Editors’ Picks: Our 30 favorite Father’s Day gifts we’ve ever given and received | CNN Underscored (2024)

My very English husband found a new obsession when he tried his first Philly cheesesteak after we dragged our son to the City of Brotherly Love for college tours. So it was with great pleasure that I was able to get Pat’s King of Steaks shipped to him in all its meaty, cheesy, carb-loaded glory. The cheesesteaks can be ordered in a four- or eight-pack and come fully assembled, with Whiz on the side. You can also choose to add onions or switch out the cheese for American or Provolone. Missing fries? This package includes 4.5 pounds of fries to go. — Tobey Grumet Segal, editor, health, fitness & food

While I didn’t give my dad this handy Victorinox Swiss Army knife for Father’s Day (it was an impromptu surprise gift), I wish I had saved it to gift him on the holiday. My mom said he was so excited about it. I even had it engraved with his initials for a special touch.— Tamara Kraus, senior editor, lifestyle

Whiskey Peaks International Mountains, Set of 4

I hate the idea of gifting whiskey glasses for Father’s Day, but if you’re out of ideas and you’re tempted to lean into the cliché, at least opt for some cool glasses like these from Huckberry. The bottom of each glass has a raised topographic impression of a mountain from around the world. This set includes Mt. Everest, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Fuji and the Matterhorn. —Kai Burkhardt, editor,testing, outdoors, sustainability & pets

My amazing dad always has his nose in a book, and it’s impossible to gift him a title he doesn’t already own — in multiple languages and editions. One of his many hobbies includes translating these texts, and that’s why I gifted him one of his favorite pens, the Lamy Safari, for smooth, crisp note-taking. There’s nothing like jotting down notes with a proper fountain pen like this one, which features a polished steel nib and handy chrome clip. You’ll score bonus points if you gift Dad a healthy supply of ink cartridges too. — Carolina Gazal, associate writer, testing

As a native New Yorker who now enjoys sunny Florida, my dad is a bagel man. I thought this Rainbow Bagel Kit would be the perfect gift for him as a nod to his roots. Plus, the instructions are easy to follow so even though he’s not the world’s best baker, I know he can create delicious bagels at home and have fun doing it. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor, newsletters

Baseball Stadium Blueprints

My dad is a big baseball fan and has a decent collection of Mariners memorabilia. While he can only have so many baseball hats and jerseys, I thought a framed blueprint of the stadium would be a unique addition to his collection. I got it for him several years ago, when it was still called Safeco Field and not T-Mobile Park, and that makes it all the better today as it reminds both of us of the ball park he took me to while growing up. — Sophie Shaw,associate editor, fashion & beauty

I recently introduced my dad to my favorite coffee concentrate, and he’s already begging me for a restock. I plan to send him a couple more bottles and a new mug so he can always think of me when he’s drinking his morning coffee. —Lindsey Smith, associate editor, newsletters

My dad is really committed to living a sustainable lifestyle and is passionate about the products he uses. When I gave him this dish soap from Grove Co., he wanted everything from this line. Not only is it made from sustainable packaging but it works super well. The scent is refreshing yet not overpowering — perfect if he prefers a more outdoorsy scent. This line is also committed to helping conserve Earth’s largest remaining coastal temperate rainforest, and it’s nice knowing your common household product is also giving back. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

Having written about the bestFather’s Day giftsso in-depth, I felt as though I had my pulse on all things Dad-approved, so I was not surprised by my dad’s thrilled reaction when I got him the internet-famous Solo Stove. He’s a bit of a pyromaniac in that he’ll leap at any opportunity to throw some shrimps on the barbecue, so this changes up his summer routine a little bit with far less smoke and lingering odors.—Marissa Miller, contributing editor

Finding solid shower products for a guy is never easy. When I came across PJ’s Soaps and Bombs, I knew my dad was going to love it. It’s super affordable coming in at only $8 but works just as well as high-end products. The packaging is very woodsy, which he loves since he’s big on the outdoors, and the scent is fresh and very gender neutral. It has become his go-to soap, and he hasn’t used anything else since. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

