Why You Can Trust CNET 24 Epic Holiday Gifts for Dad in 2023
Whatever your dad is into, we've got you covered.
If there's one person who's a challenge to get a present for, it's probably the father figure in your life. Fret not -- we've got a bunch of cool gifts for Dad that you really need to check out. CNET's elves have worked around the clock to curate this collection of items for the dad in your life. Whether he's into camping, coffee, cooking or comic books, there is something in this list that will surely delight dear ol' Dad when he unwraps his present on Christmas morning or during Hanukkah.
From high-tech gadgets to casual clothing and everything in between, there's a plethora of goodies to skim through below. Whether you're shopping for an avid bookworm or a gamer dad, we're sure something will strike their fancy. Maybe it's the high-fidelity turntable or sleek travel backpack. Whatever you decide, just make sure you don't forget to wrap it.
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 puppy churns out a consistently strong and smooth cup that's sure to get your day started on the right foot. And if you fancy a pot of tea, the Good Grips is good too -- it can be used as a tea infuser. If you're concerned it'll look chintzy on the counter, don't fret -- the brewing container and glass carafe will add style to any kitchen.
The Tone Free Plug & Wireless+7 feature lets you listen to your favorite shows, movies and music on devices that don't have Bluetooth capabilities, like on a flight or at the gym. Now you can even host and take a conference call, all without Bluetooth. It's easy to switch back and forth between devices such as tablets and phones and to pair your LG Tone earbuds by using the Tone Free app. So whenever you're binge-watching the latest TV series on your tablet and a phone call comes in on your phone, your earbuds will automatically switch to your phone to take the call and back to your tablet as soon as you hang up. Don't miss a beat at home or on the go -- enjoy up to nine hours of play time on your buds and up to 29 hours of play time with the charging case.
MistoBox is a coffee club that cares about your individual taste. This subscription service uses a tasting quiz to nail down what type of coffee palate you've got. The end 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 level roasters from around the country. An algorithm will kick in after you begin using the service and will rule out the beans you disliked, 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. However, their ability to hold high heat is the secret weapon that'll make your chicken dinner go from fine to fantastic. And they come pre-seasoned, which means that after Dad unwraps this iconic cooking tool, he can get straight to cooking his famous French toast breakfast for the whole family. Talk about a win-win!
Athleisure brand Vuori has taken dads by storm with its comfortable performance wear. Most notable: 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 the inside to keep your tootsies nice and cozy. And 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 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. How cool is that?
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, a.m. facial moisturizer and p.m. 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 fulfill your holiday shopping needs. 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 it's actually quiet, making it nicely portable. 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 this knife's ergonomic polymer handle. And the large blade means it can 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 to manga to graphic novels. And with Comixology Unlimited, its monthly subscription service, visitors can peruse over 45,000 comics, which include 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. Who knew?
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, make it one of the top micro Bluetooth speakers out there.
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 whatever other work items you can imagine. 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. And it's pretty nice to look at, too.
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 (or maybe spiked hot cocoa for the holidays) and features double-walled insulation to keep that drink chilled or hot. It's available in stainless, copper and gunmetal.
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.