The 43 Best Unique Father’s Day Gifts That He’ll Actually Use
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Unconventional and useful gifts for the dad who has everything
Verywell Family / Kevin Liang
Medically reviewed by Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, PsyD, ABPPFact checked by Rich Scherr
It can be tough to shop for the dad who already has everything (or says he doesn’t want anything). Over the years, he may have accumulated more golf clubs, tools, and neckties than he can handle, so we’ve rounded up the best unique Father’s Day gifts that he doesn’t already own. From bar accessories to gadgets to DIY kits, our list has gifts for sporty dads, gamer dads, techie dads, and more.
To find the very best unique Father’s Day gifts, we sourced recommendations from our parenting and shopping editors, who have purchased many of these products for their own dads, grandpas, and partners. We also conducted thorough research, reviewing over 100 products and consulting with shopping experts about Father’s Day gift ideas and trends.
When selecting our very top picks, we kept a wide variety of interests, hobbies, and lifestyles in mind, making sure to include gifts for a range of budgets. Whether you’re shopping for your own dad, your significant other, a father figure, or otherwise, these gifts will make him feel special and appreciated—and they’re great picks for parental figures of all genders, too.
Bose Frames Tenor
These Bose Frames are sunglasses and a speaker all in one. Featuring scratch-resistant polarized lenses, the lightweight sunglasses block up to 99% of UV rays, according to the brand, and the high-quality Bluetooth audio function can play his favorite tunes or take phone calls. One editor’s dad loves using these while relaxing at the beach—no need to pack a bulky speaker.
Price at time of publication: $249
Roccbox Portable Wood and Gas Pizza Oven
Dad can serve up a fun feast with this portable stone pizza oven, which lets him cook a Neapolitan pizza in just 60 seconds. The Roccbox features retractable legs, a built-in thermometer, and a safe-touch outer layer. Plus, he has the option to fuel it with gas or wood, so he can choose whichever is most convenient. One of our editors’ husbands frequently uses this oven to whip up the family’s favorite Margherita pizza.
Price at time of publication: $499
Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller
This clever device turns your smartphone (iPhone or Android) into a gaming controller. Simply insert a phone into the controller, which has buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks so Dad can play his favorite video games. There are ports to connect headphones and a phone charger, too. One of our editors received this as a sample, and her husband loves using it to play Halo, though they note that some users will need to remove their phone case before inserting their phone into the controller.
Price at time of publication: $100
Uncommon Goods Personalized Hobby Mug
Whether he’s a reader, a runner, or a pet lover, this personalized mug displays Dad doing one of his favorite activities. You can customize the mug with his hair color, shirt color, and hobby, and you can add his name, too. Illustrated by a Michigan-based artist, these ceramic mugs are safe for the microwave and top rack of the dishwasher.
Price at time of publication: $32
Related: The 53 Best Father’s Day Gifts of 2023, According to Parenting Editors
Cosori Premium Stainless Steel Dehydrator
Dad can get creative in the kitchen with this 600-watt food dehydrator, which he can use to make beef jerky, dehydrated fruits for cocktail garnishes, and more. Available in silver and black, its features include automatic shutoff, overheating protection, a memory function, and a touch-controlled digital LED display. Plus, it comes with six stainless steel sheets, a mesh tray, a fruit roll sheet, and a cookbook with 50 different recipes.
Price at time of publication: $160
Siligram Customizable Silicone Bar Mat
Upgrade Dad’s bar with this non-slip silicone bar mat. It can be personalized with up to 16 characters, so you can add his name, an inside joke, or just “Dad’s Bar.” The mat can also be used for drying dishes or preparing his morning coffee.
Price at time of publication: $40
Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB)
A unique spin on a traditional e-reader, the Amazon Kindle Scribe lets Dad annotate his e-books or take notes after he’s finished reading. The tablet has a high-resolution, 10.2-inch display and access to millions of books in the Kindle Store. A compatible pen stylus is included in your purchase.
