Christmas gifts for dad

From the kids, who've been planning this in the garage.

Dad's toolbox of gift ideas

Dad's gifts · do not peek

Practical

6 ideas
  • A multitool

    For the small fixes that always come up at the wrong moment.

  • A bright headlamp

    Garage, trail or power outage. Both hands stay free.

  • An insulated travel mug

    Coffee still hot at the end of the drive.

  • A slim wallet

    A fresh start for the one he's carried for years.

  • A car emergency kit

    Jumper cables, a blanket and a flashlight for winter roads.

  • A tool bag or organizer

    Everything in its place, so he finds the right tool fast.

Cozy

5 ideas
  • A flannel shirt

    Soft, warm and worn all season.

  • Warm slippers

    For coffee on the porch and slow weekend mornings.

  • A warm hat and gloves

    Shoveling snow, early walks and cold games.

  • A hoodie from his favorite team

    Worn proudly every game day.

  • A heavy stadium blanket

    Bleachers, bonfires and the couch on Sunday.

Hobbies

6 ideas
  • Grilling tools or a meat thermometer

    For the family cook who takes the grill seriously.

  • Beans from a local roaster

    A new favorite for his morning cup.

  • A book by an author he likes

    Something to read in the quiet days after Christmas.

  • A jigsaw puzzle or strategy game

    A project for long winter evenings.

  • Gardening gloves and tools

    Ready for spring, and a reason to look forward to it.

  • Gear for his sport

    Fishing lures, golf balls or a bike light. Small, but always used.

From the kids

6 ideas
  • A framed photo with the kids

    For his desk, his workbench or his nightstand.

  • A letter from each of us

    What we love doing with Dad, in our own words.

  • Handprint art for his workshop

    So he remembers how small our hands were this year.

  • Tickets to a game

    A day out together, cheering for the same team.

  • A planned day together

    Fishing, hiking or building something. Phones away.

  • A coupon book from the kids

    Car washes, yard help and one quiet Saturday morning.

Pull out a tray to see what's inside.

A note from the kids

Ask the kids what they love doing with Dad. Help them write it down or draw it, then tuck it in the box with his gift.

Find the right words for his card

Shop talk

Questions families ask about gifts for dad.

What do you get a dad who says he doesn't want anything?
Plan time together: a game, a hike or a day building something. Things he can use up, like good coffee, and a letter from the kids are good choices too.
What can kids make for dad for Christmas?
A drawing or handprint art in a frame, a letter, a coupon book for car washes or yard work, or cookies baked with a grown-up's help.
What are good practical gifts for dad?
A multitool, a bright flashlight, an insulated travel mug, a car emergency kit or a tool organizer. Think about what he reaches for most and upgrade it.
What's a good last-minute Christmas gift for dad?
Tickets to a game, a gift card for a store tied to his hobby, or a printed photo with the kids in a frame. Add a card and it's ready.
What's a good gift for an older dad?
Comfort and connection: warm slippers, a good reading lamp, a photo calendar of the grandkids, or a regular day out together.

Tell Santa what Dad's into

Grilling, golf, gardening or naps. Say what you'd like to spend, and Santa will suggest gifts that suit him.

Ask Santa for ideasMake a wishlist