Gifts for the Dad Who Wants Nothing
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I’ve never met a dad who would admit to wanting stuff, and most of us would rather splurge on our kids and spouses than ourselves. But as a dad, I can confirm that there are a lot of gifts that men would love to receive from the people we love most and those who love us back. These are gifts we’d probably never buy for ourselves, like sports jerseys and fancy knives for the kitchen, but they make us drool, leave us giddy and get us excited anytime we see them in a store or online.
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If you can splurge on Dadthis year — whether for Father's Day or his birthday— the coolest robot mop could replace Fido as man’s best friend, and the most high-tech smart bird nest will make him so happy as he watches baby birds hatch in HD quality. But this gift guide for dads who want nothing is stocked with gifts for every budget.
Looking for even more great gift ideas for him? Check out some of our top gift guides for dad:
The Best Gift Ideas for Men | Unique Travel Gifts for Dad | Clever Last-Minute Father's Day Gifts
Bidet Self-Cleaning Nozzle
When my wife and I got back from Japan, we promised each other that we’d fully adopt the heated bidet toilet seat life we got used to in Tokyo and Kyoto. This attachment doesn't have heat, but it's affordable and has thousands of 5-star reviews for how well it works. Your Dad may want for nothing, but he’ll thank you forever for giving his throne a royal upgrade.
Monocular Telescope
Hiking, camping, bird watching — he can bring this top-rated telescope along on all of his journeys. According to the brand, it offers eight times magnification so he can see everything really upclose.
Magnetic Tool Wristband
Your Mr. Fix-It may have all the tools he needs to repair the backyard swing set and adjust the cabinet doors so they close flush, but he’ll love this cool magnetic wristband that’ll guarantee the nuts, bolts and screws don’t slip out of his fingers.
Smartphone RC Controlled Paper Airplane Kit
Even if he isn't the hobby type, he'll love this airplane kit that he can control with his phone. It's pretty simple to assemble, but can create hours of fun with the kids or solo.
Cooling Bucket Hat
Regardless of how you feel about bucket hats, we know most dads can rock them well. This particular one, which offers "UPF 50 sun protection," according to the brand, is a top pick from our friends at Esquire.
Food Decision Dice
Dad will never be paralyzed by dinner indecision again with these funny but also useful dice that'll push him toward sushi, steakhouse, fast Good, Mexican and more.
Hotel Collection Bed Pillows
There may not be a better gift than the gift of a sound night’s sleep. As we get older, sleep becomes vital to being able to function at peak performance at work, playing with our kids, and around the home. And good sleep starts with great pillows!
RELATED: The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
'Verses' Party Game
Sure, sure, he wants nothing, but I would be willing to bet Dad wants nothing more than to have his family together, around the table, laughing hysterically and making new memories that’ll last a lifetime. This musical party game hit the perfect notes by letting everyone pair the perfect song with life's most hilariously petty moments.
Kona BBQ Grill Mat
He might not know it yet, but his grilling experience is about to be changed for the better. These grilling mats keep his precious BBQ clean and the seafood, steaks, veggies, burgers and dogs he’s cooking so juicy and delicious.
RELATED: Expert-Approved Grilling Gifts for the Perfect BBQ
Trash Animals Oracle Card Deck
With work, in-laws, and so many commitments, life can be chaotic, but some creatures know the secrets to a happy, adventurous life. Give Dad this hilarious deck of cards with guidance and inspiration from raccoons, possums and other wild critters.
Apple AirTag
Is Dad always misplacing his keys, wallet, backpack and more? An Airtag is an affordable way for him to digitally keep track of his stuff with Bluetooth. (Android user? Try the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2.)
RELATED: Best AirTag Wallets to Keep Cash Safe
Dr. Squatch Bar Soap Variety Pack
From Game of Thrones to Star Wars, Dr. Squatch has a themed soap pack for every Dad, but I recommend a sampler with a variety of grit and scents like wood barrel bourbon and coconut.
RELATED: The Best 'Star Wars' Gifts for Fans of All Ages
TheraICE Rx Migraine Relief Cap
No matter if the headaches are caused by the kids being too loud or too many beers the night before, this cooling TheraICE relief cap will take away the pain and give Dad the peace he craves.
Deerfoam Warner High Vamp Clog Slippers
Indoor/outdoor slippers that are so soft, have memory foam insoles, and won’t make his feet sweat? On behalf of dads everywhere, YES PLEASE!
