Every Christmas, the hardest person to shop for is my father-in-law. He admits he doesn’t want or need anything, and if he does need something, he just buys it. If you’re in a similar situation, I’ve compiled a list of father-in-law-approved gift ideas.
These gift ideas for the father-in-law who has everything are universal – I really think any guy would enjoy most of the gifts on this list.
1. UNTUCKit Wrinkle-Free Shirts
Price at time of writing: $65
Ironing is overrated. Gift your father-in-law a shirt that can be washed and dried without ironing or dry cleaning. I’ve searched high and low, and my top pick is a Wrinkle-Free Shirt from UNTUCKit.
The fabric is made of super soft cotton that’s crease-resistant. The UNTUCKit shirts are also made at a perfect length for keeping the shirt untucked.
There are tons of deals going on for the holidays, and returns and exchanges are free. Plus, there’s an extended return or exchange window for Christmas!
2. Bitters Sampler Set
Price at time of writing: $42
For the father-in-law who enjoys a cocktail now and again, this bitters sampler set from Honest John is perfect. He can switch up his old-fashioned with a new style of bitters, and there are 10 different samples included.
The flavors include sarsaparilla, grapefruit, lavender, orange, black walnut, aromatic, lemongrass cardamom, NOLA, chocolate, and coffee + cherry. In addition to the bitters, this gift set also includes two coasters and a recipe book.
3. NY Times Custom Birthday Headlines Book
Price at time of writing: $145
Produced as a 12″ x 15″ coffee table book, this perennial favorite starts with The Times front page from the day you were born, followed by every birthday in your life.
It’s interesting to read what the headlines were on the day you were born, but the New York Times takes it a step further by looking at each year after that, until now. It’s a uniquely personal gift and lasting treasure that I believe is perfect for a father-in-law.
4. Ororo Heated Vest
Price at time of writing: $134.99
Let’s face the facts: increased sensitivity to the cold is a normal part of aging. If your father-in-law is often commenting on how chilly it is, he will love an Ororo heated vest.
We have so many products from Ororo in our family and extended family, and it’s for a good reason. These are amazing at keeping you warm, and the material is very high-quality.
Out of all the products we have, our favorite is the classic heated vest.
5. Craft Beer Club
Price at time of writing: $47.95 per shipment
Does your father-in-law order a cold beer now and again? Consider a Craft Beer Club subscription. Each box showcases two different breweries from two different regions in the US. It also includes 4 different beer styles (2 from each brewery), which change each month.
You can gift a Craft Beer Club subscription very easily by selecting how many beers per month and how many shipments you want to include in your gift.
If you decide to gift more than 1 shipment, it’s really a gift that keeps on giving!
6. Rare Playing Cards
Price at time of writing: Starting at $11.95
Does your father-in-law enjoy a good game of Euchre? Poker? Solitaire?
Get him a deck of rare playing cards. You can select a deck based on his interests. Some ideas include Lord of the Rings, Thor, or Star Wars. Not sure what he’s into? You can’t go wrong with the Artisan Luxury Edition Box Set.
7. Old School Candy Crate
Price at time of writing: $145.50
Bring your father-in-law back to the old days with this old-timers candy crate. All of the classics are included, like Razzles, Bottle Caps, and Sugar Babies.
With this gift, it’s not just about the candy – it’s about the nostalgia. He’ll be smiling as he pulls out old candy boxes and old-school toys, and you will win Christmas!
8. EP1 Refyne Pen
Price at time of writing: $33.15
For the father-in-law who likes refinement and quality, check out the Ep1 Refyne Pen. It’s a weighty pen that’s durable and also affordable. The pen is also coated through a process called physical vapor deposition (PVD) which protects against corrosion and scratches.
Reviewers say writing with this pen feels smooth, and the whole process of writing is much more enjoyable. As one reviewer put it: “It’s like an Amex card, I don’t leave home with out!”
You can also consider the EP1 pen and PS1 stand bundle, which makes for a fantastic Christmas gift.
9. Custom Metal Car, Workshop, or Fishing Sign
Price at time of writing: Starts at $34.50
If your father-in-law is into a specific vehicle, woodworking, or fishing, check out these custom metal signs from Amazing Faith Designs.
They’re laser-cut with 18 gauge steel and custom text. It’s then powder coated to ensure a smooth finish and long-term durability.
With the custom metal car sign, you can select any year, make, and model of car. The fishing sign can also be customized with a name in place of “welcome.” And the workshop sign can be customized with a name as well to read: “Papa [NAME’S] Work Shop.” Or Pappy’s workshop. Or whatever your father-in-law goes by!
Amazing Faith Designs is a small business, and every time an order is placed, I promise the woman behind it – Heidi – does a little happy dance! Use code INLAW10 for 10% off your purchase.
