The 34 Best Gifts for Dads (2026)

Dads are typically tough to shop for. Let me help with these WIRED-tested gift ideas.Courtesy of Biolite; Huckberry; Montblanc; Owala; TherabodyIt occurs to me that, as a new(ish) father, and someone who reviews products for a living, I am a nightmare to get gifts for. I’m not alone. Most of my friends have no idea what to get their dad, and end up brainstorming in group chats with anyone they can get their hands on.Fear not, I’m here to make gifting a little easier this year (or at the very least, contribute to the brainstorm). Below are some of the best WIRED-tested gifts for the dad or father figure in your life, including travel gadgets, dad-approved apparel, and best-in-class earbuds. I’ve personally gifted a few of these to my dad, with great results.Updated September 2026: I completely overhauled this guide with 27 new picks, including tech accessories, headphones, dad-approved apparel, fitness gear, and more.For the Travel DadAnkerNano Power Bank With InstacordThis is my favorite power bank, full stop. If I am traveling, going abroad, camping, or just headed to work, I take this power bank. It’s the built-in, retractable USB-C cord that does it for me—it’s there when you need it, and out of the way when you don’t. It’s small enough to pack in any bag and light enough that I barely notice it. Plus, it has an extra USB-A and USB-C port built in, so you can charge multiple devices at once if you want.AppleAirTag (2nd Generation)I’ve lost count of how many times my Apple AirTag Bluetooth tracker has saved me from the hassle of looking for something. Keys: located. Luggage: tracked. Backpack: safe and sound. Sure, it’s not the most exciting gift in the world, but it’s the epitome of useful and practical. As long as they use an iPhone, that is.GoRuckHuckberry X GoRuck GR1 Slick Backpack (26L)“If you told me I could only have one bag in my life, the 26L version of the GoRuck GR1 would be my pick,” says WIRED operations manager and outdoor expert Scott Gilbertson (he’s also a dad). It’s absolutely in buy-it-for-life territory, built with ultra-durable, water-resistant 1000D Cordura and tested by US Army Special Forces. It’s technically made for rucking, but it can do basically anything you throw at it, travel included. This Huckberry version omits the exterior MOLLE webbing, giving it a sleeker look. You can read more in Gilbertson’s full GoRuck GR1 review.RimowaOriginal CabinThe best aluminum carry-on suitcase. Aluminum luggage is sleek and durable, with a shell that just looks better with little dents and dings (unlike polycarbonate luggage). Aluminum itself is recyclable and repairable, and the clamps that hold the Rimowa together won’t fail or break as easily as your typical zipper. Rimowa is obviously the “it” brand for this type of luggage, but you can get similar options from Away and Level8 for well under half the price.OwalaFreeSip Water BottleA reusable water bottle is something I thought I only needed one of. Turns out, the more the merrier. I now have four and have realized there’s a good place for each one (in my case, one for the house, one for my work bag, and one for the nightstand). The Owala FreeSip has been my favorite for years, usurping my Hydro Flask and S’well for water bottle supremacy. Plus it comes in literally dozens of colors—there’s definitely one he’ll love.Camp SnapCamp Snap 2I’ve become a camera person since becoming a dad, with a growing collection that’s frankly getting a little out of hand. Camp Snap is part of that camera pile. It’s one of the simplest ways to take pictures without getting distracted by your phone or overwhelmed by mirrorless camera settings to fiddle with. This latest model adds desperately needed updates like a button to toggle between filters and a faster shutter button. It also comes in a bunch of fun colors, including a few transparent options that remind me of my old Game Boy Color.Look: The Amazon Kindle Scribe is a perfectly good digital notebook. But the Montblanc Digital Paper has one of the best digital pens money can buy. (It makes sense: The brand is known for its pens, after all.) This luxury E Ink tablet has a slim metal aluminum frame, leather side panel, and superb writing feel. The pen itself comes with three interchangeable tips that change the writing feel and resistance.For the Music-Loving DadPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzIf Dad loves to host large get-togethers, parties, or tailgates, this portable party speaker is one of the loudest, most durable I’ve tested. It’s got a clean, understated, loudspeaker-slash-rock-concert look that’s a far cry from the light-show techno vibes of most portable party speakers. It’s very durable, with large silicone balls on each corner for impact protection. Plus, it has a swappable battery. