A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Jun. 28, 2024
No more excuses! Use this comprehensive Father's Day gift guide to find the perfect gifts for the stepdads, bonus dads, and extra dads in your life.
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Dads are notoriously hard to buy for, and finding the right Father’s Day gift can present some real conundrums. It’s too easy to revert to the fallback present of a gift card or (shudder) a necktie. Your stepdad is no different, and may actually be even harder to buy for, especially if you haven’t known him all that long. While the history of Father’s Day may not take stepdads into account, you definitely shouldn’t leave him off your shopping list. Whether your relationship with him is warm and fuzzy or just cordial and respectful, let him know that he occupies a special place in your heart with thoughtful stepdad gifts.
Dads who use Amazon’s Alexa to adjust the thermostat, cue the robot vacuum, or change the music will love applying the same hands-free technology to microwave cooking. Instead of fiddling with buttons, he can just tell the Panasonic Smart Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven to “cook frozen pizza” or “reheat my coffee for 30 seconds.” It has 10 power levels and 20 preprogrammed menu options—all in a sleek, space-saving design.
Not only are these tailored shorts from Peter Millar really good looking, but they’re also light and airy, with a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric that lets Dad move freely while still looking sharp. The slanted side pockets add to the slim profile, and the five color options will all speak to his style. Tip: If you’re still on the hunt for gifts for your father-in-law, order a pair of these shorts for him.
If he takes his role as party host seriously, get him goods that’ll wow the crowd next time he has company over for dinner or drinks. Mikasa’s distinctive wine glasses are made for his favorite reds and are etched with four different designs, so guests won’t lose track of their glass. Crafted of lead-free crystal, they’re dishwasher-safe—no handwashing needed—and the ultimate gift for hostesses and hosts.
This luxe linen-and-cotton crewneck has a lot going for it—and we’re not just talking about the clean lines, honeycomb texture, and casually elegant contrasting trim. The eco-friendly product comes from a leading Italian menswear brand that is family run and uses ethical and sustainable practices to create “durable” fashion. You’ll see your stepdad turn to this wardrobe staple year after year—because it will never go out of style.
Next, check out these stepdad quotes that will let him know how much he means to you!
This simple white mug from Du Vino bears a seriously funny message: “With love from the child you inherited when you decided to shack up with my mom.” We love the sweet yet silly sentiment, and we’re betting he will too. Bonus: The message is printed on both sides of the mug. Pop it in a gift bag with a thoughtful note and a couple of Father’s Day quotes that’ll touch his heart.
Was he the guy who always showed up on time for your soccer matches and dance recitals? Thank him for his punctuality with a casual-to-dressy leather band for his Apple Watch, available in four different colors. Of course, if you want to splurge, you can give this along with an actual Apple Watch for the ultimate tech gift.
Here at Reader’s Digest, we’re all about dad jokes—the cornier, the better! But if your stepdad is in need of some new material, he’ll get a kick out of this book of clean, family-friendly jokes, even if the rest of you groan with laughter (or just groan). Bonus: There’s also a blank page for a personalized dedication.
If your stepdad is the family grill-meister, he’ll appreciate this addition to his barbecue tool kit. The nonstick grill pan heats foods evenly and keeps small items—like hot dogs, vegetables, and shrimp—from falling into the coals. Cleanup is a snap too.
If he’s seen every Pirates of the Caribbean movie and dreams of one day discovering a treasure of his own, get him a gift that’ll let him experience all the excitement from home. Madok’s Interactive Treasure Hunt is filled with clues that’ll launch him on a hunt to discover a treasure lost in the Caribbean Sea. It’s a great gift for your first Father’s Day together—you can join forces to discover the treasure.
Kick up his walking shoe game with these sleek, stylish sneakers (ahem, trainers) from British brand Sans Matin. Made from locally sourced premium leather, with a triple-layered cushioned footbed and natural tree rubber outsole, they’re equal parts comfort and style. To sweeten the deal, Sans Matins are ethically handmade with 100 percent recycled packaging, and two percent of the purchase is donated to charity.
