30 Unique Gifts for Dads Who Want Nothing (But Deserve More Than That)
No, your love and respect is not enough! Go with one of these best-selling ideas.
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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 Dad this 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
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.
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!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
Jeff is a dad of two daughters, an avid traveler, a photographer, an author and a freelance writer who lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and their cats. In addition to Good Housekeeping, he's written for Parents, Fodor's, Food and Wine, Real Simple and Reader’s Digest, among other print and online publications. Jeff is the publisher of the quarterly literary magazine, Stanchion, and his book, Streets Cats and Where to Find Them, will be published by Running Press in the Summer of 2025.
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