24 Epic Gifts for Dad in 2024
Whatever hobbies your dad is into, we have you covered.
Gift shopping for the father figure in your life can be fun, yet challenging. Whether you're looking to get a head start on Father's Day shopping or are celebrating Dad's birthday, Dad deserves the best. Plus, getting a creative, thoughtful gift can earn you big brownie points. Finding something less stereotypical than a "World's Best Dad" coffee mug can be daunting. The internet is a big place, after all, but we're here to help you on your present hunt. We've compiled a roundup of some epic gifts Dad will be stoked to unwrap. Our experts at CNET scrolled high and low to find the very best gifts for your dad, no matter what he's into; be it cooking, camping, coffee or comic books.
From high-tech gadgets to casual clothing, there's a whole bunch of fun stuff to find below. Shopping for an avid bookworm or gamer dad? There's something for each of them here. Looking for a gift for a music aficionado or on-the-go dad? Check out the high-fidelity turntable and high-end travel backpack.
Tired of making your own cold brew at home and hoping the ratio of coffee grounds to water is correct? The Oxo Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is here to quench your cold coffee thirst. There's an art to making cold brew, and this device churns out a consistently strong and smooth cup that's sure to get your day started on the right foot. If you fancy a pot of tea, the Good Grips is a nice choice, too. It can be used as a tea infuser. As for aesthetics, the brewing container and glass carafe will add style to any kitchen.
MistoBox is a coffee club that cares about your taste. This subscription service uses a tasting quiz to nail down what type of coffee palate you have. The result is a brand that delivers beans that are roasted per your preference, have the proper level of intensity and showcase a selection of over 50 top-quality roasters from around the country. An algorithm will kick in after you begin using the service and will rule out the beans you dislike, while sending your faves to your door on the regular.
When cooking with a Lodge cast iron pan, you're operating on a whole other level. Yes, this cookware requires a different type of cleaning regimen -- soap and water can be used, as long as the pan is dried promptly with a lint-free towel -- but their ability to hold high heat is the secret weapon that'll make your chicken dinner go from fine to fantastic. In addition, they come pre-seasoned, which means that after Dad unwraps this iconic cooking tool, he can get straight to cooking his favorite recipes without having to spend hours prepping the pan for use.
Athleisure brand Vuori has taken dads by storm with its comfortable performance wear. Most notable is the Sunday Performance Jogger, a favorite for its relaxed yet tapered cut. This pant goes from the home office to school pickup to the grocery store and everywhere in between. They're available in nine different colors, and the dad in your life will want to collect them all.
OluKai does footwear differently. The company's Hawaiian roots can be felt in every product it creates, and these Kīpuka Hulu slippers are a prime example. Whether you're relaxing around the house, out running errands, or even kicking it at the beach, these kicks deliver the goods. An on-the-go slipper like no other, these are designed with premium nubuck leather on the outside and soft shearling lining on the inside to keep your toes nice and cozy. If you prefer a more slip-on approach to your footwear, these have a "Drop-In Heel Design," which allows the heel to fold for easy foot access.
With the Mullybox subscription service, the golf-lover in your life will receive a whole slew of goodies every quarter. The system uses a simple interface to nail down a user's preferences so each box comes tailored to them. Mullybox curates it all, so you don't have to. Golf essentials, equipment, accessories and clothing are what's to be expected in each delivery.
If Dad isn't exfoliating properly (please tell him to toss out that bar of soap), listen up! Tiege Hanley's Essential Routine for Men is the perfect starter kit to get him on the road to hydrated skin. A face wash, exfoliating scrub, morning facial moisturizer and evening moisturizer all come in this collection. It's a simple and speedy routine, and the simplified user's guide will help keep him on track to younger-looking skin.
Maybe you've eyed pricey Theragun massagers (which we're big fans of, by the way) but haven't pulled the trigger. The affordable Mini size is here to change that (and simplify your shopping). With the Theragun Mini, Dad can knead his sore muscles using three different speeds. The ergonomic handle is easier to use than a bulkier, bigger massage gun and reduces wrist strain. The Theragun Mini provides 150 minutes of battery life and is actually quiet, making it nicely portable for travel use. The new fourth generation is available in black, dusty rose and white.
J.A. Henckels' Zwilling Gourmet 8-inch Chef's knife is CNET's top pick for the best midprice chef's knife, one you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on but that still feels good in your hand. Dad can slice and dice meat and veggies with ease thanks to the ergonomic, polymer handle. The large blade allows it to tackle most kitchen tasks.
If Dad is a committed carnivore, imagine his delight when he finds a box of premium meats under the Christmas tree. This sampler from ButcherBox includes 100% grass-fed ground beef, filet mignons, boneless pork chops, apple gouda sausage, sirloin tips and free-range organic chicken. All the meat is vacuum-packed and frozen, and shipping is free.