If he gets it, he gets it. If you and your stepdad share a wacky sense of humor, give him a laugh with not one but two pink plastic flamingos. Just be forewarned: Your mother might never forgive you for bringing something this kitschy into her home! If this sounds right up his alley (but you don’t want to face your mom’s wrath), try one of these funny Father’s Day gifts for your stepdad instead.
Go ahead and debate the best dessert in every state—he knows it’s chocolate every time. And when you treat him to Tony’s Chocolonely 32 percent milk chocolate bar with hazelnut, you’re not only delivering deliciously rich and creamy Belgian chocolate with fair-trade milk chocolate and whole hazelnuts, but you’re also supporting ethical, climate-friendly cocoa farming in West Africa.
He’ll be reminded of you and your siblings every time he wears this handsome leather bracelet. Personalize it with beaded charms, each with a child’s name and birthstone. The bracelet holds up to eight charms, so there’s plenty of room for a big, blended family.
For a coffee-worshipping stepdad, there’s nothing like the aroma of fresh-ground beans to get his day off to a good start. Fresh Roasted Coffee sun-dries these organic Mexico-grown beans and then roasts them using sustainable methods. Here are more great gifts for coffee lovers.
Take Irish single malt and age it in rare Japanese wood casks from the island of Hokkaido—the site of Mizunara, one of the most prized oaks of the whiskey world—and you get an alluring, exotic whiskey that is both vivid and delicate at the same time. Cheers!
When in doubt, get him socks! But not just any socks. The ankle sock from Bombas is billed as the “world’s most comfortable sock,” and it really ups the sock game with a cushioned footbed, no-blister heel, and built-in arch support. You can see why Bombas socks made our list of cult-favorite products that are totally worth it. Another great reason to add them to your cart: For every pair purchased, Bombas donates a pair to someone in need.
You can never go wrong with a practical, durable, and long-lasting gift. For those summer barbecues and days by the pool, this stainless steel drink chiller from S’well will keep bottles or cans cold for hours. Not only is it insulated and sweatproof, but it’s also free of harmful BPA and can go in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Make it easier than ever to raise a glass to your favorite stepdad with the Compact Electric Corkscrew from cult-favorite wine accessories brand Rabbit. Just place the device on a bottle and activate the simple up/down button. The cork comes off easily, with no fuss and no mess. This gift set comes with a built-in foil cutter, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a charging cable. Talk about a gift for wine lovers that’ll get used again and again!
A necktie? We know, we know. But sometimes those old standbys are old standbys for a reason. Plus, some Zoom meetings require business attire, at least from the waist up. We like that this classic tie from Perry Ellis comes in a range of fun colors. As far as stepdad gifts go, this one speaks to the guy who appreciates tradition.
For the stepdad who’s proud of his African heritage comes a gift that says you’re proud of it too. Gorgeously designed, this desk lamp features a tripod base and fabric printed with African face coverings. It stands 11 inches tall—perfect for his home office. Made by The Trini Gee, a Black-owned business, the lamp is suitable for women too. You know, in case Mom wants another for her home spaces.
Celebrate your stepdad’s tree-hugging ways with an eco-friendly reusable shopping bag. This one is emblazoned with a funny message: “My non plastic bag is judging you.” The 100 percent cotton tote can also be personalized. Don’t miss these other eco-friendly gifts you’ll both feel good about.
Commemorate the day he went from some guy to your stepdad by gifting him a personalized keychain. The hardware (your choice of three finishes) adds a functional touch to classy Italian leather, which you can embellish with his initial. Add an engraving around the ring, like “Best Stepdad” or “Fatherhood Requires Love, Not DNA.” We’re not crying—you’re crying!
If your stepdad is an old-fashioned sort of gent, he’ll be glad to have some hankies on hand. This six-pack makes a thoughtful, useful gift that won’t break the bank. It also qualifies as a great Father’s Day gift for a grandpa—or step-grandpa!
