64 practical Father's Day gifts your dad will actually use

CNN

21-05-2025

Practical Father's Day gifts quick picks
For the dad with a sweet tooth: Ninja Creami Deluxe
For the ultra-organized dad: Ontel Battery Daddy
A stylish upgrade to his dad shoes: New Balance Men's 574 Core
For the dad whose biggest enemy is lawn weeds: Walensee Stand-Up Weed Puller Dads can be one of the most apathetic gifting groups out there. Whether your dad doesn't know what he wants as a Father's Day gift or (like my own dad) just tends to buy himself things before you have a chance to gift them, one of the best strategies is to get him a practical gift — something he didn't know he needed that's bound to improve his life.
The best practical gifts can help Dad do things more easily, comfortably or conveniently, but they should also feel special and thoughtful. Ahead, with the help of some actual dads — including some of CNN Underscored's own staffers — we've rounded up some practical Father's Day gift ideas that are both fun and functional.
Still need more ideas? Check out our favorite Father's Day gifts from Amazon, unique Father's Day gifts and Father's Day gifts under $50.
Kona BBQ Grill Brush
Taking proper care of your grill is just as important as getting that perfect sear, which is why any self-respecting grill master will have a sturdy grill brush in his kit. Even if Dad already has a brush, it's important to replace grill brushes regularly for safety's sake, and this Kona BBQ brush is our best-tested pick for getting the job done quickly and easily, so Dad can get back to doing more important things.Read our review
Spiceology Periodic Table of Flavor Rub Set
With this Spiceology rub set, Dad can experiment with new flavors, making everything from mouth-watering Smokey Honey Habanero chicken to Pink Peppercorn Lemon Thyme salmon and even Indian masala-inspired marinades.
Cuisinart Cast Iron Grill Press With Wooden Handle
Dad can cook up everything from smashburgers to paninis and more with this handy cast-iron press. And when he tucks the grill away in the winter, he'll still be able to use this tool for indoor cooking too.
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Mike Barish, the father of two boys (and several chickens) from Flanders, New Jersey, calls himself a big Grill Guy. Barish said this grill basket has saved him from reaching through the grill grates to retrieve fallen food. "I now grill veggies in a basket, still get some nice color on them and retain 100% of my side dishes," Barish said. "It's great for grilling vegetables, delicate items like fish or a bunch of cubed kebab meat."
FinaMill Battery Spice Grinder
Salt and pepper are essentials to any grilling arsenal, so up Dad's game with this battery-operated grinder set, which comes with two interchangeable spice pods. For an extra touch of freshness, use whole spices in the pods. We love that you can adjust the grind size to be as coarse or fine as you'd like.
Oxo Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer
A solid meat thermometer is a necessity for getting your meats at the optimal temperature. This Oxo thermometer is not only stylish, but in our testing, we found it very accurate and easy to read, making it an excellent gift for any dad who takes pride in his cooking. Read our review
Cuisinart Deluxe Pizza Grilling Set
Who said grilling just had to be about veggies and meats? This pizza grilling set will have Dad turning out fresh, homemade pizzas like he just got back from Naples. You could even pair this set with some gourmet dough mixes to help him get started.
Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Cool+ Adjustable Pillow
Hot sleepers will finally get a good night's rest with this editor-loved pillow from Coop Sleep Goods. According to senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus, who's been sleeping on it for years, this adjustable fill pillow is like an AC for your head. Read our review
Ninja Creami Deluxe
If Dad would rather mix his own custom dessert creations at home than go to a store or scoop shop, the viral Ninja Creami is just the gadget he didn't know he needed. With some simple prep work, he'll be able to whip up ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbets and more treats for the whole family (or just himself). Read our review
Squatty Potty Bamboo Flip Stool
The name might have you thinking that this Squatty Potty is just another gag gift, but it actually will make Dad's (and anyone else's) trips to the bathroom faster and smoother. You can flip this stool to enjoy 7 or 9 inches of helpful height, perfect for letting him find the best position for handling his business. Just hear us out on this one.