Price at time of publication: $340
Pretentious Beer Glass Co Handmade Rocks Glass
This Tennessee-based company crafts handmade glassware that stands out from the back. This limestone rocks glass sits at a tilt, allowing the bourbon—or your dad’s drink of choice—to breathe and keeping the ice farther away from the opening to slow down melting. One editor reports that her dad and grandpa are both enamored with these unique glasses that add a fun twist to an ordinary drink.
Price at time of publication: $49
Related: The 23 Best Gifts for Dads of 2023
Nana Workshop Studio Architectural Blueprint Wall Art
For a sentimental present, give Dad a custom piece of art featuring the blueprint of a special place. Whether it’s his childhood home, college dorm, or a former apartment, this is a touching and thoughtful gift. (You will need access to the building’s blueprint, though.)
Price at time of publication: Starting at $45
Bean Box Coffee Road Trip
Spice up your dad’s morning cup of Joe with this unique road trip collection from Bean Box, which comes with freshly ground or whole beans based on Dad’s preference. The expert-curated collection features three coffees from each U.S. region, including the Northeast, the South, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southwest. If the dad you’re buying it for lives far away, you can opt for e-gift delivery that he can redeem immediately.
Price at time of publication: $80
Aiper Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Help Dad maintain the pool with this easy-to-use robotic pool cleaner, which has a battery life of up to 90 minutes. The cord-free machine uses dual motors, strong suction, and two scrapers to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris from the water. It stops itself by the pool wall when the battery is too low or it has completed a cleaning cycle.
Price at time of publication: $300
Related: The Best Kiddie Pools to Splash, Cool Down, and Relax In
Yeti Rambler Beverage Bucket
This sturdy cooler bucket is built for cookouts or happy hour beers on the porch. Made from dishwasher-safe, kitchen-grade stainless steel, the double-walled cooler holds approximately six cans or three bottles of wine, so Dad will be well-stocked for sharing. It also has a non-slip rubber bottom and an ergonomic rubber handle, and you can personalize it with his name for an additional fee.
Price at time of publication: Starting at $150
ButcherBox Mixed Box
For the grill master dad, consider a monthly subscription box with high-quality meats, like the Mixed Box from Butcher Box, which comes with 8 to 11 pounds of 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, and pork that’s raised crate-free. Each month will have a different selection, and you can choose a specific Beef & Chicken or Beef & Pork subscription (for the same price!) to fit Dad’s food preferences.
Price at time of publication: $146/month
Related: Best Kids' Cooking Subscription Boxes
Do Your Gin Whisky Making Kit
Dad can craft his own whiskey flavor with this unique kit, which includes three types of oak, six herbs and spices, two glass prep bottles, and six stainless steel whiskey ice cubes. There are also labels so that he can name and decorate his creation. Note that the kit is BYOB, so consider pairing it with a bottle of his favorite liquor so he can get started right away.
Price at time of publication: $70
Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker With Timer
Dad won’t need to grab breakfast from the coffee shop anymore with this user-friendly breakfast sandwich maker. It functions similarly to a waffle iron but with a dedicated layer for a fried egg. And since it can make two sandwiches at once (in just four steps!), Dad can quickly whip up breakfast for the kids before school.
Price at time of publication: $47
Heirloom Video Book
Compile Dad’s favorite memories in this unique video book, which looks like a regular photo album from the outside but features a 5-inch HD screen on the inside. After you purchase it, you’ll submit 10 or 20 minutes of video, whether it’s home videos or footage from his recent travels. You can add a personal message on the inside, and there are 16 cover designs to choose from.
Price at time of publication: $49 for a 10-minute book, $69 for a 20-minute book
Fitbit Charge 5
Available in several sleek color combinations, the Fitbit Charge 5 is an excellent pick for the dad who’s focused on his health. One editor gave this to her dad so he could track his Afib, though it’s also helpful in logging exercise, tracking sleep, and monitoring stress levels. The touchscreen is well-lit and the watch has up to seven days of battery life.