10. Flame Tabletop Fireplace
Price at time of writing: $70 or $49 when you join the club
Does your father-in-law enjoy a warm space or a good fireplace? He’ll love this tabletop fireplace called Flame.
It’s a personal indoor fireplace that runs on rubbing alcohol. It’s clean-burning and safe to cook over. Make s’mores inside or just bring that bonfire inside. The base is solid cement and has felt underneath to prevent scratching.
11. Leather Toiletry Bag
Price at time of writing: $110
Most men could use an upgrade to their toiletry bag. Gift your father-in-law a quality leather bag from Leatherology.
This bag is made of full-grain leather and has a standing design to accommodate bottles. It’s double-zipped with a YKK metal zipper and a leather zipper pull. Every detail is thought-out, and it’s sure to be a step up from what he’s currently using.
A more budget-friendly version is this Buffalo Leather bag for under $40 on Amazon.
12. RTIC Cooler
Price at the time of writing: $174.99
Ask a man if he has enough coolers and the answer is always no.
This RTIC cooler has heavy-duty rubber latches and is perfect for keeping the contents cold for days.
The smaller 20-quart size is great for drinking on-the-go or traveling.
13. Flaviar Whiskey Membership
Price at the time of writing: Starts at $120
Does your father-in-law enjoy a good whiskey tasting? A Flaviar gift membership can bring Spirit tastings right into his home.
This membership includes a Tasting Box or bottle delivery, and the neat thing about a membership is the recipient can tailor it to what they like. It’s also great value for the money.
If you’d rather have something for the in-law to open (instead of a membership gift card), consider purchasing one of the Tasting Boxes. Each Tasting Box comes with three unique Spirits to try!
14. Rothy’s Slippers
Price at the time of writing: $149
Rothy’s makes incredible shoes, so when I saw they had men’s slippers, I knew they’d be a fantastic universal gift idea.
These merino wool slippers have a soft sherpa lining and sturdy outsoles, making them ideal for indoor or outdoor wear. Taking the trash to the road has never been so comfortable.
Shopping on a budget? These memory foam slippers on Amazon have around 9,000 reviews with a solid 4.5 stars. And they’re under $30.
15. Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
Price at the time of writing: $89.95
I love my AirPods, but when I experienced true noise-canceling earbuds for the first time, I was shocked. These things are AMAZING.
Beats Studio Buds fit snugly in your ear and drown out all of the background noise. And the sound quality? It feels like you’re standing in the front row of a concert. It’s incredible.
They’re compatible with Apple & Android and have up to 8 hours of listening time.
16. Milwaukee M12 Impact Driver
Price at the time of writing: $99
When I asked my husband what a good father-in-law gift would be, the very first thing he said is a Milwaukee M12 Impact Driver. He said this tool is useful for so many things, including hanging photos and other around-the-house projects.
If you’re shopping for Christmas, Home Depot always runs amazing deals on Milwaukee tools, so be sure to check out their site first!
P.S.: My husband said if you paired this with this drill bit set, your father-in-law would have everything he needs for almost anything around the house. Extra bonus if you also add this driver bit set, which has about every driver bit known to man.
17. Restaurant Gift Card
If you have any nice restaurants in your father-in-law’s town, consider giving a gift card. Bonus if it’s a new restaurant or one you know he hasn’t tried before.
18. Sam’s Club Membership
Price at the time of writing: $50
My father-in-law loves his Sam’s Club membership! You can get great deals, and it comes in handy for lots of grocery items that get used often.
If he doesn’t already have one, consider gifting a Sam’s Club membership. If Costco is available in your area, you could also gift that one.
19. Ooni Pizza Oven Bundle
Price at the time of writing: $411.15
Ooni is the go-to brand for high-quality pizza ovens. This lightweight, steel pizza oven can cook a pizza in just 60 seconds using natural wood pellets.
It comes with a waterproof cover, and you can just take that off to fire up a pizza in any outdoor space. If you like to have bonfires or home parties, you need this Ooni pizza oven bundle! It’s a showstopper.
19. Skylight Frame
Price at the time of writing: $159.99
When it comes to digital picture frames, Skylight is the brand to beat. Loved ones can email photos from anywhere, and they’ll arrive on this frame in seconds. Setup takes 60 seconds – just plug it in and connect to WiFi. That’s it!
The 10-inch touch screen has a fantastic resolution, and there are over 16,000 reviews on Amazon with a solid 5 stars. If your father-in-law enjoys seeing pictures of the family, this photo frame will WIN Christmas!
20. Mike’s Hot Honey
Does your father-in-law enjoy hot sauce? You have to get him a bottle of Mike’s Hot Honey. It’s the perfect mix of sweetness and heat, and there are so many ways to use it.