The Fizzics DraftPour makes any beer better by converting natural carbonation into microfoam, which gives beer the aroma and flavor you usually get only from a bar tap. The beer dispenser works with most beer cans and bottles, and any type of beer: lagers, IPAs, ambers, porters and more.
If Dad has always wanted to try out D&D but has never gotten a chance, this starter kit is the perfect gift. As CNET's James Bricknell says, "I'm an avid tabletop gamer and I love giving these starter kits out to friends and family. So many people want to learn about Dungeons and Dragons but don't know where to begin. This box has everything you need to start your first adventure."
Imagination is the key to a good D&D campaign, but you also need rules and dice. This set gives you both.
Is Dad a comic book lover but unsure of what the cool kids are reading? Amazon's Comixology is a digital storefront that has over 230,000 titles, from comics and manga to graphic novels. With Comixology Unlimited (its monthly subscription service), visitors can peruse over 45,000 comics, including Comixology Originals, creator-owned works by popular scribes like Scott Snyder. The Comixology app is available to download from the App Store and Google Play and comes with a 30-day free trial.
Like previous models, this version of Nintendo's hit mobile gaming system offers the goods. There's a substantial set of improvements here. The 7-inch OLED screen, wide adjustable kickstand, enhanced audio and 64GB of internal storage add a supremely enjoyable tabletop gaming experience to the mix. According to CNET's Scott Stein, "The Switch OLED is the best Nintendo Switch there is, period."
Looking for a record player that won't break the bank? The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is an affordable turntable that brings an automatic play option to the mix (but you can still futz with the tonearm, if you'd like). It comes in four color options: red, black, white and silver. According to CNET's Ty Pendlebury, this is a turntable that "offers excellent midrange and bass response for the price of a nice night out." Finally, your dad can dust off his old vinyl collection.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is an e-reader that offers a satisfying experience. Amazon's hit now comes with a larger, 6.8-inch display, an upgraded lighting scheme, USB-C and wireless charging, an auto-adjusting light sensor and 32GB of storage space. Never again will Dad have to fumble with flipping pages in the dark.
Amazon's Smart Thermostat sets a new standard for the category. It has a clean, modern touchscreen design, and it's easy to use, whether you're adjusting the temperature at the thermostat, through the Alexa app or with Alexa voice commands with a compatible Alexa-enabled speaker or display. It earned a CNET Editors' Choice award for best value smart thermostat.
Flint and Tinder's flannel-lined waxed trucker jacket is an absolute must-have. Rugged, iconic and made in the USA, this jacket consists of a waxed and weather-resistant Martexin 7-ounce sailcloth. Similar to denim and leather, this beauty will only get better with age. The sleeves and body are coated with a soft blanket lining, making this a tough jacket that is soft in all the right places. It worked for Pedro Pascal in HBO's The Last of Us, so you best believe it'll do wonders for Dad.
L.L. Bean consistently delivers quality, comfort and style on the cardigan front. The vintage flavor is off the charts here, but the company has upgraded the formula, adding new cotton yarns to the mix to weave in comfort and versatility. Refined, yet rugged -- cardigan sweaters aren't just for winter anymore.
If Dad is a creative person, then he should really own a 3D printer. The Anycubic Kobra 2 is CNET's top pick for the best budget 3D printer. CNET's James Bricknell says the Kobra 2 "has all the advantages of a faster printer but with a sub-$300 price tag, which is astonishing." It's a great starting point for anyone looking to start 3D-printing for the first time.
The JBL Go 3's durable design, coupled with surprisingly decent sound for its tiny size, makes it one of the top micro Bluetooth speakers on the market.
Available in multiple color options, it has an IP67 water-resistance rating, meaning it can be dunked in water and is dust-proof. Battery life is rated at up to five hours.
The Nomatic Travel Pack backpack is great for every occasion. Yes, there's enough room in the main compartment for books, lunch, clothes or other work items are needed. Its computer pocket can hold laptops up to 16 inches in size. That's all well and good, but this bag offers so much more. It's expandable, TSA-ready, water resistant and offers a collection of external and internal pockets for all sorts of storage (including an RFID pocket for your credit cards). Small details like the retractable clip-on key leash and secret AirTag/Passport pocket make this bag a cut above the rest. It's pretty nice to look at, too.
Does he want a Yeti cooler but balk at the price tag? RTIC makes a similar product for much less money. This durable model keeps ice cold forever (like, up to 10 days). It's the perfect choice for a camper or fisherman -- or anyone who has some beverages they need to keep frosty. RTIC has a variety of sizes, from the personal 20-quart model to the giant 145. The 45-quart version fits 36 cans inside.
This pair of stainless steel tumblers is nice enough to use at home, but they also come with a hard case that's perfect for travel. Each durable tumbler holds 11 ounces of whiskey and features double-walled insulation to keep that drink chilled or hot. It's available in stainless, copper and gunmetal. They're currently out of stock, but you can sign up to get notified when they're restocked.