If you’ve got some favorite moments with your stepdad captured on film, immortalize them with this 12-month calendar. You’ll design it yourself, adding touches like the layout of your choice and dates that are meaningful to you and your stepdad. Pick from three calendar sizes for a gift that’s the equivalent of a year full of memories.
If your normally neatly groomed stepdad let his facial hair get a little unruly during the pandemic, send a not-so-subtle message with this Norelco cordless electric trimmer. It comes with 17 attachments for just the right style and has fittings that work for nose and ear hair. We’d also add this to any list of best Father’s Day gifts from a wife to her husband.
If his hands are chapped or rough from playing Mr. Fix-It around the house, this cream from O’Keefe’s is a simple, fragrance-free solution and a great deal for Father’s Day. It’s a top-rated hand cream for dry and cracked skin, and it’s priced low enough that you could gift him one for his toolbox, one for his desk drawer, and another for his car console—and still have money left over for more stepdad gifts.
Slippers are a present that never goes out of style, and this classic Jared Hoodback pair from Totes Isotoner will make a welcome gift. They’re designed in a foot-hugging moccasin style, with cushy memory foam insoles and a moisture-wicking upper. The versatile indoor-outdoor sole means he can take out the garbage or walk the dog without ever removing his slippers.
For the guy you’d turn to in the zombie apocalypse, get a multipurpose emergency device that’ll ensure he’s always prepared. It’s an NOAA weather radio, but it’s also so much more: a hand-crank power source that works as a phone charger, a flashlight, and an SOS signal. This is a great choice for the guy who likes to get away to his remote cabin or who keeps the trunk of his car stocked with emergency supplies.
In the category of personalized Father’s Day gifts, these monogram playing cards rank high for their novelty. Plug in his initials, and you’re good to go. If the art deco design isn’t his style, you can start from scratch and design your own using a favorite family photo, pet photo, or clever text. For a family game night or a friendly poker match, this one-of-a-kind deck will be a big hit.
For cozy evenings around the campfire or just a status piece in a home bar, a flask adds a touch of class. Your stepdad will love this six-ounce stainless-steel flask wrapped in cherry wood, which you can customize with his name, initials, or short father-son or father-daughter quote. Splurge on the gift option, which includes the flask, a funnel, and an engraved wooden box.
Help him organize all his devices, untangle his cords, and charge his essentials with this sleek-looking charging station in eco-friendly bamboo. Cords are tucked out of sight under the base of the station, while devices are always ready to go and within reach. This is great for a bedside table, kitchen counter, or home office.
For relaxing and taking a little “me” time, few things beat sitting down with an interesting magazine. Whether he’s a sports enthusiast, a car guy, or a news junkie, a yearly subscription to his favorite title will be a hit. We might be a little biased, but a few of our favorites include Reader’s Digest, Family Handyman, and Birds and Blooms.
If this is the guy who used to bust you for leaving stray french fries in the car he let you borrow, your hunt for stepdad gifts is over. This compact handheld car vacuum is suitable for small cleanup jobs—perfect for the fastidious stepdad who never lets his car get very dirty anyway. It plugs into a USB port, so he can keep it close at all times. Consider pairing it with these other clean-car essentials.
If your stepdad stakes out the backyard to spot his feathered friends, he’ll appreciate a pair of Occer binoculars that superpower his bird-watching. With 12-times magnification, waterproofing, and a fit that makes them easy to use while wearing glasses, these compact, high-quality Occer binoculars will keep him focused.
Summer’s coming, so help him relax in style on the lake, at the beach, or in the backyard swimming pool. This sturdy inflatable lounger from quality maker Intex comes with cup holders, handles—in case he lets you float along with him—and a repair patch. Kicked back with a cold beer, he’ll look like a Father’s Day meme come to life.
There are some things in life he can never have too many of, and good-quality long-sleeved T-shirts are among them. This wardrobe staple from The North Face is 100 percent cotton and features the respected brand’s signature logo. The most exciting Father’s Day gift? Maybe not. But it’s one he’ll appreciate every time he wears it.
