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
Apple AirTags
Best for the dad who always loses his 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. During Black Friday, you can pick up a 4-pack for 34% off, and wouldn't dad be proud that you're scoring a bargain?
Opens in a new window
Credit: Pulsetto
SPONSORED
Pulsetto Vagus-Nerve Stimulator
Best for the dad who runs on stress
Gentle pulses support the body’s natural relaxation response, helping dads reset after a long day. Lightweight, easy to wear, and intuitive to use, it's a practical wellness boost he can fit into his routine anytime.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Doordash
SPONSORED
Shop JBL Speakers
Best for filling any room with sound
From now through Dec. 25, select JBL speakers are up to 30% off at stores like Best Buy and Target, with delivery straight to your door via DoorDash. Powerful, portable, and easy to use, they make a no-fuss gift for dads who love music in every corner of the house.
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: Moft
A phone case, wallet, and stand in one
Best for the minimalist dad
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: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
An Apple Watch
Best for the techie
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: AUDIO-TECHNICA
A Bluetooth-enabled turntable
Best for audiophile dads
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: Jackery
A portable power station
Best for the dad who's 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
Birdbuddy Pro Smart Solar Bird Feeder
Best for nature lovers
This viral 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. And for Black Friday, you can get the solar-powered version on sale for just $199.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Alex Humpreys / Mashable
Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones
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: Philips
Philips Hue 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, a phone app, or smart assistant commands.
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: THERABODY
A massage gun
Best for the dad who works out
If you've had to listen to your dad complain about his muscles aching after a workout, a massage gun is a lovely gift idea. "Theragun" has become synonymous with "massage gun" for good reason. The super quiet Prime model comes with four different attachments, which are designed for different parts of the body.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Ugg
Extra-comfy Ugg slippers
Best for walking around
Is your dad the type of guy who loves his Crocs? Then give him some comfy around-the-house footwear that's more appropriate for cold weather. These cozy lined moccasins have a foam footbed and will work well even if Dad has wide feet. Yes, slippers are exactly the most unique gifts for dads, but they're a classic for a darn good reason.
Opens in a new window
Credit: GROWLERWERKS
A carbonated growler
Best for the craft beer dad
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: 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: APPLE
New Apple AirPods
Best for the podcast-listening pops
Everyone could use a pair of Apple's fantastic AirPods — even dads who say they absolutely don't need expensive headphones. You can grab the latest AirPods Pro 3 for $219 this Black Friday, but if that's out of your budget, the base model AirPods 4 have gone on sale as low as $69.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Camp Snap
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: Puffin
A tiny little jacket for his beer
Best for the Miller Lite lover
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: PHILIPS
A Philips SmartSleep
Best for dads who get up early
Even if your dad is a morning person, nobody likes being woken up by a blaring alarm. Make his mornings easier with a Philips SmartSleep wake-up light. It simulates the sunrise by gradually brightening in the half-hour leading up to your dad's set alarm time, resulting in a gentler, more refreshed wake-up. The light also has a dimming setting to simulate sunset, which can help your dad unwind and relax before going to bed.
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: MOLESKINE
A Moleskine notebook
Best for jotting down his thoughts
No journal collection is complete without a classic Moleskine notebook. This highly customizable option features a hard cover with rounded edges, a ribbon bookmark, an elastic closure, and an expandable inner pocket. It's available in 10 different colors and four sizes, and you can even choose its pages' layout.
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: Skylight
Skylight Calendar
For staying organized
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: 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: HARPERCOLLINS
"World Travel: An Irreverent Guide"
Best for the worldly dad
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: 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: UNCOMMON GOODS
Baseball park map glasses
Best for the baseball fan
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: InvoSpa
A shiatsu foot massager
Best for dads with sore feet
If your dad regularly complains about how badly his feet hurt, this foot massager should do the trick. The device's deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes will 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 the bearded dad
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: PEXELS
A useful online course
Best for the lifelong learner
Udemy offers more than 100,000 online courses across a variety of topics. Whether your dad wants to learn more about art, coding, or business planning, we're positive you'll be able to find a course for him. Bonus: Once you buy a class, he gets access to it for life.
Opens in a new window
Credit: ANCESTRY
An AncestryDNA kit
Best for wannabe genealogist dads
Every history buff dad has been on the verge of purchasing a dilapidated gristmill just because his ancestors once owned it, right? An AncestryDNA kit is the perfect gift for someone writing down that family history. He can see a pie chart of his genes, build that family tree, and maybe even connect with family members who also have an Ancestry account.
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: ANKER
A portable projector
Best for the cinephile dad
If your dad is the backyard-party-throwing type, forego the grill equipment (predictable) and get 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: 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 Travel Scope 70. This well-reviewed portable telescope comes with a custom backpack and several accessories; it's a bit more advanced than the ones made for kids, but it's still simple enough for beginners.
Opens in a new window
Credit: KAN JAM
A backyard game
For the competitive dad
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.
