Gifts for Moms, Dads, and Grads
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Robot Vacuums

Unique gift ideas for Dad that are way better than a tie

Unless he truly loves ties. Then that's OK.
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.
Collage of product photos from BrüMate, Harry's, Amazon, and Therabody.
Credit: mashable photo composite / BrüMate / harry's / amazon / therabody

If you've Googled "gifts for dad," you've likely been greeted with an overwhelming number of whiskey stones and knives. But do dads even like those? What about the dads who are fed up with the constraints of toxic masculinity? What about the dads who just want some pampering?

Whatever the occasion that has you looking for dad gifts (Father's Day, for example), stray away from clichés and try to think outside the box. Unless your dad(opens in a new tab) is an avid tie collector and seriously *lives* for ties, then avoid this played-out gift. Instead, get him something that says, “I see your hobbies and I respect them."

Even if your dad is hard to shop for, he deserves something cool and special, like a new gadget, a subscription box, or something that will keep him looking ageless for years to come.

Remember that a gift doesn't have to fit some sort of arbitrary dad stereotype for it to be a good fit for your dad. Here are some ideas.

A Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe hanging in a bathroom.
Credit: BROOKLINEN

A Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Homebody

Every guy needs a good robe in their lives — which means it should be an investment that will last, not something cheap that will eventually fall apart in the wash. If your dad enjoys spending time at home more than he likes hitting the town for a night out, Brooklinen's Super-Plush Robe will ensure that his homebody self is feeling comfortable and luxurious at all times.
A person holding a new Kindle Paperwhite.
Credit: AMAZON

A new Kindle Paperwhite (opens in a new tab)

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 that'll last up to 10 weeks per charge. It also comes with four months of Kindle Unlimited for free.
A shiatsu foot massager on a white background.
Credit: BELMINT

A shiatsu foot massager (opens in a new tab)

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.
The Smooth Sailor skincare set on a white background.
Credit: LUCKY BASTARD CO.

The Smooth Sailor skincare set (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Skincare-obsessed Dad

Lucky Bastard Co. offers a unique line of premium, all-natural skincare products without all of the harmful chemicals found in traditional men's care products. This all-in-one kit gets Pops some lip balm, sunscreen, and a candle that smells like the woods.

A Peel case (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Minimalist Dad

iPhones look great without a phone case, but keeping yours bare opens you up to a pretty disastrous risk — unless you have Peel. The ultra-thin phone case wraps snugly around your smartphone, protecting it from the outside world (all while maintaining the integrity and sleek look of your device). Throw in a screen protector to boot and stay worry-free.

Tile Bluetooth trackers (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Dad Who Always Loses His Keys

Give Dad the gift of *not* frantically searching for keys before leaving for work. The Tile Pro attaches easily to a key ring, but he can stick it in or on almost anything he wishes to make find-able: wallets, luggage...pets? When something is lost, he can use the phone app to track it down. And if his phone is lost, the Tile Pro can make it ring even on silent.
Two people holding an AncestryDNA kit.
Credit: ANCESTRY

An AncestryDNA kit (opens in a new tab)

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.
Two Fitbit Luxes on a black and white background.
Credit: FITBIT

A Fitbit Luxe (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Couch-to-5k Dad

In the days of yore, there were only very bulky fitness trackers. But the lower-profile design of the sleek new Fitbit Luxe is perfect for the dad who goes from work to workout to play without much time for a full costume change. (This one still looks good with a suit!)
Person holding a portable projector from Anker.
Credit: ANKER

A portable projector (opens in a new tab)

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.
A AUDIO-TECHNICA bluetooth-enabled turntable on a table.
Credit: AUDIO-TECHNICA

A Bluetooth-enabled turntable (opens in a new tab)

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.
Person holding their phone with a Headspace subscription on a colorful background.
Credit: HEADSPACE

A Headspace subscription (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Dad Who Needs A Breather

If your dad has trouble sleeping or just needs a minute or two to himself, consider giving him the gift of meditation. Headspace's gentle audio guidance is perfect for folks who have never practiced before.
A smart sprinkler controller from Rachio.
Credit: RACHIO

A smart sprinkler controller (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dad Who Loves His Garden

Maintaining a pristine lawn requires time, attention to detail, and money. The Rachio 3 can help with all three. Once installed, Dad will be able to use his phone to control his sprinkler system — whether that's making schedules or starting an impromptu watering session while he's at work — with options for skipping or changing patterns when it's raining, windy, or super cold.

