Gifts for dads, grandads and other father figures can often feel like a shot in the dark. What do you get for someone who doesn’t seem to want anything, or who already has it all?

Shared experiences or promises of peace and quiet are popular options, but they are tricky to wrap. Which is where my recommendations come in.

Each gift I’ve featured has been put through its paces by me for the past few months and has made it into this list because it has become something I reach for on a near-daily basis (or, in the case of the AeroPress coffee maker, multiple times a day).

Testing has involved cooking copious amounts of rice, making my home smell like a greenhouse and rolling my sleeves up in the garden (and I don’t think I’ll need to sharpen my knives for a while). So rest assured, my suggestions have the approval of at least one 34-year-old dad with a toddler (me).

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The best Christmas gifts for dads, grandads, uncles and friends in 2026

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Accessories

Sustainable wallet

£22.95 at Roka London £27.95 at Amazon

Despite the rise in Apple Pay and its Android equivalent, wallets still have their place in a pocket. This neat design from Roka London has three interior compartments for cards, coins and receipts. Made from a durable recycled canvas, it has retained its good looks after months of cut-and-thrust testing, and kept its contents dry in a downpour when my trousers weren’t as lucky.

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Chilly’s Series 3 water bottle

£39.95 at Wildbounds £40 at Chilly’s

A water bottle should last longer if it’s easy to clean, and Chilly’s latest even comes with a telescopic brush to make keeping on top of seals and its stainless steel straw a cinch. It’s leak-free and promises to keep its contents cold for a whole working day (and beyond – Chilly’s says up to 45 hours), while the flip lid allows for one-handed drinking on the go. It ticks all the water bottle boxes.

For more, read the Filter’s guide to the best water bottles

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Home and garden

Football poster art

From £19 at Etsy

Personalised gifts can be hit and miss, but this high-quality print from Good Team On Paper falls firmly in the former camp. The company will design a poster based on the memorable kits of any team (from non-league to national sides), and the result is a tasteful piece of art that is a cut above most sporting merch. My Arsenal-mad brother confirmed the early 90s yellow and black JVC away shirt was a particularly accurate representation.

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Niwaki golden spade

From £42 at Niwaki From £42.99 at Crocus

Don’t be fooled by its colour. This spade might scream bling, but it’s an invaluable addition to any garden shed. It can break up rock-solid borders in no time, and its sharp tip has been great for dividing perennials.

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Tomato vine refillable candle starter pack

£69 at Pott

Brighten up any WFH setting with a candle from Pott. Its collaboration with Isle of Wight Tomatoes is a welcome change from traditional scents and has brought a deep, summery tomato vine smell to my office as the nights have drawn in. Its jazzy pot can be used again with a candle refill, making it a longstanding staple of any desk.

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UE Wonderboom 4 portable speaker

£89.99 at Argos From £46.99 at Amazon

Electronics and outdoorsy dads don’t always mix well, but this portable speaker from Ultimate Ears is up to the challenge, including being submerged in water (it has an IP67 rating) and getting dropped in the sand by my toddler during a day trip to the beach. Its sound quality is surprisingly strong and bassy for such a small package (10.4cm high), and the audio doesn’t break up when cranked to the max.

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Self care

Reusable earplug discovery pack

£28.50 at Happy Ears

An earplug is an essential part of my sleep routine, though they rarely stay in until the morning. Happy Ears solved this issue with this discovery pack, helping me find a size that fits. Rather than completely blocking noise, they take an ambient edge off, and their use isn’t limited to the bedroom: they’ve been great for swimming and help at gigs, too.

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The North Face wash bag

£24 at John Lewis £24 at Amazon

Although on the small side, this wash bag seems Tardis-like and has managed to fit all the essentials for weekends away and longer stays without taking up loads of room in luggage. Its zipped compartment means you don’t have to rummage for small items like contact lens cases and tweezers, and its integrated hanging loop was helpful when sink space was at a minimum.

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Face cleansing bar

£7.50 at Waitrose £9.50 at Lifejacket

Swap out the plastic pump bottle for this face cleansing bar from Lifejacket. The bar itself lasted about three months of daily use and left my face feeling clear, refreshed and ready for bed after a day of sweat from exercising.

