Father’s Day Gift Guide: The Best 25 Ideas for All Types of Dads
Hello, and welcome to Xperience Days’ ultimate Father’s Day gift guide. Shopping for Dad is always tricky, so we’ve decided to help you out with a few top suggestions. Here, you’ll find a great selection of special gifts that are perfect for any type of father. Whether he’s a golfer or a gardener, a foodie or a fisherman – we’ve something that’s just right, for every budget. What’s more, many are father's day gifts that don’t need any shipping – ideal if you’ve left it ‘til last minute!
So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover a list of 25 Father’s Day ideas for all types of dads…
Well, the tradition of celebrating our fathers on a certain date may well stretch back thousands of years. Some even claim an ancient Babylonian tablet, depicting a son’s wish for his father’s good health, is the first known Father’s Day card!
In the US, however, the history of the holiday (as we know it) goes like this…
Where did Father’s Day originate?
July 5th, 1908
In Fairmont, West Virginia, after 361 men are killed in a mining accident, Grace Golden Clayton suggests holding a service to honour fathers in the local Methodist church.June 19th, 1910
In Spokane, Washington, Father’s Day is celebrated thanks to the campaigning efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd. Raised by her father, a Civil War veteran and widower, Sonora was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon she’d heard the previous year.1924
Father’s Day is observed locally in communities across the country and support for a national holiday is growing. President Calvin Coolidge recommends it.1924 – 1965
The popularity of Father’s Day continues to grow, but no official steps are taken towards declaring it a national holiday. Some suggest that the predominantly male Congress feared it might appear too self-serving.June 15th, 1966
President Lyndon Johnson signs a presidential declaration pronouncing the third Sunday of June, Father’s Day.May 1st, 1972
President Richard Nixon officially recognizes Father’s Day as a national holiday.Phew! Glad we got there eventually, eh? Now, back to those great gift ideas…
Table of Contents [ hide show ]
5 Unique & Original Gift Ideas – for the Dad Who Has Everything
A Tile Sport Tracker
A Pair of Mahabis Classic Slippers
A Flyboarding Experience
A Foot Cardigan Sock Subscription
A SpinChill Beer Chiller
5 Cool, Unusual & Amazing Gift Ideas – for the Dad Who Likes to Have Fun
A Standup Paddleboarding Lesson
An Air Swimmers remote control flying clown fish
A Segway Tour
Love 2 Hate: A Party Game for Inappropriate People
A Skydive
10 Gift Ideas – Personalized for Dad’s Beloved Hobbies
Arccos 360
A Lucky Tackle Box Subscription
An Oya Irrigation Vessel
A Picnic Time Fusion Chair
Handy Dad: 25 Awesome Projects for Dads and Kids
A Cooking Class
A Morrama Angle Razor
A Bar-ista cup holder for his bicycle
A Loot Crate Gift Plan
An America the Beautiful annual pass
5 Affordable Gift Ideas Your Dad Will Love – for When You’re on a Budget
A Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
A Patagonia Trucker Hat
A Google Chromecast
A City Tour
For Free!
Happy Shopping!
5 Unique & Original Gift Ideas – for the Dad Who Has Everything
Why are our dads so hard to buy for? Well, for one thing, they’re often hopeless at dropping hints. What’s more, when they want/need something, they usually buy it themselves before we even have the chance!
Never mind though. In this section, we’ve got you covered with five original Father’s Day gifts for the man who has everything. If you struggle to buy for your difficult dad – you’re in the right place!
So, stick with us as we reveal our five unique & innovative ideas below…
Sure, he already owns all of the coolest gadgets – but how does he keep track of all that tech when he’s out and about? The Tile Sport is a compact Bluetooth tracker that can be discreetly attached to cameras, laptops, car keys… you name it! The mobile app allows users to check the items last known location and ring the tracker if it’s nearby – perfect if he’s the type who always loses things! Even if he’s outside the Tile Sport’s impressive 200ft range, location info is updated whenever another tracker passes near. There’s also a handy ‘find my phone’ feature and a guaranteed one-year battery life – after which he can replace/upgrade his device at a discount. All in all, it’s a highly practical gift for the dad who has everything (but misplaces it sometimes).
