We’re here to celebrate the Big Guy himself (no, not Santa). Make his holiday merry with these gifts for dad

Whether they’re helping to put together new toys, busy in the kitchen playing host to the whole family, or making sure all the wrapping paper gets picked up, dads are just the greatest. Biological or not, these father figures keep our worlds spinning—but they’re also notoriously difficult to buy for. (Finding gifts for dad is no small feat!)

We made sure to put together a cool collection of worthy-for-our-hero gifts that go beyond the usual necktie or socks (not that there’s anything wrong with those!). From the grillmaster to the nostalgic, we’ve got every type of dad covered. He really is the best, so make sure he knows it with these gifts for dad below.

Knockaround Pacific Palisades Polarized Sunglasses

REI

With a cool retro look and FDA-approved impact-resistant lenses, there's no dad out there who wouldn't love protecting his eyes in style with these.

Knockaround Pacific Palisades Polarized Sunglasses ($32.00)—Buy Here!

Misunderstood Songs Game

Brass Monkey

A party game all about identifying songs–from the worst descriptions humanly possible? Sounds like it's right up dad's alley. 

Misunderstood Songs Game ($18.00)—Buy Here!

PARKIT Voyager Chair

PARKIT

This cooler-chair combo is brilliant. An insulated under-chair compartment, interchangeable cup holder, hands-free carrying, and 5 cool designs make this a gift he'll use all the time.

PARKIT Voyager Chair ($203.00)—But Here!

Tumbler Knife Sharpener

Tumbler

This viral (yes, viral! Just ask TikTok.) knife sharpener is like nothing we've ever seen before. Use the roller to slide the knife blade at two different labeled angles for the sharpest knives ever.

Tumbler Knife Sharpener ($129.00)—Buy Here!

Duke Cannon Handsome Man Travel Set

Bird in Hand

This kit has everything he needs for his next travel adventure. TSA-versions of the best Duke Cannon products, all tucked neatly in a clear travel bag.

Duke Cannon Handsome Man Travel Set ($36.99)—Buy Here!

Tetris Arcade in a Tin: Retro Handheld Tetris Game

Amazon

The Tetris Arcade in a Tin features an LCD screen and authentic arcade-style buttons, it's a retro game in the palm of his hand.

Tetris Arcade in a Tin: Retro Handheld Tetris Game ($29.99)—Buy Here!

Tinybeans

Tinybeans

Share joy. Connect generations. Do it all privately. Tinybeans is the photo sharing app that makes sharing your pictures with only the people you want to see them easy. You can easily and privately capture and organize your kiddo’s best moments and milestones in a single platform. Its intuitive interface, along with features like photobook creation and easy customization, make organizing and searching for memories a breeze. There's no better time of year to capture memories.

Tinybeans (Free!)—Get it Here!

The Leo Fender Guitar String Ring

The Leo Fender ring is a good gift for dads
Manly Bands

Black zirconium and silver Fender guitar string inlay make this ring the ultimate in style. Dad not really a music guy? No problem. Manly Bands also has a DC Collection, a Lord of the Rings Collection, and more, so you'll find the perfect match.

The Leo Fender Guitar String Ring ($595.00)—Buy Here!

SipScout Craft Whiskey Exploration Kit

The Crafty Cask

This set comes complete with 6 craft whiskey samples (enough for 2 people to share!), a printed guide, a video review of whiskey-tasting techniques, and more to create a whole experience at home.

SipScout Craft Whiskey Exploration Kit ($99.00)—Buy Here!

Dad's Customized Family Photo Book

Mixbook

Mixbook gives you a ton of templates to choose from and guides you through creating a customized book dad will love forever.

Dad's Customized Family Photo Book ($9.99+)—Buy Here!

HOKA Clifton 9

Zappos

HOKA's 9th edition of the Clifton sneaker is their lightest and most comfortable yet. It's perfect for everyday walking and running, and there's a reason HOKA is so popular; they've received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. They also last such a long time.

HOKA Clifton 9 ($144.95)—Buy Here!

hedley&bennett Essential Apron

hedley&bennett

The world-famous chef-approved hedley&bennett creates professional aprons for home chefs, too. This Bravo's Top Chef collab design is one of our faves, but there are so many to choose from.

hedley&bennett Essential Apron ($125.00)—Buy Here!

Phoenicia Diner Pancake Mix

Phoenicia Diner

Built in 1962 and moved to the Catskills in the early '80s, Phoenicia Diner is an icon. So it stands to reason that their famous pancake mix is going to be a welcome breakfast addition.

Phoenicia Diner Pancake Mix ($12.00)—Buy Here!

