Let’s be honest: Dads are some of the hardest people to shop for. Whether it’s the “I don’t want anything” dad, the “just buy me socks” dad, or the “already ordered it myself” dad (the audacity), finding a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift can feel impossible. One year, my dad asked for a handheld leaf blower and my sisters and I immediately bought it. It’s still his favorite gift ever—and yes, that one made the list.
These picks work great for Father’s Day, but even if you missed it, there’s always a birthday, anniversary, or last-minute celebration around the corner. I see new gifts hit my inbox and our office storeroom basically every day, and some of my favorite recs came straight from Dana Avidan Cohn, Director of Editorial Content at Macy’s. She helps people find the right gift all day long, and told me: “The secret to selecting the perfect gift is to really shop by their interests and personality. What will they actually use, enjoy, travel with? The best gifts always feel personal and practical.”
With that in mind, this list focuses on affordable gifts for dads (and any guy, really)—think under-$50 ideas that feel thoughtful, useful, and easy to ship. Since a lot of us live near a Macy’s or rely on Amazon, I kept most of the options to those two.
1. Barebones Living Classic Leather Work Gloves, $23
For the dad who never stops working on projects around the house, these handsome leather gloves will come in handy (sorry, had to!). Choose from three sizes and two colors, and maybe grab a pair yourself so you can help out, too.
2. Rains Men's Waterproof Wash Bag, $34
"I’m a big fan of this brand. All of their products are so nicely made and really hold up. This little travel bag has a waterproof shell and comes in a range of colors. You can even fill it with a few little items as an extra surprise," says Dana.
3. Kiehl's Hydration Skincare Set, $50
"Kiehl’s is such a classic brand and always makes a great gift. This 2-Pc. Hydration Skincare Set includes two favorites -- the Ultra Facial Cream and Ultra Facial Barrier Balm. I love that it comes ready to wrap and gift," Dana recommends.
4. BrüMate Hopsulator Trio, $29.99
If he’s more of a beer guy, help him keep brews cold all day long with this patented beer can cooler. It pulls triple duty, fitting both 12-ounce and 16-ounce cans, and can be used as a pint glass for sipping, too.
5. Bombas Geo Ankle Socks, $4
Socks may not seem like the most exciting gift, but they’re something he’s sure to wear all the time. Bombas socks are designed with arch support and a cushioned footbed to keep feet comfy through whatever he does, and for each pair sold, another is donated.
6. National Park Candle, $26
Transport him back to days spent at his favorite national park with these hand-poured vegan candles. From the Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain to Yellowstone, each candle boasts a unique scent inspired by the majestic locations.
7. Dexter-Russell New Haven Style Oyster Knife, $16.42
For the dad who loves seafood, gift him an accessory that’ll make him the king of clambakes and summer barbecues. Shucking his own oysters is not only fun, but a delicious pursuit—and one that you'll benefit from, no doubt.
8. W&P Design Extra Large Ice Cube Tray, $16
This silicone tray makes giant ice cubes that are the perfect backdrop for sipping liquors like whiskey, bourbon, and more. It includes a lid to keep the ice from absorbing mystery flavors in the freezer, and lets you stack some more trays on top, too.
9. Ticketmaster Gift Card, $25+
If he loves concerts, sports games, or live shows, a gift card to Ticketmaster is a thoughtful way to bring him one step closer to attending to an event he loves.
10. Five Two Ultimate Apron With Built-In Pot Holders, $45
His apron is probably too ragged, stained, and worn out to be of any help in the kitchen. Help him upgrade with a brand new one that goes beyond your average apron. This one has built-in pot holders, a slot for glasses, and baking conversions written out.
11. Caswell Massey 3-Pc. Sandalwood Bath Soap Gift Set, $36
"This 3-Pc. Sandalwood Explorer Bath Soap Gift Set looks so luxurious and smells incredible with hints of cedar and sandalwood," says Dana. I like the look and feel of all Caswell Massey products and they also have a great all-in-one body wash.
12. Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden, $20
These planters have a vintage feel that’ll look adorable on the kitchen counter. Plus, they’re a low-maintenance way to grow his favorite herbs.
13. Porcelain-Coated Grilling Grids, Set of 2, $28.99
A grilling grid can make any outdoor cooking project easier, but this one goes the extra mile with a porcelain-coated exterior. Even better, it’s dishwasher safe, too.
14. The Cellar Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan, $43
A simple way to help Dad up the ante on his grilled dinners, this cast-iron pan The Cellar is a great affordable, yet high-quality pick. Plus, the range of colors are fun and an easy way to add a nice pop to a usually gray lineup.
15. Yeti Crossroads Packing Cubes, $30
Packing cubes are perfect for making the most of your luggage, and if he has an exciting trip on the horizon, these durable cubes will keep his essentials organized and easy to find.
16. Godinger Ebony Bar Tools, Set of 7, $33
I love this set from Godinger because the matte black is different than the stainless steel you usually see with bar sets. This one is great for entertaining and keeping out, and as Dana agreed, it comes with everything you need to make a killer cocktail.
17. Cast-Iron Spice Grinder, $47
For the avid cook in your life, this cast-iron spice grinder makes a great gift. It's probably not something they already own, and if anything, they might have a mortar and pestle. Instead of going with a spice set, go with this so they can make their own all year long.
18. Handmade Ceramic Salt Cellar, $38
This salt cellar is one of my favorite picks from our Shop because it's a beautiful handmade ceramic piece, sturdy, and you can't have too many. Gift it with a side of flaky salt for a cute set.
19. Dansk Vivianna Cheese Board With Knife, $40
You can't go wrong with a small cheese board as a gift, and especially not one from Dansk with an accompanying knife. There's a reason Dansk is known for its long-lasting quality. This makes a great hostess gift, especially when paired with cheese and wine.
20. Fantasia Animal Tumblers. $25+
Another favorite from our Shop, these animal tumblers are the perfect addition to any glassware collection. Ichendorf makes the best stuff and even have a cactus collection if that's more their vibe.
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