Price at time of publication: $150
Related: The 7 Best Smartwatches for Kids of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Netvue Birdify Lite Smart Bird Feeder Camera
If Dad loves birdwatching as much as one of our editors’ grandpas does, he’ll get hours of entertainment from this bird feeder camera. The high-resolution camera captures color photos and videos of incoming birds, even at night, and has up to eight times magnification capabilities so Dad can see the details of their feathers. Dad can watch the action from his phone and rest assured that the birds are well-fed, since the 1.5-liter feeder means he won’t need to refill it too often.
Price at time of publication: $259
The Good Guy Company State and Sports Teams Wood LED Sign
Dad can show off his loyalty to his favorite teams with this wood sign, which is shaped like a state and features the teams of his choosing. The sign, which measures around 30 inches at its longest point, is made from 5-millimeter plywood. And for $15 more, you can add LED lights in the color of your choosing. (A remote is included with the lights.)
Price at time of publication: $55 without lights, $70 with lights
New York Times Custom Birthday Book
If Dad is a history buff, he’ll get a kick out of this custom book, which displays the front page of The New York Times on each of his birthdays, dating back to the year he was born. Choose between two cover materials, each with multiple color options.
Price at time of publication: $100 for leatherette cover, $145 for linen cover
Hatch Restore 2
The Hatch Restore 2 is an alarm, nightlight, white noise machine, and so much more. It can play music, sleep sounds, dreamscapes, and more to help give Dad a restful night. One of our editors swears by the Hatch Restore 2 and particularly loves that it will wake you with gentle light and music, chimes, or birdsong to help ease you into the day—no more jolting awake at the abrupt sound of a traditional alarm.
Price at time of publication: $200
Related: The 11 Best White Noise Machines of 2023
BioLite Base Charge 600
Whether your dad is an avid camper or simply likes to be prepared, the BioLite Base Charge 600 allows him to power lots of electric devices on the go or in places where outlets aren’t available. Its maximum output of 600 watts can power an electric cooler for 15 hours or a smartphone for 48 charges. One of our editors received a sample of the BioLite Base Charge 600, which she and her family used at the beach. She notes that it’s also a great backup for storm season.
Price at time of publication: $699
RAK Magnetic Wristband with Strong Magnets for Holding Screws
Handy dads will appreciate this magnetic wristband, made with 10 strong magnets to keep nails, screws, nuts, and drill bits accessible while he’s building or fixing something. Plus, it’ll save him time since he won’t have to scrounge around for nails in his toolbox or on the ground.
Price at time of publication: $23
Shutterfly Photo Gallery Playing Cards
Whether he’s an avid poker player or a big fan of family game nights, Dad will enjoy these Shutterfly playing cards, which you can customize with family photos. Each card in the deck will feature the same design, but you can choose up to nine photos per card if you prefer a collage. The deck comes with 52 standard cards, two Jokers, and a plastic carrying case.
Price at time of publication: $20
Related: The 33 Best Family Board Games of 2023
YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler
Yeti coolers come highly recommended by our editors for their durability and insulation. The 24-ounce roadie cooler fits up to 33 cans or an impressive 26 pounds of ice, and it’s tall enough to fit most wine bottles, too. Its tough outer shell protects it from getting banged up in Dad’s trunk, and the inner insulation maintains the temperature of his food and drinks, whether hot or cold. It also has an ergonomic carrying handle and one-handed latches.
Price at time of publication: $250
Pottery Barn Foldable Gardening Seat With Tools & Detachable Tote
If Dad is a gardening fanatic, we recommend this foldable gardening seat he can use as he tends his plants. It also comes with five tools—a broad-face trowel, a narrow-face trowel, a garden fork, a cultivator/rake, and a weeder—and there’s a detachable storage tote to keep them organized. We appreciate that the aluminum frame is lightweight yet sturdy, and all materials are free from BPA, phthalates, and lead.
