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70 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for All Kinds of Travel-Loving Dads

Whether they spend their vacations reading, eating, or in the great outdoors.
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Whether your Father's Day gifts tend to come in the form of a much-needed family vacation or something more low-key, like brunch, picking out a tangible present he'll like (and actually put to use) is a nice added way to show him your appreciation from near or far. And since finding the right gift for dad can be tricky, we've rounded up 70 gift ideas for all kinds of fathers: first-time dads, who are most certainly more tired than usual these days; dads in need of a spa day; and ones who need some caffeine to get their days started. Read on to peruse our favorite father's day gifts to buy this year, or jump straight to the section that fits your dad most.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

For the book-loving dad

Kindle Paperwhite

Yes, it will probably take some convincing to get your dad to switch over to a Kindle from his beloved hardbacks—but just tell him about all the money he’ll save on overweight bag fees! This e-reader, our favorite of the bunch, is waterproof (read: beach or poolside-friendly), has an adjustable built-in front light for evening reading, and plays audiobooks over Bluetooth through Amazon’s Audible platform. Plus, you can usually hook up a Kindle to your local library’s e-book platform, so he can still read his favorite books for free.

Audible subscription

Speaking of Audible, why not get him a subscription to the audiobook service, so he can keep learning and listening while washing the car, grilling, or putzing around in the garage—you know, dad stuff. When you give a subscription, the recipient will get one free audiobook each month, plus 30 percent off of any additional audiobooks they want to listen to. (And suggest he start with the award-winning audio version of George Saunder’s Lincoln in the Bardo, which features a whopping 166 narrators, including Julianne Moore, Ben Stiller, and Don Cheadle.)

New York Times 36 Hours USA & Canada

This compendium of the New York Times’ 36 Hours series features 150 different weekend getaways, scattered across the U.S. and Canada. It’ll fuel wanderlust and trip ideas for years to come. Whether he’s eyeing a visit to the Berkshires, Boulder, or Big Sur, he’ll find quick-fire itineraries and individual maps to kickstart his own planning. It also makes a great coffee table book.

Braving It: A Father, a Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey Into the Alaskan Wild by James Campbell

This moving memoir follows writer James Campbell and his teenage daughter Aiden as they backpack over Alaska’s Brooks Range to the Hulahula River, where they canoe out to the Arctic Ocean. It’s a return trip for them both, and one that instills a love for adventure and confidence in his daughter, and reignites Campbell’s own drive for the outdoors. Whether your dad took you camping, to Alaska (lucky you), or simply instilled a love of the outdoors in your own backyard, this gift is a thank you—and an invitation for trips to come.

For the dad who’s always in the kitchen

Our Place Always pan

Hopefully, the dad that loves to eat has been revisiting his favorite restaurants (and trying new ones) of late. But for the nights when he's cooking dinner for himself, upgraded kitchen tools will be appreciated. This cult-favorite cooking pan can be used to braise, sear, steam, strain, sauté, fry, boil. It does it all.

Murray’s Cheese Best of France sampler

Any père who knows Brie from Camembert will appreciate an assortment of French cheese, and Greenwich Village fromagerie Murray’s is famed for its selection. This sampler is stocked with two and a half pounds of the stuff, including Murray’s Mini Brie (creamy, buttery), Comte Saint Antoine (sweet, nutty hard cheese), Tomme de Savoie (tangy, semisoft Alpine), Brebirousse D’Argental (milky, silky, gooey, from Lyon), and Ossau Iraty (grainy, salty, grassy, from Aquitaine).

Lodge cast-iron baking pan

We don’t know what the deal is with dads and grilling, or dads and making pizza from scratch…but this circular cast-iron baking pan lets them do both at the same time. Lodge’s 10.5-inch cast iron is worlds more affordable than Le Creuset’s, and still sears and conducts heat beautifully.

Omega juicer

Who is more unabashedly obsessed with DIY than dads? This juicer is the crème-de-la-crème of juicers, powerful enough to make nut milk and well-equipped to spin up whatever smoothie concoction he's drinking this month. It even has a pulp ejector for the purest juice possible and an auto-cleaning system.

Material The Knives + Stand

This one is for the dad who thinks he's a professional chef. This trio of knives, available in a cool neutral, almost black, and a blue-gray color, are made from Japanese high-carbon and stainless steel. These knives are incredibly sharp and made to last for years. This set also comes with a magnetic stand to store your knives in and keep them perfectly displayed in the chef's kitchen. 

