The 32 Best Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts

Author and comic-obsessive Douglas Wolk read approximately 27,000 comic books to unlock the essentiality of the Marvel Universe for All of the Marvels: A Journey to the Ends of the Biggest Story Ever Told. The first few chapters substantiate his methodology, but after that, Wolk takes readers on a thrilling ride through Marvel history since 1961, zeroing in on deep-cut and key moments, like how Christopher Priest, then one of the few black comic writer-editors, helped shape Black Panther. In the closing chapter, he lovingly recounts how he and his son bonded over Marvel stories together—an inspiration for any dad with kids who are reading comics.

Named after a historic street in Portland, Oregon, the washable Pendleton Burnside Flannel Shirt is made with 100% cotton and brushed on both sides for extra softness. Available in nearly a half-dozen plaids, it doesn’t shrink or fade, and it looks great around campfires and tables for two. After nearly a decade, supervising editor Hannah Morrill’s partner has found that his shirt hasn’t worn on the elbows or ripped during roughhousing.

Staff writer Mari Uyehara witnessed the competitive glee of the Lyrically Correct 90’s and 2000’s Hip Hop and R & B music trivia card game at a summer barbeque where dads (and moms) were either shouting over each other, gloating, or breaking into song. The 150-card pack features multiple-choice questions—such as “What time was Ginuwine home?”—that elicit both nostalgia and good-humored rivalry. The black-owned Lyrically Correct also offers three more trivia games (oldies and gospel editions and a ’90s expansion pack) and The Cookout Bundle of all four together.

Our top-pick smart bird feeder has an integrated 5-megapixel camera that captures photos and 720p videos of feathered friends that peck away at its bird feed (which holds up to 4 cups). The Bird Buddy is also solar-powered, so no battery changes, and it filters photos using artificial intelligence so that it mostly only captures clear and interesting images. Plus, your dad will have a whole community of birders to share pics with in the app. A 12-second clip of male cardinals jockeying for position from senior product manager Molly Farrar delighted our staff this spring; adding a squirrel baffle and this spicy food helped attract avian visitors only.

Shaking each end of a battle rope seems a little silly and easy—or at least that’s what Erik Vance, staff editor on The New York Times’s Well desk, told us. But the low-impact exercise builds strength and engages almost every major muscle group, making for a killer workout without the possibility of injury (take that, CrossFit). Three strands of tough polyester fiber are woven together to make the Yes4All 50-Foot Battle Rope, which weighs 25 pounds and has grippy, nonslip handles. Easy to store and transport, the rope is a convenient, low-cost, and novel full-body workout that exercisers of all fitness levels can appreciate.

A subscription to Vinyl Me Please’s Records of the Month brings welcome finds to any great collections—particularly if care-free days of leafing through albums are behind him. The company presses new releases and reissues in all the genres: hip-hop, country, rock, jazz, blues, soul, and more. Recent selections include John Prine’s Sweet Revenge, The Wu-Tang Clan’s The W, and Nina Simone’s Silk & Soul. Choose from subscriptions running from three months to a year.

More than a collection of stellar drink recipes, Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions lays out the theoretical key for understanding mixology. (It was the first beverage book to win the James Beard Award for Book of the Year.) Alex Day and David Kaplan, the team behind several renowned cocktail bars in Los Angeles and New York, along with writer Nick Fauchald, argue that there are six “root” cocktails: the old-fashioned, martini, daiquiri, sidecar, whisky highball, and flip. Master the principles of those formulas, and any home bartender can understand how cocktails relate, why they work, and how to improvise.

A favorite of surfers and beach bums, the Reef Draftsmen sandals have a grippy rubber sole that hides a built-in bottle opener, so dear old Dad will be ready to crack open a cold one, whether it’s a refreshing Saison at a backyard barbecue or a Topo Chico on sandy shores. The flip-flops aren’t just gimmicky though; both the footbed, which features arch support, and the strap, which has a comfortable stitch-free liner, are made with full-grain leather. Staff writer Samantha Schoech’s surfer husband is a fan of the brand’s quality construction and says that he can’t feel the bottle opener under his foot.

Make the house chef’s life easier with our mini food processor pick, the Cuisinart Core Custom 4-Cup Mini Chopper. Senior kitchen staff writer Rachel Wharton calls it her weeknight cooking hero. It easily whips up 1- or 2-cup batches of sauces and dips (you can add ingredients via two handy drizzle holes without turning the processor off) and dices small portions of vegetables or nuts. Compared with a full-size food processor, it’s lighter and has a more modest counter footprint, plus small, unblended amounts of ingredients won’t get stuck under its blade like they can with bigger units.

