Just like mums, no two dads are the same — so when it comes to choosing the perfect gift (whether for his birthday or a just-because present), 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 found 46 gifts on Amazon that we think would be great for every kind of dad.
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).
For the dad with a bare windowsill
Even small spaces can be cheered up with a plant. This snake plant is perfect for beginners.
For the dad with “crispy leaf” panic
For the dad who just got into “proper” coffee
A stylish French press that will make enough coffee to get him through all the Sunday supplements.
For the dad who will talk to you for 30 minutes about French-roast versus Italian-roast beans
On the other end of the Coffee Dad™ matrix: this sleek, stylish espresso machine.
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.
For the dad who’s really a big kid
For the dad who isn’t competitive enough for Mario Kart
Indulge his love of tinkering (and gossiping over the garden fence) with a game that rewards both.
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.
For the dad who insists on WFS (Working From Sofa)
Granted, he might be returning to the office later in the year – but a proper desk (that looks more expensive than it is) is still a great gift.
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.
For the dad who signed up to the Brighton Marathon this year
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”).
For the dad who needs to hydrate his skin
This simple, refreshing gel moisturiser is a wildly popular option.
For the dad who seems a bit frazzled
File under “Things dad will never ask for but would secretly love”.
For the dad who is unorganised
Because there are only so many important things you can write on the back of receipts.
For the dad who chews his Biros
Get him a proper pen, like this sophisticated one by Caran d’Ache.
For the dad who’s eco-conscious
For the dad who has Artusi on speed dial
For the dad whose agnolotti rivals the special at Ombra
If he’s got filled pasta shapes nailed, this beechwood board will help him nail shapes like garganelli and fusilli.
For the breakfast-for-dinner dad
This chef-approved waffle maker produces restaurant-quality waffles, at a home cook-price.
For the dad who takes wine seriously
For the dad who takes beer seriously
That cherry saison looks particularly appealing.
For the dad who doesn’t really want anything
How to make toothpaste giftable: offer a flavour for every day of the week.
For the dad who’s into protein shakes now
When we scoured Amazon for the highest-rated blenders, the NutriBullet came up tops.
For the dad who loves leftovers
Meal-prep dads to the front: This is a good alternative to Tupperware.
For the dad with a bare study
You know who loves vintage prints? Dads.
For the dad who loves to lounge in the garden
A couple of beachy-looking deck chairs would make any outdoor space more relaxing.
For the dad who loves to lounge in front of The Great British Sewing Bee
An accent chair that is perfect for lazy afternoons.
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.
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.
For the dad who Hinches
A weirdly satisfying motorised squeegee: perfect for using on the shower screen.
For the dad who can’t stop asking questions
For the dad who hits snooze
For the dad who takes out the bins
These slippers have a rubber sole, so he won’t slip.
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).
For the dad who’s in a book club
Thorn’s memoir would be perfect for a sensitive, bookish sort of dad.
For the dad who’s outdoorsy
Give him the gift of sleeping under the stars (even if he just camps in the garden).
For the dad who’s outdoorsy … ish
This classic raincoat can handle the great outdoors but is just as appropriate for a city break. [Editor’s note: Some of these colours are low in stock].
For the dad with a weak spot for spare ribs
An inexpensive (but expert-approved) barbecue that’s small enough to take camping.
For the dad who swore off red meat
A chef-recommended cookbook that’s quick, easy, and – crucially – vegetarian.
For the dad who is constantly on 20 percent battery
Comically long and virtually indestructible.
For the dad who turns it up to 11
One of the best features of these hyperenthusiastic reviewed buds is their noise-cancelling ability. One customer said they bought them to drown out the sirens that are always going off outside their flat, while another said he could listen to the football with these on and his wife wasn’t disturbed at all.
For the dad who turns it up to 11 (to listen to the World Service)
We like this (deceptively modern) old-timey radio, which has Bluetooth and Spotify capabilities.
The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.