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if it outlasts most other speakers in his collection. You can learn more in my full Soundboks Rider review.AppleAirPods 5 With Wireless Charging CaseIf he owns an iPhone, chances are he would appreciate an upgraded pair of wireless earbuds. I’ve been testing the newest Apple AirPods 5 for a few weeks now, and I’ve been truly impressed with how good the noise-canceling is, especially for earbuds without eartips. The version I linked above also has improved battery life, a wireless charging case, and volume-swipe controls on each earbud stem.BoseQuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)The classic business traveler over-ear headphones. I’ve been testing these latest Bose for nearly a month now, and they are some of the most comfortable over-ear headphones you can get, with dang good noise-canceling too. If Dad loves his music, podcasts, and TV shows, no matter where he is, these will be a trusty companion for his next adventure, whether that’s on the couch or on his next long-haul flight.Teenage EngineeringEP–133 K.O. II Portable SamplerTeenage Engineering needs little introduction—the Swedish company makes some of the nicest-looking, nicest-feeling gadgets that are the envy of basically everyone who doesn’t own one. This is one of the brand's portable samplers, sequencers, and composers that Dad can make music on, wherever he is. Despite its small size, it has ample pads and dials, a built-in microphone and line input for audio recording, 64GB of internal memory, and 999 sample slots.FluanceRT81+My vinyl era started long before I became a dad, but it’s only since then that I started caring about how a turntable looks. This one from Flaunce is a minimal faux wood model that looks elegant on a shelf or table, but lets the vinyl take center stage. It has an upgradable cartridge and a built-in phono preamp—Dad just needs to plug it into some powered bookshelf speakers, and voilà.Dad-Approved ApparelVuoriMen’s Strato Tech TeeI basically lived in one of these tees during parental leave. It’s absolutely the softest tee I own, with a fabric that never bothered my sensitive skin. It’s athletic without being too slim-fitting, stretchy without feeling cheap, and a great do-everything (or do nothing on the couch) tee for anyone, not just Dad.PatagoniaMen’s Terrebonne JoggersAnother do-everything piece of apparel, but decidedly more technical than the Vuori tee. These are my go-to pants for walks, hikes, and camping trips. They are very lightweight and have a reasonably athletic fit, water-repellent finish, adjustable drawstring waist, and durable ripstop polyester I’ve yet to poke a hole through.BrooksMen’s Ghost 18The gift that never fails. I’ve seen the Brooks Ghost gifted to me, my dad, my father-in-law, and others. No one has ever looked disappointed. These are great running shoes for just about anyone, with neutral support and plenty of cushion. I’ve used the 18s (and previous 17s, 16s, 15s) for dozens of miles of walking and running this year—they are comfortable and reliable. Plus, you are supposed to replace your running shoes every six months or so, which I’m sure your dad has not done.Ten ThousandMen’s Session ShirtDads who run need more running shirts. I certainly do. This Ten Thousand Session Shirt is one of my go-tos because it is breathable enough for a serious run, but looks normal enough to go to the cafe afterward. It’s made from 100 percent polyester—no nylon or spandex to be found here, which means it dries fast and absorbs very little water, in my experience.Men’s The Ivy Penny LoaferSneakers in the office are going extinct—haven’t you heard? WIRED commerce director Cooper Fleishman noticed these on GQ editor Jordan Bowman, and we have to pass along his personal recommendation because the “buttery smooth” leather alone is worth a small splurge. This style has a mercifully wider toe box than most loafers tried, and they’re versatile enough to complement both Levi’s and formal slacks. They’re the platonic ideal of office footwear.OmegaSpeedmaster 38WIRED senior innovation editor and resident watch expert Jeremy White is very into this new Speedmaster collection, going so far as to call them “mini Moonwatches.” (The Omega Moonwatch is kind of a big deal.) That’s because the revamped collection has rounded subdials and overhauled