NFL 100 Greatest Moments

NFL 100 Greatest moments is a good gift for dads
Gild and Ash

For the football fanatic in your life, this collector's book will quickly become a prized possession, thanks to the storytelling and incredible photographs included.

NFL 100 Greatest Moments ($94.00)—Buy Here!

Stereoscope Coffee Subscription

Stereoscope Coffee

California-based Stereoscope Coffee creates a coffee subscription service with blends hand-picked by a Q-grader (consider them certified coffee experts) for a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly delivery of coffee that best represents Stereoscope. Roasted in L.A.

Stereoscope Coffee Subscription ($71.25+)—Buy Here!

Apple Watch Series 6

an apple watch is a good gift for dads
Apple

Give the gift of having everything he could possibly need in the palm of his hands—er, on his wrist. From keeping up with texts and calls to heart rate monitoring and reminders, Apple Watch does it all.

Apple Watch Series 6 ($241.28)—Buy Here!

Tom Bumble Candy Bar

Seven Sisters

Tom Bumble Candy Bars are a swirl of organic crunchy peanut butter, pure Madagascar vanilla, and organic sugar, wrapped up in fair-trade dark chocolate. This isn't your average candy bar.

Tom Bumble Candy Bar ($5.00)—Buy Here!

LEGO Natural History Museum Set

LEGO is a good gift for dads

With over 4,000 pieces, this LEGO set is perfect for any President/Lord Business-types out there (minus the Kraggle, of course). The roof comes off to reveal several exhibit rooms, there's an Apotsaurus fossil to put together, and several minifigures come with the set, too. 

LEGO Natural History Museum Set ($299.99)—Buy Here! 

 

Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler

Toadfish

Unspillable? This can cooler from Toadfish is. It'll stick to any smooth surface and stay upright, on top of keeping beverages cold. Comes in 4 colors.

Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler ($24.00)—Buy Here!

Fuego Box Hot Sauce Premium Collection

FOOD52

The folks over at Fuego Box have pledged to plant 5 trees for every crate sold, so you can feel extra good about gifting this selection of spicy blossom honey, Ghost Pepper–infused Himalayan pink salt, and three hot sauces: an everyday red, a punchy verde, and a very vinegary Carolina Reaper. 

Fuego Box Hot Sauce Premium Collection ($59.95)—Buy Here!

Apollo Thermal Capsule Phone Sleeve

Bespoke Post

Don't let him worry about an overheating phone ever again. NASA-derived tech that keeps your phone from overheating and keeps its battery from draining too quickly in the cold. It also case floats in water so it can be grabbed out of the pool fast, and it exceeds military-grade shock and impact protection when dropped.

Apollo Thermal Capsule Phone Sleeve ($30.00)—Buy Here!

Unbox Boardom Board Game Subscription

Unbox Boardom

Family Game Night won't ever be the same, thanks to this board game subscription box. Just choose the subscription plan you'd like to gift and give them something to look forward to with every delivery.

Unbox Boardom Board Game Subscription ($29.99+)—Buy Here!

Pelican Cooler Sling

The Pelican cooler sling is a good gift for dads
Amazon

The lightweight design with padded shoulder straps allows for ultimate portability and versatility with this cooler swing. It's also rugged enough to withstand whatever nature-lovers throw at it.

Pelican Cooler Sling ($173.47)—Buy Here!

Trilogy 3-Pack Socks by Stance

Bespoke Post

Using Stance's proprietary cotton blend, these iconic socks have a longer lifespan than your run-of-the-mill socks and offer light cushioning for a secure fit and oh-so-comfortable feel.

Trilogy 3-Pack Socks by Stance ($60.00)—Buy Here!

'Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama: A Memoir' by Bob Odenkirk

Amazon

It's possible you've only really fallen in love with Bob Odenkirk from his Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul days, but he's done so much over the years. Read all about it in this memoir. 

Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama: A Memoir by Bob Odenkirk ($21.15)—Buy Here!

Heim BBQ Signature Bacon Burnt Ends 2lbs

Gold Belly

Nothing can go wrong when you combine BBQ and bacon, and these melt-in-your-mouth Bacon Burnt Ends from Heim BBQ in Ft. Worth, TX are 2lbs (!!) of indulgent.

Heim BBQ Signature Bacon Burnt Ends 2lbs ($109.95)—Buy Here!

The Wes Anderson Collection: Bad Dads

Amazon

Curated by Spoke Art Gallery in San Francisco, this artwork inspired by the films of Wes Anderson ranges from paintings to sculptures to limited-edition screen prints from some of the director's most beloved films.

The Wes Anderson Collection: Bad Dads ($18.19)—Buy Here!

