Gifts for Dad

Including the dad who says he wants nothing

When dad says he does not want anything, he usually means he does not want more stuff. What he will actually use is a better version of the tools he reaches for every week, something for the grill, or a good book for the chair he falls asleep in. These are dependable brands he probably already trusts.

Under $25 5 ideas

  1. Klein Tools 32500 11-in-1 Screwdriver / Nut Driver

    The one screwdriver that covers nearly every job in the house, made by a company electricians have trusted for a century and a half. Every drawer needs one.

    Klein ToolsStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  2. STANLEY FATMAX 25 ft Tape Measure

    A wide, stiff blade that reaches across a room without bending. Replaces the tape that has not retracted properly since 2009.

    STANLEYStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  3. Meat Church Holy Cow BBQ Rub

    A Texas-style beef rub that is a favorite of backyard smokers. Something he will use up rather than store.

    Meat ChurchStocking stufferGets used up

    See it on Amazon

  4. Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter

    Gets charcoal lit and ready in about fifteen minutes with no lighter fluid. For the dad still squirting fluid on the coals and waiting.

    Weber

    See it on Amazon

  5. The Wright Brothers

    McCullough's very readable account of two bicycle mechanics from Dayton who taught themselves to fly. A good fit for dads who like history and stories about people building things.

    David McCulloughBook

    See it on Amazon

Under $50 6 ideas

  1. ThermoPro TP829 Wireless Meat Thermometer

    Four probes with a remote receiver, so he can watch the brisket and the chicken from the couch. Beeps when each one is done.

    ThermoPro

    See it on Amazon

  2. YETI Rambler 14 oz Mug with MagSlider Lid

    A mug with a handle that keeps coffee hot through a whole morning in the garage. Will survive being left on the tailgate.

    YETI

    See it on Amazon

  3. Stanley Classic Legendary Vacuum Insulated Bottle 1.1 qt

    The green thermos he may remember from his own dad's truck, still made the same way. Keeps coffee hot through a full day at the job site or the game.

    Stanley

    See it on Amazon

  4. BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum

    Lives in the garage or the car for sawdust, crumbs and dog hair. The kind of practical thing dads like and seldom buy.

    BLACK+DECKER

    See it on Amazon

  5. Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4 (4-Pack)

    Puts the porch light, Christmas lights and the lamp by the window on a schedule. Easy to set up, and dad will happily show it off to visitors.

    Kasa (TP-Link)

    See it on Amazon

  6. Catan

    A trading-and-building board game the whole family can play after dinner. Gets competitive in the best way, and grown kids home for the holidays usually know how to play.

    CATAN StudioAn experience

    See it on Amazon

Under $100 4 ideas

  1. Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls (One Dozen)

    The ball most serious golfers play and most will not buy for themselves. A dozen gets used up, which is what makes it a good gift for a dad who has everything.

    TitleistGets used up

    See it on Amazon

  2. AncestryDNA Genetic Ethnicity Test

    A saliva test that maps where his family came from and links him to relatives in Ancestry's database. Dads who like history often go on to build out the whole family tree.

    AncestryAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  3. NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A Jump Starter

    A compact lithium jump starter that starts a dead car without a second vehicle. Lives in the glove box, doubles as a phone charger, and replaces a tangle of cables.

    NOCO

    See it on Amazon

  4. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, 4 Quart

    Makes wings, fries and reheated pizza crisp in minutes. Dads who claim not to cook end up using it most nights.

    Ninja

    See it on Amazon

$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (DCK240C2)

    A drill and an impact driver with two batteries and a charger. The set that covers furniture assembly, deck screws and everything between; skip it if he is already on another battery brand.

    DEWALT

    See it on Amazon

  2. Ember Mug 2, 14 oz

    Keeps coffee at his chosen temperature for over an hour. For the dad who reheats the same cup in the microwave three times every morning.

    Ember

    See it on Amazon

  3. Kindle Paperwhite

    Adjustable text size and a warm light make reading easy on tired eyes. Holds thousands of books, so he can stop squinting at paperbacks in bed.

    Amazon

    See it on Amazon