tape Measure

eTape16Digital Tape Measure

$27

Elite Cane Umbrella

DAVEKElite Cane Umbrella

$159

Hex Small Fire Pit

ColsenHex Small Fire Pit

$50

PaddleSmash

PaddleSmashPaddleSmash

$199

Custom Photo Socks

PersonalizationLabCustom Photo Socks

$10 $5

Horl2 Rolling Knife Sharpener

HorlHorl2 Rolling Knife Sharpener

$189

Hands Free Neck Book Light

VekkiaHands Free Neck Book Light

$22 $16

Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask, Pack of 6

La Mer Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask, Pack of 6

$195 $166

Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream

La Mer Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream

$570 $485

Wave+ Multitool

LeathermanWave+ Multitool

$120 $96

Sun Protective Long Sleeve Polo Shirt

SolbariSun Protective Long Sleeve Polo Shirt

$85

Father & Son Anchor Pack

Fair HarborFather & Son Anchor Pack

$116 $106

Nomad

Lusso CloudNomad

$135

Travel Watch Roll

Mark & GrahamTravel Watch Roll

$129 $99

Acacia Valet Tray

Mark & GrahamAcacia Valet Tray

$39

Tie Case

LeatherologyTie Case

$145

Golf Cart Cooler Bag

Back9Products Golf Cart Cooler Bag

$43 $38

Insisting that no, actually, there’s nothing that you need is a classic dad move—but for some particularly tech-savvy and fashion-forward fathers, it is kind of true. That doesn’t mean you need to show up empty-handed.

To help, we tapped a coterie of expert gift-givers to share the best gifts for dads who have everything. From a virtual gaming experience to the shoes he’ll never want to slip off, these are presents he probably wouldn’t think to get himself—but will absolutely be happy that you did.

For the home chef dad

The Smoking Gun Pro Smoke Infuser

BrevilleThe Smoking Gun Pro Smoke Infuser

If your dad is constantly cooking up something new or crafting specialty cocktails at home, this hand-held smoker is a fun addition to his kitchen. It’ll add layers of flavor to meats, vegetables and even drinks, all without the hassle and mess of a large smoker.


For the dad who sticks to the basics

Ankle Socks (12-Pack), Men's

BombasAnkle Socks (12-Pack), Men's

If your dad prizes practicality above all else, you can’t go wrong with a multi-pack of socks. We’re fans of Bombas, a brand that makes run-friendly ankle socks, cozy calf-length styles, slippers and more. The socks in this 12-pack are made from a blend of cotton, polyester and elastane and have a seamless toe, plus arch support.


What time is it? Perhaps time for dad to get a watch he might not buy for himself. This Versace Logo Diver watch has a luxe look and feel with Swiss Quartz 3-hands movement, the Versace logo at bottom and Medusa at noon in a 1.7-inch case.


For the dad who loves outdoor entertaining

E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

ThermacellE55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

Few things suck the life out of backyard barbecue faster than a swarm of mosquitoes, which is why innovation and technology expert Steve Greenberg relies on Thermacell’s E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller every time he grills outside his Florida home. And what dad wouldn’t like something that is, according to Greenberg, “really a life-changing backyard gadget?” The device creates a 20-foot mosquito-free zone—and it doesn’t smell like citronella or entail applying some kind of formula to your skin. The host of the YouTube gadget game show “What the Heck Is That?” has tried plenty of creams and sprays to ward off the insects, “but then I don’t want to eat my hamburger because I’ve got the stuff on my hands,” he says. “With this thing, none of that happens.”


For the dad who travels light

RFID Leather Bifold Wallet

Royce New YorkRFID Leather Bifold Wallet

If your dad’s wallet could use an upgrade, consider this sleek billfold from Royce. Made from soft leather and monogrammable with up to three letters, it has room for essential cards and cash but won’t weigh him down. It comes in brown, navy and burgundy leather with gold, silver or debossed lettering. See our list of the best slim wallets for more shopping ideas.


