pair of headphones on desk

The Gifts Dad Really Wants (& How to Pay for Them)



You can thank your dad for countless life lessons. Maybe he taught you how to ride a bike, or how to drive. But how can you thank the man who never seems to want anything? Fathers can be notoriously difficult to shop for. If you’re drawing a blank about what to get your dad for Father’s Day, you’ve come to the right place.

What Does Your Dad Like to Do?


If you’re struggling to come up with what your dad actually wants, you might want to take a few minutes to think about what he likes to do and who he is as a person. Considering his hobbies and interests could be a great way to come up with a thoughtful gift.

Is your father into outdoor activities? Will you find him camping over the weekend or is he more into visiting the latest exhibit at the local museum? Is he a grill master? You might think about who your dad is, his likes, and his dislikes as you start to brainstorm some gift ideas.

If your father is in the market for a new hobby, this gift could be the perfect thing to get him started. Has your dad always wanted to get into sailing, but wasn’t sure where to start? You could sign him up for a few sailing lessons. Has he always had an interest in photography? Photography lessons could take his photos to the next level.

There are tons of interesting gift options that could be perfect for your father. If you’re looking for additional gift inspiration before you decide what to get your dad this Father’s Day, here are some ideas.

9 Gifts Dads Actually Want

1. For the Music Lover


If your dad loves his music, you could consider a pair of wireless, noise-canceling headphones . With a new pair of headphones, he can jam out to his favorite bands with high-quality sound. If he’s still using the same pair he had when you were born, it might be time for an upgrade.

2. For the Beer-Obsessed


If your dad knows his way around the local breweries and is constantly critiquing the quality of his beer, why not give him the chance to brew some himself? You could consider getting him a home brewing kit that will walk him through the brewing process. It might be a fun activity that teaches him more about the brewing process and what a double dry hopped IPA actually is.

You could even try the home brewing kit together. There are a variety of kits available online , so you might want to find one that matches his personal beer preferences.

3. For the Foodie Father


Can’t get your dad out of the kitchen? A food-related gift might be ideal. If he’s a meat eater, you could treat him to an Omaha Steak gift subscription . There are a variety of packages that arrive monthly, bimonthly, or even quarterly. If he’s less into steak, there is also a seafood option.

Alternatively, you could splurge on a piece of cookware for the kitchen or grill that he’ll love. Cast iron skillets are a versatile option. They can be used on the stove top, on the grill, and in the oven, and are a great accessory for camping trips. The great thing about cast iron skillets? With the proper care, they can last a lifetime.

4. For the Coffee Critic


Is your dad a coffee fanatic? You could level up his daily cup with a subscription to a coffee of the month club. There are quite a few options available that could provide a high-quality bean your dad is sure to enjoy.

On the other hand, if his coffee maker is in need of an upgrade, this could be a perfect opportunity to get him a model that will brew better java. A nice coffee maker is a gift that keeps on giving, especially if it’s a major upgrade to his daily coffee routine.

5. For the Book Worm


If Pops is a reader, you could pick up one of the latest hits off the bestseller list. He might appreciate that you wanted to get something that interested him—especially if you grab a book that hooks him right away.

Another option is a sophisticated coffee table book, like the Ultimate Birthday Book from The New York Times. This might be the perfect gift for the dad who subscribes to the Times, because it is a personalized compilation of every front page the newspaper has published on your dad’s birthday.

6. For the Dad Who Needs a Good Night’s Sleep


Is your dad constantly complaining about neck pain and a poor night’s sleep? You could upgrade his nighttime routine with a plush, supportive pillow that might have him waking up refreshed. This may seem too practical for a gift, but if your dad’s quality of sleep starts to improve, he will likely be thrilled.

7. For the Active Dad


If your dad is a workout buff, you could grab him the latest fitness tracker so he can see how much work he’s really putting in at the gym. Depending on his exercise of choice, there are waterproof options, or options that focus on monitoring heart rates.

8. For the Movie Buff


You might want to upgrade your dad’s home theater so a movie night in is just as fun as heading to the nearest cinema. A new TV or an upgraded sound system might just elevate his viewing experience. You and the family could soon enjoy the latest flicks in style from the comfort of your home.

9. For the Father Who Just Wants to Spend Time With You


Instead of spending money on a tangible gift, you could think outside the box. Chances are your father would be more than thrilled to just spend some time with you. You might suggest a day of hiking, an evening at his favorite restaurant, or a trip to see his favorite sports team or his favorite musical.

Depending on the activity you choose, you may be able to find a great discount or sale on a site like Groupon or LivingSocial . What’s better than a memory that will last a lifetime?

Budgeting for the Right Gift


Father’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate one of the most important people in our lives. Getting Dad a gift he’ll love might be expensive, but with some budgeting, you might be able to make his day.

If you have your sights set on a gift for Father’s Day, you could consider opening a SoFi Checking and Savings® checking and savings account to help save for your dad’s present.

SoFi Checking and Savings offers easy access to your money with no account fees (subject to change).

Learn more about SoFi Checking and Savings today.

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