Ultimate Gift Guide for Dads

Finding the perfect gifts for dad can feel like an epic quest, which is why I have written you this ultimate gift guide for dads. Whether your dad is always on the move, impossible to shop for, or says he wants “nothing,” you’re not alone in the struggle. This guide is here to help you discover unique and thoughtful gift ideas for Dad to suit every taste, habit, and hobby, even those dads who insist they already have everything they need.

Here I share some great gift ideas for dad, from spiced rum to hiking shoes, personalised gifts and food. Whatever your dad’s personality, there’s something here to earn you favourite child status.

Two packs of football-themed gift wrap lie on a wooden surface. The left pack is blue with Aston Villa FC crests, while the right pack is black with Newcastle United FC crests and gold “NEWCASTLE UNITED” text. Both packs contain 2 sheets and 2 tags.

Just wanted to give you a heads-up that this guide includes items I’ve been paid to feature, PR samples, and affiliate links that earn me a small commission. All opinions are my own, and I wouldn’t include anything I don’t think would make an lovely gift for someone. Jen x

Food and Drink Gift Ideas for Dad

Spiced Rum Hamper

If your dad loves a tipple with a kick, a spiced rum hamper is a great choice. This isn’t just a bottle in a box. This is a selection of items to make it a lovely hamper gift, as can always be expected from Hampers. If this is the perfect gift for your dad, then it is £55 from Hampers. If you are looking for a hamper gift but are unsure if he likes spiced rum, check out the other gift ideas for dad from Hampers.

A gift box with straw filling contains a bottle of Kraken Black Spiced Rum, two Franklin & Sons mixers (cola and ginger ale), a bar of dark chocolate, and a box of luxury fudge, all set against a brick wall background.

Cheese Hamper

For dads who believe there is no such thing as “too much cheese”, a cheese hamper makes an excellent gift. If you want to spend a little more then why not add a cheese board or set of cheese knives. This hamper is one of the range of personalised hampers from Boutique Gifts and is £29.99 and fits through his letterbox!

A gift box filled with yellow shredded paper contains two bottles of port, cheese rounds, six packs of assorted cheese crackers, and three small jars of preserves or chutneys, all neatly arranged inside a blue and white patterned box.

Chocolate Hamper

If your dad has a sweet tooth, treat him with a luxurious chocolate hamper. With a selection of tasty chocolates, he is sure to love this! Who doesn’t like a hamper of chocolates? It is available from 123 Hampers for £35 and can be delivered the next day if you are in a pinch and forgot! There are lots of other gift ideas for dad on the 123 hampers website if this isn’t quite right.

A wicker basket on a wooden surface contains assorted chocolates, including chocolate-coated nuts, Guylian chocolate bars, boxed truffles, a chocolate square, and a blond chocolate drink sachet. The background is a light brick wall.

Tokyo Treat Japanese Gift Box

This is not your average snack hamper. Each Tokyo Treat box is filled with unique Japanese confectionery you can’t find at the corner shop. It’s a fun and quirky gift, perfect for adventurous dads or those with memories of travelling in Japan.

An open pink TokyoTreat box displays assorted Japanese snacks, making it a perfect Mother's Day gift. Enjoy delights like a large KitKat Strawberry Shortcake, colorful candy, and treats under a lid that reads “Bite into JAPAN!” with Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms.

Gifts for Adventurous or Active Dads

Hiking Shoes or Trail Running Shoes

Active dads appreciate gear that keeps up with them. A quality pair of hiking shoes or trail running shoes can open up new trails and bring comfort to every step. These shoes have excellent grip, waterproof features for British weather, and breathable materials to keep his feet happy. The Kestral Trail Running shoes from Helly Hansen are perfect for trail running or walking and are quick drying so perfect for muddy or wet conditions. Hiking shoes can be great gift ideas for dad if he loves walking and you want to treat him. You could even take him out for a walk too, with a pub lunch?

A pair of dark gray athletic sneakers with blue and black laces sits on top of a red and brown Helly Hansen shoebox. The shoes have mesh uppers, textured soles, and “HH” branding on the side. The background is a brown brick wall.

Waterproof Jacket

A lightweight, waterproof jacket is a practical gift that makes even a rainy family walk enjoyable. Choose a jacket with a modern look, handy pockets, and taped seams to keep him dry in a downpour. This jacket from Helly Hansen is available in 9 different colours and sizes small to 5xl. It is a lovely, comfortable, lightweight jacket.

A black Helly Hansen jacket hangs against a light brick wall. The jacket has a high collar with the "HH" logo in white, zippered chest and side pockets, and a visible tag attached to the right pocket. The jacket is new and unworn.

Gilet

A gilet adds warmth without bulk and works just as well over a shirt for a barbecue as it does for layering on the golf course or at a football match. Does your dad like a gilet? Maybe he has never worn one, but you think he would love it. This Insulator Vest from Helly Hansen is a lovely, comfortable choice with a good selection of pockets for all his needs. Whilst not something that jumps to mind immediately when thinking about gift ideas for dad, give it some thought it will be well used and he will love it I am sure.

