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50 Best Gifts for Dad (No Matter What He Says About Not Wanting Anything)

He really deserves the best!

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Let me guess, your dad is once again saying that he doesn’t want anything but the love of his children for his birthday, Christmas or Father's Day. I say the same thing, so I can confirm that he’s not being entirely honest. The truth is, we like it when the people we love pick out cool dad presents that speak to our passions, whether that’s golfing, grilling, traveling or style.

We’ve pored through reviews and put products to the test to bring you the best gifts for dads in 2025. If he loves a good home improvement project, we found the most amazing magnetic wristband that will hold all the nails and screws he’s working with. There's also a fill-in-the-blank book for you and the kiddo(s) to document exactly how much he means to the family. For the outdoorsy dad, we’ve included things such as a phone holder for his bike and a rad mystery blind box of fishing essentials.

No matter what type of dad he is, you can still find something he'll actually use and appreciate on this list.

AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit

Amazon’s Choice
AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit

If a baby of his own has made him curious about his lineage, gift him a DNA test kit that'll tell him everything from his ancestral origins to his DNA matches, broken down by their parental side. One reviewer writes, "It sparked great conversations with my family and gave me a deeper sense of where I come from. Highly recommend for anyone curious about their roots."

Keeping up with the kiddos is great for the heart, but not always great for the body. He can work out knots and achy muscles with this foam roller that has a mix of firm and flat ridges to help treat muscles. He can use it on his back, calves, thighs and more.

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Vibration Massage Seat Cushion

On Sale
Vibration Massage Seat Cushion

One of the harsh realities of fatherhood, and aging in general, is the many aches and pains in muscles and joints Dad previously didn’t know he possessed. This massage seat cushion may just be your sore dad’s favorite gift this year. In addition to vibration, it offers soothing heat, which is something Dad will truly appreciate.

Over 10,000 Shoppers Bought Last Month

Tile by Life360 Mate Bluetooth Tracker

On Sale
by Life360 Mate Bluetooth Tracker

If he's always forgetting where he put his car keys, he can set up this tracker with his phone so that he can locate them every time. You can easily attach it to keys, bags or water bottles.

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'Monday Night Mocktails' Recipe Book

On Sale
'Monday Night Mocktails' Recipe Book

Many younger parents are opting to ditch drinking as a way to save money and be more present with their kids, turning to colorful, tasty mocktails as an alternative. This recipe book is a must-own for the sober-curious generation or those simply seeking a tasty beverage. There are 52 mocktail recipes in all — one to try each week of the year.

GH Best seller

Fanlory 12-inch Screen Magnifier

12-inch Screen Magnifier
Credit: Amazon

Probably every dad is known for extending his phone out as far as he can so he can get a clearer picture of what's on the screen. This screen amplifier acts sort of like a phone projector screen, and it's compatible with Androids and iPhones.

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'The New York Times' Custom Birthday Book

'The New York Times' Custom Birthday Book

There’s no chance Dad remembers what was happening on the day he was born, or many of his subsequent birthdays, but with this customized The New York Times Birthday Book, he’ll have the front page of the newspaper from every single one of his birthdays. He can pore over it for hours of info. You can even add on a magnifying glass for an additional $40, so he can read the tiny print.

Baseus Portable Charger

On Sale
Portable Charger
Now 39% Off
Credit: Baseus

Compatible exclusively with Apple devices, this power bank attaches magnetically for easy phone charging, providing 1.3 charges at minimum for your cell. Charge wirelessly or connect a USB-C outlet for a corded supply.

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Lalabu Dad Bonding Shirt

Dad Bonding Shirt

For the new dad, gift him a shirt that'll bring him closer to his baby — literally. This T-shirt features a kangaroo-style pouch in the front for hands-free carrying. Per the brand, it's also certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and can support babies up to 15 pounds.

OUI the People Prebiotic Body Lotion

On Sale
Prebiotic Body Lotion

Packed with vitamin C and jojoba seed oil, this daily moisturizer from OUI the People is so light, he'll barely notice he's wearing it. It's formulated to brighten and soothe dry skin. It's also unscented.

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Portable Charger for Apple Watch

Portable Charger for Apple Watch

Smartwatch owners will be familiar with the experience of their device dying halfway through the day. It's an inevitable occurrence. Gift him this portable Apple Watch charger to remedy the situation. It's easy to use and charges quickly, offering 2-3 full charges before needing a battery re-up.

BBQ Net Tubes

Amazon’s Choice
BBQ Net Tubes
Credit: Mancola

Dad is going to love grilling asparagus, bell peppers, onions and more in these brilliant grilling baskets that act like a DIY rotisserie. This pack includes three different size tubes, two forks and three hooks. Best of all: It's all dishwasher-safe!

RELATED: Cool Gifts for Dads Who Say They Have Everything They Need

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Dad’s Ice Cream Shovel

On Sale
Dad’s Ice Cream Shovel
Now 30% Off
Credit: CherHome

Shopping with a small budget? It doesn’t get much more affordable than this extremely handy shovel to humorously enable dad’s ice cream habit. Maybe get him a pint of his favorite flavor to go with it.

POWERUP Smartphone Airplane Kit

Smartphone Airplane Kit

This isn't just any old airplane kit. This model is made of paper and easily connects to his smartphone, so he can fly the plane in real-time like a true pilot. It can master loops, barrel rolls, hammerheads and more.

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MEATER Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer

Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer

Our friends at Esquire recommended this gadget as a top gift for dad because it can sense both internal and external temperatures, helping him cook his cut of choice to perfection.

Funny T-Shirt

Funny T-Shirt

Make Dad laugh out loud with this car-themed shirt that highlights just how "vintage" he really is. It's made of a soft cotton-poly blend and is available in 10 different dad-approved colors as well as big and tall sizes.

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'The Book of Unusual Knowledge'

Best Seller
'The Book of Unusual Knowledge'

If he gets a thrill from learning something new, this book is the gift for him. It's filled with random facts he'd be happy to share at dinner — think interesting details about everything from movies to animals.

4.8/5 Star Rating

Pickleball Paddle Set

On Sale
Pickleball Paddle Set
Now 43% Off
Credit: MTEN

This cool pickleball set has everything Dad needs to volley with a friend or fellow dad. It comes with two paddles and four balls, plus two rolls of grip tape and a bag to carry it all in.

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LED Sports & Stock Ticker

LED Sports & Stock Ticker
Credit: PANELFI

The coolest gadget for Dad's basement, garage or office shows real-time sports scores, betting odds, stock prices, weather forecasts, trivia or more on a well-lit LED screen. It uses WiFi and can be personalized to his liking through an app.

RELATED: The Best Electronics Gifts

Two-Way Radios for Adults

Two-Way Radios for Adults
Credit: Topsung

It doesn't matter how old he is, he'll feel like a kid again with this cool two-pack of walkie-talkies. But they’re not just a novelty or gag; if he hikes or takes cruises, they'll be essential for communicating with his partner or kids when a cell signal is hard to come by.

Headshot of Jeff Bogle
Jeff Bogle
Freelance Writer

Jeff is a dad of two daughters, an avid traveler, a photographer, an author and a freelance writer who lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and their cats. In addition to Good Housekeeping, he's written for Parents, Fodor's, Food and Wine, Real Simple and Reader’s Digest, among other print and online publications. Jeff is the publisher of the quarterly literary magazine, Stanchion, and his book, Streets Cats and Where to Find Them, will be published by Running Press in the Summer of 2025.

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