One of the most surprisingly great gifts I gave this year was Eastern Standard’s soft pretzel gift box. It was a huge hit at a reasonable price point. The best part about it was the process of deciding which flavored salts to use in what combination, which made for an unexpectedly fun bonding activity. If you and your dad like to kick back in front of a game or a movie, this gift pack is the perfect present for both of you to enjoy. —Jolie Kerr, contributing writer

My dad has been using the world’s oldest stereo system when he’s working outside, and I think this is the year I upgrade him to the 21st century with the Wonderboom 3 speaker. It’s easy to use, so any technically challenged dad will be able to listen to their favorite songs. Plus, the volume buttons are huge so he can’t miss ’em. It’s also dustproof and waterproof so he can bring it along for any activity.—Lindsey Smith, associate editor, newsletters

I’ve been begging my dad for years now to start taking better care of his skin instead of using his cheap 3-in-1 products from head to toe. I’m hoping to help him create a new habit by gifting him the Jackfir Facekit. It has everything Dad needs to complete his entire skin care routine — or start one for the first time ever if your dad is anything like mine. The products are straightforward, smell great and work for all skin types. —Lindsey Smith, associate editor, newsletters

As a vegetarian, I don’t know much about meat. But my dad, on the other hand, is the biggest meat lover I know. So, when I was searching for a great Father’s Day gift for him, I knew I wanted to get him something that tastes good but also is sourced in an ethical way. This family-owned company delivers premium Wagyu right to your door.They raise and farm all the cattle themselves, giving the father in your life the freshest steak possible. Get your dad’s grill ready because he’ll be eating these all summer long. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

Sure, an over-$500 fire pit is a splurge, but it’s something he’ll have forever and more than ideal for the rest of the family. I particularly picked this 35-inch fire pit because, I mean, just look at it, but also because it’s smoke-free, so the cleaning is super low maintenance, and it’s battery-powered, meaning starting a fire as a newbie has never been easier. It also comes with a protective cover designed to encase your fire pit when it’s not in use so we’ll never have to worry about shielding it from inclement weather or debris in the off-season.—Stephanie Griffin, director of social

My dad notoriously loses his sunglasses — is it a dad thing?! Anyway, just in time for Father’s Day, I gifted him with a shiny new pair from Koo Eyewear. I got him the Black Matte Cosmo sunglasses, and he’s already loving how sleek they look and how durable and protective they feel. They come in seven different colors, so there’s a style for every father figure in your life! —Stephanie Griffin, director of social

I don’t know whose dad needs to hear this, but it’s time to throw out your stash of mismatched coasters that you stole from bars and replace them with something a little more elegant. This leather coaster set from Grovemade is simple but makes a statement and is perfectly giftable. —Lindsey Smith, associate editor, newsletters

As someone who is never not traveling for work, my dad was in need of a serious backpack upgrade. His was shredded and worn, so for Father’s Day this year, that’s just what I did. I got him this super-sleek backpack from Troubadour’s Orbis Circular Collection, and it’s constructed from 100% recyclable, ultra-durable polyester. Best of all, it has a large separate back compartment for all his work essentials and comes with a trolley sleeve that can go over any luggage handle. —Stephanie Griffin, director of social

The only thing my dad loves more than his kids is baseball. Truthfully, he probably loves baseball more than us, but we don’t blame him. While I’m still waiting to strike it rich for season tickets to his favorite team, I’m always on the lookout for exciting new baseball-related gifts. I recently stumbled across the new subscription site SportsBall and they send out surprise minor league fan apparel and gear every three months. It’s super affordable and a fun way to learn about new teams — something my dad loves to do. —Lindsey Smith, associate editor, newsletters

There’s nothing more classic (or safe) than gifting the father figure in your life a T-shirt for Father’s Day. Case in point: I got my dad several tees [from Duer] — navy and white — for the holiday and he never takes them off. I mean, why would he? It’s an easy-to-style, casual T-shirt that’s constructed from a super-soft, lightweight and moisture-wicking fabric that has yet to pill, even after a handful of wash-and-dry cycles. Priced at just under $50 and with six colors to choose from, consider this gift a no-brainer.—Stephanie Griffin, director of social

