Life

The best Father's Day gifts that he never knew he needed

There are always better options than a novelty mug.
By Joseph Green and Matt Ford  on 
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Father carrying child on shoulders
Avoid the perils of a cliché gift this year. Credit: pexels

Dads don’t always get the credit they deserve. All too often they’re the butt of jokes about their terrible humour, their poor grip on technology, and haphazard kitchen skills — all of which are sometimes true, of course.

But dads deserve their own day. They are, after all, our dads — some of best, most reliable people in the world. A lot of us wouldn't know how to navigate this tricky thing called life without their expert guidance and support.

Father’s Day exists to show all the dads out there how important they are. And even though he probably insists that you don't have to get him anything, Father's Day is a special opportunity to show your appreciation.

When is Father’s Day in 2023?

Father’s Day this year falls on June 18 in the UK. Grab your calendar, circle the date, and don't forget it.

Fortunately, you still have plenty of time to get your dad the perfect gift — but don’t rest on your laurels and leave it too late. Consider this a friendly warning. We wouldn't want you to forget and cause disappointment. Nobody wants that.

Who is Father’s Day for?

Father's Day is for your dad, of course. But not just for your dad.

Father's Day is a day to celebrate all the father figures in your life: Granddads, uncles, big brothers, step-dads, or anyone else who has stepped up to take on a fatherly role. We're all about spreading the love between father figures this year.

What are the best Father’s Day gifts?

We all know the standard man-gifts — gadgets, beer, shaving accessories, classic DVD box-sets. But no two dads are exactly the same.

Don't play it safe and get him a novelty mug. It's been done before, and it's totally cliché. Make this the year that you get him something he'll actually love. Whether it's a gadget to make his life easier, a sentimental keepsake, or something that you know he wants but refuses to buy for himself. In short, get a gift that suits him perfectly and personally — not a generic gift for a generic dad.

We have tried to make the gift giving process a little easier this year by rounding up a selection of great ideas for Father's Day. We recommend checking out everything that's on offer, because there is something for everyone in this list.

These are the best gift ideas for this Father's Day in 2023.

Ancestry DNA Kit
Credit: Ancestry

Ancestry Kit (opens in a new tab)

Best For Family-Oriented Dads

Make that family bond even stronger by helping your dad discover his family history via Ancestry, the world's largest genealogy website. Not only fascinating, but a way to branch out from the usual gift clichés – introduce your dad to all the branches of the family tree that he never knew existed.

Self-Chilling Beer Glasses (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Need A Drink

Keeping that one special mug in the freezer is such a dad thing to do. These self-chilling pint glasses will make his end-of-the-day drink even more relaxing with freezable inserts to keep drinks cold for 30 minutes. They also have built-in coasters on the bottom. These glasses are a seriously refreshing gift.
Echo Show 10
Credit: Amazon

Amazon Echo Show (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Check In

The latest Echo Show will put all of his tech together on one HD screen. The screen moves around the room, meaning dad can make video calls and stay connected as he goes about the hustle and bustle of family life. He can also watch live TV, call up recipe and DIY videos, monitor the house with built in security, or use Alexa to control smart plugs and lights.
Personalised trophy for dad
Credit: Getting Personal

Getting Personal (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Like A Personal Touch

If you want to give a gift that has a unique or sentimental touch, check out Getting Personal, which offers personalised gifts and cards to put a smile on the face of any and every dad. You’ll find more than 5,000 exclusive ideas and designs to choose from.
Octopus print shirt
Credit: Paul Smith

Snazzy Shirt (opens in a new tab)

Best For Stylish Dads

Nothing says dad shirt like an outrageous pattern. Fortunately, the style is bang on-trend right now. As you can see from this shirt by Paul Smith, one of the top menswear fashion designers. Perfect for a dad who loves his clothes and still has some of that youthful vibrancy — or needs a bit of colour in his life.

Nike Shoes (opens in a new tab)

Best For Streetwise Dads

Trendy dads would love a pair of blindingly box-fresh Nike Air Max. These red Golf editions are some of the sharpest sneaks on the block right now. Not only are they classically stylish — with a retro touch — but supremely comfortable thanks to Nike’s always-excellent craftsmanship.