Price at time of publication: $129
Scentbird Cologne Scent of the Month Subscription
If Dad’s in the market for a new cologne but wants to test his options before purchasing a big bottle, a Scentbird Scent of the Month subscription allows him to try a new cologne each month. Unlike other subscription services, he actually gets to select the monthly scent himself. Each scent comes in an 8-milliliter (0.2 fl oz) bottle with approximately 120 sprays, and his first order comes with a free fragrance case. You can sign him up for the subscription here.
Price at time of publication: $16.95/month (the first month is $8.47)
L.L.Bean Stowaway Day Pack
Avid hikers will love the L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack, which is lightweight and easy to carry. It has lots of internal pockets to stow Dad’s gear, and the outer polyester shell is made from recycled soda and water bottles. Additionally, it has adjustable waist and sternum straps to help it fit comfortably.
Price at time of publication: $60
Related: The 10 Best Hiking Shoes for Kids of 2023
Mark and Graham Monad Rugged Case for AirPods
This sleek AirPods case is crafted from American-made rustic leather that allows the LED charging light to shine through, so Dad will know when the battery’s running low. It comes in sizes for the AirPods Pro, AirPods, and AirPods 3rd Generation, and is available in black or brown leather. For an added fee, you can have the case monogrammed with Dad’s initials.
Price at time of publication: $30
Four Roses Bourbon x Osmo Salt Gift Set
Cheers to Dad! This limited-edition gift set pairs a Four Roses Small Batch Whiskey bottle with Osmo Toasted Vanilla Bourbon Salt. Dad can use the salt to elevate his glass of whiskey or add it to baked goods or savory dishes.
Price at time of publication: $61
Back to the Roots Mini Mushroom Grow Kit
Dad can exercise his green thumb with this mushroom growing kit, which allows him to grow his own mushrooms year-round. Simply place the kit on a windowsill with indirect sunlight, mist it twice daily, and mushrooms will start to grow in seven to 10 days. Then, he can harvest them and add them to a favorite dish, like pasta.
Price at time of publication: $16
Birkenstock Mens’ Arizona Vegan Footbed Sandal
These Birkenstock sandals are a comfortable but cool pair for warmer weather. They come in US men’s sizes 8 through 13 in a variety of colors, and they feature two adjustable straps. The vegan sandals are made with a microfiber upper and lower, an EVA sole, and a cork-latex footbed that contours to Dad’s foot.
Price at time of publication: $110
Related: The Best Toddler Sandals for Happy Little Feet
Manscaped The Beard Hedger
Upgrade his grooming routine with this precision beard trimmer, which adjusts to 20 different lengths to tackle everything from stubble to a thick beard. It’s also waterproof, so he can use it in the shower, and it comes with a hardshell travel case.
Price at time of publication: $100
Duduma TR8116 Sports Polarized Sunglasses
Whether fishing, biking, or golfing, Dad may not want to risk wearing a pricey pair of sunglasses while playing sports. These polarized sunglasses have UV protective coating on the lenses, and the frames and stems are flexible for a comfortable fit. It’s designed to fit snugly around the ears so they won’t fall off during a run or round of golf.
Price at time of publication: $18
JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker
Dad can easily bring his favorite tunes with him to the beach or the driving range with this portable clip-on speaker from JBL. Available in a wide variety of colors, the waterproof Bluetooth speaker has a built-in carabiner and a lithium-ion battery with up to 10 hours of battery life, and Dad can even use it to take calls.
Price at time of publication: $50
Related: The 9 Best Speakers for Teens of 2023
DuoMuo Retro Vinyl Record Coasters
Calling all hipster dads and music lovers: These vinyl record-shaped coasters protect the table or counter from water damage and look cool to boot. The six-pack has a non-slip ring on the bottom of the coasters so his drink doesn’t slip or spill.