Drizzle on pizza or wings, pair it with cheese, and even add it to cocktails or tea.
21. Away Backpack
The Away Everywhere Zip Backpack is the ultimate luxury backpack. It’s made of water-resistant nylon and has a compartment for all the essentials inside. There’s a 15″ laptop pocket with a magnetic locking zipper for security and a detachable key clip.
The shoulder straps are padded so it’s very comfortable to wear, and it also secures to other Away bags.
If your father-in-law travels a lot, this is a fantastic gift idea!
22. Dad Jokes
Price at the time of writing: $5.93
Does your father-in-law like to crack jokes? Give him some ammo with this Dad Jokes book.
With over 600 knee-slappers, head-shakers, and groan-makers, Dad Jokes is packed with enough witty quips and cheesy-but-grate jokes for even the most embarrassing of dads.
23. Ember Travel Mug
Price at the time of writing: $189.45
My go-to gift for any guy – no matter the occasion – is the Ember travel mug. And it’s a hit every single time!
This mug is top-of-the-line and truly elevates your daily life. It keeps your coffee or tea warm all day long and is ideal for those who leave the house during the day.
24. Paint Your Life Custom Portrait
Is there a custom portrait that would mean a lot to your father-in-law? Check out Paint Your Life. These designers and artists can edit multiple photos together and paint a custom portrait.
Here are some ideas for a custom portrait:
- Connect generations: Create a portrait of children with the grandparents they never got to meet
- Bring the family together: Those that are alive and those that are gone
- Set the scene: Put your loved one together with their favorite celebs!
- In the arms of Jesus in heaven: Bring peace to those who have lost a loved one
- Cherish special moments: Capture your favorite memory in a portrait forever
- Put all your loved ones together: Even if they never managed to take a photo together
- Pets: get a custom portrait of a pet that’s special to you
Whether it’s something sentimental, like a photo of your father-in-law with all of his grandchildren, or funny, like a portrait of him with his celebrity idol, a custom portrait is a very unique gift idea.
25. Custom Song Lyrics Print
Price at time of writing: Starts at $29.92
Does your father-in-law have a favorite song? Send the lyrics to this Etsy shop and they’ll put them on a custom song lyrics print.
The lyrics are in the shape of a vinyl record, and you can customize the background color and frame.
26. Exotic Meats Man Crate
Price at the time of writing: $79.99
I love consumable gifts, and this Exotic Meats Crate from Man Crates is such a fun gift idea.
The crate includes:
- Venison Jerky, Whiskey Smokehouse Trophy Series, 2 oz
- Wild Boar, Honey Bourbon Jerky, 2 oz
- Buffalo Jerky, 2 oz
- Elk Jerky Stick, 2 oz
- Smoked Biltong Beef Jerky, 2.25oz
- Wild Boar, Root Beer Habanero, 2oz
- Duck Jerky Stick, Maple, 1 oz
- Ostrich Jerky Stick, 1 oz
- Elk Jerky Strip, Hickory Smoked, 0.75 oz
- Venison Jerky Stick, Teriyaki, 1 oz*
*Due to availability, Venison Jerky Stick 1oz replaces the Beef & Pheasant Stick, 1 oz shown in the pictures.
27. Heated Blanket
Price at the time of writing: $116.85
If your father-in-law is always cold (see gift idea #4), a heated blanket will be appreciated.
The Bedsure Electric Blanket provides full-body heating and promotes blood circulation while you’re relaxing.
And for those stingy fathers, this heated blanket can help you save on your utility bill. If he’s always turning down the thermostat to save a few bucks, this heated blanket can save him 68-90% per year on the heating bill.
28. Sonos Speakers
We recently got into the world of Sonos speakers and absolutely love them! If you get more than one, you can sync them up to create a synchronized sound system for your entire home.
The sound quality is also off the chain.
If your father-in-law likes listening to music or watching the TV, I’d highly recommend checking out the Sonos speakers.
Our two favorites include the Move and the Beam.
The Move works with Amazon Alexa and can be moved around your house without a plug (it charges on a dock and can then be moved around until it dies).
The Beam is a soundbar, ideal for watching TV. It’s not too big and the sound quality is, as I said, off the chain. It also connects to other Sonos speakers.
If your father-in-law has Amazon speaker devices, these are a huge upgrade.
29. The Regimen from Caldera + Lab
Price at the time of writing: $189
The Regimen from Caldera + Lab, a men’s skincare brand, is a twice-a-day routine for men. It’s backed by a leading clinical trial guaranteed to deliver results within 60 days.
For the man who doesn’t know anything about skincare, this is a fantastic bundle. It also makes for a great gift since everything’s included!
30. Glencairn Whiskey Glasses
Price at the time of writing: $26.99
Glencairn whiskey glasses are not only sophisticated, but they’re fantastic for sipping high-quality spirits.