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Horace mattifying face moisturiser, 75ml

£12.67 at Boots £19 at Amazon

For time-poor dads who aren’t au fait with a solid skincare routine, a moisturiser keeps things simple while soothing dry skin. This pick from French brand Horace packs SPF30 coverage, a matte finish with no glossy sheen, and instant absorption so it takes seconds to apply.

For more, read our guide to the best face moisturisers

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Bob body wash bar starter kit

£58 at Bob

This refillable applicator and bar set from Bob lets you ditch the plastic bottle of shower gel. The applicator’s bristles help get a real lather going, and the bars themselves leave skin feeling clean and smelling subtly of peppermint and lime for the rest of the day.

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Food and drink

Clear AeroPress

£39.50 at Rounton Coffee From £45.46 at Amazon

An AeroPress is the gateway method to making great coffee at home. Relatively mess-free, simple to clean and a fraction of the size of an espresso machine, I have used one daily for more than 10 years.

For more, read our guide to the best coffee machines for every home and budget

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Folding knife sharpener

£20 at John Lewis £20 at Selfridges

Sharp knives are safe knives – a blunt blade is more likely to slip – and this neat tool from Joseph Joseph has become a great, compact addition to my cutlery drawer. Dull, old knives have been given new life with some swipes on the coarse and fine ceramic sharpening wheels; its non-slip feet mean it feels secure to use.

For more, read our guide on how to look after your kitchen knives

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Frying pan, 28cm

£70 at ProCook

Substitute his scratched non-stick and its microplastic particles for stainless steel. I’ve found this tri-ply frying pan brilliant for steaks, stir-fries, scrambled eggs; its high sides mean it can even work for stews. Plus, it will survive contact with metal implements and over-enthusiastic scrubbing.

For more, read our guide to the best frying pans

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Yep Kitchen Sichuan chilli crisp, 160g

£6 at Ocado £7 at John Lewis

Sichuan peppercorns are something of an acquired taste, but if you’re buying for a fan of the mouth-numbing spice, this chilli crisp lingers on the tongue and lips. Great in stir-fries, dolloped on dumplings or slathered on scrambled eggs, it adds a tingly sensation to any dish.

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Hario cold brew bottle, 550ml

£25 at Origin Coffee

Cold brew isn’t just for summer: this Hario glass brewer is a feature of my fridge long into the depths of winter. The simplicity of brewing is the big draw – stick ground coffee and cold water in before bed and wake to a beautifully balanced cup. Having a batch to hand means it can also be used for cocktails such as carajillo and espresso martini without a coffee machine.

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Wüsthof chef’s knife

£124.78 at Nisbets £126.60 at Amazon

Spending more than £100 on a knife may seem excessive, but this 8in Wüsthof chef’s knife has left the rest of my block firmly in the shade. Its handle has a satisfying weight that keeps you in control, while the blade is remarkably sharp and adept at everything from deboning chicken thighs to finely chopping garlic.

For more, read our guide to the best (and worst) chef’s knives

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Yeti Rambler, 473ml

£28 at Yeti £28 at Amazon

The Rambler is a rock-solid reusable cup from outdoor specialist Yeti, and its cup-holder compatibility makes it ideal for dad’s taxi. For an extra £8, it’s possible to add a personalised message to create a unique gift for your one-of-a-kind.

For more, read our guide to the best travel mugs

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Bruichladdich the classic laddie whisky, 70cl

£38.95 at the Whisky Exchange £34 at Amazon

A contemporary take on a classic, this 10-year-aged single malt scotch is an approachable drop with a sweet nose and warming, biscuity taste that should get the seal of approval from aficionados and newcomers alike.

For more, read our guide to the best whisky

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Bird & Blend tea infuser

£10 at Bird & Blend

This infuser makes brewing a mug of loose leaf tea straightforward. Fill with tea, plonk in a mug, pour over water and hey presto, you’ve got the taste of a teapot without the big clean-up operation and the convenience of a teabag minus the microplastics.

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Stripes mug

£24 at Villa Bologna Pottery

A hot drink instantly tastes better when it’s served in posh crockery, and Villa Bologna’s handmade and handpainted striped number has an artisan feel without the associated price. Dishwasher safe and able to hold 400ml of tea or coffee, it’s a serious upgrade on his faded Sports Direct mug.

