Just like mums, no two dads are the same — so when it comes to finding the perfect gift for him this Christmas, it’s good to get granular in order to find something he’ll really love. Are you buying for an artsy dad who reads every single line of text at a gallery? Or a pasta-loving dad who knows his garganelli from his agnolotti? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite gifts from the Strategist UK archives, sourcing products that come recommended from experts, cool people, and some celebrity shoppers, too (not to mention Strategist staff). And to shop for everyone else on your list, visit our gift guide hub.
Just FYI: To prevent disappointment, we have checked the shipping times for each item to make sure they’ll arrive in time for Christmas. Take a look at the delivery notes on each product for specific details. We’ve included standard Amazon delivery times, but if you are a Prime member, these will be dispatched much quicker.
For the dad who loves a potter round the Tate Britain
This book by Russell Tovey and Robert Diament is based off their popular podcast of the same name, and would be a great present for an art-curious dad (it also features a foreword by New York art critic Jerry Saltz). Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad with a bare windowsill
These plants are known for their succulentlike stems and round, coin-shaped leaves. They are low maintenance but easy to propagate if you want to grow more. Last day to purchase: 23 December. Gardeners Dream says it offers same-day dispatch if ordered before 7 a.m.; otherwise, it will dispatch the following day.
For the dad with “crispy leaf” panic
Repeat after me: mist, mist, mist. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who just got into “proper” coffee
If he’s not yet immersed in the world of Chemex, burr grinders, and gooseneck kettles, this inexpensive but handsome French press would be a good way to start him off. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who will talk to you for 30 minutes about French-roast versus Italian-roast beans
The Stagg kettle is sleek and minimalist and — crucially — will bloom his beloved Monmouth order to perfection. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who still uses a sandwich bag as a wash bag
Sometimes the best gifts are the most functional, not flashy. Case in point: an easy-clean, right-side-of-stylish wash bag. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who’s really just a big kid
The Nintendo Switch continues to be one of the most popular gaming consoles around, whether he’s into Mario Kart or Animal Crossing. Last day to purchase: 21 December, although given its popularity, we suggest buying sooner rather than later.
For the dad who still commutes to the dining-room table
Give his (temporary) work space a little character with this charming scale model of the planets. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who insists on WFS (Working From Sofa)
Granted, he might be returning to the office next year — but a proper desk (that looks more expensive than it is) is still a great gift. Last day to purchase: Songmics says this will still ship in time for Christmas, but there is currently an additional £9.99 shipping cost.
For the dad who swears he’s one-quarter Scottish on his mum’s side
Like anything ascribed to taste, you’ll know best what your dad’s into. But this single malt is a real crowd-pleaser. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
For the dad who signed up to the Brighton Marathon next year
A nonalcoholic gift would be perfect to keep his training on track. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who needs a hobby
Jauntier than a keyboard and far easier to fit in your pocket, this comes straight from our own recommendations of the best harmonicas for beginners (even if dad says he was a pro “back in the day”). Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who needs to hydrate his skin
This simple, refreshing gel moisturiser is a wildly popular option. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who seems a bit frazzled
File under “Things dad will never ask for but would secretly love”. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who is unorganised
Because there are only so many important things you can write on the back of receipts. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who chews his Biros
Get him a proper pen, like this sophisticated one by Caran d’Ache. Last day to purchase: 21 December. This product is also low in stock.
For the dad who’s eco-conscious
Saving the planet doesn’t have to look basic. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad whose agnolotti rival the special at Ombra
This beechwood board will help him nail shapes like garganelli and fusilli. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who prefers tortellini
Filled pasta requires a gentler touch. This skimmer will get his precious pasta out of the boiling water without damage. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the breakfast-for-dinner dad
This chef-approved waffle maker produces restaurant-quality waffles, at a home cook-price. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
For the dad who takes wine seriously
For the dad who takes beer seriously
This set includes five beers, a snack, and a branded glass and comes in an easy-to-wrap box. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
For the dad who doesn’t really want anything
How to make toothpaste giftable: offer a flavour for every day of the week. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
For the dad who’s into protein shakes now
When we scoured Amazon for the highest-rated blenders, the NutriBullet came up tops. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who loves leftovers
Meal-prep dads to the front: This is a good alternative to Tupperware. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
Throw in a bamboo cutlery set for the good of the planet. Last day to purchase: 20 December.
For the dad with a bare study
You know who loves vintage prints? Dads. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
For the dad who loves to lounge in the garden
A couple of beachy-looking deck chairs would make any outdoor space more relaxing. Last day to purchase: 17 December.
For the dad who loves to lounge in the garden (even in December)
Gifting this fire pit (with a bag of marshmallows and a set of skewers) would be fun. Last day to purchase: 18 December.
For the dad who loves to lounge in front of The Great British Sewing Bee
An accent chair that is perfect for lazy afternoons. Last day to purchase: 14 December.
For the dad who just heard about mirepoix
A chef’s knife is a kitchen all-rounder — and this option, by German brand Mercer, is an affordable way for him to hone his skills. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who just heard about anaerobic composting
If he’s the sort of dad who already loves fermentation, then bokashi — a bacteria-based type of composting popular in Japan — could be his next hobby. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who Hinches
A weirdly satisfying motorised squeegee: perfect for using on the shower screen. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
For the dad who can’t stop asking questions
For the dad who hits snooze
Because he still keeps his mobile phone in a drawer somewhere. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who takes out the bins
These slippers have a rubber sole, so he won’t slip. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
For the dad who loves to drizzle
For the dad who cheats at Monopoly
Get him a game that’s harder to cheat at (like a lawn game that’s basically dodgeball). Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who’s in a book club
Thorn’s memoir would be perfect for a sensitive, bookish sort of dad. Last day to purchase: 21 December, although for Kindle or Audible versions, you can purchase right up to Christmas Day.
For the dad who’s outdoorsy
Give him the gift of sleeping under the stars (even if he just camps in the garden). Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For the dad who’s outdoorsy … ish
This classic raincoat can handle the great outdoors but is just as appropriate for a city break. Last day to purchase: 18 December. Note that some colours are low in stock.