Every year it seems harder to get a Father's Day gift for dad. We could buy him classic gifts, like grill sets or sports memorabilia, or even things like tools, but what about the dads who are kids at heart, like this dad-to-be who packed a game console for the maternity ward? Just because he's technically a grown-up doesn't mean he doesn't like to have fun. Let's be honest, we all love when we can "play" with toys and not be judged.
If that dad sounds familiar, look no further than this list. We have Dad's Day gifts for dads who like to play sports, get creative and artsy, or those who like to play games or do puzzles. See, finding gifts for dads isn't as hard as it seems. It's just like buying for the kids.
R2-D2 Lego
Star Wars and Lego seem to go hand-in-hand. The Lego sets allow adults like dads to have a creative outlet and put together a structure from one of their favorite movie franchises. The R2-D2 is a popular one to make, but the brand has a bunch of different Star Wars sets for dad to put together this Father's Day.
Sailing Ship Model
$43
from
LaverdureStudio/Etsy
Lego kits aren't the only kind of set that dads can enjoy. Ship models go way back as an activity that adults have enjoyed, and a hobby that has been shared between dads and their kids, which is why we think it's still a fun gift idea. This ship model is made of wood and works for all skill levels.
ENO DoubleNest Hammock
Hammocks aren't a toy, but they're definitely something a lot of kids would enjoy, mostly because it's fun to lie in something that swings and hangs on trees instead of standard seating. Dad will appreciate having a hammock to string pretty much anywhere — in the backyard or at the beach house on a summer vacation.
Painting Set
Arts and crafts is a staple for kids, but grown-ups can enjoy it, too. More artsy dads will love to get a painting set for him to exercise his creative juices and de-stress, or just have a creative outlet in general. The set comes with 139 pieces including 70 paints, including acrylics, oils, and watercolors.
Rivals for Catan Card Game
Board games are a tried and true "toy" that adults often love. We think dads in particular will like this popular game called Rivals for Catan Card Game, from the "World of Catan" game sets. According to Wired, the gist of the game is as such: "You need the right materials to build houses and roads and gain victory points. The luck of the die throw drives these resources and determines how many settlements and roads you can build, which in turn accrue more resources."
Segway Ninebot MAX Electric Kick Scooter
Scooters are toys for both kids and grown-ups. Whether a dad wants to scooter around his suburban neighborhood or have a faster way to get around in a city, an electric scooter, like this one from Segway, is a gift that he'll be able to use and have fun with. The "Segway Ninebot MAX can reach to 18.6 mph, travel up to 40. 4 miles and max load of 220 lbs."
Radio Control Bright Star Sail Boat
Dads who love boats or sailing will be able to have a mini version to steer with an electric radio controlled sailboat, like the Radio Control Bright Star Sail Boat. It has a range of up to 120 feet and has an interchangeable sail. The set comes with the boat, display stand, motor, and controller so it will be ready to go as soon as dad gets it.
Meta Quest 2
Playing pretend has never been easier, or more cool and adult-like thanks to tech. Meta's Oculus VR sets allow players to feel immersed in several different games that dad can play on his own or with the kiddos. Several of the games require the player to use their whole body, so it could be considered a form of exercise, too.
Maxfli Putting System
$50
from
Dick's Sporting Goods
Putting practice doesn't have to be limited to the green or Top Golf locations, it can be done at work or home — which is sometimes the same place these days. Gift the dads who love to golf a home putting system like this one from Dick's. It comes with distance markings as well as a gravity-feed return system to make it easier to use.
Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone
Drones have been around for a while, but they're still every bit as cool. Dads can have their own kind of "plane" toy that they can use independently (though if kids want to watch, that's OK). Two batteries support a 20-minute flight, which is as high-tech as it can get with this quadcopter model comes with a 1080P HD camera that has live video, wide-angle Wi-Fi, voice control, gesture control, altitude hold, and "headless" mode.
'Star Wars' Chess Game
No we are not finished with the Star Wars toys, because they are tried and true with many dads. Instead of a Lego kit, this dad toy is a Star Wars-themed chess set that has excellent reviews on Amazon. This chess set includes a dark side and light side, plus game pieces that feature characters like Luke Skywalker, Kylo Ren, and Darth Vader.
Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga is like regular Jenga but bigger, which sounds so fun. Jenga is already a great game for kids and adults to play, as a family or with friends, but a big version could be a fun addition to dad's man cave, the patio when his friends come over, or even for him to bring along on your couples' vacation.
Official NBA Basketball
$20
from
Dick's Sporting Goods
Dads can ball, too. Whether he shoots hoops regularly or during the holidays when friends and family come over, he'll appreciate the upgraded equipment in the form of a brand new official NBA basketball. One of the ball's features is an "air retention liner" that, according to Dick's, "helps maintain a consistent level of air for long-lasting play."
LED Flashlight Gloves
For dads who love to get in small or/and dark spaces to fix things or put together toys or literally anything that requires a little extra light, these flashlight gloves are perfect. They're useful as they provide hands-free light, but they also are just fun and we can see some playful dads using these for pranks or play.
'New Yorker' Jigsaw Puzzle
Puzzles are the OG game, and we all have a greater appreciation for them after lockdown. Dads who love to have quiet time and put puzzles together will like this one that is a New Yorker cover of a city scene. It can double as framed art once he's finished putting it together, too.
Ultra Pro Dad Joke Face-Off
Dad jokes are a cultural phenomenon that we love to hate but can't get enough of. The Dad Joke Face Off is a fun game for dads who love these type of jokes and want to put their joke skills to the test in a competitive way. Here's how it works: "Read a Dad Joke off of your card and do so WITHOUT SMILING OR LAUGHING, while trying to get your opponent to crack." Great for two to 12 players.
'The Dad Lab: 50 Awesome Science Projects for Parents and Kids' by Sergei Urban
Speaking of dad-specific gifts, the ones who love to do science projects with the kids will appreciate this project book. It's called The Dad Lab and is filled with creative and STEM projects to take on as a team. We think it speaks to the brainy dads out there who like to create things, and have their little helpers by their side.
Tiki Toss Hook and Ring Toss Game
This ring and swing game, aka the Tiki Toss Hook, is both entertaining and infuriating. Dads can attach the base to a wall in their home or garage and the ring to the ceiling. The goal is to swing the ring so it gets caught on the hook. It can be played alone or with a group. It's fun either way, and a great game to have for dads looking to sharpen their precision.
Electric Hoverboard
Technically, we think hoverboards are geared toward older kids, but it takes good balance, like the balance of an adult, in our humble opinion. We think dads who love to bike or skateboard will appreciate this new mode of riding. It's electric but still requires some skill to steer and stay balanced. Plus, it just looks cool.
PILPOC theFube Fidget Cube
Kids aren't the only ones who can focus better with a fidget toy. This one called the PILPOC theFube Fidget Cube is great for grown-ups. Dads can just mess with it while watching TV, or they can use it to stay on task and think while they're working, too. It's all-black and not as childish looking as some of the other kinds of fidget toys on the market.
*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.