DIY Gift Kits hot sauce making kit

The DIY hot sauce making hit is great for foodies who like the experience of cooking. They can make their own hot sauce with this and control the flavor to their liking. The kit includes recipes and a flavor guide, custom label stickers, squeeze and glass bottles, a bottling funnel, and more. 

Black Mod iPad and cookbook holder

This kitchen accessory is the perfect addition to any chef's counter. Made of reclaimed wood, this stand holds up a cookbook or iPad for easy recipe access while in the kitchen. It's both functional and chic, and keeps countertops more organized than ever.

For the always-caffeinated dad

Atlas Coffee Club subscription

For dads who are always on the lookout for a new and exciting blend, Atlas Coffee Club's subscription will not only keep his taste buds guessing, it'll transport him to coffee regions around the globe. Each package comes with coffee, a brief history of the caffeinated stuff in that region, and tips for the best brewing method for that particular bean.

Cold Bruer drip coffee maker

Just like the rest of us, dads need cold brew within reach to function on a basic level when WFH. This slow drip cold brew tool yields coffee that’s never sandy or muddy, a common problem in making cold brew at home. Instead, it mimics the coffee shop texture everyone strives for.

Kopi Mug and Warmer Set

Using magnetic induction to heat a metallic layering in the bottom of the mug, the Kopi keeps drinks warm all day.  This is the perfect gift for your dad who likes his coffee to stay piping hot the whole way through. 

Acaia Pearl Weighing Scale

This gift is for the true coffee lovers.  It quickly weighs coffee grinds for more accurate brewing, so you get a more consistent taste each time. It's built with a real-time flow-rate indicator that teaches you to control your pouring and brew coffee like a barista.

Hario Cold Brew Bottle

The Hario coffee bottle is a must-have for your dad who loves his cold brew in the morning. The wine-sized bottle makes five cups of cold brew in eight hours—they just have to fill the center mesh filter with their favorite grounds, add water, and let it sit overnight. 

For the cycle enthusiast dad

Thousand bike helmet

Thousand’s retro bike helmets are lightweight (read: good to travel with) and come in a whole host of colors, from gold and bright red to subtler tones of navy and black. It’s also designed to double as a skateboard helmet—perfect for all those ‘cool’ dads out there.

RadMission1 Electric Metro Bike

If he's been waffling on the thought of investing in an electric bike, this Father's Day might be the time to surprise him with new wheels. Our friends at Wired recommend Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes for its reasonably priced entry-level bikes; this model has a relatively light battery (seven pounds) that lasts up to 45 miles on a single charge.

CamelBak Podium Bike Water Bottle

Specially designed with cyclists in mind, Camelbak’s 24-ounce bike bottle is insulated to keep water extra cold throughout the day. It's meant to fit into most any bottle cage, and is lightweight enough to make it worth carrying around even off the bike.

Rapha Pro Team Jersey

Die-hard cyclists are a little divided over Rapha when it comes to performance, but if you’re shopping for a dad who wants to look good while indulging in his new hobby, this brand has the goods. There’s plenty of clothing and accessories to choose from, but we love this lightweight, breathable jersey, especially great for hot summer rides.

For the dad who could use some pampering

Eberjey William PJ Set

Everyone deserves a nice pair of pajamas for lounging around in and taking on vacation, and this best-selling set from Eberjey makes for a great gift. It’s made mostly of Eberjey's soft signature modal fabric (a fiber that comes from beech trees) and provides enough warmth and breathability to keep on all day, whether he's putzing around the Airbnb, reading a book in the backyard, or just watching TV at home.

Ugg Scuff slipper

Everyone deserves a cozy pair of slippers in their closet to make home feel more like a hotel spa. This pair has a suede exterior with a warm, wool inside that feel like your feet are in a cloud. Whether dad is working from home or has to run out for a quick dog walk, these are the comfortable slippers he'll be throwing on. 

Giftly barbershop gift card

For the dads who have happily returned to their favorite barbershops and salons, a gift card will make his next visit feel even more like a treat. With Giftly, it’s super easy to send money (up to $1,000 dollars) for him to use however he wants at a barbershop you suggest. The money is delivered in a custom greeting card and the recipient gets to choose if they want the cash loaded on a gift card or as a credit to their PayPal account.

Allswell Spa Bundle

A gift we recommend for moms, too, this Allswell Spa Bundle brings the luxury of a hotel stay to him with a cozy, lightweight waffle robe and matching slippers.