Price at time of publication: $15
Uncommon Goods Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit
If your dad can handle some heat, he’ll enjoy making his own hot sauces with this handy kit. It comes with spices, distilled white vinegar, six 5-ounce glass bottles with lids, a funnel, gloves, an instruction booklet with recipes, and six labels so he can name his creations. Dad will need a blender or food processor to make the sauces, and if you want, you can pair the kit with fresh or canned tomato, onions, and cilantro, which the brand recommends for spicing up the recipes.
Price at time of publication: $46
Leatherman Surge
While giving your dad tools for Father’s Day may be a little cliché, you can’t beat this all-in-one gadget. The Leatherman Surge is only 4.5 inches long, yet it includes 21 tools, like pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, and a bottle opener. This workhorse is made from stainless steel and black oxide, and the various features lock into place for his safety.
Price at time of publication: $150
Bombas Men's Solids Ankle 4-Pack Socks
Bombas socks are the gold standard for comfort and durability, making it actually exciting to unwrap a gift of socks. This four-pack of ankle socks features seamless toes, cushioned footbeds, and the brand’s signature arch support. Plus, for every pair purchased, the brand donates a pair, and you can score free shipping by creating a free Bombas account.
Price at time of publication: $52
Related: The 20 Best Socks for Kids of 2023
VIKTOR JURGEN Back Massager, Neck Massager with Heat
Give Dad some much-needed relief with this massager he can use on his neck, shoulders, back, and more. It’s heated for extra muscle relaxation, and there are two adjustable speeds. We like that it switches the direction of movement every minute to mimic a spa shiatsu massage.
Price at time of publication: $43
Gorgeous Map Company Stadium Map Print
If your Dad’s a sports fanatic, consider giving him a cool map print of his favorite team’s stadium. Underneath the print is the stadium’s name, coordinates, and address for an extra special touch. Gorgeous Map Company offers prints of MLB, NHL, and NBA teams, in addition to select European football clubs.
Price at time of publication: Starting at $26
Wild Tribe Star Wars Death Star Ice Mold
May the force be with Dad: We recommend this cool (and budget-friendly!) two-pack of ice molds for the dad who's a huge Star Wars fan. The silicone molds are shaped like Darth Vader's Death Star and make 2.4-inch ice balls. He can also use the molds to make chocolates.
Price at time of publication: $11
Casematix Dice Tray
This dice tray and storage case is a practical and useful gift for the avid gamer. His dice can be stored in the ring around the case, while the center of the tray acts as a rolling surface. It comes in black, green, blue, and red, and the lid is embossed with a dragon design.
Price at time of publication: $30
How We Selected the Best Unique Father’s Day Gifts
Shopping for a Father’s Day gift that isn’t cliché can be challenging, so we’ve researched over 100 gift options, ranging from popular crowd pleasers to one-of-a-kind custom items, to find the best unique Father’s Day gifts that he’ll actually like and use. We also sourced recommendations from our parenting and shopping editors to learn what they’ve bought for the dads in their lives. Additionally, we consulted with Julie Coop, Vice President of Brand and Consumer Communications at Shipt, to gain insights into Father’s Day shopping trends and gift ideas.
What to Look for in the Best Unique Father’s Day Gifts
Interests and Hobbies
Dads have all kinds of interests and hobbies, so consider the lifestyle of the dad you’re shopping for, says Coop. A present tailored to his preferred activities is thoughtful and will make him feel special. Plus, he’ll likely get more use out of something catered to his favorite things to do.
Our gift guide has picks for a wide range of hobbies: For the sporty dad, we recommend the Fitbit Charge 5, Gorgeous Map Company Stadium Map Print, and Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses. Foodies will love the Uncommon Goods Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit and the Cosori Food Dehydrator, while gamers will appreciate the Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller and the Casematix Dice Tray.