RAK Magnetic Wristband
Dad won't have to hunt for loose screws, nails, nuts or bolts during his projects anymore thanks to this magnetic wristband. It's a handy addition that'll keep his (and maybe your!) home improvement projects on track and more organized for a stress-free build.
Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light
This simple book light will keep literary-loving dads from straining their eyes in the dark. It's the perfect thing to illuminate his books or notes while traveling, outside or relaxing at home.
Useful Products Drill Brush Attachments
With this smart brush attachment set, Dad can use his power tools for more than just drilling and screwing. It comes with a 2-inch flat round brush, a 4-inch flat round brush and an oval brush that he can attach to his drill for cleaning tough-to-reach areas like bathroom grout. Read our review
The Executioner Fly Killer Mosquito Racket
Don't let mosquitoes or wasps get in the way of Dad enjoying his day. With this bug-zapping racket, he'll be able to kill off any pests that invade his space with ease. Plus, he can even turn it into a fun game.
Tom Bihn Monster Truck
Whether he's schlepping groceries, kids toys or essentials for a day at the park, this monster-sized tote bag has the capacity and durability to tackle any job Dad could use a helping hand for. Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy gives this bag her stamp of approval thanks to its roomy design, plentiful pockets and stay-put strap.
Kynup Digital Caliper
"Measuring tape can't measure everything," said Mark Amadio, CNN Underscored's own product design manager who helped compile a slew of practical gifts for this roundup. "Calipers can measure thicknesses, distances and internal and external diameters. As a result, they're an essential tool for auto repair, woodworking and metalworking. A helpful tool any handy dad would love."
Ontel Battery Daddy
Gone are the days of messy junk drawers or haphazard battery containers. Dad will have the most organized battery stash in the neighborhood when you gift him this aptly named Battery Daddy caddy. Plus, it comes with a built-in battery tester so he can easily eliminate any duds from the group.
Arber Repotting Mat
If your dad is also a plant dad, this repotting mat will keep him from making a mess when he needs to repot his growing greens.
TubShroom Tub Hair Catcher Protector
Dad will no longer need to fret about his home's pipes getting clogged with this TubShroom device. It fits inside your tub's or sink's drain to catch hair before it can snake down the pipes. Editorial director Chelsea Stone says it's one of those little things that make a big difference in her everyday routine.
Character The Safety Glasses
Though it might not be top of mind, every DIY-loving dad should have a pair of safety glasses to shield his eyes when using power tools, heavy-duty chemicals and other home improvement staples. We like these Character safety glasses since they offer the protection Dad needs in a sleek and stylish design.
Kärcher WV6 Plus 2-in-1 Electric Window Vacuum Squeegee
If your dad likes to keep everything neat and tidy, he'll get a kick out of using this electric window vac and squeegee set that can clean windows, mirrors, glass shower doors and loads of other hard, nonporous surfaces in an instant.
Sewell BlastIR Infrared Remote Control Receiver Kit
Amadio recommends this receiver kit for the guys who can't stand devices and wires crowding their home TV setup. "This remote control receiver will allow you to put away all your devices so they no longer clutter the room," he said. "The BlastIR can control these devices via your existing remote controls even though they're out of sight. A great gift for tech-savvy dads who also like organization."
Gleener Battery-Free Fabric Shaver & Lint Brush
If your dad takes great pride in his stunning sweater collection, help him keep each one looking sharp with this easy-to-use fabric shaver. It comes with three changeable blades in different weights to remove pills from fine, medium or heavy fibers. The double-sided handle also has a lint remover to make cleanup a breeze — brilliant!
Htcelle 3-Piece Inflatable Shim Bag Leveling Kit
Amadio called this shim bag set a must-have for any DIY dad's toolbox. "These are inflatable bags used to shim heavy objects that require leveling, including windows, doors, cabinets, appliances and plumbing. 'Hey, can you give me a hand with this?' is a phrase you may never hear your dad say again after buying these shims!"
Yeti Rambler 10-Ounce Lowball
For dads who want their cold drinks to stay cold and hot drinks to stay hot, Barish likes this Yeti Rambler as a gift idea. "Perfect all year round, but really great in the summer for enjoying a cocktail by the pool or at the beach," he said. "It keeps drinks cold for hours, so the only thing limiting your alcohol consumption is your tolerance!"