Vuori Steadfast Full Zip Hooded Jacket

a Vuori puffer jacket is a good gift for dads
Vuori

So versatile and filled with responsibly sourced down, this medium-weight jacket is flexible, weather-resistant, and comes in two sharp colors.

Vuori Steadfast Full Zip Hooded Jacket ($298.00)—Buy Here!

Cold Massage Roller Ball

this cold massage roller ball is a good gift for dads
Amazon

This roller ball rapidly reduces muscle fatigue and soreness, plus it stays cold for up to 6 hours after freezing.

Cold Massage Roller Ball ($19.99)—Buy Here!

ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven

ooni

Elevate outdoor cooking with this pizza oven from ooni. Perfect for any outdoor kitchen, it's hot in 15 minutes and your pizza is ready in 60 seconds.

ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven ($599.00)—Buy Here!

 

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Dads are winning internet hearts left and right this year! Some built, cooked and created impressive things for their kids. Others made us laugh with their jokes and antics. Here are the coolest dads that have made the internet a little more awesome. Happy Father’s Day!

This Dad Who Illustrated the Feels of Being a Single Parent

Being a single parent can be hard, but the emotions and love they have are equally as powerful. Check out this dad’s emotional drawings on his Facebook page.

photo: Yannick Vicente via Facebook

Dad Who Built a RollerCoaster for His Kids

Who needs Disneyland when you’ve got Dad?

Self Proclaimed World’s Best Father

From hilarious to heartwarming, this talented dad has, much to our delight, kept up with his photo project for the last six years. That’s six years of happiness for us!

photo: World’s Best Father via Facebook

Dad Who Turns His Kids Adventures Into a Reality

All work and no play? More like work can become play! This awesome dad used his CGI skills to make his kid’s imagination a reality.

 

Dad Who Survived the Barfpocalypse

Just in case you don’t read the edit, the part about the police and breath analyzer is just dad’s way of trying to get mom’s attention.

Dad Who Shows That Baby-Life is Metal

Being a dad is hard work. Absolutely hardcore work.

photo: BrianReda via imgur

Dad Who Makes Awesome Pancakes

This talented dad reinforces the idea that breakfast should really be called best-fest.

Dad Who Becomes Batman

It’s every kid’s dream to become Batman, but when your dad IS Batman? There’s nothing cooler.

Dad Who Started Hair Class for Other Dads

Nothing makes our hearts go, “Aw” more than the Daddy Daughter Hair Factory. Started by Philippe Morgese, this community encourages dads to bond better with their daughters.

View post on imgur.com

Dad Who Makes Amazing Lunch Box Art

We can’t believe how on-point this lunchbox art is. We’re guessing dad’s a fan of the show?

photo: LunchBox Dad

Dad Who Waves at the Bus

This wonderful dad sends his kids off to school like it’s Halloween. Everyday.

photo: Wave at the Bus

This Dad Who Creates Stories with His Son

Adventure and art in one. With the power of photoshop magic, Gabe Tomoiaga transforms his photo shoots with his son into storybook-worthy art.

A special shout out to all the cool dads out there. Share this story with your favorite Dad! 

— Christal Yuen

 

Three words: The Puff Daddies. That’s right, people! James Corden, Ashton Kutcher, and Danny Masterson are the cool dads in town. On James Corden’s The Late, Late Show, they made their band debut with comedic lyrics and epic dance moves. Watch them sing about father-life, but be careful, this song will get stuck in your head.

Photo and video courtesy of The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube

“I’m a dad…”

Better than One Direction? Tell us in the comments below!

— Noelle Buckband

Dads are the ultimate jugglers, from pancakes made to order to Sunday evening storytime. To honor all of the cool dudes in our life, we want you to meet nine New York City dads that inspire us. From teaching kids about healthy food to bringing design-forward kids’ gear to the marketplace, these dads are committed to spending as much time with their kids as they can and are, ultimately, redefining what it means to be a dad today.

Mitch Chaitin

For Mitch and his partner, New York City is the greatest place in the world to raise a child, whether it’s a two mile walk to Chinatown or a daytrip to the Bronx zoo. "I always thought denying our son suburban living would give him less of an opportunity for outdoor play and socialization," says Mitch of his son, Paul, 10. "Instead, we can go to any playground in our East Village neighborhood and run into friends. Plus, we belong to several local groups so our friend circle is much expanded." As a blogger for three-plus years, Mitch writes about his life in New York City and his family’s adventures on his blog Gay NYC Dad. “Paul helps me with video game reviews and we get to experience some other great events in and around town."

Biggest personal accomplishment: "Adopting Paul is my proudest accomplishment and raising him to be the best he can be is my number-one priority and my life's work. As a stay-at-home dad, I get to spend time with him after school and participate in school events. It’s all I ever wanted in my life."

