Fathers share their preferences for Father's Day gifts, as queried.
Turning the Tide on Traditional Gift-Giving: Understanding What Today's Dads Truly Desire
Shopping for gifts for the modern father can be a complex task. Many dads are reluctant to express their desires, often responding with "I don't want anything" when asked. To unravel the enigma of Father's Day shopping, we tapped into the wisdom of our dedicated team of writers and editors, who shared the surprising preferences and desires of their own dads.
From practical picks to thoughtful splurges, this collection of gifts ranges from the ideal selection for the new dad to the seasoned pro, the "cool dad," and the father figure who's always stood by your side.
Hedley & Bennett Grateful Dead Steal Your Face Chef's Knife
The search for the perfect Father's Day gift for a Grateful Dead-loving chef ends here. For the dad with a passion for cooking and a penchant for the iconic band, this Hedley & Bennett Grateful Dead Steal Your Face Chef's Knife is the ideal gift, as suggested by Gabriella Triolo, a social coordinator.
Priced at $185, this functional and stylish knife is sure to earn a smile from the foodie in your life.
$185 at Hedley & Bennett
50% off Women's Versacore Speed Hiking Shoes
Adventurous dads will appreciate these hiking shoes, which offer all-terrain support and a breathable design. Nordstrom Rack carries these versatile shoes at a reduced price, making them an affordable yet thoughtful choice.
Marmot Men's PreCip Eco Rain Jacket
For the dad who loves cycling and exploring various terrains, the Marmot Men's PreCip Eco Rain Jacket is a practical and lightweight option. Boasting effective waterproofing and a compact size, this jacket is perfect for hot, tropical climates like those found on a shrimp farm, according to Michelle Rae Uy, a testing and updates writer.
Read our review
From $72 at Marmot
$90 at REI
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses
A perennial favorite among devoted Oakley sunglasses wearers, the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses offer unparalleled polarization and durability. Ideal for dads who spend a significant amount of time outdoors, these stylish sunglasses are a timeless choice, as indicated by Lindsey Smith, a newsletter editor.
$214 at Oakley
$267 at Sunglass Hut
Omaha Steaks 10-Ounce Ribeye Steaks, 4-Pack
For the dad who appreciates a good steak, a box of four ribeyes from Omaha Steaks is an excellent choice. Kai Burkhardt, an editor for outdoors, sustainable living, and pets, recommends these flavorful steaks as a gift that's sure to delight.
$100 at Omaha Steaks
Bombas Men's Sunday Slippers
When it comes to house slippers, comfort and warmth are key. Carolina Gazal, an associate testing writer, praises Bombas Men's Sunday Slippers for their comfort and warmth, as well as their fuzzy sherpa design, ensuring that even the most discerning dad will appreciate these cushioned shoes.
$85 at Bombas
Dogfish Head Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale
For the ultimate Grateful Dead fan dad, the collab between Dogfish and the legendary band has produced a delightful pale ale that's perfect for summer BBQs. Gabriella Triolo, a social coordinator, confirms that this beer is sure to be a hit with Deadhead dads.
$11 at Total Wine
Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder
Ideal for bird-loving dads, the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder offers a quick and convenient way to observe the birds in the yard. Ellen McAlpine, an updates writer, notes that the camera attached to the feeder provides easy access for the dad in your life to catch a glimpse of his feathered visitors throughout the day.
Read our review
$169 at Walmart
$190 at Target
$199 at Amazon
Chaco Customizable Men's Z/1 Sandals
For the dad who loves a good adventure, customizable Chaco Men's Z/1 Sandals are an ideal choice. These sandals offer comfort, support, and the ability to personalize almost every aspect, from colors and buckles to embroidery. Stephanie Luna, an editorial coordinator, suggests these sandals as a perfect accessory for an upcoming summer beach trip.
$130 at Chaco
Untuckit Beyond Shorts
For dads who dislike spending time in the water, Untuckit Beyond Shorts offer a stylish alternative for tropical adventures. Featuring a chafe-free liner and quick-drying fabric, these high-quality shorts provide comfort even when exploring a tropical paradise, according to Michelle Rae Uy, a testing and updates writer.
$60 at Untuckit
Patagonia Men's Better Sweater Fleece Jacket
Surprise your dad with the Patagonia Men's Better Sweater Fleece Jacket, a warm and cozy addition to his wardrobe. Carolina Gazal, an associate testing writer, believes this fleece jacket—which boasts a zippered left-chest pocket—is perfect for dads who need a faithful companion in their cooler months.
From $111 at Patagonia
$159 at REI
Teton Highline Pet Blanket
A blankie for your furry friends is sure to make your dad's life easier during family camping and beach trips. Known for its durability and versatility, the Teton Highline Pet Blanket is a practical and comfortable choice for both pets and their owners, as suggested by Gabriella Triolo, a social coordinator.
$62 at Teton
'The Best American Short Stories 2025' Edited by Celeste Ng
Fuel your dad's love for literature with a copy of "The Best American Short Stories 2025," edited by Celeste Ng. From Bookshop, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble, this thoughtful gift is sure to find a place on your dad's bookshelf, as confirmed by Carolina Gazal, an associate testing writer.
From $18 at Bookshop
From $19 at Amazon
From $19 at Barnes & Noble
Homage X Starter Yankees Heavyweight Satin Jacket
If your dad harbors a deep love for the New York Yankees, this retro-inspired satin jacket from the Homage x Starter collab is an ideal addition to his wardrobe. Lindsey Smith, a newsletter editor, believes that this jacket will delight even the most devoted Yankees fans.
$165 at Homage
ResortPass Gift Card
For the busy dad who needs a break, a gift card to ResortPass makes for the perfect gift. Allowing users to nab a daily pass to hotels in their vicinity, ResortPass offers a chance for some much-needed relaxation and upscale amenities, as shared by Tobey Grumet Segal, a former reviews editor.
Read our review
From $25 at ResortPass
Vuori Strato Tech Polo
The Vuori Strato Tech Polo provides a comfortable, performance-oriented option for dads who prefer to wear soft clothing during the warm summer months. Ellen McAlpine, an updates writer, suggests this polo as a thoughtful gift choice for dads who avoid shopping for themselves.
$64 at Vuori
Lorens NYC New York Medz Tee
A love for New York and Armenian heritage come together in the Lorens NYC New York Medz Tee, a perfect choice for dads who appreciate a stylish graphic tee. Carolina Gazal, an associate testing writer, recommends this unique and vibrant tee that's sure to reflect your dad's personality.
$40 at Lorens NYC
65 Practical Father's Day Gifts Your Dad Will Actually Use
For additional gift ideas, consider checking out the CNN Underscored article "65 Practical Father's Day Gifts Your Dad Will Actually Use."
Why Trust CNN Underscored
Our dedicated team of writers and editors strives to provide an array of products tailored to the individual, hobby, or event you're shopping for. We focus on gifts hand-tested by our team, items we've personally gifted or received, the latest products from our favorite brands, and trending items seen on our social feeds. For this guide, associate testing writer Carolina Gazal reached out to fellow team members to discover the most desired Father's Day gifts nominated by their own dads.
For more in-depth product reviews, check out our CNN Underscored reviews.
For the dad with a love for literature and New York City, a copy of "The Best American Short Stories 2025" edited by Celeste Ng and the stylish Lorens NYC New York Medz Tee would make thoughtful additions to his bookshelf and wardrobe. The CNN Underscored article "65 Practical Father's Day Gifts Your Dad Will Actually Use" offers more gift ideas based on personal experiences and social media trends.
