So, you’re on the hunt for some of the best gifts for dad—or someone who’s dad-like (i.e. your grandpa, uncle, or other father figure)—and you have zero clue on what to get. Yes, you swear you do love them, but you really haven’t the faintest clue as to what makes a great gift. Calling mom might sound like the right move, but instead you’re here at GQ, and we have to say: Good thinking. Sadly, the internet is awash with crappy gifts, but lucky for you, we’re experts at gift giving for everyone on your list, including dad, who “doesn’t want anything this year.” (He’s lying.)

Browse all of our gift guides in one place, and get even more GQ-vetted-and-approved gift ideas by signing up for the GQ Recommends newsletter.


The Best Gifts for Dad, According to GQ



Fitness

Adidas

Tour 360 24 Golf Shoes

The waterproof leather on Adidas’ handsome golf shoes is, ahem, pitch-perfect for dewy mornings on the green, while the spiky outsole anchors his stride when it’s slippery underfoot.

Nike

Nike Utility Elite Training Backpack

Sleek, spacious, and with more pockets than the inside of a cartoon trenchcoat, this Nike backpack is ideal for the man who lives by the mantra “everything in its right place.”

Norda

001 Trail Running Sneaker

Norda’s 001s are distinctive enough on the trails to rack up compliments, with a lightweight, ripstop-looking fabric that looks cool without being too on-the-nose gorpy.

SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

Hyperice

Normatec 3 Compression Recovery System

Dad can kick back on the couch and enjoy a pressurized massage with this compression recovery system. Sore legs? Never heard of ’em.

Linus

Roadster 7i Bicycle

That exercise bike never got any mileage, but this two-wheeler is sure to hit the road. Plus, he’ll get an outstanding evaluation from his annual physical this year.

Grooming

Gillette

King C. Gillette Safety Razor

A safety razor is effective, old-school, and never goes out of style—just like your dad. This set gets him a chromed-out new handle plus a five-pack of blades to give him a running start on his stubble into the coming weeks.

Geologie

Broad-Spectrum SPF30 Face Sunscreen

As he always says, he’s not getting younger, but it’s not too late to convert him to an SPF diehard. Geologie’s one is lightweight and hydrating, plus mattifying so he doesn’t walk out the house looking like a greaseball.

Ralph Lauren

Polo 67 Eau de Toilette

He might not have revamped his cologne game since he was in high school, but this scent from Ralph Lauren—which has Aaron Judge’s stamp of approval—might get him to switch things up.

Cardon

SPF 30 Moisturizer

At a certain point, you accept the things you can’t change about your parents. And if he’s not worn a drop of sunscreen a day in his life, maybe it’s time you got him a moisturizer that sneaks in SPF. Hey, you can’t stop photo-aging but you can certainly slow it down.

Kiehl’s

Get Up and Groom Set

All his old faifthfuls in one curated grooming set, including a face wash, shaving cream, and more.

Braun

All-in-One Style Beard Trimmer

For the dad whose beard has been getting a little unruly since November, our favorite all-in-one trimmer will clean up his neck, and even dip into his nose and ears for a trim.

Filson

Tin Cloth Travel Kit

A thoughtful gift that combines two things dad loves: Filson and a place to organize all his TSA-friendly toiletries.

Malin+Goetz

Advanced Renewal Moisturizer

Because, as he reminds you, he’s not getting any younger.

Home

Tom Dixon

Green Tank Whiskey Gift Set

Something that’ll make even his cheapest whiskey feel like a vintage Macallan.

Stanley

Classic Wide-Mouth Flask with Never-Lose Cap

Whether it’s for the camping trip or for sneaking into the function, the wide mouth on this eight-ounce flask means no messing with funnels or spilling whiskey when you fill it.

Patagonia

Black Hole Duffel 40L

We’ve sung the praises of Patagonia’s legendary, basically indestructible Black Hole duffels many times over. On long-haul trips, they’re almost as essential as TSA Pre-Check.