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
Dad will be able to make incredible coffee at home and on the go with this AeroPress tool. Our editors can't speak highly enough of this simple coffee maker that's portable, indestructible and easy to use. Oh, and it makes delicious hot and iced espresso drinks too. Read our review
Trade Coffee Gift Subscription
If he gets bored of the same brew every day, this Trade Coffee subscription will mix things up. Choose from a three-month, six-month or 12-month gifting option and Dad will get to savor one new coffee every month with personalized matches based on what flavors he likes or is curious to try.Read our review
Fullstar 4-in-1 Vegetable Chopper
If Dad's role in the kitchen is more prep cook than Top Chef, this chopping tool will help streamline all his meal prep. With an attachment for dicing, slicing and even spiralizing veggies, this Fullstar tool turns the tedious task of prep work into an easy — and even enjoyable — way to get meals together quicker.
Oxo Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer
If he looks forward to Taco Tuesday every week or makes a cafe-quality avocado toast every morning, he'll get plenty of use out of this compact tool that can pit and slice an avocado in seconds. The best gift of all? It's dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
AeroGarden Sprout Indoor Hydroponic Herb Garden
Home cooks know well that a fresh herb garnish is one of the most beautiful ways to finish off a dish. This indoor hydroponic garden will let Dad grow fresh herbs right on the countertop and even comes with a gourmet seed kit featuring Genovese basil, curly parsley and dill.
Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush
Hopefully, Dad is already brushing his teeth twice a day, but consider giving his oral care routine an upgrade with this Oral-B Series 9 toothbrush. We not only loved this smart toothbrush when we tested it, but dentists love it too, since it's full of mouth-friendly features like a built-in timer, pressure sensor and multiple brushing settings. Read our review
Meridian The Trimmer Original
This Meridian trimmer is made for head-to-toe grooming and will help get him in tip-top shape for any special events. This device is also waterproof for shaving in or out of the shower, and Meridian promises there will be no razor burn, accidental cuts or irritation when you use its trimmer.
Bevel Safety Razor
Our VP of commerce and father to two, Mike Bruno, has been known to throw a new razor on his Father's Day wishlist. "The annual spring shaving recently took place," he said. "I'm a safety razor guy, preferring the closeness of the shave as well as the lifetime cost savings (those cartridges are ridiculously expensive), and the old one in the medicine cabinet did the job for me, but it's starting to show its age. I'd love a shiny new Bevel now that I'm back to the every (other) day ritual."Read our review
Hoka Men's Clifton 10
We're big Hoka fans at CNN Underscored, and we know Dad will love the cushioning and support these Clifton 10 sneakers give his feet. Whether he walks, runs or just needs something to keep his feet feeling comfortable all day long, these shoes are perfect.
Vuori Kore Shorts
Made of quick-drying, stretchy fabric, these Vuori shorts will work just as well for a training session at the gym as a casual stroll. They make a great addition to Dad's athleisure lineup and come in 14 colors for whatever best fits his aesthetic.
Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Full Cushion Second Cut Crew Socks
Socks normally don't make for the most exciting gift, unless they're these Smartwool socks. Perfect for hiking or daily wear in work boots, these socks are made of recycled fibers and merino wool, so Dad will have happy, dry and less-smelly feet no matter where he roams.Read our review
New Balance Men's 574 Core
Dad might already have an old pair of New Balance sneakers in the back of his closet, but his dad shoes deserve an update for 2025. These 574 Core sneakers come in six different colors and will give Dad the classic comfort he expects from New Balance, but with a modern upgrade.
Paka The Hoodie
If your dad would rather spend his weekends finding new hiking trails and camping under the stars, he should have gear that can tackle any adventure. This Paka hoodie is soft, warm and incredibly odor-resistant, according to CNN Underscored's outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Kai Burkhardt, so it can keep up with whatever path he plans on exploring next.Read our review
Duluth Trading Men's DuluthFlex Fire Hose Relaxed Fit Foreman Pants
A pair of pants that works as hard as he does, this Duluth Trading style is made of flexible, abrasion-resistant fabric. They're a nice style swap if Dad gets tired of wearing the same jeans or work pants every day.