For taking a load off while tailgating, fishing, watching 4th of July fireworks, or enjoying a socially distanced backyard barbecue, Coleman’s collapsible quad chair will see plenty of use. Bonus: It features a built-in drink holder. Buy two, and he might even let you tag along. It’s available from Target, making it the sort of last-minute Father’s Day gift you can pick up from your local store mere days before the holiday.
The man who DIYs every home-improvement project will appreciate this new place to stash his tools when he’s not using them. The heavy-duty resin toolbox has a deep storage compartment, a removable tray, and two compartments in the lid for storing small objects, plus sturdy metal latches. It’s one of those super-practical stepdad gifts he’ll use for years to come.
The off-grid dad in your life will love this do-it-all gift. Within the body of the RoverTac pocket knife hides a screwdriver (it comes with a nine-bit set), two types of pliers, a wire cutter, a can opener, and a bottle opener. It’s a thoughtful Father’s Day gift from a daughter or son, especially since he’ll enjoy teaching you how to use the knife’s many features.
If he parks his keister on the couch the minute he gets home from a long day’s work and doesn’t get up until bedtime, he’ll appreciate this caddy, which keeps his nightly goods in arm’s reach. The SYSOV armrest organizer fits discreetly on the arm of the couch (or his favorite recliner) and is held in place by a nonslip backing. With five compartments, he can conveniently store remotes, reading glasses, his phone, a tablet or notepad, an e-reader, magazines, or any of his other nighttime favorites.
For Major League Baseball fans, one ball cap is never enough. Give him a hat from his favorite team, or help him build a collection with one of New Era’s stretch-fit 39Thirty baseball caps. Don’t forget the card, and be sure to write a heartfelt Father’s Day message inside!
If he’s constantly traveling by plane or train for work, this inflatable travel pillow will get a lot of use. Bulky travel pillows can be a pain to carry around, but this one is compact, folding and tucking into its own pocket when not in use. It has a spot for stowing a cell phone and earbuds, making it easy for him to keep his most-used items together.
If he breaks out the telescope for every celestial event, he’ll love unwrapping this Floating Moon Desk Lamp, which lets him indulge his interest in space during work hours. Thanks to hidden magnets, this 3D-printed moon hovers above its wooden base. Tap the walnut slab to illuminate the moon and make it rotate. He’ll think this unique gift is about as cool as astronaut ice cream was in his youth.
If he can whip up a tasty pizza in the oven, just imagine what he could do with Ooni’s portable Fyra Wood Pellet Pizza Oven. The wood pellets light easily, so the oven is ready to go in 15 minutes. It cooks 12-inch wood-fired pizzas in just one minute, which leaves him more time to enjoy the smoky flavor—or prep a second pie.
Sure, you could buy a finished piece of artwork for your stepdad’s man cave, but if he’s the crafty type, he’ll appreciate creating one himself even more. This Father’s Day, get him this Wood Quilt Block Kit. The woodworking craft kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions for painting and putting together a piece of artwork that elevates your gift from generic art to a beloved keepsake.
Looking for splurge-worthy stepdad gifts for the man who gave you everything? This nifty one-person kayak weighs just 20 pounds and folds to the size of a suitcase. The pop-up design means he’s on the water faster, maximizing his time in the great outdoors. This is a great choice for novice paddlers.
Whether he’s running, biking, or engaging in some other sweaty pursuit, these sporty sunglasses will protect his eyes from the sun and any airborne debris. The ultralight Kilo sunglasses feature scratch-resistant polarized lenses and a rubber grip at the nose and ears so they won’t slip.
Because love is love, celebrate both your dads with this nesting mug set. One is dedicated to the “Best Dad Ever,” while the other is for the “Other Best Dad Ever.” A heart forms when the two mugs are nested together.
If your stepdad is one for thrills and chills, get him a book subscription box for Father’s Day. My Thrill Club will deliver two horror, mystery, or thriller books each month for three, six, or 12 months. The picks are curated to ensure he’ll get a book he loves—recent picks include Slade House by David Mitchell, Blood on Snow by Jo Nesbø, and Burial Rites by Hannah Kent.
