44 Thoughtful Gifts for Fathers-in-Law That He Won't Return

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SHOPPING FOR in-laws can feel like a lot of pressure. Shopping for your father-in-law, in particular, can feel like the ultimate test to show how much you care for his baby daughter (or son). After all, he is your significant other’s dad, so it’s important to put thought into the gifts you give, especially on Father’s Day.

Depending on your relationship with him, you want to show you care but not come across as too sentimental. Your gifts should be thoughtful without feeling “try-hard.”

Like shopping for your own father or godfather on Father’s Day, think about what type of person your father-in-law is. How does he spend most of his free time, and what brings him joy? Is he a gardener, a home theater buff, an avid outdoorsman, or someone who spends the weekends tinkering in his tool shed?

Consider a general type of gift that makes sense based on hobbies, then buy an “elevated” version of that gift. Still not sure? We’ve done you the courtesy of rounding up some of the best father’s day gifts for fathers-in-law, so you don’t have to

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Weekend Duffel

If your father in law needs a gym bag or duffel upgrade, consider this collegiate-inspired option from Tracksmtih, one of our favorite running gear brands. Just like the rest of the Tracksmith's apparel, this one has a sleek, understated design, and a waterproof changing mat, which is especially useful for active dads.

Crystal Whiskey Set

Father-in-laws that love whiskey will also love this crystal glass set, which you can also add a custom engravement to make it extra special.

Chicago Bears Crew Sweater

Football hoodies are uninspired gifts. Instead, get your Bears-loving father-in-law this themed knit, which looks great at the tailgate, business casual events, and everywhere in between.

GEN6 0311 Driver

Upgrade his golf swing with PXG's new Gen6 Driver, which is purpose built for distance and forgiveness, and will let other guys on the links know that your father-in-law has great taste.

Beard Trimmer

Whether your father-in-law needs to clean his line-up or just need a quick head shave, Bevel's editor-loved trimmer has him covered.

Park Swivel Armchair

Buy your father-in-law's love with this groovy swivel chair that will add a stylish statement piece in his home office, or living room.

Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

If it's good enough for Pedro Pascal, it's good enough for your father-in-law.

The XL - Personal Concrete Fireplace

Keep you father in law toasty with this fun-sized fire place that fits on his coffee table, office desk, or outdoor dining setup.

Hide & Seek Wallet

Elevate the classic “dad” gift with this handsome, upscale wallet that features modern versatility, including hidden pockets for hiding extra cash or cards.

Read more: Best Father's Day Gifts

Personalized Leather Cufflinks

Upgrade your father-in-law’s tired Sears cufflinks with this leather version personalized just for him.

Read more: Best Gifts for Godfathers

HP30R v2.0 Heavy-Duty Headlamp

Because every outdoor-loving dad needs a great headlamp for hiking, working outdoors, or keeping tabs on the kids after dark.

Read more: The 25 Best Hiking Essentials

Layton Exclusif

For father in laws who love cologne, they'll appreciate this rich, exotic scent which our grooming editors describe as "confidence in a bottle."

Pixel Watch

Father in laws who want an Android-friendly fitness tracker and smartwatch can't go wrong with the latest Pixel, which tracks every health and fitness metric that matters, and plays nice with almost everything in Google’s rich ecosystem.

Xtreme 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

For the active dad who likes to take his tunes everywhere, JBL's Xtreme 3 is a portable, lifeproof speaker with fantastic sound and 15 hours of playback time.

Read more: Best Bluetooth Speakers

Hales Performance Jersey Polo

Peter Millar's sensible polos are great for father-in-laws to wear on the links, thanks to its sweat-fighting fabric that comes with a hint of stretch, so it feels like a second skin.

Beach Seat Warmer

The best ultra-packable camp chair but in a summer-sunset iteration. It's not as strong as the OG but it is a more wallet-friendly price point. Plus, the quilted polyester seating will provide your father-in-law with just enough warmth on those cool summer nights.

Read more: Best Camping Chairs

All Gender Ora Recovery Slide

For hard-charging, athletic fathers-in-law, Hoka One One’s Ora Recover Slides offer the perfect post-recovery respite for his weary feet.

Read more: Best Slides for All Types of Wear

Custom Handmade Bobblehead

Everyone loves bobbleheads. Your father-in-law will love this handmade personalized version guaranteed to bring his big, wobbly head to life.

5-Gallon Bucket

To some, it’s just a bucket. For the serious DIYer, this high-end take on the lowly five-gallon bucket might be the most useful tool in his garage for cleaning up spills, wrangling tools, or having a sit break.

Read more: Best Camping Coolers

SlipSpeed

Switch up your father in law's workout shoes with this cool, one-of-a-kind kicks from Under Armour. It has an innovative design that converts seamlessly from training mode to casual mode and back again.

