Last-Minute Gifts for Dad That He’ll Get a Kick Out Of

Leather beer holsters, a hanging frog statue, light-up Frisbees—whatever type of dad yours is, we've got your quirky gift covered for Father's Day.

By Lauren Tousignant | June 9, 2023 | 6:00pm

Gift Guide

Father’s Day is just about a week away—and if you consulted our last-minute Mother’s Day gift guide, you may now feel obligated to show an equal level of effort for this occasion. While it’s easy to get Dad an obvious corny gift—a book of Dad jokes, a t-shirt that says “Dad Jokes? I Think You Mean Rad Jokes,” a “Best Flippin’ Dad Ever” apron (please god no)—maybe this is the year you try and get him something nice. Or, at least, something slightly less expected and more thoughtful that he would never get himself.

Whether the Dad in your life loves the outdoors, the indoors, the slopes, the bar, the links, the past, or (yes) some pranks, we’ve rounded up a few last-minute gift ideas at a range of price points that he won’t suspect you got from an internet list a few days ago.

A Bottle of Japanese Whiskey

If he’s a bourbon-lover, help broaden his liquor cabinet’s horizons with a nice bottle of Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky ($79.99) from Japan. It’s quite well-reviewed among connoisseurs, who say it’s worth the price tag.

The MEIRUBY Electric Lighter

Dads love to show off weird, random things. I’ve met no less than four people over the last year who, as soon as I entered their their home, have taken out this futuristic lighter ($13.99) to tell me all about it.

History by Mail Subscription

Richard Nixon’s official resignation letter to Henry Kissinger in 1974? A letter from Annie Oakley to President McKinley in 1898? President Eisenhower’s sketch of a D-Day Platoon Leader? If any of these lettered transcripts would make your dad say, “Huh, isn’t that something,” then the History by Mail subscription service ($8.99 a month; $39.99 for six months; $75.99 for a year) is for you! (To gift to him!)

Golf A.I. tracker

I don’t know too much about golf, but this A.I. Powered GPS Rangefinder ($137.25) seems like the best A.I. powered GPS rangefinder that money can buy. Amazon customer Dirk W. said, “Use has been so simple;” Audie said, “This product and app is amazing;” James Roberts said, “Just buy it! You will love it.” Sounds like a hole-in-one gift to me.

Around the World in 80 Books, by David Damrosch

Bookshop.org describes Around the World in 80 Books ($27.90) as “a global invitation to look beyond ourselves and our surroundings and to see our world and its literature in new ways.” Hell, you should get two, and you and your dad can start a book club—would join!

Misen 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

What is there to say about the Misen 8-inch Chef’s Knife ($85.00) besides what this happy Amazon customer had to say: “If you are looking for a medium size knife this is it! I use mine daily and still love it each time!” I don’t know about your dad, but mine cannot get enough knives.

An Avocado Vase

Picture this: It’s a sunny August afternoon, your dad just made some guacamole, and now he’s staring at all the leftover avocado pits, thinking, there must be something I can do with these besides waste them. Might I suggest this stunning Avocado Vase ($55)?

An Electric Hand Warmer

Whether your dad skis, mountain bikes, fishes, camps, snowboards, hikes, or simply enjoys not having cold hands, the Zippo Rechargeable Handwarmer ($31.09) will ensure he never needs to rely only on gloves and those disposal little hot packets again.

A Lululemon Duffle Bag

It’s cool. It’s sleek. It’s sporty. It’s utilitarian. It’s a Lululemon Wanderlust Duffle Bag ($178) he can bring to his pickleball game!

Flying Lessons

For the dad who taught you that Sky’s the Limit! (Prices and locations vary.)

A Wireless Power Bank

The Wireless Power Bank ($36.99) is a simple, practical gift that says, “Text me all the unsolicited advice you want.”

A Yeti Travel Mug

If your dad already has a Yeti Rambler Travel Mug ($38) then it’s probably time for a new one. If he doesn’t have one, then perfect! Really, anything from Yeti is a pretty safe bet for a great Father’s Day gift.

The BioLite HeadLamp 330

A great gift for any and all outdoor activities as well as for the guy who’s sick and tired of having to hold a flashlight whenever he needs to find something. One Amazon customer wrote that the BioLite Headlamp 330 ($37.44) was “THE LIGHT THAT SAVED THE LOST DOG!” It’d actually be crazy to not get this for your dad.

Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases by Paul Holes

If you’ve got a crime junkie dad, the New York Times said that Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases ($26.96) is “even more riveting than an episode of Dateline.” The autobiography is from Paul Holes, a now-retired detective, who’s known for solving the case of the Golden State Killer.

A Frog Garden Statue

This chillaxed Outdoor Hanging Frog Statue ($17.95) has all the vibes of a dad who’s never more relaxed than when he’s relaxing in his garden.

Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit

Let your dad know he’s a real fun guy 😉 with the Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit ($30).

A Bag of Pranks

If your dad has ever used a whoopee cushion well into middle age, this bag of Novelty Gag Jokes ($29.99) will give that young-at-heart prankster plenty of opportunities to have your mom text you, “Why would you do this to me?”

A Cooking Class

A sushi-making class? A food tour? A meal prepared by a private chef? Learn how to make your own pasta? Whatever kind of foodie Dad is, you can give the gift of quality time with Cozymeal.com (prices, locations, experiences vary).

TSA-Approved Cocktail Kit

If your dad travels a lot, save him a few airport lounge buckaroos with The Cocktail Box Co. ($19.95). The kits, which offer mixes for Old Fashioneds, Moscow Mules, Mojitos, and more, come with the ingredients for three cocktails and are TSA-approved—no more $35 airplane Gin & Tonics for dad.

Space Exploration: A History from the Pages of The New York Times

Space nerd dad? Space Exploration: A history from the pages of The New York Times ($80) is a collection of front pages from the grey lady that are guaranteed to make his whole day and become a permanent coffee table display.

A Kebab Grilling Set

It’s summertime, baby! Your grillmaster dad will be delighted by these Kebab Grilling Baskets and Skewers ($27.99)

Heaven’s Door Whiskey (Co-Created With Bob Dylan!)

Dylan fan? Don’t think twice, a bottle of the award-winning Heaven’s Door Whiskey (prices range from $54.99 and up), will be more than alright.

A Popcorn Maker

For the home movie lover, Franklin’s Original Whirley Pop ($79.99) is much easier than stove-popping your own popcorn and more delicious than microwavable bags.

Nocs Waterproof Binoculars

Whether your dad needs a new hobby or has been birdwatching for decades, get him the Nocs Waterproof Binoculars ($95), and then tell him all about the (free!) Merlin Bird ID app—he may never talk to you about anything but birds ever again.

A Leather Beer Holster

This Leather Beer Holster ($10.99) is perfect for the dad who needs his cold Bud Light reachable at all times while doing random shit in the garage.

The Ember Mug

The smart Ember Mug ($149.95) keeps beverages warm for up to 90 minutes, so he can drink his coffee and do the whole crossword without moving.

SunNordic Kubb Game

This Kubb Game ($69.99) lawn game set seems to be popping up everywhere—a great gift for men who have friends and like to entertain them.

A Todd Snyder Sweater

The sun-faded Todd Snyder sweatshirt ($98) is probably a big step up from the same crap he’s been wearing for a decade but still looks cool, casual, and worn-in.

A Light-Up Frisbee

Does your dad LOVE tossing around the LED Flying Disc ($32.78) at night?! He will now!