Bose noise-canceling headphones (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Music-loving Dad

If your dad has not yet invested in his own noise-canceling headphones, you're about to become his hero — gift him a pair to fill his commutes and flights with newfound peace and quiet.
Cookies from Cheryl's.
Credit: CHERYL'S

Cheryl's Cookies (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Dad With A Sweet Tooth

No matter the occasion, cookies make a great gift. Your dad can rip into them immediately; plus, you might even be able to snag one for yourself. Cheryl's Cookies offers a variety of cookies and other treats, with gluten-free, sugar-free, and kosher options.
A smart light kit from Philips on a white background.
Credit: PHILIPS

A smart light kit (opens in a new tab)

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 bulbs screw into standard sockets and can be operated through a regular switch, a phone app, or smart assistant commands.

A Yeti insulated tumbler (opens in a new tab)

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.
Person using a massage gun from Therabody to massage muscles.
Credit: THERABODY

A massage gun (opens in a new tab)

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 Elite model comes with five different head attachments, which are designed for different parts of the body.
A carbonated growler on a table.
Credit: GROWLERWERKS

A carbonated growler (opens in a new tab)

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.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38s (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Runner

Help your dad exercise in style with a pair of Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38s. These ultra-breathable running shoes are lightweight but supportive and feature a wider fit at the toes for comfort. They come in regular and extra-wide sizes and in 16 different colors; you can also custom design a pair specially for your pops.
A Philips SmartSleep on a bedside table.
Credit: PHILIPS

A Philips SmartSleep (opens in a new tab)

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.
A Heatgene towel-warming rack in a bathroom.
Credit: HEATGENE

A towel-warming rack (opens in a new tab)

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.
Person writing in a Moleskine notebook.
Credit: MOLESKINE

A Moleskine notebook (opens in a new tab)

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 nine different colors and six sizes, and you can even choose its pages' layout.
An Amazon Prime membership on a blue background.
Credit: AMAZON

An Amazon Prime membership (opens in a new tab)

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.
"World Travel: An Irreverent Guide" by Anthony Bourdain.
Credit: HARPERCOLLINS

"World Travel: An Irreverent Guide" (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Wordly 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.
Baseball park map glasses on a table.
Credit: UNCOMMON GOODS

Baseball park map glasses (opens in a new tab)

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.
A Harry's shaving set on a yellow background.
Credit: HARRY'S

A Harry's shaving set (opens in a new tab)

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.)
Doctor Rogers restore healing balm on a marble background.
Credit: DOCTOR ROGERS

Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Need Skincare Help

All-in-one products get a bad rep in the men’s beauty sphere. But when a product really can cure a multitude of woes, we think that’s something to celebrate. This restorative balm from Doctor Rogers can be used to bring new life to Dad’s skin, lips, and nails. It also works as a burn remedy and can even be used as a balm for healing new tattoos.
Person typing and working on their computer.
Credit: PEXELS

A useful online course (opens in a new tab)

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.
A plant mister on a table.
Credit: OFFIDIX

A plant mister (opens in a new tab)

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.
Apple AirPods on a white background.
Credit: APPLE

Apple AirPods (opens in a new tab)

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. He can jam out while on a run or listen to his favorite podcast while cooking, and the wireless charging case is a lifesaver.
Person using a telescope from Celestron.
Credit: CELESTRON

A telescope (opens in a new tab)

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.
A backyard game from Kan Jam.
Credit: KAN JAM