Classic PlayStation Mini (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Never Grew Up

Does your dad go on about the good old days when all he had was a lump of coal, an orange, and the OG PlayStation? This mini PS will bring those memories flooding back in all their 32-bit glory. It comes packed with 20 old school games. Includes two controllers so you can wipe the floor with him at Tekken 3.
Eufy RoboVac
Credit: Anker

Robot Vacuum (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Hate Cleaning

Whether he's super clean or still living like a messy teenager – or just the kind of bloke who loves gadgets – your dad won't say no to his own robot vacuum. The Eufy RoboVac is controlled via smartphone, so Dad can schedule cleanings or let it roam free to find dirt, pet hair, and other debris.
Ted Baker Leather wallet
Credit: Ted Baker

Leather Wallet (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Splurge

Dads who splash out must be protected at all costs. They’re worth their weight in pocket money. Why not treat him with one of the absolute dad-essentials – a leather wallet. Ted Baker wallets are the definition of classy — Dad will feel special every time he whips it out. Slide a picture of yourself in there to remind him who the favourite child is.
Electric pizza oven
Credit: Ariete

Electric Pizza Oven (opens in a new tab)

Best For Foodie Dads

The barbecue is last century’s news. Now every day wants to be master of the pizza. Get him started with this electric pizza oven — a great introduction to pizza-making at home. It replicates the method of wood-fire ovens, giving his pizzas that authentic taste. Not only that, it doubles up as a general electric cooker. Dad can make you to all sorts of tasty treats.
Fuel24 reusable water bottle
Credit: Fuel24

Reusable Water Bottle (opens in a new tab)

Best For Gym-Going Dads

Help dad stay hydrated during those all-important workouts with a reusable water bottle — while helping to cut down on plastic and preventing a recycling bin overflow. This bottle is made to be super-strong, constructed with extra-flex material, and comes with either a pop cap or straw cap. Choose the one that suits dad's workout style best.
Fitness smartwatch
Credit: Tensky

Smartwatch (opens in a new tab)

Best For Timely Dads

It’s time to give your dad a watch upgrade. Thos watch from Tensky is one the most popular models in the lower price range. It's geared towards fitness and has all kinds of tracking and stats, including. heart rate and sleep monitoring, plus 60 sports modes built-in. Dad can easily stay in touch too with call and messaging features.
Gilette Razor Set
Credit: Gilette

Razor Subscription (opens in a new tab)

Best For Groomed Dad

Gillette isn't just the best a man can get but the best a dad can get too – especially a dad who's prone to letting that stubble get out of hand. Dad will get a starter kit absolutely free. He just needs to tell them which type of blades he prefers and how often he wants a top-up.

Star Wars T-Shirt (opens in a new tab)

Best For Star Wars-Obsessed Dads

He is your father — literally. Any Star Wars-loving dads will appreciate this geek-tastic jumper, which reimagines Bohemian Rhapsody with your favourite Sith Lords. Hey, it’s a great gift for dads who love Queen too. It’s worth joining the Dark Side for this tee.
Man applying sunscreen
Credit: Jack Black

Daily Wear Sunscreen (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Like The Sun

Dads are more spruced-up than ever before. But if he needs a helping hand with his five-step routine, daily sunscreen is a start. It helps protect against ageing and UV rays. This double-duty moisturiser and SPF 20 sunscreen is ideal for daily use, but can also be used for days in the garden or on the beach.
An iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad charging
Credit: Belkin

Apple Device Charger (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads On Team Apple

Some dads are more obsessed with Apple gadgets than the kids. If that sounds familiar, free him from that drawer full of tangled cords with the Belkin Boost Up dock. It's a 3-in-1 organiser that uses an iPhone lightning cable and a built-in magnetic module for the Apple Watch. Includes USB for additional charging.

Ring Video Doorbell (opens in a new tab)

Best For Security Conscious Dads

If your dad’s into home security, or he's often away on business, he can keep an eye on his home with the a smart video doorbell. It provides instant access to the device’s camera via a phone or device. Any time motion is detected at the door, dad gets a notification – even when he's not at home.

