18 Unique Father's Day Gifts Dad Didn't Even Know He Needed

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm Trio

Sets like this $22 pick are always a good way to go when gifting. This trio of hydrating lip balms ensures that dad will have a tube to reach for when his lips are feeling a bit dry. The set comes with three flavors – shea butter, mint, and pineapple mint – plus, the formula offers SPF 25 for added outdoor protection!

Carhartt Canvas Cap

You know dad needs a cap upgrade. This durable canvas design from Carhartt is equal parts stylish and practical, so it's a total no-brainer when it comes to finding Father's Day gifts! The inside rim of the hat is fitted with a built-in quick-dry sweatband, balancing things out comfortably – even in hot temps. Dad will be able to find his perfect fit with the adjustable velcro back strap, plus he'll earn some street cred by sporting the signature Carhartt logo.

This style comes in tons of different colors at varied prices, but this Duck Green color costs $39.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi

Dad's not dad if he's not caffeinated! Simplify his brewing routine with this easy-to-use machine. It makes brewed coffee and espresso in a range of serving sizes with the push of a button! It's compatible with Nespresso pods, which you can snag in just about any flavor or roast you want. Reviewers love how easy this product is to use, alongside the the fact that it saves them money from regular Dunkin' and Starbucks runs.

This Nespresso Vertuo Plus coffee maker model is currently on sale for $150 (was $200).

Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 Supportive Running Shoe

This responsive running shoe with breathable mesh is unlike any shoe he's tried before. It's special because the Brooks team designed it with holistic support in mind. This means the stabilizing cushion goes beyond the foot, supporting the knees and even the hips to prevent injury. This pair has also earned the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, so you can feel confident you're gifting dad a really good fit. He can take them from the gym to the trails with ease!

These shoes come in a range of different colors, sizes, and prices, but this stylish blue hue is currently on sale for $100 (was $120).

Frank Herbert's Dune Saga 3-Book Boxed Set

For the bookworm or big collector dads out there, he'll be instantly impressed by this sleek boxed set. An unforgettable literary adventure awaits with the Dune saga, too. If he loved the movies, he'll love the books even more!

The paperback version of this trio set is currently on sale for $16 (was $31).

Light Flight Anti-Theft Travel Laptop Backpack

If the dad in your life is big on traveling for business, this multi-compartment backpack will be a game-changer for his commutes! It's got a laptop sleeve (fits laptops up to 17.3 inches), a roomy main section, plus two more zippered layers for organizing medium- and small-sized items. Its simplistic exterior features water-resistant fabric plus two mesh-padded shoulder straps for comfortable wear. It also abides by airline bag size requirements, easily fitting in an overhead compartment or under a plane seat!

This backpack comes in 6 other colors. The black version costs $48.

Levoit Quiet 3L Humidifier/Diffuser

A small humidifier like this can help dad tackle any troubles with congestion and coughing. It's especially helpful in dry climates, but anyone can benefit from it!

This model (which you can optionally run as an essential oil diffuser) is touted by reviewers for running quietly and being super easy to use. It boasts a small knob for controlling the mist strength, plus an option to direct the mist output in different directions. The spacious 3L water tank means less frequent refills for a more convenient experience.

This product is currently on sale for $39 (was $44).

TheraGun Relief Handheld Percussion Massage Gun

Back pain will be a thing of the past once pop starts using this sleek self-massage gun regularly! It has nearly 5,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, and for good reason. Users love the device's long battery life and claim that it offers fast pain relief. This small-but-powerful massage gun can work on any part of the body at 3 different speeds. It can help relieve aches, pains, tension, and stiffness.

This Theragun model is currently on sale for $129 (was $149).

Amazon Essentials Drawstring Walk Short

It's shorts season, and with this casual Amazon Essentials pair, dad will most definitely be stepping out in style. They're made from a lightweight twill material for unmatched breathability and feature a no-fuss elastic waist with a drawstring. The inseam measures in at 8 inches for added coverage.

These shorts come in a wide range of sizes and colors, and this gray one is currently on sale for $15 (was $24).

Rockbros Bike Phone Front Frame Bag

This bike frame bag carries all the essentials in such a compact, convenient space! It most certainly has room for a pair of sunglasses, a wallet, keys, and other miscellaneous small items. Plus, there's a nice phone slot at the top covered in a transparent water-resistant material, so dad can easily reference map directions or put on music. The durable velcro straps that surround the bag eliminate the possibility of it slipping or falling off completely!

This bike bag is currently on sale for $22 (was $30).

Versace Eros Eau de Toilette

For the dads who can't resist a little fragrance here and there, this Versace perfume is the perfect pick. Plus, now's the best time to snag it – the 3.4 ounce bottle is on sale for just $55 (was $98).​ Its intense aroma is packed with "vibrant and glowing freshness" met with notes of mint leaves, cedar, vanilla, Italian lemon zest, and green apple.

Reviewers love this eau de toilette offering because it lasts all day long and smells luxurious. 

Sojos Small Round Classic Polarized Sunglasses

Help shield his eyes from the sun for all his summer adventures with these chic sunnies! He'll love the fresh vibe the reflective polarized lenses give to his look. These high-quality plastic frames with solid metal hinges block out 99% of UV rays for comfortable and clear vision.

These same frames are shoppable in a variety of colorways. This brown-blue coloration is currently on sale for $15 (was $20).

