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The 18 Best Gifts for Dad in 2021

See recent posts by Megan Johnson

One of the hardest people to buy for is usually your dad. We want to make your holiday season much easier this year, so we’ve put together a list of gift ideas for dads.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and Family Vacation Critic may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Gifts For Dads Who Like to be Comfortable

Linksoul Double Knit Zippered Hoodie

Linksoul Double Knit Zippered Hoodie

This zippered hoodie is lightweight but will keep dad warm. While it will keep him warm, it is also breathable for when he starts to get hot. Super comfortable and machine washable, he’ll have to be careful that no one else at home steals it! 

Related: The 7 Best Travel Hoodies

L.L. Bean Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Robe 

L.L. Bean Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Robe

Ideal for chilly winter mornings, dad will stay warm and cozy in this cotton flannel robe. The material is brushed inside and out for ultra softness and warmth. Machine washable and dryer safe, it is available in seven patterns and in regular and tall sizes. 

Gifts for Dads Who Love the Outdoors

Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat

Man standing by lake wearing Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat

This hat will quickly become a staple of your dad’s signature look. It is rated 50+ UPF, it’s guaranteed for life, is water repellent, and has a handy wind cord for windier days. Perfect for the outdoor dad, it will last him a lifetime. 

Related: The Ultimate Camping Packing List: 29 Essentials

DJI Mini 2 Drone

For dads who love toys, a drone is the ultimate grown-up toy. With a max altitude of four thousand meters, a max battery life of a half hour, and a 4X zoom, dad will love playing with this mini drone. With all of that power, it fits in the palm of your hand, weighs as much as an apple, and has a level five wind resistance rating. It will sync with the DJI Fly App on his smartphone for easy transfer of photos and videos. 

Solo Stove Bonfire

Friends sitting around the Solo Stove Bonfire

This portable, smokeless fire pit will have dad smiling. It is lightweight and comes with a carrying case for easy transportation from home to campground (or wherever!) It uses logs as fuel, and its Signature 360° Airflow Design™ ensures a nearly smokeless experience, so no more smelling like smoke for days! 

Big Agnes Men’s Danvers Pullover

Staying warm without the bulk is key throughout the winter, and this pullover from Big Agnes will do just that. It is super lightweight, and can be used as a mid layer on the coldest days, but works well as a top layer on cold days, without making you feel like a marshmallow like some down pullovers. Made with 850 FP DownTek™ water-repellent down, it’s the perfect pullover all winter long. Make it a matching gift when you get mom the Big Agnes Cora Pullover!

Gifts for Dads Who Love to Bartend

Personalized Beer Caddy

Your dad will be the talk of the party when he shows up with his beer selection stored in this beer caddy. It fits six beer bottles and has a super-handy bottle opener attached to it. The personalization will ensure no one else can claim it for their own! 

Beer Club Subscription

Beers on a flight

Subscription boxes have come a long way, and this one is the perfect gift for the beer lover in your life. Dad can fill up that beer caddy with beer he gets with a beer club subscription. At CraftBeerClub, he will get twelve bottles of craft beer to try for less than fifty dollars a month. He’ll soon be able to add “beer snob” to his list of titles. 

Related: The 10 Best Canned Wines and Cocktails for Travel

Whiskey Subscription 

For dad’s who prefer whiskey over beer, try a subscription to Flaviar. Dad will be able to have his very own whiskey tasting, and easily give himself expert status. Every quarter, he will receive one tasting box, one premium bottle, and access to live tasting events. 

Glass Topper Cocktail Smoker

Help dad become the coolest dad on the block with this cocktail smoker. He can create the smokiest cocktails, and become a trendy bartender.

Gifts for Dads Who Love Technology

Apple Airpods Max Wireless Headphones

The new Apple Airpods Max may be what every dad has been waiting for. Covering the whole ear, and not just an earbud, these wireless AirPods feature noise cancelation, as well as transparency mode for when you want to hear what’s going on around you beyond what is coming out of the speakers. The knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions will ensure dad is comfortable when he wears them. 

Related: The Most Affordable Wireless Earbuds

Oculus 2 VR Headset

All dads want to escape reality every once and awhile, and this VR headset will allow him to be immersed in whatever activity he chooses—from tennis, exercising, Jurassic World, Vadar Immortal and Zombiland, there is something for every dad. With an easy set up, and super fast performance, you’ll be the hit of the holidays when you gift this. 

Gifts for Dads who Love to Entertain and Cook

Tabletop Cornhole

For dads who play cornhole all summer long, there is tabletop cornhole to keep him satisfied throughout the colder months. The whole family will have fun catapulting beanbags to the other side of the wooden board to score. 

Surround Sound System

Why is it that dad’s love surround sound? Help him stop being jealous of his best friend’s surround sound and get him his very own. This surround sound system is one of the more affordable ones, and will make any living room feel like a movie theater. 

Weber Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill

Treat dad to a new grill this holiday season, and, if you’re lucky, you may even find it on sale since it’s the off season. The Weber Spirit II fits eighteen burgers, uses a propane tank, and has two stainless steel burners with 26,500 BTU to provide the ultimate heat distribution. 

Related: 10 Best Portable Grills for Outdoor Cooking

Butcher Box

Burgers being grilled over a grill with a high flame

Get dad something to use on his grill with a Butcher Box. Choose from a variety of options, including Weekend Grilling Essentials, a Game Day Box, and ButcherBox Favorites. Each box comes filled with ready-to-grill meats like burgers, chicken, and steaks. 

Pizza Baking Stone

For dads who may not be into grilling, but do like to cook, try a pizza baking stone. This stone from Solido features a heat spiral that ensures a fast, even bake. It can be used in the oven or on the grill, and is great for cookies and bread, too. 

Yellowbird Hot Sauce Variety Pack

Keep your dad on his toes with this hot sauce variety pack. The five flavors (Jalapeño, Serrano, Blue Agave, Sriracha, Habanero, and Ghost Pepper) will add a little kick to every meal, and he won’t be able to complain about a mild meal again.

Gifts For Dads Who Love to Travel

Infinity Travel Pillow 

While most dads are infamous for being able to sleep anytime, anywhere, you can help them out with this infinity travel pillow. He can use it to make any space more comfortable, from the middle aisle of the airplane, to his desk (only recommended for dads who have an office with a door that locks!) 

Related: 10 Best Inflatable Travel Pillows

Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender

Make dad a fashionable traveler with the ReNew Transit Weekender. Made with 100% recycled polyester, it has a padded laptop sleeve, not one, but two water bottle holders, and a pass-through pocket for easy attachment to luggage handles. 

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