15 Unique and Affordable Father’s Day Gifts For Every Type of Dad
All products and services featured by Variety are independently selected by Variety editors. However, Variety may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
In the modern era, everyone knows (or should know, at least) that dads come in every shape and size. And despite the value of such diversity, it also makes shopping for a Father’s Day gift that much harder. There’s no one-size-fits-all type of present. While the golf dads and stogie-smoking patriarchs aren’t entirely extinct, there’s an entire spectrum of fathers out there whose perfect gift is waiting for them. Here’s to the tech nerds and entertainment junkies; foodies and wine aficionados; camping enthusiasts and hiking fanatics; and avid readers and journalers, all of whom also call themselves dad.
We rounded up the most unique Father’s Day gifts we could find — featuring everything from a vinyl-of-the-month subscription service to a cooking MasterClass subscription — so you can surprise the patriarch of your family, or any father-figure in your life, with something just as unique as them.
For the Pop Culture Junkie Dad (Who Always Wins at Trivia)
Latte Larry’s Mug
If your dad is the type to open his very own “Spite Store” then give him his Larry David moment with this adorable Latte Larry’s mug as an ode to one of the best story arcs from the latest season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” If your dad isn’t a Larry fan, though, worry not: we have entire pop culture gift guide for you to sift through, depending on your dad’s binging preferences.
Vinyl of the Month Club
If your dad is a self-proclaimed music buff (and won’t let you hear the end of it), then you can’t go wrong with basically any super deluxe edition vinyl. But if you don’t feel confident enough in his music taste, this subscription service from Amazon does all the work for you, delivering a different Golden Era vinyl a month based on your dad’s preferences, whether it be Wu-Tang, Led Zeppelin or The Grateful Dead. But if your dad is a real Deadhead, you might want to also go for some one-of-a-kind Grateful Dead merch that we rounded up here.
Buy: Vinyl of the Month Club $24.99
For the Dad Who Loves ‘Top Chef’
Wusthof Santoku Knife
The popular German-made knife is impressively affordable considering its durability and precision. The high carbon stainless steel blade is crafted to resist corrosion and dulling, and will ensure that your dad will never want to leave the kitchen. But if your dad is a knife aficionado or might want more options, check out our expansive guide for more “Top Chef”-inspired knives and kitchen accessories.
Buy: Wusthof Santoku Knife $149.95
‘Asian American: Proudly Inauthentic Recipes from the Philippines to Brooklyn’
This book is a must if your dad’s favorite “Top Chef” star is Dale Talde (and honestly, how can it not be?) His ultra-popular Brooklyn restaurants Talde, where he reimagined iconic Asian dishes with unique Americana influences, and Pork Slope were beloved among New Yorkers. In his first cookbook, the beloved chef shares some of the best recipes that catapulted him into fame. And if you’re looking for more there’s always Gregory Gourdet’s brand new book, and Kristin Kish’s fantastic collection of recipes.
Buy: Dale Talde Cookbook $32.00
Massimo Bottura MasterClass Cooking Class
Whether your dad has a natural knack for cooking, or has a resolution to get better in the kitchen, MasterClass is a super fun way for him to dedicate more time to the hobby. In Bottura’s MasterClass, the chef of the three-Michelin-star restaurant Osteria Francescana teaches viewers how he puts his own modern and innovative touches on classic, regional Italian recipes. But if your dad isn’t a huge Italian fan, then he can opt to learn from Gordon Ramsay on American-style cooking, Aaron Franklin on Texas BBQ, James Suckling on wine appreciation among dozens of others. Plus, MasterClass is having a special Buy One, Get One Free package deal for Father’s Day.
For the Dad Obsessed With a Perfect Home Theater
Portable LCD Projector
This projector is a great deal considering its convenient portability and high resolution projection. It’s packed with an 100-inch projection screen, and a durable exterior makes it an ideal option for camping, trips or that outdoor movie theater that your dad is always talking about setting up in the backyard.