A backyard game (opens in a new tab)

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.
An insulated can cooler from BRÜMATE.
Credit: BRÜMATE

An insulated can cooler (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Miller Lite Lover

He might be on the beach, in the woods, or on the front porch — but he's got a beer that needs to stay cool. The bestselling BrüMate Hopsulator is a stainless steel insulated koozie that's said to keep 12-ounce cans chilled for 20 times longer than standard neoprene coolers. Plus, it comes in a whopping 29 different colors.
Dog playing with a Petcube Bites 2 Lite.
Credit: PETCUBE

A Petcube Bites 2 Lite (opens in a new tab)

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.

A portable Bluetooth speaker (opens in a new tab)

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.
Two wallets from Fossil on a colorful background.
Credit: FOSSIL

A new wallet, damn it (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Dad Who Never Shops For Himself

If he’s had his wallet since before you can remember, give him a gentle hint that it’s time to move on. This leather option from Fossil features that beloved bifold shape he's used to and has storage space for all the essentials. Because it’s such a classic style, he’ll be able to keep using it for years (and years and years) to come.
A Herschel duffle bag on a white background.
Credit: HERSCHEL

A Herschel duffle bag (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads Who Pack Light

Whether he travels for work or likes to make spontaneous family visits, he'll need a reliable bag for the times a bulky suitcase isn't appropriate. Herschel's ultra-functional Novel Duffle is a weekender bag that comes in a variety of colors and features a dedicated compartment for his shoes.
Kabobs in metal baskets on a grill.
Credit: Uncommon Goods

Kabob Grilling Baskets (opens in a new tab)

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.
Copper Rain Gauge in a garden.
Credit: Uncommon Goods

Copper Rain Gauge (opens in a new tab)

Best For The Rain Enthusiast

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.
Walabot DIY 2 on a white background.
Credit: Walabot

Walabot DIY 2 (opens in a new tab)

Best For DIY Dads

If your dad has an Android or iOS smartphone, he can use this smart wall scanner to basically have X-ray vision on his drywall or concrete. He'll be able to see up to four inches into the wall and pinpoint pipes, studs, wires and, yes, even the horrifying movement of rodents.
Spärkel Beverage System on a white background.
Credit: Spärkel

A sparkling beverage system (opens in a new tab)

Best For Sparkling Beverage Fans

Spärkel allows dad to infuse the delicious tastes of natural ingredients without a CO2 tank. There is no need to be tech-savvy; you or your dad can effortlessly infuse water, tea, juice, wine, fruits, and fresh herbs to create boozy cocktails and family-friendly mocktails. With the emphasis on 'easy-to-use', pour Carbonators into the Beverage System and watch the bubbles work their way up through your bottle to fizz up your drink. There are five levels to fit your taste — light fizz or serious bubbles? Get the perfect combination every time.
Yodeling Pickle on a white background.
Credit: Archie McPhee

A yodeling pickle (opens in a new tab)

Best For Dads That Like A Good Joke

Dad is sure to get a laugh out of this goofy gift idea. A plastic, yodeling pickle! Batteries are included, so he can enjoy the sweet serenade right out of the box. With the push of a button he’ll feel like he’s been transported to the Swiss Alps.
Epson FastFoto FF-680W Wireless High-Speed Photo and Document Scanning System on a white background.
Credit: Epson

A high-speed photo scanning system (opens in a new tab)

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.
LectroFan Evo White Noise Sound Machine on a white background.
Credit: LectroFan

A soothing sound machine (opens in a new tab)

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.
Colsen Tabletop Rubbing Alcohol Fireplace on a table.
Credit: colsen

A tabletop fire pit (opens in a new tab)

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.

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Dana Froome is a Production Associate at Mashable where she works on Snapchat Discover, Mashable Reels, and AMP Stories. Prior to this, she was a consultant at Maybelline New York and an intern at MarieClaire.com and Cosmopolitan.com.


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