Agave Black Daily Facial Cleanser
Does he know that he wants skincare products? Possibly not. Does he need them? Absolutely yes he does! Taking care of my face and skin as I age has helped me feel and look better than ever and because Agave Black skincare is made with ingredients like aloe vera, rosemary and tea tree oil — it’s the best choice for your Dad too.
RELATED: Best Face Moisturizers for Men
Wood Phone Docking Station
If he wants nothing, it may be a sign that he has everything. If that’s the case, this handsome wood docking station is what he needs to stash, charge, and keep all his gear, glasses, watches and more organized.
Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager
He won’t admit it, but Dad is tired, sore and really would love to sit down and watch the game with a cold one in his hand. Now, his feet can be pampered too with heat and shiatsu rollers thanks to this electric foot massager.
Henckels 8-Inch Slicing Knife
If he watched The Bear, he'll know how vital it is to have a sharp, reliable knife. Is a Henckels Chef's Knife one of the best Father’s Day gifts? Yes, Chef! Thank you, Chef, for making cooking and meal prep so much easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
RELATED: The Best Chef's Knives, According to Experts
Frameo Digital Picture Frame
Give Dad a smart frame loaded with pics of him and his kids and he'll be happily distracted forever as he sees one joyful memory after the next pop-up, and easily adds more straight from his phone.
Adidas Sports Jerseys
I don’t wear soccer jerseys often, but I love having them in my closet. Does that make sense? While I would never buy one for myself, my wife and kids have bought me jerseys of my favorite players and those gifts always land. He wants nothing, but if he has a favorite team or player, he definitely wants their jersey. (And if football is his game, then he certainly wants this Messi one.)
LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant
Fusing two of pop culture’s most enduring brands, and two icons many Dads adore, this LEGO Super Mario Piranha Plant is a perfect gift for the Dad who wants nothing. If he, like me, doesn’t love building, do what my LEGO-loving oldest daughter does: build it for him then gift him not a project but a cool finished product!
RELATED: The Best LEGO Sets for Adults and Collectors
Horse Race Board Game
This fun tabletop game uses dice, playing cards, metal horses and a beautiful wooden board to recreate the excitement of being at the racetrack. Because it’s fun for the whole family, and for an unlimited number of players, Dad will love to gather his friends and family to play this awesome horse racing game.
Groove Life Stretch Nylon Belt
This belt from Groove Life will complete his fits and will keep him from having to readjust his belt all day long. Thanks to being comfortable, durable and a brilliant magnetic clasp, the Groove Life belt never needs to be futzed with throughout the day, no matter what Dad is doing.
Birdfy Nest
As we age, many of us become amateur birders. I can’t explain it, but my wife has names for all the Blue Jays, Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers who come to our balcony for their breakfasts, lunches and dinners. This Birdfy Nest lets Dad watch as they feed and see baby birds hatch in real-time and HD. Some technology is frivolous, but this is phenomenal!
RELATED: Best Bird Feeders
iRobot Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop
He can sit back, relax and control his iRobot Braava jet m6 from his phone without him lifting a finger. The Good Housekeeping Institute said this one performed well in tests because its square shape lets it get into those hard-to-reach corners, and its dry function lets it sweep (but doesn't vacuum).
RELATED: The Best Robot Mops, Tested by Experts
Ackermann Maple Farm Vanilla & Bourbon Combo
Whether he makes them from scratch like I do or out of a box, Dad’s weekend pancakes will taste 100% better when doused in Ackerman’s fine barrel-aged bourbon maple syrup and with a dollop of maple cream on top.
Taft Socks
I’m obsessed with these floral socks from Taft. They turn my basic jeans and hoodie look into something a wee bit more classy and cool when I’m out to dinner with my wife or accompanying my daughters to a concert.
Nazenti Custom Line Drawing Portrait, Couple Line Art, Family Portrait from Photo, Personalized Portrait Poster Canvas, Birthday Gift, Mothers Day Canvas, Fathers Day Gift, Wall Art, House, Room Decor
Find his favorite photo of him with his kids (and/or pets) and send it to this small business to receive a custom drawing that will blow him away…and probably make him cry happy tears.
Flamekeepers Hat Club Autumn Blue Fedora
A handmade fedora is the ultimate luxury item he'd probably never buy for himself but once you place it on his head, he'll begin to dance around with a level of cool confidence he's rarely known.
'100 Questions for Dad' Journal
After my dad died I created this guided journal to help guys tell their story and to understand why preserving stories matter in the first place. Every dad has one and now is the time he should document his journey from childhood to today.
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