Beard Straightener Grooming Kit

A practical gift you can get for dad right on Amazon that he'll actually use is this Beard Straightener Grooming Kit. This one comes with a beard wash, brush, comb, unscented growth oil, a balm, conditioner, razor, and scissors. 

For the tech-obsessed dad

Apple Airtags

Never worry about dad misplacing his belongings again. The tech-obsessed father will be happy to receive a set of these Apple AirTags, which allow users to easily keep track of valuables. Simply attach one to keys, a backpack, or wallet; then, track items on the Find My app using a phone.

STM ChargeTree

Keeping devices powered up is a full-time job for tech geeks. If your dad swears by Apple products, the ChargeTree will quickly become his new favorite desk accessory. It’s only as tall as a hand and a few inches long, so it takes up minimal space, but puts in work: It can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once.

Bellroy Tech Kit

If dad's in need of some organizational help, Bellroy's tech kit is a good place to start. It'll keep all his cords neat and tidy inside elastic cable organizers, with mesh pockets for things like a mouse or power bank. And since it zips open flat, it's easy to see and organize everything at once.

My Passport Go

For the dad who insists on something practical when it comes to gifts, this durable SSD will let him backup all his files now, and keep new ones safe on the road during his next trip. As for the specs, it has 500 GB of storage and is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers.

Bose sunglasses

He probably owns a pair of sunglasses or two already, but we doubt it's a pair as techy as these. Harried dads in need of some zoned-out me time can (safely) listen to music or a podcast while strolling around the neighborhood, kicking back on the beach, or doing yard work, thanks to these Bose sunglasses with built-in speakers on the frames.

Canon Ivy Mini Photo Printer

For the dad who doubles as a paparazzo on vacation, Canon’s portable wireless printer allows him to turn some of those digital memories into prints at the drop of a hat. It connects to a phone via Bluetooth and a free Canon app to print photos from your camera roll or social media in wallet-friendly two-inch-by-three-inch size.

Philips SmartSleep light therapy alarm clock

For the dad who could use a more restful night’s sleep, this Philips alarm clock might do the trick. It can be used as a nightlight and wake-up device, simulating both a sunset and sunrise to help you gradually fall asleep and wake up to natural sounds and what looks like natural light.

Marshall Stockwell II Portable Speaker

Just in time for summer activities, this portable speaker features multi-host functionality so your dad can easily connect and switch between two Bluetooth devices. It's lightweight and allows for 20+ hours of playtime on just a single charge.

Anker PowerCore Portable Charger

If your dad commutes to work or is a frequent flyer, having a reliable and compact portable charger is crucial. This one is lightweight and can charge an iPhone seven times, the Galaxy S8 five times, and the iPad mini 4 twice. 

For the bartender-in-training dad

Cocktail Kingdom Leopold jigger

One of the unsung heroes of the home bar is a good jigger. It should be double sided, marked every quarter ounce from 1/4 to two, and be easy to control. Cocktail Kingdom’s Leopold is all that, plus it looks damn good sitting on the bar.

Be Your Own Bartender

Since they’ve probably memorized the basics—martinis, Manhattans, daiquiris and the like—it’s time for them to branch out. Be Your Own Bartender, by John McCarthy, who has lent his talents to some of the best bars in New York, and Traveler contributor Carey Jones, has well over 100 recipes that will get bartending dads into ingredients like Lillet and Fernet.

Riedel Veritas coupe

A good bar set up doesn’t need a dozen different glasses, each designed for a specific drink. It does, however, need a coupe. You might have seen people throwing prohibition parties back in the late 2000s trying to drink Champagne out of these without spilling (bad idea!). What they should have been doing instead was sipping martinis or Manhattans from them. These Riedel cocktail glasses are a classy way to enjoy a classy drink.

Waterford Irish Whisky

Craft spirits are no doubt a way to remind ourselves of past trips and gear up for new ones. For a taste of Ireland, tie a bow around this single malt whiskey, best served on the rocks.

For the first-time dad

Yeti Rambler

In case you hadn’t sensed the theme yet, new dads: they’re tired. Access to hot coffee at all times of day is vitally important, and no insulated mug keeps the hot hot (and the cold cold) quite like a Yeti. The added HotShot cap keeps everything completely sealed in.

Thule Urban Glide 2

Between diaper changes, late night feedings and whatever collection of minutes new dads manage to cobble together to sleep, it’s tough to find time to work out. But having recently finished my first year as a father I can tell you, you’ll feel much better if you do. A good running stroller can help dads get active while still supervising their new additions, and the Thule Urban Glide 2, with its sizable wheels, twist brake, and comfortable handlebar is as good as they come. And despite the name, it’s great if you’re heading out on a hike as well, as long as the terrain isn’t too rutted out and rocky.