My dad went into a serious depression when we lost our baseball team, the Montreal Expos, so I brought the team to him. When I gifted him these cufflinks made from actual MLB-used baseballs, he immediately burst into tears. It has officially ruined Father’s Day gifting since nothing will ever top that.—Marissa Miller, contributing editor

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

For years I’ve watched my dad work hard to pursue his dreams and become the best in his career. As a result, he gave my siblings and me the best life possible. The least I could do is upgrade his tech gear and make sure he knows that he’s loved! The standard AirPods are one of the gifts I got him, and he uses them at work, at home and on the go. This tried-and-true product was rated thegold standard,and I highly recommend gifting your dad with a product that’s the best. —Sarai Thompson, former social coordinator

Look Optic Sullivan Readers

My dad, like many other dads probably, started using readers for literally everything a handful of years ago, and so, for Father’s Day last year, I decided it was finally time to upgrade his cheap CVS glasses and gift him these more stylish frames from Look Optic. Now I never see him without them on his face, and he swears they haven’t stretched and are just as comfortable and effective as the day he got them! —Stephanie Griffin, director of social

Ess-a-Bagel Baker's Dozen

My dad lives on the West Coast, but he’s originally from New York City and is often nostalgic for all the delicious foods — namely bagels — he ate when he lived there. So when I sent him a baker’s dozen from his favorite NYC bagel spot via Goldbelly, he was more excited than I’ve ever seen him about a gift. Not only did everything arrive super fresh, according to him, but I think he really enjoyed the novelty of being surprised with one of his favorite foods from thousands of miles away. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director

Made In Nonstick Saute Pan

I bought this pan for myself a couple of years ago, and it was so good that I decided to gift one to my dad for Father’s Day. He loves to cook and, admittedly, isn’t the type of guy to splurge on something like this, so he really appreciated it. He now makes all his meals using this pan and especially loves that it’s nonstick because the cleanup is so seamless. —Stephanie Griffin, director of social

Theragun Mini

My sister and I gave this to my dad a few years ago, and he still uses it consistently! He plays tennis and stays pretty active, yet refuses to get a massage, so this little device is the next best thing. —Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

The best Father’s Day gift I ever got my husband was his first pair of Saxx underwear. I have never — over the course of our 17-year marriage — heard him happier with a gift than these boxer briefs, which come with a super-comfy “BallPark Pouch” (which is probably exactly what you’re thinking). As a life-changing gift for the dad in your life, it doesn’t get more comfortable than this. Just expect that he’s going to be addicted —but at least you know what to get him for his next birthday. — Tobey Grumet Segal, editor, reviews

Kindle

For as long as I can remember, my dad has been obsessed with books and is always reading something. I mean, his nightstand collection is over-the-top. So, for Father’s Day this year, I thought it’d only be fitting to gift him a Kindle so he can lighten up his nightstand and finally store all his current reads in one place! He’s usually pretty picky, but I know he’ll love — and actually use — this gift. —Stephanie Griffin, director of social

'The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present' by Paul McCartney & Paul Muldoon

My dad is a musician who has gotten really into songwriting in recent years, so he loves anything related to music and lyrics. He specifically requested this book for his birthday (which was in April), but it’d make a great Father’s Day gift for any musician dad. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

Airbnb Gift Card

This year, I’m gifting my dad an Airbnb gift card to use on an Airbnb Experience during a trip he has planned to Aix en Provence in France later this summer. I’ve already scoped out Airbnb’s Experiences for the region and picked out aMorning Wine Tourin the countryside that I know he will love, and I’m sharing the info for it in the digital card. Airbnb makes it super easy to plan ahead for Father’s Day and other occasions too, since you can schedule when the digital gift card is sent to the recipient. — Sophie Shaw,associate editor, fashion & beauty