Dad Gifts - The Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Dad Gifts: Because He "Doesn’t Need Anything" (But We Know Better!)

Ah, dads. The mysterious, cargo-short-wearing, remote-control-hoarding creatures of our lives. The men who swear they don’t want anything for their birthday, Father’s Day, or Christmas—yet will absolutely hold onto a broken lawnmower for 15 years “just in case.”

If you’re reading this, you’re probably struggling with the age-old question: What do you get a dad who claims he already has everything? Fear not, because we’ve cracked the dad-gift code! From practical picks to the delightfully ridiculous, we’ve got something for every type of dad.

1. The Classic “Dad Joke” Enthusiast

Does your dad think he’s the funniest man alive? Does he drop puns so bad that even the dog groans? Then it’s time to fuel his comedic empire with a dad joke book! Imagine his joy as he adds new material to his already punishingly bad repertoire:

• “Why do cows have hooves instead of feet? Because they lactose.”
• “I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes. She gave me a hug.”

If you’re feeling extra generous, get him a personalised mug that says “Best Dad Jokes – No Refunds” so he can sip his coffee with pride while torturing everyone at the breakfast table.

2. The “I’ll Fix It” Dad (Even When It’s Clearly Beyond Repair)

Every household has that dad—the one who believes that duct tape is a legitimate form of home improvement. If yours is the type to confidently proclaim, “I can fix that” while standing in front of a literal fire, then he needs a survival tool kit.

Think multi-tools, magnetic wristbands for screws (because the floor is a screw’s natural habitat), or even a personalised measuring tape—because let’s be real, he’s definitely been eyeballing those measurements this whole time, or why not our "If Dad Can't Fix It" mug?

And if you really want to test his skills, get him a DIY project that’s deliberately complicated. A ship in a bottle? A 3D puzzle of the Millennium Falcon? Watch as he insists he can do it without the instructions and then spends six hours in deep contemplation.  

3. The BBQ King (Or So He Claims)

If your dad thinks grilling is a competitive sport, then he deserves some high-quality BBQ gear. A new set of engraved grilling tools will make him feel like a true pitmaster, even if he’s just burning hot dogs.

Or, if he’s truly dedicated to his craft, how about a smoker box for the grill? This will allow him to infuse everything (and we mean everything) with that perfect smoky flavor. Just be prepared for him to go on a 45-minute monologue about “hickory vs. mesquite.”

Bonus: If you really want to mess with him, buy a vegetarian BBQ cookbook and watch his face do that thing where he’s trying to be polite but also deeply disturbed.

4. The Tech-Savvy (or Tech-Challenged) Dad

There are two types of dads when it comes to technology:

1. The ones who have every gadget known to man and somehow need another smart home device.
2. The ones who still don’t understand the concept of “streaming” and think Netflix is a DVD rental service.

If your dad is in the first group, get him a smart gadget he doesn’t have yet—maybe a smart mug that keeps his coffee warm or a digital tape measure (so he can finally get precise dimensions on that bookshelf he’s been “about to build” for five years).

If he’s in the second group, consider a universal remote to simplify his life. Or go full chaos mode and get him a virtual reality headset, just to see his reaction when he finds himself inside a digital world.

And don’t forget to schedule a mandatory Tech Support with Dad session where he asks you the same three questions:

1. “What’s my password again?”
2. “Can you make it stop doing that thing?”
3. “Why do I need a subscription for this?”

5. The Fashionably… Challenged Dad

If your dad still wears a T-shirt from a company picnic in 1998, it’s time for an intervention. Help him upgrade his wardrobe with a funny yet stylish T-Shirt—something like:

• “Father of an Amazing Daughter”
• “Super Dad”
• "This is what an awesome Dad Looks Like"

Or, if he’s bold enough to embrace new fashion trends, introduce him to the luxury of a bathrobe. A plush, monogrammed robe will instantly transform him into the king of the house, though be prepared for him to dramatically refer to himself as “His Majesty” for weeks.

6. The Sentimental Softie

Some dads like to pretend they’re tough, but deep down, they’re big ol’ softies. If your dad tears up at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life, then go for a personalized gift—something that hits him right in the feels.

A customized photo book filled with family memories, a handwritten letter, or even a “Best Dad” trophy (because he totally deserves one) will make him all misty-eyed.

And if you want to go the extra mile, get him a star map of the night you were born—so he can see exactly what the sky looked like the day he officially became your dad. Just be prepared for him to tell this story at every family gathering for the rest of eternity.

7. The “I Don’t Need Anything” Dad

Ah yes, the classic dad response: “I don’t need anything.” Sir, with all due respect, we both know that’s not true.

For the dad who swears he wants nothing, go for something fun yet practical. A high-quality wallet (because his current one is held together by sheer willpower), a subscription box (so he gets a little surprise every month), or even just a gift card to his favorite restaurant will do the trick.

Or, if all else fails, get him a gift labeled “Nothing”—a gag box that’s literally empty. Watch as he laughs, shakes his head, and then immediately follows it up with a dad joke about “finally getting what he asked for.”

Final Thoughts: The Best Gift for Dad? A Good Laugh

At the end of the day, dads are simple creatures. They love a good joke, a practical gift, and above all, spending time with their favorite people (even if they’ll never admit it outright).

So whatever you get him—whether it’s a fancy gadget or just a heartfelt card—make sure to pair it with a big laugh and a warm hug. After all, the best gift a dad can receive is knowing he’s appreciated (and maybe a really nice steak).

Now go forth, armed with the knowledge of Dad Giftology, and make this the best gift-giving season yet!