Leatherology Thin Bifold Wallet
This no-nonsense wallet is simple, sleek and great for the dad whose current wallet is hanging by a thread. In our testing, we loved the soft, light leather that feels broken in right out of the box. Read our review
Kelty Deluxe Lounge Chair
If his favorite activity is rooting on his kid's sports teams, he needs a sideline seat that can keep him supported no matter how long the game is. When we tested this oversized Kelty chair, we were impressed with its superior comfort and quilted, padded seat. Plus, it even reclines so Dad will have no problem sneaking in a nap between matches. Read our review
AllTrails+ Annual Subscription
Dad might have a great sense of direction, but it's always good to have some navigation reassurance when he takes the family off-grid. An AllTrails+ subscription will let him download maps, explore more trails near him and get alerts for wrong turns, helping him stay safer and more efficient out on the trails.
Walensee Stand-Up Weed Puller
If Dad's least favorite task is ridding the law of seasonal weed growth, this weed-pulling tool is about to save him a whole lot of grief. Amadio likes this tool as well, noting that it's not only easy to use but also incredibly satisfying to use. Read our review
High Camp Flasks Firelight Flask 750
And when Dad is done hiking and comes back to the campsite for some much needed rest and relaxation, he can indulge in his favorite spirit packed in this High Camp flask. This sophisticated steel flask also comes with two magnetic tumblers, so he can share the love with other campers too.
Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler
Beautifully designed and durable enough to endure even the roughest of treks, this Yeti Tundra cooler is our overall pick for best cooler. It's definitely a splurge of a gift, so if Dad doesn't need quite so much room, you can grab him our best-tested backpack cooler instead.
Vivere Double Cotton Hammock With Steel Stand
A swing in a hammock is the perfect way for the tired dad to unwind. This cotton hammock and steel stand set will let him create his own backyard sanctuary where he can read, take a quick cat nap or share time with the ones he loves, since this hammock is big enough for two.
Radiate XL Portable Campfire
Amadio said this portable campfire makes a great addition to any summer evening spent on the patio. "Safe for roasting marshmallows or s'mores," he said. "A three- to five-hour burn time and crackles like a real fire! Made from eco-friendly ingredients like recycled soy wax and paper briquettes."
Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket
The outdoorsy type will appreciate this lightweight blanket that allows him to properly rest and enjoy the natural beauty around him. This Rumpl blanket is small enough to toss in his hiking daypack, but it also works great for staying warm in sports stadiums or around the house.Read our review
Oyoco Patio Umbrella Light
This nifty patio umbrella light will help make any standard umbrella even more versatile, and is perfect for the dad who's crafting his outdoor hangout space ahead of summer. It's an unexpected and inexpensive gift that will make a big difference once the sun goes down.
Best Choice Products Zero-Gravity Lounge Chair Recliners, Set of 2
And for even more relaxing outdoors in the warmer temps, Barish likes these zero-gravity loungers, which are also collapsible for easy storage in the off-season. Plus, they provide extra seating if you also have a dad who loves to use his outdoor space to entertain.
WhiteFang Golf Practice Net
Shopping for a golf-obsessed dad? This practice net set comes with a 10-by-7-foot golf net, golf mat, balls, tees and a carrying bag so he can practice his drives and chip shots from the comfort of his backyard, honing his skills before it's time to hit the green again.
Martini Golf Tees Durable Plastic Step-Up Tees, 5-Pack
Nick Allen, dad to two girls from Michigan, raves about the durability of these Martini golf tees, which make a great gift for dads with a regular tee time. 'They're basically indestructible and the ball doesn't fall off the tee," he said.
Mark & Graham Personalized Golf Ball Gift Set
Dad won't lose any more golf balls out on the green when he's playing with this personalized Mark & Graham set. Choose from standard white, neon yellow and pink colors for a ball that's easy to spot and add his monogram so none of his golfing buddies can swipe his ball. If he does manage to lose a few, you can grab him a refill set of balls later on.
