What dads really want for fathers day

Skip the tie this year and spring for one of these unique Father's Day gifts instead. We talked to real dads to find out what they want for Father's Day.

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

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What dads really want for fathers day
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Top-of-the-Line Grill

“I just moved into a new house and am looking for that cliché father’s day gift: a grill. I like this model where traditional meets tech.” —Mikal Gilliat, former Director of Creative Development

Find more gifts for grill masters.

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What dads really want for fathers day
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Eats from the Local Butcher

“I’d like a gift certificate from my local butcher shop so I could go pick out some steaks to grill. Or a gift basket with jerky, cheese, meat, beer, etc. I mean, what guy doesn’t want a meat basket? It’s full of all my favorite things.” —Adan Franco, husband of Missy Franco, Taste of Home Senior Set Stylist

Editor’s Tip: If dad doesn’t have a favorite local butcher, send him a unique Father’s Day gift from a meat delivery service, like Rastelli’s, instead.

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By the way, this Father’s Day menu will surely bring a smile to your dad’s face.

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Whiskey Enhancing Oak Tumbler

“I really like how the whiskey enhancing oak tumbler enhances the flavors of my favorite bourbons. All bourbons are aged in charred oak barrels, and what better way to bring out those flavors? My favorite bourbon most recently for this tumbler is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked—it’s the perfect match.” —Dana Higley, father of Annamarie Higley, Taste of Home, Associate Print Editor

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Shopping at the last minute? Check out these last-minute Father’s Day gifts.

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DJI Mini 2 Drone

“This DJ2 mini drone is a great gift for dads who like photography and videography. It’s not particularly hard to fly, but it does take skill. You can take pictures of things you’d never be able to get in a camera. When you’re 100 feet in the air, it’s a totally different view.” —Michael Mason, father-in-law of Hannah Pugh, Taste of Home Assistant Editor

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Television Cat Scratcher

“This cat TV scratcher is so darn funny to me, and our cat loves it! It’s pet furniture I don’t mind seeing in the corner of the living room.” —Al Kaminski, father of Lisa Kaminski, Taste of Home Editor

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What dads really want for fathers day
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Yard Games for Family Fun

“I’d like some type of yard game, like this corn hole set, the whole family can play together—especially since everyone will be spending more time than ever at home on their decks and in their yards.” —Jeff Bandurski, father of Katie Bandurski, Taste of Home Associate Editor

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Patio Rocking Chairs

“My wife and I each have one of these rockers on the back deck now—she got one for Mother’s Day and then I got one for Father’s Day. It’s nice to relax in them together. I like that they’re low maintenance—no staining, no sanding, no nothing.” —Al Kaminski, father of Lisa Kaminski, Taste of Home Editor

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Raised Beds for the Backyard

“My wife and I love growing veggies with our 5-year-old. We have a tiny backyard, and raised beds will help maximize space—and keep the plants away from hungry bunnies.” —Ian Cliffe, husband of Ellie Martin Cliffe, Taste of Home Executive Editor

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The Ultimate Boredom Buster

“While it’s not the manliest Father’s Day gift—I have all the power tools and yard equipment I need—I would waste countless hours playing tabletop corn hole.” —Brad Holden, The Family Handyman Senior Editor

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A Cool-Down Fan

“I want to be the ‘cool’ Dad! But in all seriousness, I’d use this fan while working on projects around the house, on the boat or in the garage this summer.” —Dan Doster, father of Nicole Doster, Deputy Editor, Content Strategy & Editorial Management

Find more gifts for handy-dads from Reader’s Digest.

