Dads might be simultaneously the hardest and easiest family member to get a gift for. Dads are simple, but we still think they deserve to be given something different and special. A lot of dad gifts are fairly stereotypical, but we actually think many of them are simply classic. That's because dads may have gotten them before, they feature prominently on gift lists, or they've been used and appreciated for years βΒ perhaps even by more than one generation.
Whether the dad in your life is a stay-at-home parent, loves to watch football or to play golf, or is even a little bit nerdy, we found 20 gifts that can be considered classic. That means dads are sure to love them no matter what. Some are straightfoward, such as a "dad" hat, whereas others have a modern twist. Ever give dad a multitool hammer? Or a modern watch? Now's the time. ("Dad joke" intentional).
Custom Sports Jersey
Lots of dads like sports, which is why getting him a sports-related gift, such as a personalized or player jersey, made this classic dad gift list. One can never have too many jerseys, especially with all the sports to choose one from. Because we're in the midst of the thick of football season, an NFL jersey seems very appropriate.
Dad Hat
$26
from
Aspen Company
There's just something about dads and hats. They seem to love wearing hats, and it has become a classic staple for fathers (along with New Balance or Nike sneakers). Thankfully, hipper versions of the classic dad cap exist, including this one that says "Dad" on a vintage-style gray hat. He will be proud to show off his favorite title.
Fossil Watch
Apple watches are all the rage, but you can't go wrong with a classic "old school" watch, although we wouldn't consider this sleek, black Fossil watch terribly old school. Get dad any style of watch he likes because the intent of such a classic gift is the same: Give him something to tell time and that'll elevate his outfit, especially for nice events.
Book of Dad Jokes
$17
from
Paper Source
It doesn't get any more classic than a book of dad jokes. The jokes never get better, but they never get old, either. If dad is a notorious jokester, he'll love having a book to help him add some new ones to his arsenal. Even if dad doesn't like to tell jokes, it's a fun gift to read through. Books are a timeless, classic gift.
Girl Dad Shirt
Has a dad ever met a T-shirt he didn't like? We don't think so. Dads love shirts, which is what makes them a surefire gift for the patriarch of the family. There are all kinds of shirts to choose from that'll make it special to the dad you're giving it to, such as this Girl Dad version.
Urban Map Glasses
$18
from
Uncommon Goods
Dads who love a cold drink after work, with dinner or before bed, whether it's liquor, beer, or seltzer, will appreciate having a really cool glass to put it in. These unique, classic city map glasses are just cool enough to show off if company comes over.
Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit
$42
from
Uncommon Goods
There are hot sauce freaks (read: officinados) out there, and if your dad is one of them, he'll go nuts for this kit that lets purchasers make their own hot sauce. Although hot sauce itself is a fine gift on its own, having him create some to his own taste makes it a bonus gift, because he gets an activity as well as a condiment. This one comes with enough ingredients to make six bottles of hot sauce.
Whiskey Wedge
Speaking of a good, thirst-quenching drink in a cool glass, dad should also have a glass that keeps that drink chilled. Ice cubes are fine, but we think dads should have something more interesting, such as this wedge whiskey glass. Ice forms on one side while the liquid can be poured in the other.
Pup Socks
Dads that love cool socks and love their dogs will adore this gift, because it's an amazing combination of those two things. Pup Socks adds personalized prints of a dog's face to a pair of socks. It's a classic gift with a twist: the face of your dad's best friend (or friends if there's more than one dog). It'll make him smile and keep him warm.
Personalized Keychain
Keychains are pretty classic dad gifts. They β along with things like pocket measuring tapes and flashlight pens β used to be at school holiday fairs and other stores as a gift for children to give their father. We think this one is elevated, as it can be engraved and personalized with a photo of a loved one.
'Dadolorian' Star Wars Shirt
Star Wars is a classic movie franchise, so any gift relating to it is classic in our book. There are plenty of Star Wars-themed dad gifts that exist, but we chose this Dadolorian shirt (a play on the word "Mandolorian" like the movie) for this collection. The nerd in him will freak.
Cooler
$200
from
RTIC Outdoors
Have you ever seen a dad without a cooler at a lake or a beach or even a game? If the dad in your life doesn't have one, we highly recommend getting him a nice-sized cooler. He'll use it all year and for years to come. It'll make him even cooler in his circle of friends and family.
Golf Bag
Golf is a typical dad sport, and by default that means golf-related gifts are classic. But that just means you can't go wrong by getting him something to enhance playing his favorite sport. This Amazon golf bag will make him the envy of other golfers on the course, but other options exist if this is too expensive.
Fishing Rod Holder
$40
from
Tideline 3D
Speaking of classic dad sports, we would be remiss not to put fishing-related gifts on this list of classic gifts. Like golf and T-shirts, there are lots of choices available, but a fishing rod holder is a good way to go for someone who enjoys fishing. It's useful and unique to the dad who is getting it.
Sunglasses
Starting at
$95
from
Warby Parker
Every dad could use a new pair of sunglasses, especially if he drives a lot or likes going to the pool when he escapes the cold weather for the winter. Different retailers manufacture them, but Warby Parker makes regular sunglasses and prescription sunglasses that actually look good and will look good on dad. They might even make him look cool. This pair is called the Fletcher in black matte.
The Dad Hoodie
$98
from
The Dad Hoodie
Lots of people wear hoodies, because they are fashionable but also keep them warm. Dad is no different. Dads have a certain look when wearing sweatshirts. That's probably why an entire company dedicated itself to making "The Dad Hoodie" and named itself that too. This one is a classic zip-up but with a twist: it has a ton of pockets inside to carry things for a dad or his kids.
Grill Tool Set
$48
from
Hickory Farms
Dads love grills. Although giving him a whole new grill would be awesome, it might not be in everyone's budget. Enter grill tools, which are always needed because tools can rust if they're left outside, as they typically are. Dad will appreciate a simple but useful grill tool kit like this one that includes "tongs, a spatula with bottle opener, a fork with bottle opener and a canvas tool roll."
Nike Socks
$20
from
Dick's Sporting Goods
Nike socks are revolutionary, but there's a saying: If it's not broken, don't fix it. Dads like simple but sweat- and odor-minimizing socks, and these are known to do the trick.The multipack should last until the next holiday season rolls around.
Knit Beanie
$17
from
Dick's Sporting Goods
Dads look good in beanies. Maybe that's why so many have them and receive them as gifts. Either way, beanies keep heads warm, whether that head has hair or not. Plus, they're not too cumbersome and stay on when it gets windy and dad is shoveling snow or working outside. He'll love this knit style.
Hammer Multitool
$33
from
Eco Trade Company
Last but not least, we give you the most basic but also most classic of all of the dad gifts: a hammer. It's a tool, and dad uses tools, which means he'll appreciate it. The cool things about this hammer, though, are that it also has lots of other tools hidden inside the handle and it can be personalized.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com 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.