A black sleeveless puffer vest hangs on a hanger against a light brown brick wall. The vest features a quilted front, zippered chest pocket, side pockets with zippers, and a tag attached near the bottom hem on the right side.

Sliders for Holidays

Get him ready for summer with a pair of sliders. They’re perfect for holidays by the pool, a quick walk to the shop, or just wearing around the house. These sliders from Helly Hansen will be more comfortable and stylish than the old ones he has likely had for years and refuses to throw away! What is it with Dads doing that?

A pair of navy blue HH brand slide sandals with textured footbeds, displayed overlapping on a wooden surface. They are held together by a brown cardboard hanger. The white "HH" logo is prominently printed on each sandal’s strap.

Overnight Bag or Travel Bag

Many dads use the same battered bag for years, so a new overnight or travel bag is likely overdue. Whether he’s off on business, a weekend away, or the annual fishing trip, he’ll have no excuse for using that old holdall again. This lovely Rydale Canvas overnight bag is perfect for men with any style as it is neutral. It is of good quality and will last him years, and is perfect for those weekends away or for men who pack light it might even work for a week away!

A green canvas duffel bag with dark brown leather handles and trim sits on a wooden surface. The bag has a front zipper pocket, gold metal hardware, and a stitched logo patch. A green tag is attached to one handle. Perfect for gift ideas for dad who has everything!

Man Bag

Does your dad need a small bag for carrying a few bits when out and about? For an adventurous dad who likes hiking or a dad who travels and needs a secure bag for essentials, this Roam Carryall Bag from Helly Hansen is lovely. Stylish and unique, it is a perfect size for wallet, passport, keys, phone and all those receipts, etc, he doesn’t throw away!

Drinks Bottle

Looking for gift ideas for Dad, who is trying to be more eco-conscious? Would he appreciate a good quality reusable drinks bottle? This insulated flip top drinks bottle from b.box is available in a selection of colours and keeps cold drinks cold for up to 44 hours!

Charger or cables

Do you ever wonder how Dad copes with a drawer full of cables and constantly hunting for the right one? Maybe a Connex would be a perfect gift for him. Using one useful gadget you can connect various gadgets and devices using different connectors.

A Massager for after exercise

This Massager from Wahl is a lovely gift and is just £89.99, but is currently on offer at £53.99 and will help him to relieve aches and pains after exercise. It includes 4 attachment heads and charged with a convenient USB cable, and when charged, it provides 200 minutes of massage use, so a perfect gift.

A box for a WAHL mini massage gun sits on a wooden surface. The packaging highlights features like lightweight power and ergonomic design—making it one of the best gift ideas for dad. The box reads "Soothe & Revitalise" with images and descriptions.

Gifts for Gamer Dads

Gamer dads can be really difficult to buy for, there are gifts like a headset, a desk or an ergonomic chair, but what if dad already has those or you have a smaller budget? How about something more decorative? Here are a few lovely gift ideas for dad if he loves gaming.

Wall Art

This lovely 3D wall art is perfect for Atari fans. In a glossy black frame the art shows all the classic Atari games he loves. For £39.99, it is just one of the lovely gift ideas for dad available from Thumbs Up.

a framed picture of Atari video games

Phone and Controller holders

How about a holder for his phone or controller? These Minecraft ones are great choices for a Minecraft fan but others are also available. Check out the phone stand from exgpro, and if Minecraft isn’t his thing, have a browse of the other designs available. The Creeper controller holder can also be found on exgpro and is one of a wide range.

Gift ideas for Dad That Mean Comfort

Luxury Bedding

Bedding might surprise him as something a little different, but that he needs and doesn’t buy himself, especially if he is single. Opt for classic colours or plaids to keep it masculine (but tasteful). This set is of lovely quality and a nice neutral style, he is sure to love from Terrys. Whilst unusual this is one of those gift ideas for dad that he will not expect but will definitely use!

A packaged Catherine Lansfield king size duvet set, featuring a grey, white, and black plaid pattern. The packaging shows a bedroom with the duvet on a bed. Labels indicate it is fully reversible and part of the Loft Collection. Background: brick wall.

Dress Trainers

Style and comfort meet in a pair of sharp dress trainers. Choose a design neutral enough for work hours but relaxed enough for the weekend. These leather sneakers from Helly Hansen are stylish but also super comfortable so perfect for a man to wear with jeans or even dress trousers and still look good and feel comfortable.

A pair of blue, white, and black Helly Hansen sneakers with cream laces sits on top of a brown Helly Hansen shoebox. The shoes feature the HH logo on the side and branding near the heel. The background is a rustic brick wall and wooden surface.

Thoughtful Gift ideas for Dad He’ll Keep for Years

Personalised Gifts

Memories last longer than gadgets, which makes them great gift ideas for dad. Personalised gifts like custom canvas prints, photo cushions, or even a personalised T-shirt show you’ve taken time to make something just for him. Use a favourite family photo, his football team, or a quote that always makes him laugh. Vistaprint is always my go-to for personalised gifts with photos. I have made canvas pictures, keyrings, t-shirts, mugs, cushions, and so much more, and they are always of brilliant quality.

ben on a canvas picture

Fun glass for his whisky

This is a great gift for a dad who likes his whisky or a regular drink even of just apple juice. At the bottom, it reads “Congrats on being My Dad you lucky bastard” There are other designs if you want one suitable for children to gift too. This is £19 from Callie and of great quality. Fun, unique and special gift ideas for dad will always beat something bought at the supermarket!

