What do dads really want? No guesswork, just real feedback.

What do dads really want for Father’s Day? 15 gifts backed by data and dad reviews

An authoritative guide to thoughtful gifting for the modern father – grounded in insights, driven by reviews.

Father’s Day, celebrated globally to honour paternal bonds, is more than just an occasion to buy another tie or coffee mug. With over 1.5 billion online searches related to Father’s Day gifts in May alone, the question “What do dads really want?” continues to drive consumer behaviour. Yet, many are still left guessing. To demystify this, we’ve curated a data-backed, dad-approved guide to the 15 best Father’s Day gifts of 2025. Drawing from global retail trends, social sentiment analysis, and thousands of verified dad reviews, this list goes beyond the cliché.

Whether you’re shopping for a tech-savvy father, a fitness enthusiast, a foodie, or a quiet homebody, this guide is tailored to help you nail that perfect gift—ranking high in love, thoughtfulness, and usability.

Raycon The Everyday Headphones

Long Battery Life With 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, you’ll finish all your playlists and then some! 15 minutes charge for two hours of playback. Reset and keep going. US$79.99

1. High-quality noise-cancelling headphones

What dads say: “Silence is golden—especially with toddlers around.”

Top on many wishlists are premium noise-cancelling headphones such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra. With more than 20,000 five-star reviews globally, these headphones are praised for comfort, immersive audio, and peace during remote work or leisure.

Data insight: Google Trends shows a 45% spike in headphone searches during Father’s Day week, with “best headphones for dads” leading the queries.

2. Smartwatches for fitness and function

Smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 10 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 are highly rated among dads who juggle work, workouts, and wellness. These devices track heart rate, sleep, exercise, and can sync with smartphones for seamless productivity.

Dad review: “I never knew how unfit I was until my watch told me. Now I’m 10kg lighter!”

3. Personalised leather goods

Custom gifts continue to top preference charts. Think embossed wallets, leather journals, or laptop sleeves. Brands like Saddleback Leather and Leatherology report increased demand around Father’s Day.

Why it works: Personalisation adds emotional weight to practicality—something most fathers deeply appreciate.

POCO F7 Ultra Global Version

Ultrapower Unleashed Flagship Snapdragon® 8 Elite VisionBoost D7 Chipset 120W wired and 50W wireless HyperCharge 2K 120Hz Flow AMOLED display 50MP triple camera with OIS IP68 dust and water resistance

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4. Premium grilling tools and BBQ sets

According to a Statista survey, over 70% of fathers enjoy outdoor cooking. A quality BBQ toolset, smoker, or even a grilling masterclass could ignite joy. Weber and Traeger gear are top-rated by grilling dads.

Pro tip: Pair it with artisanal sauces or spice rubs for a full-bodied gift package.

5. Monthly subscription boxes

Dads love surprises too. Curated boxes—whether for craft beer, cigars, coffee, or snacks—are high on the wish list.

Popular options:

Beer52 (craft beers)
Bespoke Post (lifestyle)
Carnivore Club (foodie boxes)

Data shows: Subscription box gift searches spike 35% in early June.

Ninja Woodfire™ Outdoor Grill

US$369.60

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6. Massage guns for recovery and relaxation

Used by athletes and everyday dads alike, massage guns like the Theragun Prime or Hypervolt 2 are praised for relieving soreness and stress. Especially ideal for dads with physically demanding jobs or post-gym fatigue.

Top review: “This beats a spa voucher. It’s like having a masseuse on standby.”

7. DIY toolkits that last a lifetime

Fathers who like to fix things appreciate premium tools that don’t break after one use. Look for trusted brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Makita.

Interesting stat: Home Depot reported a 28% sales surge in Father’s Day week 2024 on hand tools alone.

8. Quality time experiences

What do dads really want? Many say it’s quality time. Data from Fatherly.com shows experience gifts like driving supercars, fishing trips, or golf rounds outperform material gifts in satisfaction.

Add-on idea: Wrap up the experience in a custom envelope with a hand-written invite.

9. Stylish yet comfortable footwear

Dads are stepping up their style game. Brands like Allbirds, Clarks, and Nike boost comfort without compromising looks.

Data-backed choice: Sneakers remain the top-searched fashion item for men aged 35-55 around Father’s Day.

10. Portable projectors for backyard movie nights

Perfect for dads who love family movie marathons, compact projectors like the Anker Nebula Capsule or Epson EF-100 bring the cinema home. Pair it with popcorn, and you’ve created a memory-maker.