Maybe his eyes aren’t as sharp as they used to be. Or maybe they just need a break with all that screen time. This 24-inch monitor from Dell is easy on the eyes—literally—thanks to its large dimensions and low-blue-light technology. It attaches with an HDMI cable and sets up lickety-split.
Oral-B is known for electric toothbrushes, and the Clic employs some of that same winning technology in a manual model. The ergonomically designed handle comes with replacement brush heads, cutting down on plastic waste while delivering an optimal teeth-cleaning experience. A magnetic holder keeps it always within reach. If your stepdad is fastidious about caring for his pearly whites, this starter set will put a smile on his face. Want to go bigger with your gift? Also get him one of these Father’s Day gift baskets.
Help your stepdad imbibe in style with this classy decanter and glass set from Lenox. Made of lead-free, break-resistant crystal, the solidly crafted decanter holds 28 ounces of spirits and comes with two nine-ounce glasses, perfect for drinks on the rocks or neat.
Summer is upon us, and he needs to keep his cool. Help him do so with this sleek tower fan from Lasko, which blends into the decor while offering plenty of cool (and quiet!) comfort. There are three speeds, a handy remote, and a sleep setting that decreases the speed at night so he’ll get a sounder slumber.
If he likes to spice it up in the kitchen, add some punch to his cooking with this clever battery-operated spice grinder from FinaMill. Working it is easy: He’ll fill a pod with his spice of choice, press the grinder over the spice pod to click it into place, then grind away. The unit comes with two spice pods, but he can buy more if he wants to freshly grind all his spices.
Comfy and stylish, these loose-fitting Calzedonia Formentera Swim Trunks will keep him chill and relaxed at the beach or pool. Appealing features include a drawstring waist, inner mesh, side slit pockets, and a back pocket with a flap. Even better: Calzedonia’s commitment to fair labor practices. Speaking of warm-weather fun, you might want to check out these bathing suits while sunbathing is on your mind.
Repeat after us: There’s no such thing as too many Jelly Belly jelly beans. All 50 of the famous brand’s flavors are represented in this gift box, and they’re labeled, so he’ll be able to tell his Piña Colada from his Buttered Popcorn.
Who doesn’t need a little snuggle time now and then? This handsome and cozy throw blanket from The Citizenry is made from baby alpaca wool and produced in Peru using sustainable, fair-trade practices. The navy-and-gray Novela Alpaca Throw screams refined masculinity, but there’s also a tan-and-cream color that’ll look great in any space.
If he likes his jewelry to make a statement, say “I love you” in a big way with this distinctive 925 Dripps 1999 Signet Ring from streetwear brand Ksubi. It’s made from 925 silver, features an antique brass finish, and comes in two sizes. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, so it’s a smart gift for guys with skin allergies.
If drip coffee really won’t do for your java-loving stepdad, splurge on a deluxe De’Longhi La Specialista espresso machine that grinds its own beans. A real treat for true coffee lovers, La Specialista has options for making a variety of coffee and milk drinks as well as for adjusting coffee strengths. This one will transport him from his home office to a little coffee bar in Italy. If he’s more a leaf than bean guy, get him one of these tea gifts.
It pressure cooks, whips up rice, steams, sautés, slow cooks, and even makes yogurt. About the only thing the Instant Pot Duo Seven-in-One can’t do is wash the dishes. Help your busy stepdad make meal prep a snap with this appliance that’s revolutionized home cooking. It’s available in three-, six-, and eight-quart capacities.
Virtual reality technology is so much fun and is becoming more lifelike with each iteration. Gift your forward-thinking dad his own all-in-one Meta Quest 2 VR system, which will have him slaying dragons or dodging meteorites right in the living room. He can even meet friends in the virtual space to join in a game, concert, or other VR activity. Before you lose him to the virtual world, spend some quality time together by watching one of these Father’s Day movies.
