You may have noticed some posts from our friends at the Strategist on the Cut. They’ll be dropping in every now and again, sharing their expertise on the basics you don’t have time to research and the weird and wonderful things you don’t yet know you need.
With Father’s Day only a few weeks away (as a reminder, this year it’s Sunday, June 20) and some shipping times still affected by the coronavirus, the definition of last-minute is even earlier than usual this year. But there’s still just enough time to sneak in some great last-minute Father’s Day gifts. Maybe your dad needs something to help him get back in shape after months of isolating at home. Maybe his T-shirts, towels, or Dopp kit could use an upgrade. Or maybe what he really needs is a way to host socially distant movie nights in his backyard. To help you find the right gift for your dad (and quickly), we found the best last-minute Father’s Day gifts for all kinds of dads — all of which will get to him in time for the big day.
For the dad who listens to podcasts in the shower
A splashproof Bluetooth speaker that’ll play him the news while he shampoos.
For the new dad with no time to shower
A 20-pack of Ursa Major face wipes that will make him feel refreshed, while exfoliating and hydrating his skin.
For the dad who dries off in style
Whether they’re used at the beach, pool, or just out of the bath, striped Turkish towels make drying off look good. Plus they’re compact and easy to store in both a cramped linen closet or beach bag.
For the birder dad who’s always yelling at squirrels
A bird feeder designed to thwart his worst enemies.
For the dad who runs marathons
This dry bag will help him store all of his wet gear after a race without getting the rest of his belongings soggy. Ultramarathoner Michael Wardian says it’s the best gift he’s ever received.
For the dad who needs a little workout motivation
Obé Fitness offers thousands of on-demand and live weekly classes across multiple practices, including yoga, pilates, cardio boxing, HIIT, and more. Each class is 28 minutes long and requires no equipment beyond a mat.
For the dad who wants to make pickles
He’ll appreciate this handy fermentation kit from our recent guide to fermenting. It comes recommended by Michael Perrine, founder of rejuvenation and detox clinic Vitality NYC.
For the dad who can never find his charger
This wireless charger, which doubles as a hands-free phone stand, is hard to lose (especially if given a dedicated spot on his desk or nightstand) and will keep Dad’s phone from dying.
For the dad who needs new basics
For the adoptive dog dad
Just like a human DNA test but for dogs, Embark helps owners of adopted pups find out whether they’re a Corgipoo, a Beaglier, or a Border Chow.
For the dog dad who has separation anxiety
Furbo’s dog monitor cams help worried pet owners keep a close eye on their pups while they’re away. This model even dispenses treats.
For the busy dad who wants a garden and a pet
This nifty herb garden is also a fish tank. It’ll be fun for him or as a project with young kids.
For the dad who loves a shiny new toy
If your dad’s always wanted to take a drone for a spin, the Mavic Mini wouldn’t be a bad place to start. It has a powerful camera for capturing aerial photos and is easy enough to control with a phone or even by hand.
For the dad who wants to better his photography skills
For dads who are looking to move forward in their careers or simply get better at their favorite hobby, LinkedIn Learning offers courses on things like negotiation skills, creative writing, and portrait photography. Memberships start at $30 a month, or $20 a month if you sign up for a year upfront, and offer access to more than 16,000 classes.
For the dad who needs more rest
According to Sleep Number’s president and CEO, Shelly Ibach, wearing blue-light-blocking glasses while you scroll at night will help you fall asleep faster. “I started using these earlier this year. Now I definitely can’t sleep without them. They really make a difference,” says Ibach.
For the traveling dad
For the dad who makes a mean guacamole
A volcanic-rock mortar-and-pestle set (recommended by chef Alex Stupak) for the home cook who has everything.
For the dad who wants to grow his own salad
These “psychedelic” vegetables — golden beets, radishes, and delicious lemon cucumbers — will add even more variety to his garden.