Review highlight: “Movie night under the stars with my kids—best Father’s Day yet.”

onn. 65” Class 4K UHD (2160P) LED Roku Smart Television HDR (100012587)

Now US$298.00 You save US$50.00 ~~Was US$348.00~~

65″ (64.5″ actual diagonal) 2160p UHD LED TV 4K (2160p) Resolution – Crystal clear picture, bringing out more lifelike colour, texture and detail Roku Smart TV – wirelessly stream 500,000+ movies and TV episodes available across thousands of free or paid channels, conveniently presented through your own customisable home screen Free Mobile App – Can’t find your remote? Use the Roku mobile app on your smartphone for browsing channels or voice control Smart Home Ready – Works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home 60hz Refresh Rate – Smooth motion while gaming or watching sports VESA Mount Compatible: 300 x 300 mm Connections: 3 HDMI, 1 composite, 1 USB, 1 optical, 1 coaxial/cable, 1 LAN and 1 headphone What’s in the box? 1 onn. Roku TV 65”, 1 Roku TV remote control (batteries included), 1 Quick Start Guide and 1 TV stand + hardware

11. eReaders for bookworm dads

If your dad reads more than he talks, a Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Libra is an ideal gift. Lightweight, waterproof, and capable of storing thousands of books, they support a dad’s quiet time like nothing else.

Trending genres: Biographies, thrillers, and finance are most popular among fathers aged 40+.

12. Personal grooming kits

From electric razors to beard care sets, self-care is no longer just a mum’s domain. Philips and Braun trimmers dominate Amazon’s Father’s Day wishlists.

Bonus points: Choose grooming sets with eco-friendly packaging and natural oils.

Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Fountain Pen Around the World in 80 Days

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13. Custom art or family portraits

One of the most emotionally resonant gifts is bespoke artwork—especially if it features the family. Websites like Minted or local illustrators on Fiverr offer custom illustrations from family photos.

Insight: Visual gifts are statistically more likely to be displayed and cherished long-term.

14. Gaming consoles or accessories

For gamer dads, a PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch isn’t just a toy—it’s an escape, hobby, and sometimes a family bonding tool.

Data nugget: Over 60% of fathers under 45 identify as gamers. Controllers, VR headsets, or console stands also make great auxiliary gifts.

PlayStation®5 Pro Console

With the PlayStation®5 Pro console, the world’s greatest game creators can enhance their games with incredible features like advanced ray tracing, super sharp image clarity for your 4K TV, and high frame rate gameplay*. That means you get to play PS5® games with the most impressive visuals ever possible on a PlayStation® console. PS5® Pro is an all-digital console with no disc drive. Sign into your account for PlayStation™Network and go to PlayStation™Store to buy and download games**. You can also add a Disc Drive*** to your PS5® Pro console if you would like to play PS5 or PS4 games on Blu-ray™ Disc, or if you want to watch movies and shows on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray™ Discs, Blu-ray™ Discs, and DVDs.

15. A thoughtful letter or scrapbook

While digital dominates, heartfelt words still win hearts. A letter of appreciation or a scrapbook of favourite memories ranked highest in emotional value in a 2024 YouGov poll.

Dad truth: Many admit these are the only gifts they’ve kept for decades.

What do dads really want? Time, thought, and a touch of practicality

The overarching theme from our analysis is this: Dads appreciate usefulness, sentiment, and a splash of indulgence. It’s not about how much you spend, but how well you know him.

Whether you go for high-tech headphones, hand tools, or a handwritten note, the key is choosing something that resonates with his lifestyle—not a generic idea of fatherhood.

Casio G Shock GA2100-1A1

The G-SHOCK GA2100-1A1 in monochromatic black often appeals to those who don’t need a watch that announces its presence, but instead need a watch that’s admired when noticed.

US$99.00

Buying guide: Tips to choose the right gift

1. Listen to his pain points. Is he always tired? Go for massage gear. Talks about health? A smartwatch. Misses his dad? Gift a tribute portrait.

2. Don’t default to stereotypes. Not all dads grill. Some love art, skincare, or poetry.

3. Ask subtle questions. What did he love as a child? What hobby does he never have time for?

4. Choose quality over quantity. Dads often value something that lasts over trendy trinkets.

5. Include a message. No gift is complete without a heartfelt note.

Father’s Day gifts that speak volumes

If you’ve asked yourself, “What do dads really want?”—the answer is simpler than you think. Dads want to feel seen, understood, and appreciated. Backed by consumer data, dad testimonials, and trend insights, the 15 gifts listed above aren’t just popular—they’re meaningful.

As Father’s Day approaches, skip the guesswork. Choose with purpose. And above all, tell him just how much he matters.

FAQ: What do dads really want for Father’s Day?

Q: Are handmade gifts still appreciated by dads?
A: Yes. Studies show handmade or personalised gifts carry greater sentimental value than expensive generic ones.

Q: What if my dad says he doesn’t want anything?
A: That usually means he doesn’t want clutter. Opt for experiences, useful gadgets, or a heartfelt note.

Q: What’s the best last-minute Father’s Day gift?
A: Subscription boxes, digital gift cards, and downloadable audiobooks are great last-minute options that don’t feel rushed.

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