Buy: Portable LCD Projector $149.99
Wireless Outdoor Patio Speaker
Of course, to your father’s dismay, it can’t really be considered a legit theater unless you have high-tech speakers to give your favorite movies the audio they deserve. This weather-resistant speaker can handle harsh weather conditions, and is both bluetooth adaptable and wireless, making it the perfect option for an outdoor movie night. Plus, it comes in either black or white for him to choose from depending on his patio decor.
Buy: Outdoor Patio Speaker $139.99
For the Dad Who Never Misses a Weekend Hike
The North Face Hiking Shoes
These super comfortable and durable trail shoes are perfect for short hikes that keep your dad active. Their OrthoLite footbed, made with 5% recycled rubber content, is particularly good for older wearers who might have strained feet and would appreciate extra support. The suede and mesh upper offers durability and flexible stretch for added comfort.
Lululemon License to Train Pant
The only thing wrong with these Lulu joggers is that they might be impossible to get off your dad once you give them to him. But with anti-stink and abrasion-resistant fabric, that shouldn’t be much of a problem. The tapered pants are designed for training and active wear, but its flattering fit makes them versatile enough to wear almost anywhere. If your dad prefers less outfit changes throughout the day, then these pants are for him.
For the Dad Who Likes to Get Philosophical
Lavazza Espresso Machine (37% Off)
The other side of the outdoorsy, hike-going dad coin may be the brooding espresso drinker who wakes up early to read and journal. Affordable espresso makers are hard to come by, which is why the deal on this Lavazza machine is such a big deal. This one comes with two coffee selections, visual alerts and a transparent water tank, and is currently 37% off.
Buy: LavAzza Espresso Machine $94.99
Moleskine Classic Notebook (17% Off)
You can’t go wrong with a classic Moleskine, whose pages are perfect for any type of note-taking. Choose from a variety of colors, and from a wide range of page designs (blank, dotted, ruled and squared) based on what your dad will be using it for.
Buy: Classic Moleskine Notebook $15.48
For The Dad Who Thrives In Their Home Office
Ergonomic Office Chair
If your dad complains about his back problems, the only solution you might be able to offer him, short of a back massage, might be an ergonomic chair for work. This high-rated one from the Office Store comes with a breathable progrid back with built-in lumbar support, perfect for anyone working from home. But if your dad prefers the massage, you can always gift him this insane bluetooth-powered massage gun instead.
Buy: Office Star Ergonomic Office Chair $346.11
iPad Case and Keyboard (23% Off)
Detachable keyboards and trackpads for the iPad are a game-changer for anyone looking for a portable laptop without buying a whole new device. If your dad travels a lot for work, or simply can’t figure out the touch-screen keyboard, then this all-in-one iPad case is the perfect gift. Plus, this one from Logitech is currently 23% off. Of course, he’ll already need an iPad for it to make sense. If you really want to ball out, this 8th Generation iPad is currently on sale.
Buy: Logitech iPad Case $120.12
For the Gadget-Obsessed Dad
Rechargeable Wireless Headphones (40% Off)
If your dad can’t figure out how to wear AirPods without them constantly falling off, then he’ll appreciate these high-tech, rechargeable headphones that sit comfortably around the head. They include a five-button control: play/pause/answer/hang- up, equalizer, next track/volume up and previous track/volume down. Plus, it allows for Micro SD card plug-ins, has a built in radio receiver and comes with a mic for hands-free calling.
Buy: Rechargeable Wireless Headphones $17.99
Wireless Phone Charger
If your dad get excited by new tech, then he’ll love these wireless Anker phone chargers. The two-set pack comes with a charger for both the home and the office, using a high-efficiency chipset that can quickly charge almost any type of smart phone. What makes these special is a smart design that allows users to continue using their phones while giving it juice: turn it on its side to charge in landscape mode if you wan to watch a video, or put it back to portrait mode if you want to use facial recognition or send a text.
Buy: Anker Wireless Charger $35.99
Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts!