Brooklinen Bushwick pant

Ultra-soft, easy to clean, and neutral enough to pair with nearly any T-shirt or button-up, he'll be living in these comfy joggers—and slipping them on for his next plane ride.

Mzoo contoured sleep mask

Even if he has insisted his entire life he doesn’t need an eye mask, the sudden need to sleep at odd hours, whenever he can find them, makes one a welcome addition for any new dad. The MZOO is a Traveler favorite for the way it sits up off the eyes, making it seem like you’re barely wearing a mask at all. If you want some other eye mask inspiration, check out our full list of favorites.

Theragun Elite

New dads won’t always admit it, but after a few months of lifting and bending they could use a massage. And the Theragun Elite will give their muscles a professional-grade working over on demand. The percussive therapy device works on everything from your feet to your neck. It’s also small enough to pack away and use after a long drive or first airplane trip as a family.

Chatbooks MonthBooks subscription

Newborns are changing every day, a fact that can be lost in the busyness of, well, making it through each day. Give him a low-stress way to collect memories with a Chatbooks subscription; the company makes it super easy to pull pictures from your phone's camera roll to turn into coffee table-ready photo books on a monthly basis.

Away The Travel Neck Pillow

When you finally take that first trip with a little one, comfort will be more important than ever. This travel neck pillow easily adjusts with its elastic strings to your preference and makes a flight or long road trip feel cozy. 

For the active dad

Allbirds Tree Dashers

If dad’s in need of a new pair of athletic shoes, we recommend Allbirds’ Dashers. They’re the perfect shoe to bring on vacation—lightweight, packable, and sturdy enough to use while exercising (plus, they’re machine washable, so they couldn't be easier to keep clean).

Adidas sport earbuds

For the active dad who loves to sprint around a track or find a new hiking trail, these FWD-02 Sport earbuds are the perfect gift. Designed with long runs in mind, they won't slide out of his ear, have active noise cancellation, and a long battery life. They're comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time, so even if your dad is a marathoner, he'll still be covered with these.

NFL team polo

If he's the kind of fan who plans trips to visit new stadiums, gift dad a comfortable polo to rep his favorite team on the road (and upgrade the frayed T-shirt he’s usually sporting).

Danner Mountain Light Cascade hiking boots

If your dad loves to hike, he probably is in need of some new, reliable hiking boots. These  leather ones are breathable, water-proof, and provided extra traction for more stability while moving. Plus, the aesthetic will always be in style.

TrailCool UPF Adventurer hat

A new summer hat is just what your trail-loving dad needs. This one will keep him cool and protected from the sun, all while making him feel (and look) a bit more like Indiana Jones.

Putting green

If dad’s idea of a vacation well-spent is finding a new golf course to play a round at, bring the game to him with an at-home putting green. This one measures nine feet by three feet, so he’ll need a decent amount of space to put it in, or a bit of real estate in the garage or backyard.

Osprey Daylite Sling Backpack

For dads on-the-go hiking or camping, a sling backpack is a must. This one has a thick adjustable strap for extra comfort and can be worn across the body or on one shoulder. 

Coleman camping chair

Whether your dad loves summer camping trips or just needs a comfortable chair to sit in at the soccer field, this one is a winner. It has a built-in cooler that holds four cans and keeps drinks cold for hours, plus a mesh cup holder and side pocket for storing his phone or sunglasses. The chair has a fully cushioned seat, added back support, and it's collapsible, so it can easily be stored in the trunk of his car. 

For the dad who spends all his time in the backyard

Hydro Flask Day Escape Soft Cooler

This Hydro Flask soft cooler is great for days at the beach, by the lake, or on a camping trip. The 18L tote can fit up to 24 cans without ice and keeps drinks cold for hours. It has a comfortable shoulder strap and can be worn across the body, too. The cooler bag also features a watertight zipper to make sure nothing leaks or spills throughout the day.

PK grill and smoker

For the dad looking to step up his grill game, get the whole family to go in on a PK Grill. This throwback model, which first rose to popularity in the 60s and 70s, is a cult classic that doubles as a smoker and will earn respecting nods from any grill-master. Even better, it's portable (with a tiny bit of disassembly), so despite how good it looks in the backyard, your dad can also pack it up for a camping trip or future smoke-out.