Personalised Money Clip (opens in a new tab)

Best For Cash-Carrying Dads

Let dad carry a piece of you wherever he goes with a money clip featuring a personalised note. This Etsy shop allows you to create a one-of-a-kind clip with a note of your choosing — it can even be in your handwriting. Make it sentimental with a classic "I love you," keep it simple with your name, or add an inside joke.
XXL beer dispenser
Credit: Goods & Gadgets

Beer Dispenser (opens in a new tab)

Best For Beer-Drinking Dads

Help your beer connoisseur of a father bring the party wherever he goes with this XXL 4 litre beer tower. It's more than just a novelty gift. It keeps beer cool — just add the ice cooling element — and it has a party-tastic LED light system. If beer’s not dad’s thing, it will hold any of his favourite drinks.
Two iPad Air devices
Credit: Apple

iPad Air (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Creative Dad

Whether your dad likes to read, browse, or watch YouTube, it's better on an super-sharp iPad than a tiny phone screen. He’ll be psyched to have the latest iPad Air, especially if he's into drawing or graphic design (grab the Apple Pencil while you're at it). It weighs next to nothing and lasts for 10 hours on a single charge, so he can take it everywhere.
Hydroponic herb garden
Credit: Yoocaa

Indoor Herb Garden (opens in a new tab)

Best For Green-Fingered Dads

How would your dad like a low-maintenance allotment? After all, we all like to eat organic. A hydroponic growing system will give dad a personal urban garden right in his kitchen, even during the cold seasons. Replacement pods are cheap, with strawberries, tomatoes, and more on the menu.
Laser distance meter
Credit: RockSeed

Laser Meter (opens in a new tab)

Best For DIY-Doing Dads

If your dad is a DIY enthusiast or has get the toolbox out once in a while (whether he wants to or not), a laser meter will come in handy. Instead of wasting time with a floppy tape measure, all he has to do is point the device at a wall to get the room's dimensions right on the screen. This model has all the hi-tech features and covers a distance of 50 metres.
Echo Dot
Credit: Amazon

Echo Dot (opens in a new tab)

Best For Non Tech-Savvy Dads

The new-look Echo Dot is the pal that your dad never knew he needed. Alexa is on hand to help organise his day-to-day life, search online, or play his favourite old school tunes. Dad can also use it to control smart home features such as the lights and smart doorbell, or set timers and use it as a household intercom. It puts dad in total control.
Ralph Lauren shirt
Credit: Ralph Lauren

Designer Shirt (opens in a new tab)

Best For Office-Based Dads

Crafted from smooth cotton blend into a relaxed silhouette shaped with a classic collar, a Ralph Lauren shirt combines two elements that every suited-and-booted dad wants from formalwear — unparalleled comfort and the crisp look of the traditional dress style. It's like dad himself: Smart but effortlessly stylish.
Nespresso coffee machine
Credit: Nespresso

Personal Espresso Maker (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Need A Boost

Parenting is the single most tiring job in the world so for many dads, coffee is the elixir of life. If dad’s going to get coffee’d up, he wants to do it in style. The Nespresso VertuoPlus makes coffee for five different cup sizes with hi-end brewing tech and one-touch operation. It's cheaper and faster than Starbucks. It also comes with 12 flavour capsules.
Breakfast sandwich maker
Credit: Aigostar

Breakfast Sandwich Toaster (opens in a new tab)

Best For Busy Dads

What dad doesn’t want to start the day with a sandwich packed with egg, bacon, and other breakfast food brilliance? Save him some time (and money) on busy mornings with this breakfast sandwich maker. He'll be able to skip the McDonalds drive-thru and start his morning off right – and full. It's not limited to breakfast either. It does the lot.
Christmas Decoration Organiser
Credit: Zober

Christmas Decoration Organiser (opens in a new tab)

Best For Festive Dads

One of the undisputed traditions of Christmas is that it’s dad’s job to get the decorations from the attic and pack them away again once the festive season’s over. Make his job not just easier but a genuine joy with his handy bauble organiser. It’s safe and secure, with 64 individual compartments and a zip-up top.
Fire Stick
Credit: Amazon

Fire TV Stick 4K (opens in a new tab)

Best For Boxset-Happy Dads

No 21st Century dad wants to be stuck with the regular broadcast channels and repeats of Friends. The Amazon Fire TV Stick keeps apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video all in one, easy-to-navigate place — and it’s all in glorious hi-definition. Dad will get the hang of it in seconds, whether he's tech-savvy or not.
Slow cooker
Credit: Crock-Pot

Slow Cooker (opens in a new tab)