Biggest professional accomplishment:  "I am proud that I have become one of the top gay parent bloggers in America. It gives me the opportunity to share my message with the country that our gay family is just like yours, normal, American and stressed like everyone else!"

Who else should we add to our list? Let us know in the comment section below!

Written by: Lambeth Hochwald

While it’s true that moms are rock stars in their own right, we think dads are pretty cool too. They drive carpools, whip up dinners, and host play dates. In honor of dad, we found eight of Southern California’s coolest dads who successfully balance their family lives and day jobs, all while making it look effortless. Click through our gallery to meet eight cool SoCal dads.

Darren Bennett

Sure, it’s pretty cool if your dad is an NFL Punter who was named to the Pro Bowl and All Pro team twice during his run with the San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings. But what makes Darren Bennett a really cool dad is not his stellar football career, but what he’s done to raise awareness of his son, Will’s, battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (MD). Darren founded the Pro Player Foundation, which creates and oversees a number of different projects that benefit Duchenne MD research. Darren is also the Special Teams coach for the La Costa Canyon High School Football Team of which Will is an honorary player. When Darren is not coaching and raising awareness, he is a devoted family man, spending time with his wife and sons, Will and Tom.

We know there are dozens of cool dads out there. In fact, we bet you know several of them! Who else do you think deserves a spot on our list?

– Leah R. Singer

All photos courtesy of the featured dads

Portland is home to some very cool dads. One part hero and two parts role model, our cool dads are an impressive array of men living, working and raising their kids in this fair city. So what makes these guys cool? They love their partners, successfully maintain a work/life balance, and they bring their A-game to their jobs. Read on to discover cool dads who make our city more awesome.

Cat Daddy

Kenneth Cat Daddy Pogson, Founder, Voodoo Doughnuts

Cat Daddy is founder of the self-proclaimed coolest doughnut shop in the world and we couldn’t agree more. Cat Daddy has created an economy and jobs for over 100 people locally. On top of that, he’s a beach-going, fishing-enthusiast dad to a nine- and six-year-old. Cat Daddy is passionate about sweet treats in pink boxes and about having the whole family home for dinner together each night. Voodoo’s store number four was just announced – guess where? Denver! Those lucky nuggets get first dibs at Cat Daddy and his biz partner’s efforts to reach out beyond state lines in 2013. Keep on rockin’ at home and at work, Cat Daddy!

To all the Top Pops and Rad Dads out there in Portland, we salute you as well! Let us know who else we should add to our list in the comment section below. 

— Liz Overson

Dads have the magic touch. They turn roughhousing into an art form, have an unending arsenal of silly faces and can make tears dry with a single smooch. Chicago is full of cool dads and we want you to meet a few. Get to know a trend-setting store owner, longtime improv actor, restaurant and bar tastemaker, baby-business entrepreneur and other fellows that do their families — and Chicago — proud.

Scott Anderson

As Scott's Mario Bros. getup indicates, he's a pretty super dad. The Portage Park resident has two kids: daughter Campbell (7, pictured here) and son Jackson (8). Scott is an independent creative director and brand ambassador who founded (with Brooks Watson) Kids Fire Department, a heroic apparel company for kids. His days are filled generating and designing ideas for clients, and his kids help spark his energy and creativity. Every Friday night is movie night (usually a full-on, 3-D IMAX flick) and they also love to hit the beach. Scott indicates that the best part about being a dad is the enlightenment and love he gets from his kids. "I thought I had already learned all the 'big' lessons in life. I was way wrong," he says.

Do you know a Chicago Cool Dad? Let us know about him! Leave your nomination in the Comments section below, or email kelly@tinybeans.go-vip.net.

— Story by Kelly Aiglon

From curing diseases to curing pork belly; running marathons to running start-ups, Seattle is filled with thousands of dads that make being cool look easy. Just in time for Father’s Day, read on for our list of some of Seattle’s best known and under-the-radar dads that rock (without trying too hard).

Chris Ballew

Playing a dizzying number of gigs at kindierock shows around town, the wildly talented and very down-to-earth Chris Ballew (aka Caspar Babypants) cut his teeth writing witty rock songs as singer of the internationally acclaimed band The Presidents of the United States of America. The best part of playing live for the pint-sized set? “I love the randomness,” he told Red Tri back in 2010. “The random ways they react and interrupt and how small and loose and free the shows and the audiences are.” A resident of West Seattle, Ballew and his wife, the children’s book illustrator and author Kate Endle, parent son Augie and daughter Josie.

Seattle is brimming with cool dads. Who else should we add to our list?

Written by: Sara Billups