Stanley The Camp Pour Over Set

Your dad's ultimate campside coffee companion can be found in this Stanley pour over set! It has over 3,000+ 5-star ratings that praise its ease, durability, and convenience. The pour over piece lets him brew his coffee right into the insulated stainless steel mug. The top component abides by leave no trace principles – it features a reusable stainless steel filter, so no paper filter is needed. It comes with a lifetime warranty, and it'll surely see plenty of memories throughout its lifespan!

You can snag this set in several different colors. This green shade is currently on sale for $34 (was $45).

Stumptown Coffee Roasters Organic Medium Roast Ground Coffee

For some truly exceptional grounds to go with the Stanley pour over mug (we can't resist a DIY gift set!), we highly recommend this Stumptown roast, Holler Mountain. It's a nice, medium, middle-of-the-road flavor with impressive notes of citrus, berry jam, and caramel. Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a certified B-corporation committed to sourcing and producing their products as sustainably as possible – a win-win, if you ask us!

This 12 ounce bag goes for $14 on Amazon.

Charging Port Alarm Clock

This no-frills alarm clock makes a great gift for the heavy sleeper dad. Not only are its alarm volume and number brightness easily adjustable, it also has a nice snooze function that repeats in 9-minute cycles. The best part is it's fitted with an easy-to-reach USB port for charging his phone overnight. It has over 16K 5-star reviews, with most reviewers praising how clear it is to see and use.

This convenient clock is currently on sale for $15 (was $20).​

W&P Porter Seal Tight Lunch Bowl Container

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Brightening Face Skincare Serum

This everyday serum boosts the brightness and elasticity of skin and reduces the look of dark spots. Get your mom on the way to her brightest glow with this affordable skincare pick that still offers spa-quality service.

Slip Silk Skinnie Scrunchies

Help her protect her luscious locks with these luxe-looking silk scrunchies. These hair ties have an amazing hold and don’t damage hair, so they are definitely worth the investment for everyday wear.

Moon Juice Magnesi-Om Magnesium Powder

Get mom on the Sleepy Girl Mocktail wave ASAP with this flavored magnesium powder. Not only does it facilitate healthy sleep, a single dose also improves mood, reduces muscle aches, supports brain health, and supports bowel regularity.

Inglam MegaAIR Styler Air Styling & Drying System

This impressively powerful hair tool will be an instant replacement for all of her miscellaneous curlers, straighteners, and hair dryers. It basically serves as a three-in-one, using a high-velocity airflow to dry and style the hair in mere minutes.

Anne Klein Leather Strap Watch

This stylish wristwatch is as practical as it is cute. She can easily sport it to the office or when she's running errands!

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

This is any mom's dream gift. And now, it's on sale for 27% off!

DmofwHi 1000W Gooseneck Electric Kettle

Her coffee (or tea) routine will never be the same with this quick-heating electric kettle. It stands strong, being made of durable stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.

Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask

Her locks deserve some real love, and this hair mask gets the job done. It's formulated with ingredients that strengthen hair elasticity, prevent breakage, nourish strands, and repair damage.

BedHead PJs Women's Classic Stripe Pajama Set

Comfortable, high quality pajamas are hard to come by these days, let alone on Amazon. Gift mom or grandma this striped set for extra-restful sleep!

Keurig K-Duo K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker

Coffee is a total no-brainer for moms everywhere, and this is the perfect piece for helping her perfect her caffeine routine! It specializes in making single servings, so she'll have a batch of freshly-brewed coffee all to herself. She'll have the option to brew a single mug with K-Cup pods or a carafe up to 12 cups.

Caraway Mini Duo Non-Stick Ceramic Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan

This luxe pair of pots is eco-friendly, ethically manufactured, made with no harmful chemicals, and sustainably packaged for certified clean cooking in the kitchen. The two-piece set comes ready with storage organizers at no extra cost, which is especially important in keeping them in tip-top shape.

Morento H13 True Air Purifier

If mom's never had an air purifier, it's time to introduce her to the good life! This must-have home gadget will allow for clean, easy breathing by filtering out dust, pollen, and sources of odor.

Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial Night Cream

Help mom say "buh-bye" to dry skin with this elegant night cream! It leaves parched skin silky soft after just one application! Overtime, this cream helps facilitate a smoother-looking skin tone with vitamin C and omega 6 & 9 fatty acids.

Theragun Mini 2.0

Let’s be real: we’re all pretty achy. Give the gift of stress relief with this compact massage gun! Its small size makes it super easy to travel with in a checked suitcase or carry-on for on-the-go relaxation.

Jspyfits Glass Hydroponic Flower Vase

Mom deserves flowers, of course, but they won't last forever. Gift her a sleek vase like this to 1. help her remember how great of a gift-giver you are, and 2. give her something to refill with fresh flowers each time!

Laneige Gummy Bear Lip Glowy Balm

Having moisturized, soft lips just feels good. Gift mom the feeling of confidence in her own skin with this lightweight lip balm that supplies hydrated, tinted, kissable lips throughout the day!

Amika Mask-topia Hydration & Repair Hair Mask Set

With warmer months on their way, maintaining hydrated hair is key for every hair type. Mom will adore this three-in-one haircare set for at-home and travel!

KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set

Silicone oven mitts are far superior to cloth ones. These KitchenAid ones are heat-resistant up to 500 degrees F for safely and comfortably handling hot pots and pans, plus the smooth material makes them a breeze to clean with a wet wipe.

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

• Gifts for Him
• Gifts for Her
• Gifts for Foodies
• DIY + Handmade Gifts
• White Elephant Gifts
• Gift Sets

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!