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30 Unique Gifts for Dads Who Want Nothing (But Deserve More Than That)

No, your love and respect is not enough! Go with one of these best-selling ideas.

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I’ve never met a dad who would admit to wanting stuff, and most of us would rather splurge on our kids and spouses than ourselves. But as a dad, I can confirm that there are a lot of gifts that men would love to receive from the people we love most and those who love us back. These are gifts we’d probably never buy for ourselves, like sports jerseys and fancy knives for the kitchen, but they make us drool, leave us giddy and get us excited anytime we see them in a store or online.

CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE FOR 2024

If you can splurge on Dad this year — whether for Father's Day or his birthday— the coolest robot mop could replace Fido as man’s best friend, and the most high-tech smart bird nest will make him so happy as he watches baby birds hatch in HD quality. But this gift guide for dads who want nothing is stocked with gifts for every budget.

Looking for even more great gift ideas for him? Check out some of our top gift guides for dad:

The Best Gift Ideas for Men | Unique Travel Gifts for Dad | Clever Last-Minute Father's Day Gifts

Over 65,000 5-star reviews on Amazon

Bidet Self-Cleaning Nozzle

On Sale
Bidet Self-Cleaning Nozzle

When my wife and I got back from Japan, we promised each other that we’d fully adopt the heated bidet toilet seat life we got used to in Tokyo and Kyoto. This attachment doesn't have heat, but it's affordable and has thousands of 5-star reviews for how well it works. Your Dad may want for nothing, but he’ll thank you forever for giving his throne a royal upgrade.

For the Outdoorsy Dad

Monocular Telescope

Monocular Telescope

Hiking, camping, bird watching — he can bring this top-rated telescope along on all of his journeys. According to the brand, it offers eight times magnification so he can see everything really upclose.

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For Handy Dads

Magnetic Tool Wristband

On Sale
Magnetic Tool Wristband
Now 17% Off
Credit: HORUSDY

Your Mr. Fix-It may have all the tools he needs to repair the backyard swing set and adjust the cabinet doors so they close flush, but he’ll love this cool magnetic wristband that’ll guarantee the nuts, bolts and screws don’t slip out of his fingers.

Top Gift from the holidays

Smartphone RC Controlled Paper Airplane Kit

Amazon’s Choice
Smartphone RC Controlled Paper Airplane Kit

Even if he isn't the hobby type, he'll love this airplane kit that he can control with his phone. It's pretty simple to assemble, but can create hours of fun with the kids or solo.

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Esquire Pick

Cooling Bucket Hat

On Sale
Cooling Bucket Hat

Regardless of how you feel about bucket hats, we know most dads can rock them well. This particular one, which offers "UPF 50 sun protection," according to the brand, is a top pick from our friends at Esquire.

Gag Gift for Indecisive Dads

Food Decision Dice

Food Decision Dice
Credit: Trikalika

Dad will never be paralyzed by dinner indecision again with these funny but also useful dice that'll push him toward sushi, steakhouse, fast Good, Mexican and more.

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More Than 14,800 5-Star Reviews on Amazon

Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

Amazon’s Choice
Hotel Collection Bed Pillows
Now 11% Off
Credit: EIUE

There may not be a better gift than the gift of a sound night’s sleep. As we get older, sleep becomes vital to being able to function at peak performance at work, playing with our kids, and around the home. And good sleep starts with great pillows!

RELATED: The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper

For Music Lovers

'Verses' Party Game

'Verses' Party Game
Credit: Hootenanny Games

Sure, sure, he wants nothing, but I would be willing to bet Dad wants nothing more than to have his family together, around the table, laughing hysterically and making new memories that’ll last a lifetime. This musical party game hit the perfect notes by letting everyone pair the perfect song with life's most hilariously petty moments.

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For Grillmasters

Kona BBQ Grill Mat

Kona BBQ Grill Mat

He might not know it yet, but his grilling experience is about to be changed for the better. These grilling mats keep his precious BBQ clean and the seafood, steaks, veggies, burgers and dogs he’s cooking so juicy and delicious.