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Bombom Korean barbecue sauce, 420g

£6.65 at Ocado £10.09 at Amazon

Whether drenched on tofu, stir-fries and rice, or used as a marinade for chicken or salmon, this Korean soy and garlic barbecue sauce was an instant hit in my household. It’s moreish … so won’t last long.

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Black Lines negroni, 500ml

£28 at Fenwick £26.99 at Selfridges

Negroni’s three ingredients – gin, Campari and vermouth – make it one of the most straightforward cocktails to create, but not all serves are made equal. Black Lines’ premixed concoction is better than most, and means aperitivo hour is only the uncorking of a bottle away.

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Craft beer gift pack

£27.99 at Not On The High Street £27.99 at Amazon

Gluten-free, vegan and carbon-negative, Jiddler’s Tipple craft beer creations are as guilt-free as they come. Its hoppy core range – which is included in this gift set with a vintage shirt pattern-inspired pint glass – all sit under 3.8% ABV too, so are less likely to leave a headache the next morning.

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Rothaus Alkoholfrei pils 0.4%, 8 pack

£22.95 at Beer Hunter

Low-alcohol doesn’t have to be boring, as this Rothaus brew proves. After sampling a pint of the crisp, smooth 0.4% wheat beer in the summer, I was thrilled to find it came in a bottle for sober sipping at home. The flavour profile is perfect for the festive period, but also a welcome treat in warmer weather.

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Forest Feast dark chocolate cashews, 120g

£5.49 at Harts of Stur

Swerve the chocolate orange stocking filler this year for a packet of these Belgian chocolate-covered salted cashews instead. A luxurious taste that perfectly balances the bitterness of dark chocolate with a hit of salt; buy a pack for yourself too, as they won’t be offered around.

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Vina Real Rioja Gran Reserva Especial 2018, 75cl

£28.80 at De Burgh

If your old man knows his way around the wine aisle, then this special rioja is a sure-fire hit. A 2018 vintage that won’t break the bank, it has fruity notes that go well with red meat or manchego. Its ageing potential means it will also be a welcome addition to any burgeoning cellar (if it makes it through the festive period).

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Yum Asia Kumo rice cooker

£84.90 at Amazon

This rice cooker has become an invaluable addition to my kitchen, and a gadget that earns its place on a limited work surface. It’s simple to use – add water and rinsed rice, select the type (white, brown or short grain) – and about 40 minutes later you’re left with fluffy individual grains with no effort. For big families, Yum Asia’s Sakura has a larger capacity and can make up to 16 portions of rice in one go.

For more, read our guide to the best rice cookers

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Fitness/outdoors

Running socks, per pair

£15 at Hoka

A great stocking filler for the parkrun-obsessed pops, these socks from Hoka have a plush, cushioned feel underfoot when pounding the streets. They stay firmly in place even if you pick up the pace courtesy of an anti-slip silicone strip on the ball of the foot.

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Running top

£41 at Sports Direct £54.99 at Nike

A base layer with fashion credentials, this moisture-wicking short-sleeve from Nike subbrand ACG keeps things cool during a run but won’t look out of place when they’re not working out. A slightly thicker front panel keeps the chill off on colder starts while mesh panels at the rear and armpits handle hotspots with ease.

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Crewneck fleece

£110 at Ellis Brigham £110 at Arc’teryx

A fleece for all occasions, this versatile pullover from Arc’teryx has been a brilliant addition to my wardrobe. The organic cotton has a soft touch against bare skin and is great for lazy days around the house. But it’s equally adept when heading out in the cold for a walk or layering as part of a smarter get-up.

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Books

Weeknight Vegetarian by Joe Woodhouse

£23.40 at the Guardian Bookshop £26 at Waterstones

This has become a firm fixture on my cookbook stand, filled with quick fresh recipes that make veg, beans and vegan protein such as tofu sing – from fast-assembly jobs like the WFH-friendly store-cupboard bean salad to the hearty lentil cottage pie that will have him converted from the beef version.