Best For Home-Cooking Dads

Casseroles and hearty stews are always popular with dads, and this slow cooker will definitely make him happy. Set the cooking time from 30 minutes to 20 hours, and the auto keep-warm feature means his favourite dish is ready when he is. Available in various sizes, with an optional vacuum sealer extra.
Portable power bank
Credit: Leo Way

Waterproof Portable Charger (opens in a new tab)

Best For Outdoorsy Dads

No one likes being left out in the wilderness (or, let’s be honest, just down the street) with a dead phone battery. This external battery pack is solar-powered and waterproof, with multiple outputs for charging multiple devices at once. It will charge a smartphone up to five times. With a built-in LED torch.
Digital picture frame
Credit: Pix Star

Digital Picture Frame (opens in a new tab)

Best For Nostalgic Dads

Documenting the family's existence is one of many jobs that parents do. And though framing physical photos is a thing of the past, this 10-inch digital frame by Pix-Star will swipe through 10 GB's worth of his photos, giving each one its moment. With email and app connectivity, plus a motion sensor.
Cocktail set
Credit: Godmorn

Cocktail Kit (opens in a new tab)

Best For Wannabe Mixologists

Your dad has always fancied himself as Tom Cruise in Cocktail. He might not have said it out loud but believe us, it's true. Whether or not he can actually make a decent cocktail is another story altogether. With this 15-piece home cocktail making set, he's sure to impress friends, family, and fellow drinkers.
Hardshell carry-on case
Credit: Level8

Hardshell Luggage (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Travel A Lot

Maybe he travels for work, maybe he's just really into holidays — either way, any frequent flyer dad needs a suitcase that can keep his stuff safe and withstand some wear and tear. This upright case is designed carry-on — tough and roomy but also compact at just 50cm in length. With TSA-approved locks.
Infrared neck massager
Credit: Nekteck

Neck Massager (opens in a new tab)

Best For Stressed Dads

Your dad is stressed and achy. He might soldier on heroically, but it’s part and parcel of fatherhood. This Necktek Shiatsu massager will soothe his neck and back with heat and a deep tissue kneading pillow that mimics a real-life massage. Dad can use it sat around at home, at his desk, or in the car.
Wine purifying filter
Credit: üllo

Wine preserver (opens in a new tab)

Best For Particular Dads

If he's tired of being the lone beer drinker at his friends' wine and cheese parties, this preserver may change his mind about supping on vino. Üllo aerates vino to highlight the natural flavours of every glass while getting rid of the sulfites that cause headaches — because we all know how hangovers get worse with age.

Classic Turntable (opens in a new tab)

Best For Old School Dads

There’s nothing like spinning some old school records — and parents never tire of telling the young ‘uns that tunes aren’t as good as they used to be. This Sony turntable will be music to dad’s ears. It connects to Bluetooth speakers and has regular sound outputs too. Includes two speeds and three gain modes.
Amazon Audible logo
Credit: Amazon

Amazon Audible (opens in a new tab)

Best For Multitasking Dads

Not every dad has time to relax with a book. So he’ll appreciate plugging into the biggest selection of audiobooks in the world – whether he’s driving, running, or commuting. Audible includes titles from best-selling authors, plus original stories. He'll get a credit each month to pick a new title, and his library can be accessed on iOS, Android, Echo, and more.
Ninja air fryer
Credit: Ninja

Air Fryer (opens in a new tab)

Best For Healthy Dads

Life is too short to stress over a diet. An air fryer will let him make dad’s favourite foods without the guilt. Using almost no oil — in fact, up to 75% less fat than traditional cooking — dad can make anything from salmon to pizza to a plate of chips. This model from Ninja has six cooking functions, including roast, dehydrate, and reheat.

Personalised Chopping Board (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Cook

Father's Day falls at such a convenient time — it's BBQ season, baby. If dad's been waiting all year to break out his shiny grill and patio furniture, deck out his favourite space with this personalised cutting board. It's guaranteed to make him feel special, and you'll probably get a free meal out of it.
Photo of Joseph Green
Joseph Green
Shopping Editor

Joseph joined Mashable as the UK Shopping Editor in 2018. He worked for a number of print publications before making the switch to the glittery world of digital media, and now writes about everything from coffee machines to VPNs.

Mashable Image
Matt Ford

Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.


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