Find out more, here.
Price: $35
We all know slippers are practical and cozy – but stylish? Innovative? Versatile? Not so much. That is, until you’ve seen a pair of these bad boys from Mahabis! Their classic slipper features a lightweight wool upper and detachable sole for indoor-outdoor wear – ideal for collecting his morning paper! The minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired design is constructed from all premium materials, with absolute comfort and utility in mind. What’s more, there’s a great selection of colorways, so you’re bound to find one that’ll complement Dad’s personal style. Whether he’s a slipper newbie or owner of a battered pair in need of replacing – it’s a Father’s Day gift that’ll revolutionize downtime as he knows it.
Get your Mahabis, here..
Price: $82
Experiences make great gifts for the dad who has everything. Think about it – rather than add to his ever-growing mountain of things, you could give him a chance to try something new and make lasting memories instead. At Xperience Days, we’ve a stunning range of experience gifts – from NASCAR driving to wine tastings – but flyboarding is our top pick for your difficult dad this Father’s Day. When it comes to watersports, they don’t come more impressive than this! Under the guidance of an expert instructor, he’ll learn to fly like Iron Man, propelled by two high-velocity water jets at his feet. With practice, flyboarders can perform a variety of breathtaking acrobatics – so they’ll be plenty to work on once he’s hooked!
Visit our flyboard and jetpack section, here.
Price: from $65
Some naysayers might call socks boring, but we’re rather partial to a pair here – so they can take an (uncushioned) hike! With a Foot Cardigan subscription, your dad will receive a quality new pair of socks each month for a whole year. Pretty neat, right? They’re made from a wonderfully soft, breathable fabric, and the premium collection includes tasteful patterns that’ll add a touch of panache to any outfit, smart or casual. With a fresh surprise every month, it’s the gift that keeps on giving and – if you’re shopping for a dad who’s hard to buy for – one you can be sure he’ll always need.
For happy feet, head here.
Price: $144 for 12 months
No one wants a warm beer – least of all your dad on Father’s Day. Until now, however, he’s had to rely on an icebox and the slow process of conduction to get his beer chilled. Well, not anymore! The SpinChill Chill Bit speeds things up by swapping conduction for convection. Basically, it’s a drill attachment that allows him to spin his can or bottle in ice – a method of cooling that’s at least twenty times faster than the fridge! It’ll work with any drill, and there’s no foaming or fizzing (you wouldn’t want to waste his precious beer). Treat him this Father’s Day and give the gift of refreshment in minutes.
More about SpinChill, here.
Price: $14.99
5 Cool, Unusual & Amazing Gift Ideas – for the Dad Who Likes to Have Fun
Next up, we’ve five awesome gift ideas to surprise your fun-loving dad this Father’s Day. Among these, you’ll find amazing, non-traditional gifts that avoid the clichés while delivering big time on the fun factor.
Here goes…
It’s never too late to try something new, so here’s something for cool dads who love being out on the water. Yes, if he’s really a beach bum at heart, a beginners standup paddleboarding lesson makes an awesome, alternative gift for Father’s Day. The water sport has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to its amazing versatility. As the name suggests, riders stand on their boards and propel themselves with a paddle. This means that, unlike surfers, paddleboarders can go wherever there’s water, without relying on waves. Crossing lakes, exploring hidden coves, negotiating rapids – your crazy dad can do it all! Once he’s found his balance, that is.
Check out all our surfing/SUP lessons, here.