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What dads really want for fathers day
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Suet Cage Feeder and Suet Cakes

“I like to keep Father’s Day gifts a surprise, so I listen carefully for hints (or ask my mom for help). I bought suet cakes for my dad, who is an avid backyard bird-watcher. He likes to keep an eye out for woodpeckers at the suet cage during colder months.” —Lara Eucalano, Taste of Home Senior Editor

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High-Quality Hearing Protection

“I’m looking for hearing protection that lets me listen to music or have phone conversations while working. This pair would be great for shop or yard work, too.” —Gary Wentz, The Family Handyman Executive Editor

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Hardworking Clothes

“My closet is filled with Duluth Trading Company’s high-quality clothes, and I’d love to unwrap DuluthFlex Fire Hose Carpenter Pants for Father’s Day—or any day of the year. I love them for working on our farm.” —Scott Woodward, husband of Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

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Masterbuilt Smoker

I had wanted a smoker for a while, but couldn’t justify getting one for myself. So, it was a real treat to get this smoker for Father’s Day! I love being able to experiment with different cuts of meat and woodchips for the perfect smoked meal. —David Stanko, father of Caroline Stanko, Taste of Home Editor

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A Sentimental Note

“I’m not a gifts person. For this Father’s Day, I want what I get every year—a tender note from my daughter. Sure, it’s a bit of an obligation—it’s a so-called holiday so she has to give me something. But the sentiments expressed in the note aren’t obligatory. I like reading things like, ‘great Dad’ and ‘I love you’—or when she recounts the fun times we’ve had. And when she fills in the blanks with multi-colored hearts and stars, it makes me smile. It’s a gift I can use over and over, pulling it out to reread when I’m feeling blue. It’s a gift I’ll keep forever.” —Andy Simmons, Reader’s Digest Senior Features Editor

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Outdoor Relaxation Gear

“After spending a year completing house projects, I want to enjoy lots of time sitting by the fire this summer. I’m hoping for a nice set of outdoor chairs. Nothing says ‘Now you can relax, Dad’ better than a hot fire and an Adirondack chair.” —Mike Berner, The Family Handyman Associate Editor

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What dads really want for fathers day
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Cribbage Board

“Talk about something you can actually use! I play three games of cribbage every day and this is a wonderful cribbage board. A standout!” —Al Kaminski, father of Lisa Kaminski, Taste of Home Associate Editor

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What dads really want for fathers day
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Bread Lame

“I like to make bread and the recipe usually says to score the top with a lame before baking. A lame seemed like a luxury so I tried to get by with a sharp knife. The knife never worked very well because it was never sharp enough, and I ended up flattening the newly risen bread trying to score it. My daughter got me a lame and I couldn’t believe how much better that one simple tool made my bread. I would never try to score my crust with a knife again.”—Mike Racette, father of Emily Parulski, Taste of Home Senior Editor

Find more bread-making tools that make all the difference.

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Golf Shoes

“Golf shoes might not really help me play better, but they make me feel like I can. This is one of the best Father’s Day gifts!” —Mark Roethle, father of Maggie Roethle, Taste of Home Designer

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Whether it’s playing golf or partaking in any of these other father’s day activities, spending time with your dad is the greatest gift you can give.

Originally Published: June 07, 2021

What is the most common gift for Father's day?

If you're not sure where to start, shopping surveys show that, across the board, some of the most popular Father's Day gifts are clothing, electronics and home and garden products—just a few of our favorite Father's Day 2022 gifts for every kind of dad.

How can I make him feel special on Father's day?

Keep reading for 10 activities that will make this Father's Day the most memorable one yet..
Go Ziplining. Does your dad love a good adventure? ... .
Have a Pizza and Video Game Bash. ... .
Do His Chores While He Gets a Massage. ... .
Go on a Road Trip. ... .
Buy Tickets to His Favorite Event. ... .
Play Like Kids. ... .
Go on a Food Tour. ... .
Drive a Race Car..

What should I ask for for Fathers day?

Here are some suggestions, the 10 things you should ask your kids for this Dad's Day..
Time. If you're a dad, you've already done the math. ... .
Honesty. It's a fact that we can't love what we don't know. ... .
Advice (theirs) ... .
A one-page note of their favorite memory. ... .
Hugs. ... .
Big ideas. ... .
A gift with staying power. ... .
A fresh start..

How do I spoil my man on Father's day?

How to spoil Dad this Father's Day.
Make him breakfast or coffee. Bacon and eggs made in the comfort of your own home, while camping on the fire or in the caravan can be an excellent way for you to show Dad you love him and that you care. ... .
Clean the car for him. ... .
Photo memories. ... .
Cook him a BBQ. ... .
Hugs are best..