Personalised Washbag

Does Dad need a new washbag? Callie has some lovely washbags which can be personalised with initials, making perfect gift ideas for dad. We chose this one for Ben to give to Stuart, as he is in dire need of a new washbag! This is one of the designs and colour choices but there are others available, some can be personalised with a name, others with initials. Check them out on Callie for £31.

Jewellery

If your dad wears accessories, consider a piece of jewellery that suits his style. There is something available for all budgets, so you are sure to find something perfect. This is one of those gift ideas for dad that only work if you know he wears jewellery, unless it is a watch or cufflinks, perhaps?

Gifts for Difficult-to-Buy for Men

Even when you’ve browsed every shop and scrolled every “gift ideas for dad” list, some dads seem impossible. For those tricky cases, here are some smart options:

Journals or Nice Stationery

If you think dad would like to write more, or perhaps he uses nice pens for work, then these gifts might just be the perfect choice.

This Parker Jotter and Leonardo Da Vinci Leather Journal set is a lovely gift idea. It can easily be embossed for personalisation and gift wrapped if you choose. The set is £32.50 from Pen Heaven and one of the lovely range of journals and pens, many of which can be personalised to make them unique.

This LAMY logo ballpoint, pencil and leather pen case gift set is lovely and comes boxed to make a nice gift. You can even have it engraved or gift-wrapped if you choose. It is another one of the lovely gift ideas for dad from Pen Heaven for £22.50.

Office Gift Ideas For Dad

Does your dad work from a laptop? Here are a couple of gift ideas for dad from the lovely range of phone, tablet and laptop stands from desire2.

The Rise vertical laptop stand is perfect for any laptops or notebooks up to 17 inches in size. It is lightweight, so it can be easily carried to work if needed or perhaps if he travels for work, he can take it with him to make working in a hotel easier? It is £49.99 and of incredible quality.

The adjustable tablet or phone stand is adjustable in height and tilt so perfect for a variety of uses, for work or even when making recipes in the kitchen! At £29.99 RRP but currently on offer at £19.99, it would make a lovely gift.

Experience Days

Gift him an experience, not another dust collector. From driving supercars on a track to whisky tasting or flying lessons, there’s something to trigger his curiosity. Experiences create stories you can share for years. Here are some of our reviews of experiences if you need inspiration:

Alternatively, why not book a weekend away, an afternoon tea or order him some cupcakes! Gift ideas for dad don’t have to be something he unwraps on the day, they can be a promise of an experience too. This is especially helpful if you are a bit short of money but will have some soon or have forgotten and left it until the last minute!

Two people in navy blue coveralls, yellow helmets, and face shields stand in a rage room. They hold metal bats amid broken electronic parts and debris. A black punching bag hangs to the right, with scuffed and marked walls surrounding them.

Book Subscriptions

A monthly book club or subscription box tailored to his favourite genre can introduce him to new authors and freshen up his reading list. For non-fiction fans, consider a subscription to a men’s magazine, perhaps or a self-help book if that is more his thing.

Sports Memorabilia

If your dad’s idea of a relaxing day is a match on TV, surprise him with memorabilia linked to his favourite club or athlete. Signed shirts, vintage programmes, or even a poster from a big win can make great gift ideas for dad, he will love for years to come.

Framed football shirts and a photograph adorn the wall, showcasing a red Manchester United jersey and a blue shirt with "Werner 11.

Garden Gifts

For dads who treat their lawn like Wimbledon, garden accessories make thoughtful gifts. Consider new tools, a decorative bird feeder, or a raised veggie bed if he’s the green-fingered type.

bird feeder and seeds

Don’t forget the card and wrapping paper!

Buying a nice card can really make the difference between a mediocre gift and a great gift because the words you write in the card can mean more than any money spent. These cards are from the selection at Danilo and the Doctor Who one even has sounds!

Five Father’s Day cards on a wooden surface: One with Doctor Who characters, one with Wallace and Gromit holding cheese, one with Mr. Men drawings, one showing a football toy, and one with bold white text listing positive traits, all against a light brick wall.

Could you buy some special paper to wrap the gift in? I love these football club sets from Danilo and know my stepdad and Stuart will love them too.

Has this helped you with gift ideas for your dad, stepdad or partner (from the kids) and given you new ideas you may not have considered before? Let me know in the comments below, and if you have different gift ideas for dad, let me know, men are so hard to buy for, aren’t they!

Two packs of football-themed gift wrap lie on a wooden surface. The left pack is blue with Aston Villa FC crests, while the right pack is black with Newcastle United FC crests and gold “NEWCASTLE UNITED” text. Both packs contain 2 sheets and 2 tags.

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