Tetra

Portal Lighter

For the dad who appreciates fine art as much as he does a sneaky joint every now and then, give him the gift of a Rothko-esque lighter that he can spend hours staring at when he’s stoned.

Craighill

Coachwhip Carabiner

His current keychain is probably a tacky souvenir from a trip you guys took when you were five, so give him that long-awaited upgrade that’ll ensure he’s never locked out (again).

Aerogarden

Harvest Hydroponic Indoor Garden

There’s something about watching greens grow from a seed that makes dad want to take care of it and nurture it, sort of like what he did with you.

Fellow

Carter Carry Tumbler

A giant tumbler that’s sort of like the younger, hipper version of his ye olde Stanley thermos. It’s primed for carting around 20 ounces of coffee (or booze, we’re not judging) and can keep hot drinks at temp for half a day.

Craighill

Eyeglasses Stand

Somewhere extremely obvious to park his bifocals when they’re not perched on his nose, from the masters of handsome design objets at Craighill.

Vinyl Me, Please

VMP Gift Membership (3-Months)

After you score him that sick new turntable, he’s going to have to replenish that record collection he had gotten rid of to make room for you.

Houseplant

Ridge Ashtray

It’s not like he quit toking just because you were born.

Fluance

RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable

Just like everything else from his past, vinyl is cool again. And he didn’t hoard those old records for nothing, so let him listen to his oldies the best way he knows how.

L.L. Bean

Boat and Tote Open-Top Tote

Tired: toot it and boot it. Wired: boat it and tote it. 

Oyster

Tempo Cooler

A cool dad needs a way to keep his bevvies cool, too.

Tecovas

Barlett Weekender Duffel

One of our favorite weekender bags will have him fully packed for his next adventure, and he’ll look good on the roundtrip commute.

Kitchen

Ooni

Karu 16 Pizza Oven

Once you get him hyped up on wood chips and firing his own pizzas, there’s no turning back. Ooni’s industry-standard pizza ovens for home use are a great gateway, with multiple fuel options to get a flame going.

Made In

Carbon Steel Griddle + Press

A versatile carbon steel griddle from chef-approved cookware brand Made In will help him master his own diner breakfasts at home. From sizzling bacon to pressing burgers and flipping flapjacks, it’s got all the real estate for a mean breakfast or lunch, and is just one other reason to stop by for a visit.

Yeti

Wine Chiller

The poor man’s wine cellar is right here, delivering the perfect amount of chill to his vino so he doesn’t have to sip it room-temp with dinner.

Ember

Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

The last thing the old man needs is another lukewarm cup of coffee, and this Ember mug will keep his joe—or any other hot beverage—at the exact temperature he wants for up to an hour and a half.

Everdure

CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill

His BBQ king status remains undefeated, and with this cute portable grill, he’ll be transporting his primo cuts anywhere there’s good weather and open air.

Fly By Jing

Triple Threat Variety Pack

He’s not a regular dad—he’s a spicy dad.

Trade

Coffee Subscription

One of our favorite coffee subscriptions for the type of dad who’s a variety seeker in the beans department.

Jack Daniel’s

12 Years-Old Tennessee Whiskey

Old No. 7 isn’t going anywhere, but this 12-year-old expression from the heritage brand is perfect for special occasions. Plus, the higher proof makes it even more versatile.

Style

Taylor Stitch

Bow Black Striped Organic Cotton Rugby Shirt

Thankfully for your old man, all he needs is an affinity for stripes and not a British boarding school education to pull off a preppy rugby shirt. Taylor Stitch’s ones are vintage-inspired, with a soft, lived-in feel to match.

Knickerbocker

Bay Waxed Cotton and Nylon Jacket

With all the technical details of a military jacket and a sharp mackintosh collar, this topper has the goods to help him really start dressing this fall.

Blundstone

Black Full Grain Leather Chelsea Boots

Blundstones are almost as classic as pumpkin spice in fall, and much more useful for clomping around in leaves. If he’s never gone in on one of their Chelsea styles, now’s the time to make an introduction.