bezels, like those on the—you guessed it—Moonwatch. Either way, it’s an iconic, timeless watch built to last, and it comes in 11 styles.For the Outdoor DadPhotograph: Michael Venutolo-MantovaniPhotograph: Michael Venutolo-MantovaniPhotograph: Michael Venutolo-MantovaniPhotograph: Michael Venutolo-MantovaniLectricXP4 750 Electric BikeI can’t think of many dads who don’t love an electric bike. The Letric XP4 750 isn’t just one of WIRED’s top electric bike picks, it’s one of the best-selling electric vehicles in America, ranking third behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 in 2024. WIRED reviewer Michael Venutolo-Mantovani says it only took 20 minutes to assemble and lasted well over 50 miles of riding on a single charge. This version has an upgraded 750-watt motor that helps tackle hillier terrain than the original.BioLiteRange 500A headlamp is an infinitely useful outdoor tool—you can use it for camping; yard work (early or late in the day); home maintenance; or, if you’re my dad, grilling after the sun has set. I’ve loved using this Biolite headlamp in 2026. It’s bright, comfortable, and has multiple modes, including a focused beam mode, wide floodlight mode, and red-light mode that I’ve loved for bikepacking. Plus it’s USB-C rechargeable—no more rummaging through the battery drawer for AAs.OysterTempo ProThis premium cooler is the gift that will last them for years and years. It’s made with double-walled vacuum insulation, just like a travel mug. In practice, that means it can keep things cool with less than half as much ice as a regular cooler, and has much thinner walls, which makes for a larger interior space. Yes, it’s pricier than a regular cooler, but its premium design, lightweight body, and ultra-efficient cooling make it a winner for dads everywhere.OpinelNo. 8 Folding KnifeI will readily admit I am not a knife guy, but I love this knife. I’m not alone—it’s featured in our Buy It for Life guide, and comes recommended by me, former WIRED senior director Martin Cizmar, and over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Sure, it’s probably not as bulletproof as that matte-black EDC high-end pocket knife that costs $300, but it’s timeless, classy, and elegant.Snow PeakTitanium Single 450 CupIf he loves ultralight, this is the cup for him. If he has no idea what ultralight is but wants a super lightweight cup for drinks or snacks around the house, this too is a fun option. Snow Peak is one of our favorite outdoor gear brands, and its lightweight titanium cookware is some of its most popular. I’ve used this cup on bikepacking trips and for snacking around the house alike.For the Car DadHotoHandheld Cordless Vacuum CleanerI didn’t think I needed a tiny portable vacuum (I have a perfectly good cordless vacuum), but I was gifted this tiny Hoto vacuum years ago, and it has been endlessly useful. I use it to clean strollers, keyboards, my desk, you name it. It’s small and portable enough to take anywhere you need a quick clean. I gifted one to my brother-in-law, and he uses it to clean his car constantly—it basically lives in his car’s glove compartment.BlueDriverPro Next Gen OBD2 ScannerAn on-board diagnostic scanner plugs into your car’s port and pairs to your phone via Bluetooth so you can read and troubleshoot your car’s error codes. It’s a great way for tinkerers to fix car issues themselves and avoid a time-consuming trip to the shop. Former WIRED director Martin Cizmar recommended this scanner from Blue Driver. It has a lot of powerful features that don’t require any subscription to use (unlike many competitors).NocoBoost X GBX45Noco makes some of the best portable jump starters—emphasis on portable. This battery-powered jump starter charges with a regular USB-C cable, and is a must-have for anyone who wants to avoid waiting for a buddy car or waiting for a tow. WIRED reviewer Matthew Korfhage tested all kinds of jump starters on his old Land Cruiser, and recommends this one as the best compact option. Not only can it start your car, it can recharge your phone, just like a regular power bank would.For the Foodie DadThis is the best pizza oven for the dad who doesn’t have space for a full-sized outdoor one. It’s an indoor electric pizza oven that can fit on a countertop, and can heat to up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit. Like all of the brand’s appliances, it’s easy to use, so it's more fun than work to make that fan-favorite pizza just right.CometeerCoffee PodsWhen my son was born last year, I lost the time to grind and brew, so I found myself stocking my fridge