For the dad who loves to nap

Wireless Sleep Headphones

SleepPhonesWireless Sleep Headphones

For fathers who enjoy an afternoon snooze or have trouble sleeping at night, these wireless sleep headphones are a solid bet. The fleece headband is comfortable to wear while he’s sitting upright or sleeping on his side, allowing him to play his favorite music through thin, flat speakers via Bluetooth.


For the dad with green thumb

3 Month Plant Subscription

Horti 3 Month Plant Subscription

This plant subscription from Horti will deliver a new, well-packaged plant to his door each month. We tested the service and were impressed by the quality of the snake plant we received, as well as the company’s smart, gift-worthy packaging. It’s a great option for a dad who just moved into a new place and could use some new greenery, or for someone who’s always looking to add to their collection.


For the handy dad

“I use it way more than I even want to admit,” Greenberg says of the ETape16 digital tape measure, or, as he calls it, the “tape measure on steroids.” Among the features that elevate it beyond the one already tucked in Dad’s toolbox: a digital readout (no glasses required), the ability to calculate a midpoint (particularly useful when hanging photos and other pieces) and an option to retain two previous measurements. If he’s even “slightly handy,” says Greenberg, he’ll appreciate this addition to his gadget arsenal.


For dad who’s prepared for anything

Elite Cane Umbrella

DAVEKElite Cane Umbrella

Sure, he probably already has an umbrella, but does he have an umbrella that he’s actually excited to use? We’re fans of Davek’s line of stylish rain gear, including the Elite Cane Umbrella that looks beautiful, thanks to its leather handle, and provides ample coverage from wind and precipitation.


For the dad who would rather be camping

Hex Small Fire Pit

ColsenHex Small Fire Pit

Think of the Hex Small Fire Pit as a backyard bonfire without the smoky seat—or even the need for any outdoor space. Greenberg fires it up using just a bit of 70% or 91% isopropyl alcohol for a clean burn. “It creates a beautiful flame, which is dramatic, but also real,” he stresses. “You can roast up some marshmallows and make s’mores.” If the dad in your life would really love a fire pit but doesn’t have the space for it, “this gives him a mini version.”


For the pickleball pro dad

If your dad loves pickleball, he’ll enjoy the sport’s lawn game cousin, PaddleSmash. A mix between pickleball and Spikeball, PaddleSmash has a quick setup and is designed to be played anywhere with a 15-foot circle of space. The family-friendly game set comes with four paddles, two balls, a net and base, which transforms into a carrying case. Check out our list of the best gifts for pickleball players for more ideas.


For the silly dad

Custom Photo Socks

PersonalizationLabCustom Photo Socks

New York City-based Happy Box co-founder Hannah Redmond is a big fan of customized presents, as “something ultra-personalized takes creativity, thought and planning, so that’s really the gift,” she says. A fun-loving dad will find it hilarious to rock custom socks featuring the faces of his children, and you can even personalize them further by adding a message like “We love you” or “Happy Father’s Day.”


For the dad who likes to stay sharp

Horl2 Rolling Knife Sharpener

HorlHorl2 Rolling Knife Sharpener

Love dad’s home cooked meals? Help upgrade his favorite kitchen knives with this knife sharpener, which one chef says is easy enough for amateurs to use and effective enough for the pros. It works by using neodymium magnets to hold your knife in place securely so you can effortlessly and safely sweep it against a grinding stone. It’s also aesthetically pleasing and comes in walnut and oak finishes.


For the dad who reads in bed

Hands Free Neck Book Light

VekkiaHands Free Neck Book Light

If he’s always got his nose in a book, even after his partner’s bedtime, this hands free neck book light from Vekkia will help him read in the dark without the hassle of holding up a flashlight. One writer credits the book light with saving her marriage, since it lets her stay up late reading in bed while her husband, a light sleeper, catches zzz’s.


For the dad who needs some self care

Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask, Pack of 6

La Mer Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask, Pack of 6

Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream

La Mer Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream

Give your dad the gift of self care with luxury skincare products from La Mer. The brand’s Treatment Lotion Hydrating Masks will help energize his skin, and they feel incredibly soothing. If he’s prone to dry skin, he’ll love the brand’s signature Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream for daily use. See our list of the best luxury gifts for men for more splurge-worthy ideas.