Price: from around $50
Sure, this might seem a little random at first. Then again, remember that one of cinema’s most heroic fathers – Marlin from Finding Nemo – also happened to be a clown fish. Plus, your dad never really grew up, and the big kid in him will always be grateful for a shiny new toy! The Air Swimmers remote control clown fish certainly fits that bill. The durable nylon body is filled with helium from the party store, allowing it to float and swim through the air with a remarkably life-like motion. Surprise Dad on Father’s Day and, trust us, you’ll be fighting the controller off him by dinnertime!
Find out more, here.
Price: $34.95
Steve Jobs was once quoted as saying that the Segway would be ‘as big a deal as the PC’. Indeed, by now, weren’t we all supposed to be whizzing around on our own personal transporters? Gas-guzzling SUVs should be consigned to museums by now, surely? Well, we guess things don’t always work out as planned. Still, the Segway has found a niche for itself in unconventional sightseeing tours across the country. These are a novel way of exploring a city, and vouchers make great gifts for gadget-loving dads. The Segway may not be the future of transport, but they sure are fun to drive!
View all our Segway tours, here.
Price: from around $60
Is your dad always making the most inappropriate jokes? If so, he’ll be delighted by Love 2 Hate – a party game that sees players compete to find the funniest way to end a sentence. Much like the hugely popular Cards Against Humanity, the game features two stacks of cards – starters and finishers – which are paired with hilarious results. Unlike the former, however, the content is designed to be inappropriate rather than outright offensive – so the whole family (ages 14+) can play without (much) embarrassment! Truly, it’s a Father’s Day gift that’ll bring everyone together – if only to groan at Dad’s ‘unusual’ sense of humour!
For more info, head here.
Price: $19.95
Granted, this is probably something he’d never buy for himself – but why let that discourage you? A skydive is a truly mind-blowing experience and an awesome gift for the dad who’s game for anything. At Xperience Days, we offer tandem dives over some of the nation’s most scenic landscapes – from Las Vegas, to the Delmarva Peninsula. Each of these is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of freefall in the company of experienced dive professionals. Photo/video packages are available too, so you won’t miss the look on his face! Whether your dad’s a seasoned thrill-seeker or just a bit too content in his comfort zone (mwahahaha), this is one Father’s Day idea he’ll never ever forget.
Browse skydives, here.
Price: from around $80
10 Gift Ideas – Personalized for Dad’s Beloved Hobbies
When gift shopping, it’s best to find something with a personal touch, and one of the simplest ways is to consider the recipient’s hobbies. With that in mind, we now have some personalized Father’s Day gifts for the golfer, the fisherman, the gardener, the sports-lover, the handyman, the foodie, the modern gentleman, the coffee-lover, the geeky dad & the outdoorsman who likes hiking and nature.
Whatever your dad’s beloved hobby, you’ll find all the inspiration you need below…
For the Golfer:
Arccos 360 comprises a mobile app and 14 sensors that attach to every club in his bag. These automatically record and analyse every shot he hits on the course, providing feedback directly to his phone! Live shot tracking, GPS and tour analytics combine to help him make smarter decisions and, ultimately, shoot lower scores. Golfers love to geek out over stats, and – whether you share Dad’s passion for golfing or not – you can be sure this is one Father’s Day gift he’ll use again and again. Just be warned though, you may have to drag him off the course every weekend!
Hit a gifting hole in one, here.
Price: $249.99
For the Fisherman:
If you know what type of fishing your dad enjoys, you can select the perfect Father’s Day subscription gift from Lucky Tackle Box. They’ve a great range of boxes specifically designed for catching certain fish – including bass, trout, catfish and walleye. Simply choose the length of his subscription, and he’ll receive a new one each month! Inside, he’ll find the best new lures and baits, plus samples, coupons, and other fishing goodies. He’ll also have access to a library of how-to videos that’ll teach him to use each product like a professional angler – and hopefully catch more fish!
Pick out his box, here.
