Father's Day comes around every year, and it seems the traditions that comes with it are strong, for better or worse. Some customs are amazing: It's a day to celebrate dad and make him feel appreciated for his contribution to the family and as a parent. Other traditions, such as getting dad the run-of-the-mill gifts like a #1 Dad pen, maybe not so much. Those gifts are fine, and dad will love them, but it's OK to think outside the box for Father's Day. It's totally cool, and encouraged, to get a dad things he may not even know he wants but will love. These gifts are things he can use in everyday life or ones that are just meant to make him smile. This is the list for those looking to switch things up and get him the unexpected. It's like a new kind of dad challenge even though the winner will always be him! But that's the idea, right?
We broke the gifts down into a few different categories: quirky, fun, silly, and useful. Some are a combination of all of them whereas others are super specific. (Weriously, has anyone seen custom toilet paper rolls?) Ultimately, the goal was to find items that speak to dads who are being loved and treated like kings. The result was this list of gifts that we think they'll really enjoy for themselves or with the entire family.
Whether he's a huge Game of Thrones fan or a sports enthusiast, these unique items will be appreciated by dad no matter what. There's enough variation in some of the options we found to please any kind of father but still stick to more traditional gifts. And it's almost guaranteed he doesn't have any of them already. If he does, there are plenty more to choose from that will enrich all facets of his life, from cooking to card games and more. Just be forewarned: He may have high expectations next year — they're just that good. Take a look and see!
Insulated Lunch Bag
No more plastic or paper bags for dad: Upgrade his lunch game with this insulated lunch box with lots of space and multiple outside pockets. It can also be used as a mini cooler and hols up to six cans. Natch.
Insulated Lunch Bag ($17, Walmart)
Perfect Pour Belgian Waffle Maker
With the Perfect Pour Belgian Waffle Maker, dad will get the perfect waffle, literally, every time. And who doesn't love waffles? Sounds like everyone wins with this gift.
Perfect Pour Belgian Waffle Maker ($25, Target)
Dad Established Beer Mug
Toast dad on Father's Day with a "Dad Est." stein-style beer mug. Add a message, name, or date right below it for a personalized touch.
Dad Established Beer Mug ($16, Things Remembered)
DIY Dad Coaster
Mom isn't the only one that loves a good DIY gift — dad will too! Give him a place to set his mug down with this DIY dad coaster. It requires glue, cork, and mason jar lids.
DIY Dad Coaster (Cost depends on supplies, Jo-Ann)
FaTHOR T-Shirt
Got a Marvel fan in the house? Get him this THOR-themed Father's Day shirt to remind him, and everyone else, of the hero that he is.
FaTHOR T-Shirt ($16, Etsy)
Men's Turkish Terry Robe
Give dad the gift of snuggly relaxation with a Turkish Terry robe. Fair warning: He may actually wear it everywhere, in the mornings with coffee, post-showers or even on lazy days, which may happen more often with this cozy gift.
Men's Turkish Terry Robe ($95, Lands' End)
I Love You 300 Dad and Child Shirt Set
Gifts are definitely more fun when they can be shared by all, and that's true for this Iron Man set. Dad gets one, of course, and so do the littles ones.
I Love You 300 Dad and Child Shirt Set ($22, Etsy)
Mustache Cookie Cutter
If dad has a mustache and/or likes to wear ties AND enjoys a good treat, these cookie cutters will put a smile his face. Or the cookies shaped as mustaches will. It's a win no matter what: His belly will be full. (Full Disclosure: Lips come included, for good measure.)
Mustache and Tie Cookie Cutters ($3, Jo-Ann)
Funny Dad Toilet Paper Rolls
Does dad have a sense of humor? He will after receiving these Father's Day toilet paper rolls. Each has a punny saying on it about being a dad and *insert poop emoji here*.
Funny Dad Toilet Paper Rolls ($4, Etsy)
The Godfather Cutting Board
Combine a great movie with a vital grilling or cooking tool with this Godfather-engraved cutting board. It's sure to get lots of use at the Father's Day barbecue.
The Godfather Cutting Board ($26, Etsy)
Hershel Supply Co. Toiletry Case
Whether dad has lots of business trips or simply enjoys a good family vacation, this Hershel Co. toiletry bag will allow him to do so in style. There's plenty of storage space in the main pocket along with a side pocket on the exterior of the bag, with room for a toothbrush, toothpaste, cologne, and more.
Hershel Supply Co. Toiletry Case ($30, Nordstrom)
Urban Map Glass
Celebrate dad's favorite city (even if it's his own) with an urban map cocktail glass. It's etched with the city's street map to "toast" to the town every time he grabs a drink.
Urban Map Glass ($16, Uncommon Goods)
Kabob Grilling Basket
Make dad into the most efficient grill master around. Gift him the kabob grilling basket, which helps evenly cock all types of kabob sticks from veggie to meat to both.
Kabob Grilling Basket $8, Uncommon Goods)
Bombas Men's Socks
OK, socks may seem like a "mom" kind of gift to get dads, but these are not the average pair of socks. Bomba's are not only comfy and stylish, but for every pair bought a pair is donated.
Bombas Men's Socks ($46, Bombas)
Bella Pro-Series Espresso Machine
Mom isn't the only one who likely needs a shot of espresso. Give the coffee connoisseur his own stainless steel espresso machine to use whenever the moment strikes (even if it's at 3 a.m. with a crying baby).
Bella Pro-Series Espresso Machine ($40, Best Buy)
Digital Tape Measure
Some dads love fixing things. Or maybe they're just working on a new house project. Either way, a dad will appreciate not having to hold the tape in place while eyeing the tiny measure markers. The digital tape recorder will do the work for him.
Digital Tape Measure ($30, Amazon)
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
Speaking of being handy, there's something utilitarian about having a gadget, or in this case a Swiss Army Knife, that handles pretty much anything. This one small comes with a blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver tip, toothpick tweezers, and key ring.
Victorinox Swiss Army ($16, Bed, Bath & Beyond)
Monogram Playing Cards
Put a twist on game night with these monogrammed and personalized playing cards. It's a standard deck that comes in a hard case.
Monogram Playing Cards ($10, Shutterfly)
Dual Chamber Water Bottle
Snacks are amazing and dads know this more than most. Make sure he's hydrated and has a snack at work or while working out with this dual chamber water bottle from Amazon.
Dual Chamber Water Bottle ($35, Amazon)
The Sriracha Crate
We had no idea a company called Man Crates existed, but alas, it does and has a super cool hot sauce crate for all the spicy dads out there. This box comes with sriracha chili sauce w/custom-fit spray nozzle, Pain Is Good Hot Sauce, fire-roasted green sriracha, sriracha seasoning, sriracha beef jerky, and hapi sriracha peas.
The Sriracha Crate ($35, Man Crates)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