Levi’s

1966 501 Original Fit Selvedge Jeans

“They just don’t make them like they used to,” might be his most famous (and annoying) sayings, but when it comes to jeans, he’s kind of right.

Mejuri

Black Onyx Square Signet Ring

Your future heirloom, sorted. And because it’s pure 14k gold, it’ll pass down another generation or two (or two hundred) after you.

Reiss

Viera Linen Overshirt

He’s not a regular dad, he’s a cool dad.

Lululemon

ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant

Two things dad love: Stretchy pants for the post-dinner bloat and a little extra give around the, ahem, crotch area. For all of the above, Lululemon’s beloved ABC pants (ask him to look up what it means on Bing) deliver.

Gitman

Archive Madras Shirt

Gitman Vintage’s archival button-ups will look like something that’s been in his closet since the ‘80s, meaning they’ll fit right in with the rest of his garms.

Merrell

Moab 2 Loafers

Sensible slip-ons that he can use to clomp around the yard and from the mailbox and back.

Warby Parker

Raider Sunglasses

“Hey, aren’t those the glasses that Tom Cruise fella wears in the movie with the planes?”

Morjas

Penny Loafer

The “old man shoe” gets an upgrade for your old man.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Essential Crew Sweatshirt

Whether he’s layering up to rake the yard or kicking back on the couch to watch RedZone, this go-to fall layer is essential—but not as essential as your pops, of course.

AYR

The Captain

This Indiana Jones-esque shirt is called “The Captain”—he’s gonna love that as much as he’ll love the functional front pockets, we promise.

Banana Republic

Giorgio Linen-Cotton Sweater Polo

No matter if it’s his first sweater polo or he’s already got a closetful, he’ll love this chic addition to his autumn wardrobe.

Jaxxon

Rope Chain

Understated, practical, and classic. Plus, Jaxxon’s sustainability will go a long way if dad is eco-conscious.

Mr Porter

Selvedge Denim Overshirt

This hard-wearing shirt is almost as indestructible as your old man. Plus, it comes in a color that he’s probably never seen in his closet before.

Percival

Sardine Stripe Oversized Shirt

A solid striped shirt is a non-negotiable part of any guy’s wardrobe. And, as the old adage goes: Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Give a man a fish shirt… You get the point.

Uniqlo

Cashmere Sweater

When in doubt, go cashmere. And Uniqlo’s is one of the most affordable around, with a high-quality fabric that won’t disintegrate after one whirl in the washer.

Tech

Garmin

Vivoactive 5 Smartwatch

His doctor (and pretty much everyone in his life) has been telling him to get more active, and a trusty smartwatch from one of the brands that does them best will make sure each and every step towards a healthier lifestyle counts.

Apple

AirPods Pro

He’s not tuning you out on purpose, but with a pair of AirPods, he might actually be now.

Courant

MAG:2 Classics

He’s always running on 5% battery because he’s always forgetting to charge his phone, but this wireless charger will ensure he’s never close to a technological meltdown again.

Bose

QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sometimes all he needs is some peace and quiet, even if it’s from you.

Sonos

Era 300 Speaker

Sure, he’s going back to his roots with the vinyl, but dammit if he doesn’t appreciate the spatial audio that the Era 300 speaker supplies, then this is just a great addition to your speaker setup.

Bose

QuietComfort Earbuds II

The excellent QuietComfort earbuds are easy to wear for hours without ear pain and come stacked with all the impressive sound quality, sweat resistance, iPhone pairing, and noise cancelling he could possibly want to listen to podcasts and playlists on his commute.

Therabody

Theragun Elite

Who needs a spa gift card when you’ve secured yourself deep-tissue relief on demand with a best-in-class massage gun?

Fluance

RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable

Just like everything else from his past, vinyl is cool again. And he didn’t hoard those old records for nothing, so let him listen to his oldies the best way he knows how.

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