Inspired by the brand’s original 1950s fisherman coats, the Helly Hansen Men’s Moss Raincoat, one of our picks for the best raincoats, has a handsome matte finish and flexible drape. Its rubberized polyurethane exterior, along with welded seams, make it completely waterproof, even in the heaviest of downpours, and exceptionally resistant to wind. It does trap heat, which makes it ideal for cooler climes but not so much for heart-pumping activities. It would make a great gift for a sailor, woodsman, or urban commuter.

The cantilevered Trusco Two-Level Toolbox has 10 adjustable compartments on top, smooth hinges, and comes in three sizes. It’s a bit more prone to scratching than plastic toolboxes and doesn’t have shoulder straps like the canvas ones in our toolbox picks, which are better suited for serious jobs, but it’s also easier to clean. If he’s more of a hobbyist with an aesthetic eye, the Trusco toolbox may be just right for him.

We’re not sure we’ve met a dad that doesn’t have holey socks. And the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock—which came out on top after our testers hiked for 160 miles in 18 pairs of hiking socks—are extra-durable and come backed with a lifetime warranty. Constructed with breathable wool, nylon, and Lycra spandex, they keep feet from getting sweaty in the summer, and their form-fitted toe and underfoot padding are cushy for rocky hikes or long days of errands.

From classics like On the Waterfront to recent critical hits like Parasite, the Pop Chart 100 Essential Films Scratch-Off Chart answers the perennial question: What should we watch tonight? Spanning over a century of filmmaking, the 12-by-16-inch poster features 100 standout movies concealed under gray wax designs. After watching each one, scrape off the wax to reveal a colorful mini original artwork for the film—and a feeling of smug satisfaction.

Dads will find all sorts of uses for the Etsfmoa Beanie with Light in the dark: nightly dog-walking, changing a flat tire, or finding the campsite bathroom (be it indoors or outdoors). The soft acrylic beanie headlamp has three brightness settings and a removable LED light that charges via USB, and it runs for about eight hours when fully charged. It also comes in about 24 colors and patterns, so finding one that suits his style should be easy.

The 3x3 twist puzzle has come a long way since the Rubik’s Cube was introduced in the ’70s. These days, magnetic cubes lend smoother twisting and turning, the cheapo stickers are gone, and the cubes are mostly silent (or at least not as crunchy-sounding as the old ones). After speaking to speed cube experts and trying a bunch of models, resident game enthusiast and staff writer James Austin declared the MoYu RS3M Maglev the best speed cube for beginners and competitors alike for its fluid movements and well-made parts. Solvers can adjust the cube’s elasticity using the included screwdriver, and it comes with a stand.

The comfortable and versatile Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA sandals—a waterproof version of the originals—are made with a soft and flexible plastic. They’re easier to maintain than traditional leather and shearling Birks: You can wipe them down with a damp cloth or toss them into a washing machine—that’s part of why they’ve a pick here at Wirecutter. The EVAs also come in over a dozen colors, perfect for complementing whatever socks your dad may insist on wearing with them—a look that some people consider quite stylish now, luckily!

Although kubb (pronounced “koob”) isn’t the best-known yard game, it is one of the most fun. Also known as Viking chess, kubb involves throwing wooden sticks at blocks to knock them over. The SunNordic Kubb Yard Game Set is made of durable rubber wood, bundled with a compact carrying case, and it is sturdy enough to last for years. It’s a great cross-generational family game, and you’ll see teammates come together and break apart as new alliances form.

The dad in your life needs a proper pair of sunglasses—not just because they look cool but also to protect his eyes against harmful UV rays. Give him one of our picks, the Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses. In our testing, they proved more comfortable and sturdier than others we tried, and they look good on most face shapes. Clumsy and sporty dads needn’t worry—they come with a lifetime warranty that covers breaks.

If your dad is a bit of a jokester, give him the BrandNewNoise Loopy Lou. He’s bound to be pleased as punch when he’s speaking into the built-in microphone of this handmade wooden voice recorder and manipulating his voice with the device’s simple-to-use pitch control and looping capabilities. Just expect to get a few phone calls or voice messages by way of his new best friend, Lou.

If you typically find your dad vibing to Spotify, Apple Music, or some other streaming service, consider the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3. We made this portable Bluetooth speaker our top pick for its clear, full sound, 11-hour battery life, and cute round shape. The Wonderboom 3 is a solid option if the dad on your gift list wants to listen to music while working from home—with its speakerphone feature, he can easily toggle between his tunes and work calls. And since it’s water- and dust-resistant, he can bring it to the pool or beach.