For the Type A dad

Dad can make like a Boy Scout and always be prepared with Leatherman’s bestselling multi tool. At just 4 inches of stainless steel, it packs a punch, with 18 different gadgets ranging from wire cutters to a saw to a screwdriver that all safely lock into place. New York City-based Greenberg loves the space-saving aspect. “I live in a small apartment so this is always in my toolbox,” he says, noting, “It fits in the palm of my hand.”


For the preppy dad

Sun Protective Long Sleeve Polo Shirt

SolbariSun Protective Long Sleeve Polo Shirt

Style expert Alison Deyette recognizes that the average dad has a drawerful of classic collared polos. But she swears that once he slips on a super-soft, professional-enough-for-a-Zoom-call Solbari version, he’ll “be a changed man.” Golf and tennis types, in particular, will love that each shirt is made with UPF 50+ sun-protective cotton and bamboo fibers.


Father & Son Anchor Pack

Fair HarborFather & Son Anchor Pack

Sometimes when a guy has everything, the easiest thing to do is go sentimental. These matching swim trunks for dad and kid come as a set, so you buy both with one click. They have soft built-in boxer briefs rather than a mesh liner and boast four-way stretch for active comfort.


For the dad who prizes comfort

Nomad

Lusso CloudNomad

With a spalike waffle-knit design that may remind him of his favorite five-star resort, the Lusso Cloud gender-neutral sneaker line pairs “the nonchalant style of a hotel slipper with a durability that stands up to the street,” says Deyette. Plus, she adds, you can choose from a range of memory foam—supportive styles, from slip-on slide to chukka sneaker. “It’s like walking on pillows.”


For the watch fan

Travel Watch Roll

Mark & GrahamTravel Watch Roll

So he doesn’t yet need yet another upscale watch, but an elegant storage or travel solution for his favorites can be a help. With room to hold three timepieces on a padded removable cushion, it’s “the most convenient and functional gift that keeps all your watches clean and safe,” says Angela Yeranosian, the Los Angeles-based founder and CEO of gift shop Patet, of the micro suede-lined holder. You can also add a foil debossed monogram for a personalized feel.


For the disorganized dad

Acacia Valet Tray

Mark & GrahamAcacia Valet Tray

Keys, phone, wallet—he can keep it all in one spot with Mark & Graham’s versatile catchall made of attractive acacia wood. It’s a longtime favorite of Michigan-based Lindsay Roberts Schey of The Gift Insider, who says the valet tray’s laser-engraved monogram makes it the perfect present for the dad who has everything, because it’s “something he’ll hang on to for the long haul.”


For the dressy dad

Listen, he’s going to need something to hold all those ties from years past. Roberts Schey’s pick, the Leatherology Tie Case, is made of buttery soft full-grain leather, and while it’s “sleek and compact,” it has space for four ties, plus a gusseted pocket for collar stays, cuff links and tie clips. “It’s something he may not buy himself,” she says of the “really quality” piece, “but it’s a practical gift he can always use.”


For the dad who plays golf

Golf Cart Cooler Bag

Back9Products Golf Cart Cooler Bag

Make your dad’s days on the golf course even better with this golf cart cooler bag, which can hold 12 cans or six bottles and fits easily into a golf cart’s basket behind the seats. Now, he can conveniently take a sip of a cold beverage or a bite of a sandwich between holes. The bag also comes with a bottle opener, small pockets for storing items like sunglasses and keys and a magnetic lid so you don’t have to fuss with a zipper. See our list of the best gifts for golfers for more ideas.

Meet the contributor

Sarah Grossbart
Sarah Grossbart

Sarah Grossbart is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ and lifestyle expert specializing in entertainment, shopping and fitness.

Rachel Simon
Rachel Simon

Rachel Simon is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ and lifestyle expert specializing in travel.

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