25 Unique Father’s Day Gifts He'll Never Expect

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Don’t let Father’s Day be another holiday where you send an impersonal greeting card and a random book because you couldn’t think of anything special to gift the important father figures in your life. Searching for a unique gift idea, let alone a unique Father’s Day gift idea may feel like a trap, but it’s easier than you think — especially if you have the right group of editors (us) hunting down the best gifts across tech gadgets, home goods, sports accessories, and more.

To curate this list, our experts at Best Products dove into the minds of fathers by scouring Reddit threads and speaking to a few dads from different generations. Among our findings, we discovered two similar sentiments between them all: Dads just want to spend time with their children, and they really do cherish a handmade, sentimental, or personalized gift.

In this guide, you’ll discover Father’s Day gift ideas that celebrate his hobbies and interests, along with interactive ways you can spend time together. Instead of gifting a novelty tie that he probably has dozens of or buying expensive tech devices that he won’t use, get creative with something fun and personal that shows you gave it a lot of thought.

Here, discover gifts under $50 for those on a budget, and worthwhile luxury Father’s Day gifts that he’ll want to show off to everyone.

Portable Personal Mini Oven, Black

The Hotlogic Mini plugs into any standard wall outlet and heats your food containers — glass, Tupperware, plastic, metal, you name it — so your food is always hot and ready for noshing when you are.

This perfect little invention is great for dads who go tailgating and hot meals on the road (check out Hotlogic's genius vehicle-compatible version) for a legit-feeling home-cooked meal while at the office. #TeamLeftovers!

More: 81 Best Father's Day Gifts for Every Type of Dad

Echo Show 15

This is the tech advice Dad needs in his kitchen or in his office. The Echo Show is a does-it-all smart display that can function as a TV, voice assistant, virtual notepad, and video caller. Senior Editor Summer Cartwright got to test this device out and said: "It's truly an incredible gift, especially for dads who live far away and need some more quality time," she said. "It also looks great as a display. You can opt for the device to show off different art when it's not being used, so it really can become a beautiful centerpiece in his space, too."

Bonsai Starter Kit

If your dad could use a bit of newfound zen in his life (beta-blockers be damned), a bonsai growing kit might be just the thing. This beginner-friendly kit has everything a budding (heh) bonsai enthusiast needs, down to the burlap pots and clippers.

The only downside: The Karate Kid DVD is, unfortunately, not included. If you don’t get that reference pick up a copy of the 1984 version and ask your Dad — he’ll know and want to watch the movie immediately after.

Pinpoint Metal Detector

A metal detector is a dad’s ultimate dream to find every lost item he dropped on the floor and to discover the many buried relics in his neighborhood. He’ll have fun with his new-found treasures, even if the “treasures” in question are screws hiding under the couch from a previous dad project or coins wedged between bushes.

This professional-grade metal detector picks up all types of metals including iron, jewelry, and coins. It even has a feature that lets you customize the search to hone in on the desired find (aka, it can differentiate between copper pipes vs copper pennies).

Electronic Drum Set

Once a rocker always a rocker. If your dad is the one who introduced you to all the “Dad bands” that TikTok users are meme-ifying right now it’s time to give proper thanks. While your other parent might be annoyed at the noise of a real drum set, everyone will be happy with this electronic drum set that’ll let your dad put his air drum skills to the test.

This beginner-friendly drum set includes 5 drums and 3 cymbal sounds that echo like an authentic acoustic drum set. The electronic drums set features several audio ports for headphones, the amplifier pedal, and USB connectors if your dad wants to experiment with making music.

Campus Indoor Colorblind Glasses

What do ’90s romcoms and glasses for color blindness have in common? The ability to reduce me to a sopping pool of emotions, that’s what. If you’re lucky enough to have been blessed by your algo with colorblind dads seeing true vibrancy for the first time, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

EnChroma colorblind glasses come in indoor and outdoor versions, and apart from making Dad look like a real-life, super-cool member of the X-Men, they also stimulate the brain's color vision processing. The glasses, which are available for both protan and deutan color blindness, can improve color vision by up to 5 times.

Our digital designer Hunter Young gave a pair of sunglasses to her dad for Father’s Day and can attest they were a hit. “My dad is a huge outdoor nut, and we thought it would be cool for him to experience the vibrancy of greens and reds throughout the year,” she says. And yes, they come in safety, kids, and prescription versions, too.

I actually can't think of anything that tops seeing the world in a whole new light, so I'll just be here in a corner, crying all the tears

Ford Mustang 10265 Building Set

Legos are a fun activity for all ages, and this collectible building set makes a unique Father’s Day gift for the Dad who wishes he had a garage full of vintage cars. Your Dad will have fun tinkering with this authentic Mustang replica without the actual elbow grease and expense of a real car.