Depending on your point of view, the return of the Crocs Classic Clog is either a reason for celebration—comfort trumps fashion—or something you will never understand. If the father you’re shopping for is a member of the comfort club, these classic, airy slip-ons are a no-brainer. They’re made of a proprietary resin that is springy and elastic and washes clean with ease. Your giftee might like a black or army-green pair, but white is a great choice, too. A tip: If he wears them with the strap against his heel, it’s called “sport mode.” Otherwise, it’s just plain dad mode.

If the most important meal of the day is also your dad’s favorite, give him our top-pick waffle maker, the Cuisinart Round Flip Belgian Waffle Maker WAF-F30. It turns out uniformly puffy, golden waffles for a fantastic price, and it preheats quickly and cooks waffles in about two minutes. The flip model is also just fun to use, which may entice kiddos to pitch in and help.

Whether the dad you’re shopping for always has the dial set to NPR or never misses a grainy ballgame broadcast, a radio makes a great gift. The Sangean WR-11SE, one of Wirecutter’s favorite tabletop radios, has a pleasing vintage look and a big tuning knob that makes scrolling through channels easy. It has some modern touches, too, including an auxiliary audio input that lets you play music from your phone.

The DJI Mini 3 is our budget-pick drone because it comes with all the vital features of a video drone, including image and flight stabilization, a controller, and smart flight modes. It’s also lightweight and has a long battery life (38 minutes). If your gift recipient likes puttering around with tech gadgets or photography gear, the Mini 3 is a delightful gift (especially if you get to play with it).

If Dad has an elementary-school-age daughter who’s caught up in the throes of the Stanley tumbler rage, he might enjoy matching brands with her via the insulated Stanley’s Classic Easy-Pour Growler. Though we found that the tumbler leaks (shh, no need to tell her), Stanley’s insulated growler, which has a lifetime warranty, is our top pick for beer nerds. It has a comfortable handle, keeps drinks fizzy, and is handsomely designed. It also keeps liquids hot for up to 18 hours, so it’s a great choice for the dad who drinks a lot of coffee or tea too.

If your dad is trying to get more active, a fitness tracker might be just the gadget for him. Our pick is the Fitbit Inspire 3, which accurately identifies and records workouts—including running, walking, and biking—through an especially user-friendly interface and app. If your giftee is a more socially motivated exerciser, this Fitbit also offers the option of connecting to a wide network of other people who wear Fitbits through the app.

Whether the dad in your life rises first thing in the morning to walk the dog or gets to snooze late, waking up can still be hard. Make the process easier with our top-pick sunrise alarm clock, the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520. People are biologically coded to wake up as the sun rises, and the Philips alarm clock simulates that effect, starting with a dim, red-tinted light that grows to the brilliance of a bright day over the course of about 30 minutes. Plus, with the option of five additional alarm sounds and a backup power source, your giftee will have no excuse to hit snooze.

If the dad on your list loves ice cream and experimenting in the kitchen, a compressor-style ice cream maker—which doesn’t require freezing a bowl overnight—might make his day. After testing more than 20 models over several years, we found that a great compressor-style model is the Whynter ICM-201SB. Not only did it make some of the smoothest ice cream we tasted, but it was quieter and easier to clean than others we tried, too.

Chances are, the dad you’re shopping for likes chocolate. If you’re looking for something less formal than a box set, consider a bundle of gourmet bars. The Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Bundle bars are wrapped in colorful, graphic packaging, and the nutty, salty, creamy chocolate inside is delectable. If you haven’t tasted or even held a Tony’s bar before, rest assured: They’re substantial, and they’re a lot more special than a Snickers.

A subscription to The Criterion Channel gives the dad in your life access to some of the most critically acclaimed films of all time, from a library that dates back over 100 years and spans every corner of the globe. The channel also categorizes its selections in creative ways—like erotic thrillers, classic Hollywood, and a David Lynch collection. It works more like a film festival than an on-demand streaming service; films are carefully curated, and they’re not available all the time.

Give your dad a membership to MasterClass, and he can pick from a long list of virtual classes taught by famous instructors, including chess with Garry Kasparov, improv principles with Amy Poehler, spray painting with Futura, and poker with Daniel Negreanu. It’s also a great gift for dads with young kids: Editorial director Christine Cyr Clisset’s kids watched the Alice Waters cooking class by themselves, and her 9-year-old “can now make an amazing salad dressing.” Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Sports nuts can dig into wide-ranging and up-to-the-minute news on The Athletic, from Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking turn to the scandal of Shohei Ohtani’s gambling interpreter. In the app, your giftee can set up a customized feed that focuses on favorite teams, with relevant news (like exclusives on transfers), game scores, rankings, and schedules. The site also features a healthy mix of podcasts, plus a commenter community that seems well informed and civil. You can also gift The New York Times All Access subscription, which bundles The Athletic with cooking, news, games, and more.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.

Dorie Chevlen contributed reporting. This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.