with disappointingly bitter bulk-bottled iced coffee (or spending $7 on a café cold brew). My wife got us a coffee subscription to Cometeer, which flash-freezes freshly ground small-batch coffee and ships them in recyclable pods—just add water, hot or cold, to dial in the strength. You can take the time to mix and match roasters each month or just set your faves and forget it. After six months of testing, I can safely say I haven’t had a bad cup. I miss the aromatics I get and comfort I feel from a truly fresh grind, but each pour feels like a tiny treat, even at 5 am. It’s a whole little moment: My 16-month-old chugs his bottle while I stir up oat milk, ice, and Counter Culture. He’s learning to say “cheers.” I look forward to those early mornings a bit more than I used to. —Cooper FleishmanUmami MartBartender's ToolkitIf they love a cocktail, this toolkit from Umami Mart elevates the mixing experience to something more refined. Umami Mart is an independently owned small business in Oakland that’s part sake bar, part sake class space, and part online barware store. This kit includes a diamond-cut mixing glass, julep strainer, stainless steel jigger, and stainless steel teardrop barspoon, all made in Japan and sourced by the brand.For the Dad Who Is a Kid at HeartLegoSpeed Champions Time Machine from Back to the FutureThe Lego DeLorean Time Machine from the Back to the Future trilogy is the perfect centerpiece for any movie buff, but Great Scott, it’s $200. A better alternative is the version from Lego’s Speed Champions series. It’s much cheaper and easier to build (pick either the original with lightning hook or the “future” upgrade with Mr. Fusion and hover wheels), but it has the same charm and display quality. It comes with Doc Brown and Marty McFly Minifigures, but sadly, it won’t hit 88 miles per hour.AerobiePro RingTossing a Frisbee around is part fun: part an excuse to hang out and talk. It’s a classic dads-and-kids activity that lasts for years, even as interests and hobbies change. Former WIRED director Martin Cizmar says that, over time, the ask to toss the Frisbee around shifts from the kid to the adult. Either way, the Aerobie is one of the best flying discs you can buy.SpyraSpyraFour Electric Water BlasterPerhaps the best water gun ever made, the SpryaFour is a very powerful squirt gun that can shoot accurately from up to 50 feet away. It has a fully digital smart display that lets you select between shooting styles and shows you how much ammo you have left. It refills much faster than the SpyraThree (20 shots in about 12 seconds). It’s recommended for kids (and adults) 14 and up.For the Fitness DadPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzPhotograph: Harry RabinowitzThese are my favorite open ear headphones for anyone, not just Dad. Because they leave your ears open, you can easily hear the world around you, along with your music. That’s why I love them for outdoor runs and bike rides. This premium model uses a mix of bone conduction (think vibrations) and air conduction (think tiny speakers pointed toward your ears) to deliver sound that’s clearer than most smaller open earbuds. You can learn more in our full Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review.TherabodyTheragun ReliefAnother classic gift I’ve seen win over not just dad, but everyone else in the room, too (everyone wanted a turn). This massage gun has the signature Theragun triangle grip, which makes it far easier to target hard to reach places compared to other brands that have a straight grip. It comes with three ball head attachments (standard, dampener, and thumb), and lasts up to 120 minutes on a single charge.GarminForerunner 165This Garmin watch is just right for the dad who is getting really into running and wants to dig into more advanced metrics and detailed training plans than what’s offered on most smartwatches. Like any good fitness tracker, the Forerunner 165 has superb battery life (up to 11 days), a colorful touchscreen, and plenty of buttons that make it easy to control with gloved or sweaty hands. It’s also one of the brand’s most affordable running watches. You can learn more in our full Garmin Forerunner 165 review.Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.Harry Rabinowitz is a commerce editor at WIRED, where he covers headphones, earbuds, speakers, TVs, and fitness tech. Previously, he was the tech reporter at NBC Select, leading coverage and reviews of the same topics. Before that, he was a freelance writer for publications like Popular Science and Popular Mechanics. ... Read MoreWired Coupons