Every Dad is unique, so have the kids spend time thinking about what they can do, make or give him that will speak to his soul and make him feel special, whether it's Father’s Day, Christmas or another special occasion. Below is a great (but by no means exhaustive) list of gift ideas, categorized by preferences and hobbies. We received input from the dads on our staff, who provided tremendous insight, making these dad-approved gift ideas! Keep this list handy for birthdays and other celebrations when gift-giving is appropriate.
WORKOUT WARRIOR
Running store gift card
Wireless earbuds
Running armband for cell phone
Kettlebells
Fitness Tracker
LITERARY DAD
Journal
Personalized pen set
Kindle
Gift card to Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla
Original edition of favorite childhood book
Set of personalized bookplates
CAMPING CRUSADER
Camping stove
YETI insulated mug
Marshmallow roasting sticks
Cornhole game
Portable LED lantern
Gift card to REI
THE JETSETTER
Carry-on luggage
Portable charger
Leather toiletry bag
Custom luggage tags
Subscription to National Geographic Magazine
Destination travel guides
THE LANDSCAPER/GARDENER
Leaf blower
String edger/trimmer
Heavy-duty work gloves
Lopper
Nifty Nabber Grabber tool
MY (SUPER)HERO
Favorite comic book collection
Framed poster of favorite action movie
Captain America cufflinks
Marvel or DC Comics Encyclopedia or Ultimate Star Wars book
COFFEE CONNOISSEUR
Keurig coffee maker
Fire Dept. Coffee is roasted by a team of firefighters, first responders and coffee connoisseurs.
Coffee from Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, Blue Bottle Coffee or Lofty Coffee Co.
Electric coffee cup warmer
Coffee bean grinder
Variety of K-cup coffees
French press
SINGER/SONGWRITER
Stomp box
Music stand
Blues harp
Gift card to local music shop
Guitar strings or capo
Humidifier for acoustic guitar
Guitar stand
THE ADVENTURER/SURVIVALIST
Pocket multi-tool
Crank radio
Gerber Bear Grylls Basic Kit
Compass
Paracord bracelet
MR. FIX-IT
Digital tape measure
Utility light
Universal socket
Toolbox or organizer
Stepladder
Drill bit set
Adjustable wrench set
TECHIE DAD
AirPods
Smartwatch
Drone
GoPro
Tablet
External hard drive
Portable keyboard
Noise-canceling headphones
SPORTS ENTHUSIAST
Memorabilia featuring favorite team
Behind-the-scenes Petco Park tour
Padded stadium chair
Basketball shoes
Hydro Flask
Gear for favorite sport (golf, football, baseball, etc.)
WATERSPORTS FANATIC
Wetsuit
Scuba certification classes
Fishing excursion
Inflatable kayak
Paddleboard
GRILL MASTER
Pellet grill or wood smoker
Barbecue cover
Barbecue accessories: utensils, grill basket, cleaning brush
Knife sharpener
BBQ cookbook
Set of hot sauces, marinades or spice rubs
DIYER
Hobby models
Model display case
Build-your-own radio kit
Home Brewing Starter Kit
YES, COACH!
Custom whistle lanyard
Soccer balls with mesh ball bag
Set of small orange cones
Portable whiteboard with markers
Set of youth practice jerseys/vests
KING OF THE REMOTE
Comfortable pajama pants
Robe & slippers
Netflix subscription
Popcorn assortment with old-fashioned sodas
Delivery of meal from favorite restaurant
AUTOMOTIVE AFICIONADO
Cleaning products for inside/outside of car
Dash cam
Tickets to the San Diego International Auto Show
Car cover
Portable jump starter
Custom floor mats or seat covers
Window tint
AAA membership
SENTIMENTAL DAD
Meaningful notes from kids and spouse
Framed photos or memories
Coupons for family time together
Board games for family night
Family scavenger hunt
MUSIC BUFF
Shadowbox for concert ticket stubs
T-shirt featuring favorite band
Framed concert poster
Turntable and vinyl records
Tickets to a concert
Spotify Premium membership
GRAND PRIX DAD
Subscription to GP Racing, Autosport or MotorSport magazine
Cool ball cap, vest or jacket featuring favorite racing team
Tickets to Grand Prix of Long Beach (next race: 2021)
Tickets to indoor go-karting
- Find even more ideas in our product review round-up: Gift Ideas for Dads
- Looking for things the kids can make for Dad? Find DIY projects here.
- Prefer gift experiences? Find them here: What Dad Wants
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San Diego Family Magazine staff collaboration.
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