Gifts for every kind of dad, from cozy hoodies and sleek sneakers to games and gadgets he'll actually use and enjoy debating.
Most dads fall into one of two camps. Some hand you a wish list. The others swear they need nothing, then spend 45 minutes defending a hoodie they've owned since college. The gifts below work for both. They run from everyday upgrades and clever gadgets to stylish accessories and a few surprises he won't see coming.
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Everyday upgrades he'll actually wear
KÜHL The Law fleece-lined hoodie
Rugged canvas outside, soft fleece inside. It looks like he's ready for a trail, and it feels like he never left the couch.
KÜHL The Law fleece-lined hoodie ($229), buy here
Lululemon Steady State SuperLoft hoodie
This is the one he'll reach for about five minutes after unwrapping it. It's plush and cozy, but polished enough to pass as an actual outfit. Give it a week and you'll know whether it's a hit.
Lululemon Steady State SuperLoft hoodie ($108), buy here
Cloudnova Form 2
Dad sneakers usually look like dad sneakers. These don't. The Cloudnova Form 2 is low-profile and sleek, and it's almost suspiciously light. They'll go with nearly everything he owns.
Cloudnova Form 2 ($150), buy here
Bellroy Tokyo Totepack
Part tote, part backpack, and all useful. It has room for a laptop and the everyday clutter that comes with it. The bronze finish is understated, so it won't clash with anything.
Bellroy Tokyo Totepack ($199), buy here
Fossil Neutra chronograph watch
Monochrome navy, a leather strap, a minimalist dial, and a little midcentury flavor. It doesn't shout, and that's the point. A good accessory shouldn't need to.
Fossil Neutra chronograph watch ($195), buy here
Vint & York The Bowery sunglasses
Vintage-style browline frames with polished metal detailing. They have a bit of downtown edge, though nobody needs to be a rock star to wear them.
Vint & York The Bowery sunglasses ($129), buy here
Disney x NFL collection
For the guy whose two loyalties are his football team and his favorite Disney characters. The tees and sweatshirts add plenty of personality to game-day gear, which most team merch badly lacks.
Disney x NFL collection ($21.99+), buy here
Gadgets, games, and things that spark a debate
Here's the thing about gift guides: the gadget category usually lands on the same three tech accessories. These picks are more interesting, and they give him something to argue about.
Madden NFL 27 - College Football 27 Kickoff Bundle
For the guy with firm opinions about his team's play-calling. The latest Madden adds depth to Franchise mode, so he finally gets the chance to prove he'd do a better job. It's available on multiple platforms.
Madden NFL 27 - College Football 27 Kickoff Bundle ($99.99), buy here
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
A classic gets a Nintendo Switch 2 makeover, with updated visuals and orchestral music. It comes in physical and digital formats, and it's a solid excuse for a lost weekend in Hyrule.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time ($59.99), buy here
LEGO The X-Files set
The truth is out there, and apparently it's made of bricks. This collectible set brings a dose of extraterrestrial nostalgia to his next build.
LEGO The X-Files set ($199), buy here
Star Wars Millennium Falcon jigsaw puzzle and trivia
Part puzzle, part Star Wars quiz. It's built for the guy who knows his way around a galaxy far, far away and is happy to prove it.
Star Wars Millennium Falcon jigsaw puzzle and trivia ($28), buy here
Roll-up travel games
Chess, checkers, and backgammon in a portable roll-up set. It fits in a bag, so it goes wherever game night does. Trips and weekends away are where a little friendly rivalry gets intense.
Roll-up travel games ($43.99), buy here
The New York Times Connections
For the man who treats his daily word game like a serious commitment. This collection takes the category-matching puzzle off the screen and puts it on paper, where he can't hide behind a timer.
The New York Times Connections ($20.99), buy here
Flavor-Changing Taste Adventure Berries
These tiny berries make sour foods taste sweet for up to 40 minutes. Hand him a lemon and wait. It's the easiest science experiment you'll ever run, and the reaction is the gift.
Flavor-Changing Taste Adventure Berries ($28), buy here
250 North American Birds sound book
For the guy who hears a bird outside and has to know which one it is. This illustrated field guide covers 250 North American species and their actual calls, so he can finally name the morning soundtrack.
250 North American Birds sound book ($55), buy here
Food, coffee, and keepsakes
Maeve Sweet Pota-toe Chips chocolate bar
Sweet potato chips tucked into creamy milk chocolate, inspired by the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. It's a sweet-and-salty twist, and it sounds better than most gift-shop candy.
Maeve Sweet Pota-toe Chips chocolate bar ($8), buy here
Trade Coffee subscription
Better mornings, delivered. The subscription is customizable and introduces him to coffees from specialty roasters, with new finds arriving at his door. If he's particular about his brew, this gives him a reason to be.
Trade Coffee subscription ($66+), buy here
ButcherBox subscription
Steaks, chicken, seafood, and more, shipped straight to his door. It's a real upgrade for the guy who takes dinner seriously, or just really likes a good steak.
ButcherBox subscription, shop here
Springsteen: Album by Album leather-bound edition
For the guy who's been born to run since 1975. This leather-bound tribute to The Boss looks good on a shelf, and it's a handsome addition to any music lover's collection.
Springsteen: Album by Album leather-bound edition ($170), buy here
Tinybeans custom photo book
Whether he tears up at an Instagram quote or keeps his feelings to himself, a custom photo book full of the people he loves hits home. The cover can be personalized, so it's a gift he'll likely keep showing off for years. Some cover styles are currently only available on iOS.
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