This set of 4 from Amazon is inexpensive and won the 2006 Queen’s Award for Innovation.
31. GCI Freestyle Portable Rocking Chair
Price at the time of writing: $69.99
This portable outdoor rocking chair folds easily and even includes a beverage holder.
It’s constructed from sturdy powder-coated steel and is ideal for the lawn, patio, camping, or tailgating. With over 18,000 reviews on Amazon and a solid 5 stars, this one is sure to be a hit.
32. Homecraft Mini Kegerator
Price at the time of writing: $179.99
For the sports-loving dads, this mini kegerator is ideal for game day and pours the perfect glass of beer every time. It works with all standard 5-liter pressurized and non-pressurized gravity kegs.
The beer chills within 24 hours and stays good for up to 30 days.
33. Dad Grass Smoking Kit
Price at the time of writing: $37
OK, my family may judge me for this one, but I saw a TikTok recently where the user was desperate for holiday gift ideas for her dad. She said her dad is a retired diabetic whose sole interest is smoking weed.
For THAT dad, I think this Dad Grass Smoking Kit is pretty cute.
Not for everyone. But perfect for some.
34. Blackstone 36″ Griddle
Price at the time of writing: $389
I’m just going to say it: I think most men can get behind a Blackstone griddle.
It’s the perfect companion to a grill and is a true workhorse. This Blackstone 36″ Griddle is at a great price point for a group Christmas gift!
35. Hopsulator Trio (Beer Can Cooler)
Price at the time of writing: $29.99
Does the father-in-law enjoy a cold can of beer on occasion? Elevate his beer (or soda) drinking experience with the Hopsulator Trio from Brümate.
This 3-in-1 can-cooler holds 16oz, includes a freezable adapter for 12oz cans and converts into a 100% leakproof pint tumbler.
36. Christian Vintage Demin Cap
Price at the time of writing: $29.99
For the Christmas dads, a vintage denim cap with a message he believes in is a great addition to any Christmas gift.
These hats from Amazing Faith Designs have messages like “Man of Faith” and “Jesus.” You can get 10% off with code INLAW10.
37. Custom Return Label Stamp
Price at the time of writing: $15.99
Save your father-in-law from impending arthritis with a custom return address stamp!
You can customize it with his address so he never has to write out his address on an envelope again.
38. Custom Grandpa T-Shirt
Price at the time of writing: $24.99
For the dad that is seriously impossible to shop for, check out these custom t-shirts from Amazing Faith Designs.
You can swap out the “Grandpa” for whatever he goes by. Pappy, Papa, Pop-Pop – anything you want! You can get 10% off with code INLAW10.
39. Storyworth
Price at the time of writing: $89
Help your father-in-law leave his story behind with Storyworth. Once a week, you choose a question for your father-in-law to write about. He simply replies via email, which is shared back to you.
At the end of the year, their stories are bound into a keepsake book. Storyworth sources quality materials that look great now and age gracefully over time to honor the stories within.
40. The Ridge Wallet
Price at the time of writing: $95
For a father-in-law in desperate need of a new wallet, check out The Ridge Slim Wallet, which comes with a lifetime guarantee. It’s made of military-grade materials to ensure durability and RFID blocking for security.
It’s functional and slim, holding between 1-12 cards without stretching out. The outside notch makes it easy to push cards out, and there’s an integrated money clip.
It’s everything you want in a wallet and nothing you don’t.
41. Custom Cufflinks
Price at the time of writing: Starting at $19.80
Custom leather cufflinks are a great gift for the guy that seems to have everything. These cufflinks from Etsy are handcrafted by expert artisans with quality leather that’s made to last.
It also comes neatly packaged in a cufflink box, perfectly presentable for a Christmas gift under the tree!
42. Dr. Squatch Men’s Soap Gift Set
Price at the time of writing: $69.95
This gift set of cold-pressed soaps from Dr. Squatch features masculine scents like Wood Barrel Bourbon, Birchwood Breeze, and Cool Fresh Aloe.
They make a great gift and are very practical!
43. Doomlings
If you have a dad that’s into conspiracy theories or doomsday, the game Doomlings might be the perfect game for him. (It’s also a great game for people who like card games.)
Doomlings is a funny card game where the object is to score the most points before the end of the world.
You score points by playing “traits” from your hand (like flight, endurance, or poisonous). You play these traits over multiple rounds, called “ages” (like Age of Peace).
But hidden in the ages are catastrophes! When the third catastrophe strikes… the world ends.
And the player with the most points wins!
Conclusion
Shopping for your dad or father-in-law is no easy task. Each year, the hardest gifts to buy are for my father-in-law!
I hope this gift guide gives you some ideas that are sure to be hits. If you have any of your own, please share them in the comments section below!
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