Price: from $45 for a three-month subscription
For the Gardener:
Oyas are porous clay pots that will save your gardening dad time and money. They’re made from terracotta and fired at a low temperature, which allows water inside to slowly seep through the walls. Buried amongst your dad’s plants, an Oya will keep them watered at the roots, and, once established, he’ll only need to refill it every 5-10 days. Naturally, that means less time spent lugging a watering can – plus lower water bills and happier plants! The ancient design is low tech, efficient and eco-friendly, and we think your green-fingered dad will love it this Father’s Day.
Shop for Oyas, here.
Price: from $24.95
For the Sports-Lover:
Everyone knows that the best part of any sporting event isn’t the action on field or court – but the tailgate party outside! If your dad’s a real sports-lover, we reckon he’s also a fan of beers and barbecuing in stadium parking lots – and the Fusion is the ultimate companion! It’s a super-sturdy, portable chair with loads of handy features for tailgating sports fans. There’s a fold-out table, an insulated cooler bag, multiple storage pockets, and a built-in cup holder for his beer. What’s more, the whole thing folds down to be worn like a backpack – leaving both hands free for hotdogs!
Purchase one, here.
Price: from $88.40
For the Handyman:
This awesome book contains twenty-five DIY projects for dads to build with their kids. These include a BMX ramp, zip line, treehouse and go-kart – all constructed from materials found around the house or readily available at your local hardware store. Projects take from just a few minutes to a whole weekend, and each comes with easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions to ensure a smooth (stress-free!) build. An ideal Father’s Day gift for handymen who want to spend quality time with a son or daughter, Handy Dad will keep them both entertained for hours.
Get your copy, here.
Price: $13.39
For the Foodie:
Does your dad love to cook? If so, an Xperience Days cooking class could be the perfect gift this Father’s Day. We’ve an enticing range of demonstrations and classes, taking place in cities across the US. These cover an array of cooking styles and world cuisines, from the familiar to the exotic. Think gelato making in NYC, authentic Indian food in Miami, and vibrant farmer’s market produce in Napa Valley. Whether your dad’s a self-proclaimed foodie, or a real kitchen nightmare – he’ll soon be cooking like an Iron Chef under the guidance of our expert professional tutors. Better still, they’ll introduce new flavours and techniques that’ll bring fresh inspiration to his culinary creations at home. Service!
Treat your foodie dad, here.
Price: from $32
For the Modern Gentleman:
Learning to shave is part of every son’s initiation into manhood, and, for many of us, it was a solemn ritual overseen by our ever-patient dad. He convinced us to banish the bumfluff stache, and for that we owe him – big time. Well, now you can repay the favour by upping his own (let’s face it, tired) shaving game. The Morrama Angle Razor is designed in London and crafted from machined aluminium and brass. Sleek, balanced and built to last – it’s a Father’s Day gift that’ll undoubtedly appeal to the modern gentleman in him.
Forget Gillette – for the best a man can get, head here.
Price: around $100, including shipping
For the Coffee-Lover:
Here’s something for the dad who’s always in a hurry but can’t do without a quality cup of coffee. Now he can enjoy his morning cappuccino on the move, with this handy gadget from Portland Design Works. The Bar-ista cup holder can be attached to the handlebars of his bicycle, where it clamps securely in place and won’t lose grip – even when the going gets bumpy. Combined with a sturdy travel mug, it’ll keep your coffee-loving dad spill-free and caffeinated on his daily bike commute.
Buy one, here.
Price: $18
For the Geeky Dad:
Here we’ve another great subscription gift idea – this time for your geeky dad on Father’s Day. Loot Crates arrive jam-packed full of exclusive memorabilia from some of the world’s biggest pop culture franchises. The content varies from month to month, but a typical crate might include collectible figures, t-shirts, home goods, comics, and more! Whether your dad’s a gamer, anime fan, or sci-fi nerd – they’ve a carefully curated gift box that’s just right for him. Simply choose the length of your plan, and he’ll receive a new one every month – the lovable dork!
Geek out with Loot Crate, here.