Yellow Leaf hammock

Help your dad install a hammock in the backyard and you’re essentially bringing vacation to him. Yellow Leaf’s Hammocks, which are ethically made by weavers who produce them by hand, are lightweight yet totally sturdy, and come in a range of colors and neutrals that will suit any backyard aesthetic. While we love a classic hammock shape, they also come in “chair” styles, if your dad prefers more of an upright-lounging position. The best part? Each hammock is easy to pack up and take on the go, and comes with a carrying bag.

Yeti Roadie 24 cooler

For the beach days and road trips to come this summer, there's nothing better than a Yeti. This mid-size cooler is perfect for day trips, built to fit behind the driver’s or passenger’s seat of a car, and is completely bear-proof, in case he wants to bring it on that next camping excursion.

Birald grill set

This is a great gift for dads who love to host barbecues in the summertime. This 34-piece stainless steel accessory set comes packed with a thermometer, grill mats, BBQ brush, and kitchen shears for cutting bones and raw meat. It all fits inside a portable aluminum case to neatly store everything when not in use, meaning it'll be easy to throw in the car and bring along to the lake house or Airbnb.

Portable outdoor pizza oven

If he can't make it to Italy any time soon, no bother: This portable outdoor pizza oven will let your dad sling his own pies this summer. It can be gas or wood fueled, comes with an internal thermometer and retractable legs for easy set-up, and reaches over 932ºF in just 60 seconds. The oven's insulation and outer silicon skin make it a family-friendly option and safer than other outdoor pizza options, too. Grab some dough, sauce, and cheese and have a pizza cook-off right in your own backyard. 

Sun & Moon Tarpestry

This is the perfect gift for dads who love spending family time outdoors. This Tarpestry (a tarp and tapestry in one) is a comfortable and waterproof blanket ideal for afternoon picnics, camping trips, and family beach days. It's easy to fold and store and versatile enough to use for almost any outdoor outing. Plus, it's available in multiple designs to show off beautiful and unique art, whatever his style may be. 

Nixon Wizard Stick Beverage Sling

This Wizard Stick lets your dad keep six of his favorite canned beverages in this sling. It's insulated, small enough to carry or throw in a backpack, and is ideal for hot days outdoors. 

Even more gift ideas

Cadence Weekender capsules

For the dad who packs everyone's family vacation essentials: Give him a cool new way to store his toiletries with Cadence's magnetic capsules; they're leakproof, too, so he can slide them into his carry-on or weekender without fear of a soapy mess on the other end.

Away The Carry-On

For the dad who's carrying luggage from the ’80s: Voted number one for luggage in our 2021 Reader's Choice Awards, the Away Carry-On is known for high-quality, lightweight pieces. This one is the ideal size for most trips and it's durable, meaning this is one gift he will definitely use again and again. 

Field Notes journal

For the dad in need of a travel journal: Your travel-loving dad or grandpa wants to soak up every moment of his upcoming trips. Give him a place to gather his thoughts (and store a metro card or cash) with this compact journal.

Calpak Hue laptop duffel

For the dad always flying business class: This is a perfect size weekender bag for any summer or work trips your dad has planned. It fits up to 15” laptop, has a removable zippered pouch inside, and fits right on your suitcase with its luggage sleeve. 

Artifact Uprising frame

For the sentimental dad: Pick out one of your best photos from your favorite family trip and send it to dad in one of Artifact Uprising's metal tabletop frames for a simple, thoughtful gift he can add to his desk.

Patagonia Provisions meal kit

For the dad who's always planning the next family camping trip: With surprisingly delicious ingredients like savory sofrito mussels and wild sockeye salmon, this box will convince any non-campers to spend a night in the great outdoors. It has enough food for six meals for two people (plus snacks), with a handful of fresh ingredients to buy with it.

Gone Hiking candle

For the dad who taught you how to read a trail marker: Homesick candles are a favorite for easy but thoughtful gifting; this one smells like afternoons in the great outdoors (pine, moss, cedarwood). If hiking's not exactly his thing, choose from one of Homesick's many location-themed candles to remind him of his hometown or the destination your family used to spend summers in.

Gray Malin The Essential Collection book

For the photo-happy dad: If he loves to flip through coffee tables books and already has one of Gray Malin's iconic overhead shots hanging on his office wall, he'll love the photographer's new tome, which is filled with images from the first decade of his career shot on all seven continents.

Dolly Parton, Songteller

For the dad who loves country music: There's no one as iconic as Dolly. This book looks back at 175 (!) of her songs, mixing in never-before-seen photographs and personal stories from the queen herself.