For the dad who fries everything
He gets to enjoy hot french fries, while you worry less about his arteries.
For the dad who’s not great at the touch test
He’ll never overcook a pork tenderloin (or undercook a steak) again with this digital thermometer that alerts him when the specified cut is done.
For the vegan dad
“There are many new and more ‘modern’ approaches out there now, but this book will always be my vegan bible,” says Candice Hutchings, author of The Edgy Veg, who cited this as her go-to vegan cookbook recommendation for our list of the best cookbooks, according to vegetarian and vegan chefs.
For the dad who’s not quite ready to go back to movie theaters
So he can set up his own movie theater in his living room, on a roof, or in his backyard. This projector topped our list of the best-reviewed home-theater projectors on Amazon, with fans praising it for how well it works outdoors.
For the (concession-stand-loving) dad who’s not quite ready to go back to movie theaters
A tub of Twizzlers — dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss’s favorite movie candy —will help him feel like he’s out to the movies even if he’s streaming them from home.
For the dad who’s over his Moleskine
A “smart” notebook that lets him digitize his hand-scrawled notes electronically via email or Google Docs. Once he’s gone through the whole thing, he can microwave it to reset it and start all over again (up to five times).
For the dad with a Starbucks habit
This handsome pour-over kettle will help him stop pining for expensive lattes.
For the dad with a Starbucks habit who needs proper cups
For the dad who wants to jam to Mingus wire-free
Bose SoundLink Around Ear Bluetooth headphones are designed with extra-roomy ear openings and padding so soft your dad might forget he’s even wearing them.
For the dad who’s too cool for a Fitbit
A sleek activity and sleep-monitoring watch that doesn’t look like an activity and sleep-monitoring watch.
For the dad who can’t sit still
For the dad who drinks beer discreetly
Perfect for the dad with a lower tolerance. This little gadget helps him reseal his unfinished beer.
For the dad who drinks liquor discreetly
With its rugged, outdoorsy look, this pocket-size flask is a little more subtle than a shiny stainless-steel version.
For the dad who takes handwashing very seriously
A handwash with cedarwood, geranium, and sweet-almond oils in handsome if not entirely legible — the print’s teeny-tiny! — packaging.
For the dad who keeps his face baby-smooth
If he prefers to go clean-shaven, he could do a lot worse than this handsome (and affordable) shaving cream.
For the dad who sports a five o’clock shadow 24/7
For the perfectly manicured beard, your dad will appreciate this high-precision trimmer that’s one of our favorite electric razors. (See some of our other best-beard-trimmer picks, too.)
For the dad who’s working on his waves
This little sponge brush makes a great and inexpensive gift for black men who want to maintain their tight curls. Julius Randle of the New York Knicks told us he (and probably most of the other Knicks players) uses this barber sponge to get his hair in order before stepping out on the court.
For the dad who could stand to de-stress a little
A minimal aroma diffuser that came recommended by writer Lindsey Weber for its no-frills design and subtle scent.
For the dad who was born in Brooklyn
Grab one in a scent of your choice — oh, say, New York City. Two-day ship it to your old man, and give him a call while you’re at it. He’ll be glad to hear your voice.
For the dad who wants to guest-proof his coffee table
These hexagonal wood and marble coasters are very lagom.
For the dad who just dusted off his Velvet Underground records
This boxy, minimalist turntable comes with a built-in preamp. All you’ll need is a set of speakers to get his well-worn records spinning.
For the dad who wants to hack his golf game
South Carolina–based golf coach Jonathan Yarwood will help your dad improve his swing via custom coaching video tutorials. A single lesson costs $50 and a six-month membership will run you $299.
For the dad who’s convinced his office chair will kill him
Maybe it’s time he made the move to a standing-desk converter like this one, which people on Amazon rave about for its quality and affordable price point.
For the dad who can’t wait to see the chiropractor
For nearly instantaneous backache relief, give him an acupressure mat.
Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.