Cadence The Small Trio
These Cadence capsules can hold anything from moisturizer to sunscreen, hair gel and even medications in a simple, stackable and magnetic design so he can stay organized (and on top of his regimen). Read our review
Mark & Graham Single Travel Watch Roll
Protect his favorite watch when he travels with the help of this sleek watch roll. It's made with a micro suede lining, has a removable cushion and you can add his initials to the front for a special touch.
Leatherman Signal
Combining 19 tools into one pocket-sized device, this Leatherman Signal tool will keep him equipped for pretty much anything. You can even customize this tool on the Leatherman site by adding patterns, images and text to the main blade so it's made just for him.
Pura Car Pro
This sleek Pura car scent diffuser will help take his ride to the next level. Designed with a rechargeable battery, he can adjust the scent intensity and program automatic start and stop times from his phone. Plus, you can choose from a range of premium fragrances to nail down Dad's perfect car vibe.
Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
Travel adapters are a must for globe-trotting dads. Make sure Dad can keep all his devices properly charged on his next international trip with this universal adapter, which can charge up to six devices at once.
Balios Travel Folding Umbrella
A high-quality umbrella is an essential for everyone. Help keep him dry with our favorite umbrella that we tested, which has a comfortable wooden handle and a portable design perfect for Dad to throw in his work bag when the weather looks a bit dreary. He'll thank you next time there's an unexpected storm. Read our review
Therabody TheraGun Mini Massage Gun
Great for the active dad or the one who takes long-haul trips, this Theragun mini is small, quiet and easy to use so he can give some much-needed relief to his muscles anytime and anywhere. Read our review
Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
Firm enough to support the head and neck but soft enough to fall asleep on, this Cabeau Evolution S3 pillow is our favorite travel pillow. Made of springy memory foam, you can also compress it to half its size, making it easy for Dad to store in his carry-on luggage.Read our review
Bagsmart Electronics Organizer Travel Case
Corral his cables and cords with this compact tech accessory case. The exterior of the case is water-repellent and the interior has slots for SD cards, cables, styluses and a mouse, so whether Dad is traveling for work or for pleasure, he'll always have what he needs.
Mavogel Cotton Sleep Mask
A sleep mask is one of those things he might not think he needs, that is, until he's trying to get some shut-eye on an airplane or in a different timezone. This affordable Mavogel mask is our favorite sleep mask for more reasons than one. It's made of soft fabric, has an adjustable nose bridge to help fully block out light and is so comfortable that you might even see him using it for naps around the house too. Read our review
Farasla All-in-One Car Trash Can
For dads who love a family road trip or who can't stand their car being a dumpster, a car trash can can make a huge difference when it comes to preventing messes. This all-in-one receptacle has two removable liners to make emptying easier, plus a compartment to hold tissues, napkins or wet wipes — perfect for keeping messy fingers from leaving prints all over his car. Practical gifts have to toe a very fine line; they have to be something that Dad will actually use, but also something that feels exciting to open. A good place to start is to think about what your dad's main interests or hobbies are. Does he love to grill? Update some of his old tools. Has he started to golf? Get him some gear to fine-tune his chip shot. Does he not really have a hobby? Grab a gift that will help him out around the house. If you can find something that solves one of Dad's major gripes or helps make his life easier, you're on the right track for a stellar practical gift.
You could even gift Dad a nicer or more luxe version of the thing he was already going to buy for himself, like a high-tech toothbrush he wouldn't consider splurging on or a nice pair of gym shorts to replace his old, worn-out pair. Sometimes the best compliment you can get from Dad is to see him actually using the thing you got him, so make sure your gift aligns with his usual tastes and habits. If something is too complicated to use or too similar to something he already has, chances are, your gift won't have quite as much impact.
We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why CNN Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds.
For this article, associate editor Jillian Tracy scoured the internet in search of the best practical Father's Day gifts that Dad will enjoy using and sourced from some of CNN Underscored's very own dads as well.