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.)
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The Best Gifts for Dad, According to GQ
Fitness
Adidas
Tour 360 24 Golf Shoes
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
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
Cardon
SPF 30 Moisturizer
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
Filson
Tin Cloth Travel Kit
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
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)
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
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
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
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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