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The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

£16.14 at the Guardian Bookshop £14.45 at Amazon

Elizabeth Strout’s Booker prize-shortlisted novel has a father as its focus and deals with themes inside and outside the home through protagonist Artie Dam’s lens. Funny, sad and at times a real thinker, it’s a refreshing break for anyone caught in the thriller loop.

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London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe

£18.70 at the Guardian Bookshop £11 at Amazon

An engrossing nonfiction read with the mysterious death of a young man as its focal point, Patrick Radden Keefe’s bestseller is a page-turner that sheds light on London’s dark underbelly, complete with lies, deceit and dirty money.

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Clothing

Dressing gown

£65 at Chelsea Peers £65 at John Lewis

Warm and luxurious, the recycled polyester fleece hooded dressing gown from Chelsea Peers belies its price. It’s the first thing I reach for in the morning and has even stayed on deep into the afternoon on those video-call-free work-from-home days.

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Merino wool socks

£28 at Darn Tough From £23.75 at Amazon

Darn Tough is known for its hiking socks, but I feel its lifestyle lineup is a step above any high-street hosiery. Despite their lightweight construction, the cushioning is the sort of support you expect from thicker walking socks, while the merino wool adds warmth in winter without getting sweaty on hotter days.

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Flannel pyjama bottoms

£55 at the White Company

Comfortable in a wide range of temperatures and showing no signs of wear after several washes, these posh pyjama bottoms are worth the expense, and you won’t need to replace them in 12 months.

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Suede slippers

£45 at M&S

Slippers are a Christmas gift staple, but these suede M&S mules are an upgrade on any run-of-the-mill moccasins. The shearling lining gives your feet a cosy cuddle, and an antibacterial treatment keeps them smelling fresh, despite hours of wear.

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Beanie hat

£45 at Finisterre

This soft, stylish beanie from Cornwall-based B Corp Finisterre is minimalist in design and made from merino wool. It keeps the warmth in and the cold at bay without blocking my ears, making it great for ear pod use or staying alert for any impending toddler tantrums.

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Retro T-shirt

£34 at UN:IK

Brewery merch can often be naff, but this collaboration between Guinness and Manchester-based UN:IK is a legitimate addition to any T-shirt drawer. It pairs the Irish stout’s classic posters with a washed-out design and is a great gift for any G-splitting pros.

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Subscriptions and vouchers

Extra virgin olive oil subscription

From £30 every three months at Two Fields

This small-batch extra virgin olive oil subscription is ideal for foodies who want to add punch to a dish – whether it’s salads, pasta or drizzled on Greek yoghurt. Handpicked and cold pressed in Crete, two bottles come directly from the farmers every two or three months, and for £30 a pop it beats supermarket fodder hands down on taste, price and sustainability.

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Workshop Coffee subscription, three months

£48 at Workshop Coffee

For adventurous types who are happy to have their taste buds tested, the Workshop single-origin coffee subscription offers a rotating selection of roasts. Available for filter or espresso brewing and as whole beans or ground for various brewing methods, a new brew arrives through the letterbox each month, and can be as varied as a lightly roasted zesty Ethiopian and a dark and deep Colombian cup.

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National Trust individual membership, one year

£100.80 at National Trust

Although you might have to get creative with your presentation of this gift (time to fire up Canva and dust down the printer), for less than two pints of beer a month (£8.40), you can provide free entry (and parking at most properties) to more than 500 National Trust sites around England, Wales and Northern Ireland (with some access to Scottish sites). Whether it’s interesting family days out, short solo walks around some grounds, or interesting ways to break up a long car journey, this pass will have you covered.

For more, read our guide to the best Christmas gifts for mums, grannies, aunties and friends and the best reusable Christmas decorations

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Christmas shopping can be tough, but the Filter is here to help. We’ve been testing Christmas presents all year to help you find thoughtful, creative and genuinely brilliant gifts for everyone on your list. Browse our other gift guides for hundreds more tried-and-tested ideas, from gifts you can make yourself to toys for every age group.

Explore Christmas gifts

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Charlie Allenby is a health and fitness journalist who also became a parent in 2024, meaning he juggles testing gear around nap times (or combines the two with his trusty running buggy). He has always enjoyed going the extra mile when it comes to sourcing gifts, keeping a phone note that he updates as soon as he has an idea for various loved ones