This building set is full of intricate details that any car enthusiast will geek over for the accurate bodywork, rims, engine, and more features — all made from Legos. Go the extra mile with this gift and offer to build it together, or learn about the history of the specific car — because dads love history whether they realize it or not.

Wood Whittling Kit With Basswood Wood

Wood whittling is one of those random “Dad hobbies” that often get laughed at in movies and cartoons, but is a fun activity that brings a sense of accomplishment with each project. Regardless of your dad’s craftsmanship skills, this beginner set for adults will make him an expert with each wood chisel.

In this kit, your dad will have everything he needs to whittle a block of wood into a cool figurine or whatever he has in mind. The kit includes three rust-free whittling knives with a comfortable handle and durable, sharp blade, 8 woodblocks to start his project, and safety cutting gloves that you should 100% remind him to use.

Custom Electric Branding Iron for Meat and Wood

This personalized meat branding iron is a unique Father’s Day gift for the Dad who takes BBQ duties seriously — and wants everyone to know who was behind the grill. You can choose from a standard iron that gets heated under a flame or an electric iron for easier use — simply plug it in, let it heat up, and it’s ready to go.

This gift is fully customizable with the logo and name being changed to your desire. Submit a design or pick from the shop’s recommended design for a personalized piece that your dad will know was made just for him. The stamp comes in various sizes and is perfect for burgers, steaks, bread, or wooden items if he’s also into woodworking.

Electric Branding Iron for Wood, Meat, Paper, Plastic

This personalized meat branding iron is a unique Father’s Day gift for the Dad who takes BBQ duties seriously — and wants everyone to know who was behind the grill. You can choose from a standard iron that gets heated under a flame or an electric iron for easier use — simply plug it in, let it heat up, and it’s ready to go.

This gift is fully customizable, with the logo and name being changed to your desire. Submit a design or pick from the shop’s recommended design for a personalized piece that your Dad will know was made just for him. The stamp comes in various sizes and is perfect for burgers, steaks, bread, or wooden items if he’s also into woodworking.

DNA Activation Kit

Out of the many dads I spoke to for this list, half of them somehow led me into a conversation about family history, genealogy, and identity. It’s a very “dad trait” to want to teach younger people about where they come from and you can make it easier with a DNA activation kit from AncestryDNA.

All your dad needs to do is give a little spit and send it in the secure package to AncestryDNA. After 6-8 weeks, he’ll have a wealth of knowledge about his DNA, family origin, and ethnicity, which will help him dive deeper into his family's history — something you can do together.

Mind The Gap Deluxe Trivia Game

Making time for a game night is probably the best gift you can give a dad. One of the dads we spoke to shared that the best gift he can receive is, “hanging out with my kids.” Such a wholesome dad answer. This trivia game is a unique way to have family fun with a little competition that all ages can get behind since the generational questions will test the knowledge of everyone involved.

The deluxe version of this game offers interactive challenges, categories, and trivia from Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z history.

The Golf Father Driver & Putter Covers

Almost every dad (and man born before 2002 honestly) has a personal relationship with Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. Maybe it’s because they gravitate towards a storyline featuring the responsibilities and love of a father, or maybe they just like a good Italian mafia movie.

Regardless, if they’ve seen the movie they’ll appreciate these kitschy golf club covers crafted with tour-grade waterproof PU leather. High-quality embroidery of The Godfather title logo and a rose are featured on one side, with the phrase “It’s not personal. It’s golf on the other side.” Perfect for the dad who stands on business, especially when teeing off for 9-holes.

Professional Rock Tumbler Kit

Yes, we’re telling you to get your dad a professional rock tumbler kit for Father’s Day. National Geographic created this kit specifically for adults who want to chip away at the grit on found rocks. The advanced tumbling barrel offers a 3-speed motor with a 9-day timer, so your dad can discover the beauty of a random grey rock turned into its shiny glory.

Between birdwatching and wood whittling hobbies is the adventure of rock collecting and trying to find a shiny winner amongst the dull sediment. Take some interest in your dad's collection obsession — especially if he’s always flooding the family group chat with random things that he finds on his walk.

Cold Case Murder Mystery Game

Have some fun with your dad’s sleuthing expertise — especially if he always knew when you lied about bad grades in school or caught you sneaking out at night. This murder mystery game is an interactive way to see your dad’s brain work as you hunt down the real killer of the (fictional) 1989 cold case murder of Buddy Edmunds.

Inside, you’ll find photos, notes, items, and clues to help you solve the case and figure out whodunit. The game offers a medium level of difficulty, so you can have a little challenge without spending 6+ hours trying to figure it out. Set out about four hours of playtime and give your dad the gift of a killer game night.