RELATED: Expert-Approved Grilling Gifts for the Perfect BBQ

Funny Gift for Dad

Trash Animals Oracle Card Deck

Trash Animals Oracle Card Deck
Credit: RP Studio

With work, in-laws, and so many commitments, life can be chaotic, but some creatures know the secrets to a happy, adventurous life. Give Dad this hilarious deck of cards with guidance and inspiration from raccoons, possums and other wild critters.

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Practical Gift

Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag

Is Dad always misplacing his keys, wallet, backpack and more? An Airtag is an affordable way for him to digitally keep track of his stuff with Bluetooth. (Android user? Try the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2.)

RELATED: Best AirTag Wallets to Keep Cash Safe

Keep Him Smelling Nice

Dr. Squatch Bar Soap Variety Pack

Dr. Squatch Bar Soap Variety Pack
Credit: Dr. Squatch

From Game of Thrones to Star Wars, Dr. Squatch has a themed soap pack for every Dad, but I recommend a sampler with a variety of grit and scents like wood barrel bourbon and coconut.

RELATED: The Best 'Star Wars' Gifts for Fans of All Ages

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Useful Gift

TheraICE Rx Migraine Relief Cap

TheraICE Rx Migraine Relief Cap

No matter if the headaches are caused by the kids being too loud or too many beers the night before, this cooling TheraICE relief cap will take away the pain and give Dad the peace he craves.

Cozy Gift

Deerfoam Warner High Vamp Clog Slippers

Deerfoam Warner High Vamp Clog Slippers

Indoor/outdoor slippers that are so soft, have memory foam insoles, and won’t make his feet sweat? On behalf of dads everywhere, YES PLEASE!

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Grooming Gift

Agave Black Daily Facial Cleanser

Agave Black Daily Facial Cleanser
Credit: Agave Black

Does he know that he wants skincare products? Possibly not. Does he need them? Absolutely yes he does! Taking care of my face and skin as I age has helped me feel and look better than ever and because Agave Black skincare is made with ingredients like aloe vera, rosemary and tea tree oil — it’s the best choice for your Dad too.

RELATED: Best Face Moisturizers for Men

Clear His Clutter

Wood Phone Docking Station

Wood Phone Docking Station
Credit: TESLYAR

If he wants nothing, it may be a sign that he has everything. If that’s the case, this handsome wood docking station is what he needs to stash, charge, and keep all his gear, glasses, watches and more organized.

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Self-Care Gift

Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager

Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager

He won’t admit it, but Dad is tired, sore and really would love to sit down and watch the game with a cold one in his hand. Now, his feet can be pampered too with heat and shiatsu rollers thanks to this electric foot massager.

For Dads Who Love to Cook

Henckels 8-Inch Slicing Knife

On Sale
Henckels 8-Inch Slicing Knife
Now 40% Off
Credit: Henckels

If he watched The Bear, he'll know how vital it is to have a sharp, reliable knife. Is a Henckels Chef's Knife one of the best Father’s Day gifts? Yes, Chef! Thank you, Chef, for making cooking and meal prep so much easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

RELATED: The Best Chef's Knives, According to Experts

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Meaningful Gift

Frameo Digital Picture Frame

On Sale
Frameo Digital Picture Frame
Now 32% Off
Credit: Frameo

Give Dad a smart frame loaded with pics of him and his kids and he'll be happily distracted forever as he sees one joyful memory after the next pop-up, and easily adds more straight from his phone.

For Sports Fans

Adidas Sports Jerseys

Adidas Sports Jerseys
Credit: adidas

I don’t wear soccer jerseys often, but I love having them in my closet. Does that make sense? While I would never buy one for myself, my wife and kids have bought me jerseys of my favorite players and those gifts always land. He wants nothing, but if he has a favorite team or player, he definitely wants their jersey. (And if football is his game, then he certainly wants this Messi one.)

Headshot of Jeff Bogle
Jeff Bogle
Freelance Writer

Jeff is a dad of two daughters, an avid traveler, a photographer, an author and a freelance writer who lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and their cats. In addition to Good Housekeeping, he's written for Parents, Fodor's, Food and Wine, Real Simple and Reader’s Digest, among other print and online publications. Jeff is the publisher of the quarterly literary magazine, Stanchion, and his book, Streets Cats and Where to Find Them, will be published by Running Press in the Summer of 2025.

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