Price: from $34.95
For the Outdoorsman (who likes hiking and nature):
In America, we’re rightly proud of our nation’s countless natural wonders. From the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, to Denali and the Mendenhall ice caves – the US is home to a staggering variety of landscapes that’ll just take your breath away. With an America the Beautiful pass, your outdoorsy dad can access over 2000 of these – for free! An annual pass provides admittance to federal recreational sites across the country, covering entrance and standard amenity fees for a whole year. Whether he’s a mountain biker, birdwatcher, boater or hiker, it’s a gift that’ll help him get back to nature and savour the great American outdoors.
Learn more about the pass, here.
Price: $80
5 Affordable Gift Ideas Your Dad Will Love – for When You’re on a Budget
Gift giving can be an expensive business, but don’t despair! After all, it really is the thought that counts – and a thoughtful gift needn’t break the bank! Up next, we’ve got five affordable Father’s Day gifts for when you’re on a budget. These easy, inexpensive ideas will put a big smile on his face while saving you big bucks.
Let’s get on with it…
For under $25:
Here’s a nifty (yet thrifty) gadget that’ll improve his glass of whiskey after a long, hard day. The Whiskey Wedge comprises a classic Old Fashioned glass and a silicone wedge which fits snugly inside. With the shape inserted, Dad simply fills with water, freezes and, hey presto, he’s left with an artful wedge of ice in his glass! Not only does this look awesome, it also melts much slower than regular ice cubes, so won’t water down his best scotch or bourbon. If he’s a whiskey drinker, you won’t find a cooler Father’s Day gift for under $25.
More from Corkcicle, here.
Price: $17.95
For under $30:
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard began selling hand forged climbing tools in the late 1950s, before expanding his product line to include clothing for climbers, skiers, surfers and more. Today, sustainability and environmental activism remain at the heart of the company’s ethos – despite an estimated annual turnover of over $200 million. Success has made Chouinard a billionaire – though he’d still much rather fish than count his fortune. Something tells us your dad would approve, so why not treat him to a trucker hat this Father’s Day? They’re made from organic cotton and come in a variety of cool designs. Great for keeping the sun from his eyes – and perhaps covering that bald spot!
Shop hats, here.
Price: $29.99
For under $40:
Online streaming services, like Netflix, have revolutionised the way we consume our favourite shows – and there’s never been more to choose from! The Google Chromecast allows your dad to beam content from any mobile device straight to his TV screen. That means he can binge watch to his heart’s content – without squinting at a tiny screen, trying to balance a laptop on his knees, or investing in a pricey smart TV! Whether catching up on the latest series of Game of Thrones or enjoying the game on MLB.TV – it’s an inexpensive Father’s Day gift that’ll make all the difference to his downtime.
For the full specs, head here.
Price: $35
For under $50:
Unless he’s retired to Florida already, your dad’s probably lived in the same place for as long as you can remember. How well does he really know his home city though? Like many of us, he could be so caught up in his daily, weekly, monthly routine that he gives little thought to exploring and discovering new things. Never mind though – an Xperience Days city tour is the perfect remedy. We’ve plenty of fascinating tours for under $50, each offering a fresh perspective on our city’s historic neighbourhoods. If he’s interested in local history and hidden stories, they’re a thoughtful choice for Father’s Day.
Explore city tours, here.
Price: Xperience Days have loads for under $50!
For free:
That’s right! A meaningful Father’s Day gift needn’t cost anything at all. Ultimately, the third Sunday in June is about showing your dad he’s loved and appreciated – and there are ways of doing that without spending a dime.
Not convinced? Find the inspiration you need, here.
Price: free
Happy Shopping!
Well, that about concludes our Father’s Day gift guide. We hope we’ve given you a few ideas ahead of this June 17th – whatever type of dad you’re shopping for.
If you have questions concerning any of our recommendations, or want to let us know how well your gift was received – please get in touch via the comments section below!