Plus, we like the Bose Frames Tenor and Aiper Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner for tech lovers. And for outdoorsy, nature-loving dads, the Netvue Birdify Lite Smart Bird Feeder Camera and L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack are great options.
Budget
While our dads deserve the world, a Father’s Day gift doesn’t have to be a pricey purchase. There are plenty of budget-friendly picks on our list, including the Uncommon Goods Personalized Hobby Mug and the DuoMuo Retro Vinyl Record Coasters. Additionally, consider accessories to bigger ticket items he already owns, which are often more affordable. For instance, if your dad loves his AirPods, give him the Mark and Graham Monad Rugged Case for AirPods, and for the tool-obsessed dad, the RAK Magnetic Wristband keeps his nails and drill bits close by while he’s tinkering.
However, if you have more room in your budget, there are plenty of splurge-worthy picks on our list. The portable, easy-to-use Roccbox Pizza Oven is an editor favorite for fun family meals, and the Aiper Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is a convenient tool that helps Dad keep his pool clean. Our editors also like the BioLite Base Charge 600, a portable outlet station that powers devices on the beach, a campsite, and more. And no matter the price of the present you choose, you can’t go wrong with a heartfelt handwritten note to accompany it.
Personalization
To add an extra special touch to a Father’s Day gift, consider a one-of-a-kind, personalized gift. For instance, the New York Times Custom Birthday Book displays newspaper covers from each of Dad’s birthdays, and The Good Guy Company State and Sports Teams Wood LED Sign is customized with his favorite teams and home state. Plus, the Heirloom Video Book allows Dad to watch a custom video of precious family moments whenever he likes, and the Shutterfly Photo Gallery Playing Cards can be customized with up to nine photos.
You can also see if the gift you choose can be personalized with Dad’s name or initials, like the Yeti Rambler Beverage Bucket and the Siligrams Customizable Silicone Bar Mat. For an extra special touch, you can personalize your gift yourself. Coop recommends pre-loading an e-reader, like the Amazon Kindle Scribe, with some of your dad’s favorite titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I buy for Father’s Day for the dad who has everything?
It can be tough to buy for dads and father figures—sometimes, it seems like he already has everything, and it’s particularly tricky if your dad isn’t a fan of material goods or clutter. Headphones, e-readers, and apparel are all super popular picks, says Coop, but if he already has these (or isn’t interested in them), there are still plenty of options to make them feel special and celebrated on Father’s Day. Consider something custom, such as a personalized piece of art like the Gorgeous Map Company Stadium Map Print or the Nana Workshop Studio Architectural Blueprint Wall Art. He likely doesn’t have anything similar, and it’s a nice way to show him you care about his interests.
A subscription box that introduces him to something new is another option for the dad who has everything. For example, the Scentbird Cologne Scent of the Month Subscription introduces him to a new fragrance every month. Or, give him a subscription to something practical he’ll use regularly or will save him money: A ButcherBox subscription provides him with a monthly supply of meat he can prepare for the family and also cuts down on the grocery bill.
How do I make Father’s Day extra special?
A gift that provides Dad an experience is a thoughtful and different type of Father’s Day gift. One popular choice is a food, beverage, or cooking tool that Dad can enjoy at a meal with his loved ones, says Coop. We recommend Four Roses Bourbon x Osmo Salt Gift Set for celebrating Dad over a drink, the Uncommon Goods Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit for a family activity, or the Roccbox Pizza Oven for preparing a Father’s Day feast. These gifts offer unique experiences and quality time—these memories may just be the best Father’s Day gift he gets.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. As a commerce writer and avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. She’s researched hundreds of baby products and has tested dozens in our lab, from strollers to baby swings to diaper bags. For this story, she spoke with Julie Coop, Vice President of Brand and Consumer Communications at Shipt about Father’s Day shopping trends and ideas. Phoebe’s dad is a particular fan of the Pretentious Beer Glass Co Handmade Rocks Glass, which is cool yet functional, and she personally swears by her Hatch Restore 2.