Spirits Club Subscription

Flaviar’s flexible gift memberships give casual sippers the option to have any spirits Tasting Box or bottle delivered whenever they like.

Read more: Best Single Malt Whiskies

Throwing Hawks With Nylon Sheath (Set of 3)

Seriously, is there anything cooler than giving the gift of “tomahawk throwing”?

Read more: Best Multi-Tools for Every Situation

Portable Vehicle Awning

For the father-in-law who loves to camp and explore the outdoors with the whole family, this unique vehicle awning provides plenty of cover (63 square feet, to be exact).

Men's Scotch Plaid Flannel Jogger Pants

L.L. Bean's take on classic joggers is soft, warm, and versatile in a traditional, dad-friendly plaid pattern.

PureVis Self-Cleaning Stainless Steel Water Bottle

The lowly water bottle gets a high-tech update thanks to Larq. This stainless steel version boasts next-gen features, including UV water purification at the touch of a button.

Stitch Fix Gift Card

Maybe your father-in-law isn’t the stylish sort, but at least he can look the part with a gift card from Stitch Fix.

622 Magnetic Battery/Charger

For the tech-loving father-in-law, this magnetic backup battery-charger combo features a built-in kickstand for keeping his iPhone at just the right angle for movies and Zoom chats.

Read more: Best Tech Gadgets

Roo Double Hammock

Most dads would spend all day in a hammock if they could. Now, your father-in-law can. This go-anywhere, double-wide version even features enough room for significant-other-in-law too.

Read more: Best Camping Hammocks

Dux Tech Backpack

STM Goods’ DUX is a minimalist, tech-friendly backpack for the father-in-law who’s always toting plenty of gadgets.

Now+ Bluetooth Connected Instant Film Camera

For the dad who likes his tech with a dash of nostalgia, Polaroid’s Now+ offers equal doses of both, plus a handful of retro film-inspired lenses.

Gym Bag

Every gym-going dad deserves a quality gear bag. Rains’ simply named Gym Bag is sleek and no-frills with a timeless, minimalist aesthetic.

Read more: Best Gym Bags

Vista 2 True Wireless Sport Bluetooth Headphones

For active dads who like their headphones compact and out of the way, Jaybird’s Vista 2 earbuds are wireless, comfortable, and “lifeproof” against everything from dust to drops to spills.

Yoga Mat Cork

Gaiam's cork covering is a softer, lightweight, eco-friendly alternative to traditional foam yoga mats. Plus, it looks great to boot.

Hot Sauce Variety Pack

Because truffles make everything better, this gift-worthy kit features three specialty TRUFF sauces. The first is the iconic TRUFF Hot Sauce, followed by the Hotter Sauce, and last the seasonal White Truffle Hot Sauce which is made from (you guessed it) white truffle.

Handmade Coastal Serving Board

For the father-in-law who likes serving snacks and the seashore, this handmade coastal serving board uses a special technique to fuse ocean blue resin into a beautiful maple wood plank.

Gardener's Tool Seat

This clever seat combines two things your gardening father-in-law always needs: Easy access to his tools and a place to sit.

Slate Dome Cocktail Smoking Kit

For the dad who's a part-time mixologist, this futuristic smoking kit will help him create some of the finest cocktails from the comfort of his home.

Microblade Titanium

Dads can never have too many pocket knives. At just 3.75 inches open, this perfectly pocketable microblade makes a versatile addition to any dad’s EDC.

Fishing Pole Campfire Roaster

Make your father-in-law’s campfire “catch” as satisfying as a real catch. Just rig up some marshmallows, a hot dog, or both, and let him fish fireside.

Multitool Bracelet

Take dad-in-law’s everyday carry to the next level with this sleek utility bracelet that features a multifunction knife and a flathead screwdriver.

'Exceptionally Bad Dad Jokes' Book

We don’t know your father-in-law, but we do know he could use some new dad jokes.

Quadcopter Mini Drone

Since the kids never let dad play with their toys, why not get him a drone of his own? Weighing just 44 grams and with a 50-meter range, this mini drone is perfect for first-time pilots.

The Varial Shirt-cut Jacket

A versatile shirt jacket can do wonders for your father-in-law's look. This blanket-like shirt from Y.Chroma is cut in a flattering silhouette that caters to an audience of men who like to stay up on the latest trends, but also want to prioritize comfort.

10 YO Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Cognac Barrel

Every Whiskey drinker knows that there are some Whiskeys that you keep around to crush, and others you keep around to savor, take in, and really appreciate on special occasions. The latter group is the specialty of World Whiskey Society, and one of our favorites that they offer is this 10-year aged Bourbon Whiskey that was finished in a Cognac barrel. Only 600 of these bottles were produced, so they won’t always be around—but those who are among those 600 will be in for a strong, decadent treat; some flavors that you might note include Tiramisu, Sweet orange, lemon peel, graham cracker, and even a refreshing iced tea.

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