Father’s Day gift ideas: mugs, adventures and more

No list of Father’s Day gifts is complete without the classics. These are the tried-and-true Father’s Day gift ideas, but we’ve updated to give them a modern twist.

• Socks with pictures of their kids…especially if they’re now adults!
• Coffee mugs and tumblers. Elevate the idea by choosing souvenir-style mugs with scenes from places he’s visited or would like to visit. Or one that features his favourite fandom, like Star Wars™.
• Homemade crafts from adult children will recall times gone by and are sure to bring smiles! Think pottery, canvas paintings or knitting. These DIY memory boxes can be a thoughtful gift.
• Sports team blanket or throw for his sports-watching chair to let him cheer in style.
• Fill a new wallet with fun-loving coupons like, “good for one knock-knock joke.”
• Don’t forget to add a heartfelt sentiment to a Father’s Day card to top off your gift.

Raise a Father’s Day mug

You already know I’ll be shopping mugs for Father’s Day and…well, just about whenever I can. But beyond my own quirky tradition with mugs, Dad mugs are actually a thing!

Whether you’re looking for classics, silly quotes or icons, there’s a perfect mug to put in Dad’s hands. And for more on the Dad mugs movement, check out our article on the topic here! Cheers to Dad!

Dad means a lot, and a bespoke gift on his special day will say it loud and clear. Get silly or sentimental with this one! Dad will love it all the same.

• Put one of his favourite quotes (surely he has one or two, right?) on a T-shirt, keychain or sweater.
• Find an old favourite recipe from his childhood and surprise him by making that special dish.
• Donate in his name to a cause dear to his heart. Turn it into a keepsake by printing and framing a certificate.
• Have a blanket made with family photos. Your layout can be a progression through the years or a mix of moments.
• Make (or outsource) a personalized newspaper marking major events in his life. The good thing is this can be hilarious or heartstring-tugging, just be sure to include a top story on how great a guy he is!
• Add your words to a thoughtful card for the perfect finishing touch.

Meaningful gifting

No matter what you choose as your Father’s Day gift, it’ll be great because it’s from the heart. But if you’re looking for ways to make your gift even more meaningful, check out this article filled with ideas and personal stories on receiving unforgettable gifts.

If your gift strategy is to show Dad a great time, this list is for you! Find a range of get-out-there ideas from indoors to out and from together in person to “be sure to tell me all about it.”

• Plan a day trip to a nearby town known for food, culture or scenery.
• Take him fishing! ’Nuff said!
• A family bowling day turns a simple outing into a memorable moment.
• Plan a whisky or wine tasting, then buy him one or two of his top picks.
• Have a movie night at home. Stream movie picks for him and be sure to stock his favourite snacks.
• Massage or spa day! Give Dad that chance to relax and feel taken care of.
• Spring for sports or concert tickets. Go for a favourite team’s home game or a favourite group or cover band.
• Go ahead, get cute with your sentiment.

Want more get-up-and-go for your Father’s Day celebration?

Find over 40 ideas for things and adventures to do with Dad! One spoiler: they have nothing to do with BBQ!

If Dad’s idea of a good time is all things tech, find his perfect gift here or use the list below as a springboard to inspiration.

• A Bluetooth headset in his favourite colour can encourage him to relax with his favourite tunes.
• A record player gives Father’s Day its own spin, because vinyl (like Dad) has never truly gone out of style.
• Drone tech continues to advance and it’s a great way to give Dad a bird’s-eye view.
• The next-edition phone! One’s always just coming out or coming soon, amirite??
• A juicer would encourage or fit right into his healthy lifestyle.
• Multi-purpose chargers will help his devices keep pace while he’s on the move.
• Massage guns for sore muscles to put him back in the game faster.
• Searching for Father’s Day ideas for your partner or spouse? Add a little romance to his Father’s Day card!

A great day to get outside

For Father’s Day and beyond, a customized get-outside gift set is something Dad can use over and over again.

And it doesn’t have to be complicated! Choose from items like these to make outdoors breezy and easy: a new chest cooler, portable grill, easy-carry chairs, mosquito spray, shades and sunhat, T-shirts and shorts, battery-powered fan or a portable Bluetooth speaker. See you outside, Dad!

Help Dad get the most out of his downtime (when he gets it) and show love for his favourite pastimes and interests with these hobby-driven Father’s Day gift ideas.

• Car wash gift certificates or a subscription to a car magazine for the car lover.
• Find a new, stylish helmet for the cyclist dad in your life.
• Pick out a camera bag and memory card if he loves capturing memories by photograph.
• A video game for gamer dads shows love and encourages time to indulge.
• For golfers, find putting trainers, mats and training nets in a range of prices.
• A personalized or monogrammed guitar pick for musical dads is a keepsake he can use.
• Fishing tools anyone? Try a scale and measuring board for those monster catches, some fishing gloves or a hook remover for an unexpected but needed gift.
• Support his love for his favourite team with tailgating supplies, like a portable grill or team-specific gear.
• Culinary tools like high-end skillets and pans are perfect for dads who are hot shots in the kitchen.
• Model-building or building brick sets for downtime and hobby moments. Choose from model cars, buildings, aircraft and even vintage gaming consoles.
• A beer brewing kit lets him make his own custom brew right at home.
• A short-and-sweet Father’s Day card shows your love and lets him get right back to his hobbies.

Father Fandom

Some call it geeky— we call it cool! Go ahead and indulge the fan dude in dad with a range of gifts from mugs and collectibles to sweet treats!

• Star Wars™ coasters and perpetual calendars, anyone?
• Harry Potter™ bookshelf decorations are sure to surprise!
• Good grief! It’s the Peanuts® gang!
• Or, go for all things Disney®!

They’ll only get one first Father’s Day, and this list of gifts will help commemorate the amazing milestone and show how much he’s thought of.

• Noise-cancelling headphones. Parenthood is a sweet miracle, but sometimes so is quiet!
• A scrapbook encourages him to jot down thoughts and funny moments and add in cute pics.
• Gift him a sturdy baby carrier so he can take Baby out into nature…or to the kitchen for snacks.
• A matching or coordinating shirt and onesie for Dad and his new plus-one…what could be cuter?
• Personalize a hat with his new nickname on it. Think Daddy-O or even New Pop.
• Choose a selection of books so Dad has stories to read to baby year round.
• A shirt with baby’s photo on it lets Dad wear his pride around town.
• Send a First Father’s Day customizable card to reflect this one-of-a-kind occasion.

Father’s…week?

You know the trend—maybe you even do it yourself! People are broadening their celebration windows beyond just a single day. For instance, turning a birthday into birthweekend or even birthweek. How on trend, and yet totally unique, to take that same inspiration to use for Father’s Day!

Choose a few days of the month—or more!—and on each of your chosen celebration days, surprise him with a sentiment or small token of appreciation. Just be sure to save the biggest gift for Father’s Day Sunday!