Opens in a new window
Credit: PETCUBE
A Petcube Bites 2 Lite
Best for the pet dad
If he treats his pet like his child (in a good way), gift him some extra peace of mind whenever he has to leave the house in the form of the Petcube Bites 2 Lite smart pet camera. He can use it to monitor his dog or cat, toss them treats, and even talk to them while he’s at the office or running errands.
Opens in a new window
Credit: JBL
A portable Bluetooth speaker
Best for the outdoorsman
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: MISSION
A cooling hat
Best for outdoorsy dads
Whether he's out huntin', fishin', or just doing yardwork, your 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 has built-in UPF 50 protection to help keep his head, face, and neck from getting sunburned — perfect for dads rocking a bald head.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Uncommon Goods
Kabob Grilling Baskets
Best for the grilling dad
With these grilling baskets, your dad can enjoy perfectly grilled veggies and meat without a skewer. Plus, the basket design allows for easy flipping — he'll feel like a pro even if he's not.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Uncommon Goods
Copper Rain Gauge
Best for the novice meteorologist
This copper rain gauge, or pluviometer, lets you measure the precipitation and see Archimedes’ Principle in action every time it rains. So if you have a dad who just loves talking about the weather (did you hear it’s supposed to rain four inches this Friday?), get this rain gauge so he can indulge his passion.
Opens in a new window
Credit: SodaStream
A sparkling beverage system
Best for sparkling beverage fans
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: Epson
A high-speed photo scanning system
Best for the family historian
For the dad in charge of keeping the family memories digitized, a high-speed photo scanning system makes the task a cinch. This model is the world’s fastest personal photo scanner, with the ability to scan up to 30 photos as quickly as one photo per second. Add to that the fact that you can scan everything wirelessly, the memory keeper of the family will love the efficiency and accessibility of quickly digitizing thousands of photos.
Opens in a new window
Credit: LectroFan
A soothing sound machine
Best for the dad that has trouble sleeping
Give dad the gift of a good night’s rest with a sound machine that uses state of the art technology to generate dynamic, realistic fan sounds, white noises, and ocean sounds to help block intrusive noises. Relax, concentrate, and fall asleep easier. Featuring ten fan sounds, ten white, pink and brown noise, and two variations of ocean noise, this sound machine helps block out disruptive noise and keep dad relaxed. There’s even a headphone connector and portable speaker to match his environment and sleep style.
Opens in a new window
Credit: colsen
A tabletop fire pit
Best for dads who enjoy cozy ambiance
Get the instant ambiance of a real fire with a tabletop fire pit and leave the smoke and clean up behind. This eco-friendly fire pit is easy to light and extinguish. Just be sure to have proper ventilation. Made from temperature-resistant concrete for an enhanced, safe, smokeless, and odor-free experience. The modern, portable designs go with today’s decor and offer an easy way to stage an inviting atmosphere for quiet moments.
Opens in a new window
Credit: MUSE
A meditation headband
Best for the dad who needs to 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: Keter
A side table/cooler combo
Best for the dad who loves to chill
Whether he's lounging by the pool or taking breaks between flipping burgers on the grill, he'll love the convenience of this sleek side table that 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 for his newspaper and morning coffee.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Ray-Ban
Smart sunglasses
Best for the social dad
Maybe he's trying to launch his influencer side hustle, or maybe he just likes to share his life with his friends on "the Facebook" — either way, these genius Ray-Ban Stories sunglasses will keep him well connected. The newest edition of these smart glasses combine the classic style of Ray-Ban Wayfarers with Bluetooth connectivity and a hands-free camera.
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: 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: New Balance
A new pair of sneakers
Best dad shoes for dad
New Balance has perfected the dad shoe, and these walking sneakers are the perfect blend of hip and, well, dad. We're partial to this handsome olive green colorway, but there are tons more options available depending on dad's style (or lack thereof).
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: Osprey
A new outdoor backpack
Best for outdoorsman dads
Did your dad teach you everything you know about hiking and outdoor safety? Us too. Osprey makes high-quality and adventure-ready backpacks that any outdoorsman would be proud to own, like the roomy Daylite Plus.
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: Lodge
A Yellowstone cast-iron skillet
Best for Costner fans
Does your dad love Kevin Costner the TV show "Yellowstone"? He's not the only one. This year, surprise him with this limited-edition Lodge skillet inspired by the hit TV show. It may be a limited-edition, but a Lodge skillet will last a lifetime.
Opens in a new window
Credit: Ivtivfu
Rolling Grill Basket
For the grill master
Cylindrical metal baskets make it easier to grill things that would normally fall through the grates. Vegetables, shrimp, and other seafood can be placed inside, then easily rotated so everything cooks evenly. Sure, you could use skewers — but where's the fun in that?
Opens in a new window
Credit: Wilder Games
A "Hot Ones" board game
For spicing things up
If your dad has ever watched a clip from Sean Evans's YouTube talk show "Hot Ones" and thought, "It can't be THAT spicy," then get him 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: Fitbit
A fitness tracker
Best for high cholesterol dads
Is dad trying to count his steps — or his cholesterol? For Black Friday 2025, you can grab the latest Fitbit fitness trackers at Amazon for as little as $70.
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.
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 two young children, and a backyard full of flowers.