For heavy sleepers or anyone who greets the morning with a groan, this sunrise alarm clock will gently coax him to a good morning. The brightness increases over 30 minutes, as soothing nature sounds get increasingly louder. At nighttime, a gradually dimming nightlight and timer will help him drift off to dreamland. It’s the self-care gift he never knew he needed but won’t want to give up.
This award-winning skin care trio from Japanese brand Bulk Homme is both fuss-free and luxurious. The face wash, toner, and lotion feature moisture-balancing ingredients such as Japanese Spring Water and Green Tea, Yuzu Fruit, and White Willow Bark extracts. Just add sunscreen and Dad’s skin care routine will be complete.
It’s time to pack away the joggers and welcome Dad’s summer uniform with the essential shorts he’ll want to wear daily from Quiksilver. Style details like belt loops and side pockets say neighborhood barbecue, but quick-dry, high performance surf fabric say hiking, biking, beach, and bumming around in the backyard.
If your stepdad is a frequent flyer, help him travel more efficiently with this compact Dagne Dover toiletry bag.It’s 100 percent vegan and made from washable, breathable Neoprene. We like the elastic loops inside, perfect for holding moisturizer, shampoo, and items you wouldn’t want to get jostled.
Chargers are essential for powering all of today’s devices, but why use different ones when the EZQuest GaN Fast Charger does it all? This new, compact wall charger can simultaneously power up three compatible devices—like a laptop, a tablet, and a phone—quickly and efficiently. Bonus: It comes with a free EU pin converter so your stepdad can use it when he travels.
If you’re looking for gifts for gardeners, consider a sweet pepper plant, and make sure he invites you over for dinner once it’s harvest time. The hearty annual plants do well in gardens or containers and are ready to harvest within 75-80 days.
The lower Galilee region of Israel is perfectly suited to growing grapes for Carmel Appellation’s Cabernet-Shiraz. With a deep purple color with blackberry, spice, and dark chocolate flavors, it’s a full-bodied red blend with a long, balanced finish. Aged in oak for 12 months, it tastes expensive but clocks in at just over $20. Don’t miss these other great gifts for wine lovers.
If your stepdad knows his sea salt from his table salt, he’s going to covet this special tool from iconic French brand Peugeot. This wood and acrylic wet salt grinder is specially crafted to finely grind naturally dried salts, which still contain moisture and are richer in nutrients. It comes in three colors, and the grinding mechanism comes with a lifetime warranty.
Keep your father figure cool with this stylish, high-performance tee from the outdoor pros at KÜHL. The single-pocket t-shirt is made of a blend of Merino wool, Tencel and nylon, for a product that’s ultra-lightweight, moisture-wicking and naturally odor-suppressing. It’s available in four low-key colors and six sizes.
One of the best ways to charge your phone to make its battery last longer is to use chargers that support the brand specifically. So keep his iPhone and other Apple gear fully juiced with this streamlined universal Apple charger from Einova. The small device delivers a fast, energy-efficient charge to all Apple gear, and is foldable for packing and travel. We like that it fits flush to the wall, to take up minimal space.
If your stepdad appreciates comfort and eco-friendly products, gift him these super-soft Cozy Earth shorts, perfect for running errands or just chilling on the couch. They’re made from bamboo, the versatile, sustainable material that continues to amaze us, and are available in five colors and run up to size XXXL.
The best gifts for stepdads have nothing to do with price. Instead, they’re about showing him you took the time to figure out what would make him smile—and then went out and found it. From unique gifts like cool grilling gadgets and tech items to meaningful trinkets and homemade Father’s Day gifts, the gift ideas on this list are sure to be a hit.
Father’s Day always falls on the third Sunday in June—it’s June 19 this year—so you still have time to find the perfect gift for your dad and your bonus dad. Oh, and don’t forget Father’s Day cards to go with those gifts for the men in your life!
While there are so many gifts to choose from, the most popular Father’s Day gifts are simple. Focus on sentimental cards, clothing that he’ll use, outings and experiential gifts.
Even though Dad would never tell you, he doesn’t wear items he buys for himself. So, if you’re planning to buy fishing gear or a cheesy shirt, it’s best to skip.