Whiskey Infusion Kit Gift Set

Buying a bottle of your dad’s favorite whiskey won’t cut it if you’re looking for a unique Father’s Day gift. You’ve got to go an extra step to make your gift something he’ll talk about every time he brings out the bottle. This whiskey infusion gift set includes 12 wood and botanical whiskey flavors that let your father be the Master distiller for a personalized bottle crafted by him.

The included instructions will give him a little history of the different taste profiles so he can fine-tune his whiskey sommelier skills that he’ll try to convince everyone he has. Join in on the whiskey infusion activity and try to guess each other's concoctions for a quality-time activity.

Space-Saving Vacuum Sealer with Bags and Roll

One of my dad buddies can't stop gushing about his vacuum sealer and how it has pretty much changed his life, so far, be it for me to gatekeep. This is a space-saving option great for those with limited counter space but who still want to get into the very satisfying world of vacuum sealing and sous-vide-ing.

If your dad is into marinating meats or meal prep, this is a particularly awesome tech surprise he won't necessarily think of getting for himself.

Interactive WiFi Pet Camera

I would never leave out the fur dads from any roundup! The way I see it, the Petcube is a two-pronged gift: First, for all of us pet lovers who deal with separation anxiety while at work or when traveling, and second, for the poor babies left behind while we're away.

For the uninitiated, the Petcube Lite is a pet camera with two-way audio that also dispenses dry treats and even comes with a vet chat app. Because if you're not hovering over your dogs' and cats' every single move, what even are you doing with your life?

'McQueen Asleep In Pickup' by John Dominis

I have yet to meet a man of a certain age who doesn’t consider Steve McQueen as the ultimate guy’s guy. Pay homage to this legend — and ex-Marine, race car driver, leading man, actor, daredevil, all-around arbiter of cool — with an elegantly framed print that Dad can look at whenever and wherever he needs a jolt of inspiration... even at rest.

Lots of other icons on the site, too, so no worries if he's more of a music or a golf fan.

Personalized Storybook

If Dad is a romantic, nothing beats a personalized book crafted from his own words and experiences. An annual subscription to Storyworth includes weekly question prompts via email sent to the recipient, and the replies and photos are then bound into a book at the end of the year for them to enjoy.

You can choose from preset questions like “Who are your favorite artists?” and “What is one of your fondest childhood memories?” to help you learn more about your loved ones, or you can also ask your own or enlist Mom’s help in telling their love story. Either way, it’s an introspective and unique Father’s Day gift to cherish for decades.

Nonstick Grill Grids

We understand that your household's resident grillmaster might not need any more help, but hear us out: These nonstick grill pans actually make his life way easier. How, you say? By doing the thankless job of cradling all those smaller veggies and little extras that otherwise fall through the cracks while grilling, while still allowing all the juices to fall through.

It's the little things, but you'll thank us come cleanup time.

North American Bird Call Set

Has Dad gone full Dad and explored the wild and wonderful realm of birdwatching? If so, he probably has the beginner's bells and whistles, like the binoculars and the birder pamphlets, but does he have a bird call simulator!? I think not.

This adorable (and yes, effective) bird call set has three wooden callers — one each for robins, chickadees, and mallard ducks. And yes, they work: Watch your father's face light up as he engages with his new feathered friends.

Preferred Steak Collection

Speaking of grilling, this premium Black Angus steak collection from renowned butchers Rastelli's features all the choice cuts that will make Dad's (and the whole family's) mouth water.

The collection includes two tender cuts each of filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, and filet of top sirloin beef, for an unrivaled backyard barbecue you'll be talking about for years to come.

Personalized Video with Physical Card

When the only thing that can top his own dad jokes are ones straight from the source, Cameo is your best bet. Does your dad have a fave comedian, pro athlete, actor, or singer he hopes to shoot the breeze with someday? Give him the next best thing with an awesome celebrity greeting from the video shoutout site (and everyone's fave guilty pleasure).

With Cameo, you can pay for a celebrity to give Dad a special Father's Day message (most celebs have up to 7 days to send the video, or you can pay extra for a 24-hour turnaround).

Makers Fire Hose Apron

If weekend warrior, Dad-style, means heavy-duty gardening, tinkering around the garage for his home projects, or doing anything that requires protective gear, a sturdy, grime-proof worker's apron is just the thing to keep the rest of his 'fit clean while in the zone.

A front slit gives good range of motion, while multiple pockets, loops, and clips provide a place for everything from hammers to notepads and utility knives. It's as if Batman had a utility belt for his DIY Sundays.

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