10 Non-Cheesy Father's Day Gifts Your Dad Will Actually Like

Hand-drawn cards and painted stones that said "Dad rocks" were cute Father's Day gift ideas when we were kids. But now that we're adults, it's time to graduate from kiddie crafts to grown-up presents that are functional and sophisticated (but still affordable!). This year, check out these picks for Father's Day presents that your dad will actually appreciate and use.

 

1. Electronic entertainment

Fathers don't have a lot of opportunities to splurge in their pop culture interests, so a related entertainment gadget is definitely a welcome gift. Look for quality speakers if your dad is a music fanatic, or a mid-range home cinema projector if he's a movie buff. A budget-friendly option? A Netflix subscription is foolproof.

 

2. Pet parent

If your dad is a great father not just to you but to your pets as well, he'll be pleasantly surprised by this custom portrait blanket. It features a fun digital portrait of your household's very own dog (or cat), printed on a soft and warm fleece material. Perfect for camping trips or just couch potato-ing.

 

3. Hobby gear

Some of the most appreciated presents are those that recipients can use for their hobbies. Think about what your dad likes to do in his free time, and grab a related tool for that. We like this list of DIY gifts for woodworking fathers -- it has tutorials on everything from tool kits to workbenches.

 

4. Dad joke

So your dad is always cracking the funniest, lamest jokes in any occasion. Now's your chance to give some of that, ahem, humor back to him. A personalized gag gift -- like the custom pillow above -- should deliver the punchline.

 

5. Fancy home bar

Is your dad a whiskey aficionado or a liquor connoisseur (or at least considers himself one)? The perfect present would be something to stock his home bar with. Key to this gift is filtering the fancy from the tacky, so take a bit of time to distinguish among the endless wet bar kits online. One we love is this mixing set featuring orange bitters and a white oak tumbler. Classy!

 

6. Beer o'clock

Speaking of alcohol, maybe your dad is less of a bourbon guy and more of a beer guy. While commercials may entice you to fill the fridge with Bud Lights, it's not exactly a charming idea for a present. Try a more memorable drinking accessory, like a bespoke beer caddy or quirky wall sign for the kitchen or den.

 

7. Fashion shopper for a day 

If your dad is anything like ours, he might need a little help in the fashion department. So for Father's Day, take on the role of a personal stylist and give his wardrobe a much-needed upgrade. Identify just one or two items to improve. Perhaps he needs to retire a dress shirt or deserves a really good pair of cufflinks.

 

8. Proud family art

A wall sign or a piece of artwork may not be as useful as the other items on this list, but when it delivers a good message, it can be just as powerful. Try a wall art that shows your father how proud you are of what he does. Its effect is two-fold: it reminds him that he has a loving, supportive family, and it gives him more reasons to do well in his job.

Bonus tip: Find more gift ideas based on your dad's career -- check out this compilation.

 

9. Dad's drinkware

Beverages are obviously a major commodity in our dads' lives. Whether their poison of choice is wine, beer, or coffee, there's always a corresponding container that will make their imbibing better. Pick from the endless array of glasses, mugs, and bottles out there. One of our favorites is this durable tumbler that takes a sly dig on the old man's age.

 

10. Man cave perks

Father's Day may just be the one day of the year that our dads get a free pass for some manly shenanigans. Just as we give our moms spa days, we can also arrange a 'man cave' day for our dads. Organize an afternoon just for this; a special game viewing with his friends is foolproof.

(The "Man Cave" wall art above is available here.)

 

Have you picked out a good gift for your dad yet? We're always on the lookout for new ideas. Share with us in the comments!

Or, if you're still on the hunt for Father's Day presents, browse the Gear Den parents and grandparents collection for customer-starred items.