Actual Dads Told Us What To Get Them For Christmas This Year

We asked them so you don't have to.

Why is it that you can’t step outside without spotting a “dad hat” or a “dad sneaker,” yet when you try to buy a gift for anyone’s actual father, it’s like a 404 error message engulfs the universe.

Amazon, Quince, The Sill

Tired gender norms aside, dads can be hard to shop for, largely because they’re not always great at communicating what they want.

To save you some time this winter season and to hopefully gift the fathers and father figures around you with some items they’ll truly cherish, we asked some of our favorite dads (and the people in close to them) what’s on their wishlists for 2023.

From kitchenwares to home tech to many types of socks, here are gifts for all sorts of dads that dads have actually asked for.

1. A retro-inspired Igloo standing cooler

Igloo

Chris P., husband of HuffPost senior audience editor Abigail Williams and dad to a 2-year-old, is asking for this incredibly cool looking Igloo cooler that comes in a ton of vintage-inspired colors, can stand on its own and has an easy carrying strap.

Promising review: "Retains ice for several hours if not all day. The water in the cooler was still ice cold the next day. The rotating locks on the sides get easier to slide after a little use. I’ve also gotten so many compliments on it and it fits great in the floor board of a golf cart leaving the passenger plenty of leg room." —MaKenzie

Get it from Igloo for $39.99 (available in 10 colors).

2. Nike Killshot 2 sneakers

Nike

Williams' husband is also asking for these low-profile leather Nike sneakers, which are sharp enough to dress up with slacks and a sweater but still casual enough to wear with jeans and a T-shirt.

Promising review: "I love the Nike Killshot 2’s! An absolute classic that has remained simple, understated and versatile! I can wear these to work or lounging around and they suit either purpose just fine. I wear a size 10 in Nike and they fit perfect." —Weekapaw

Get them from Nike for $90 (available in men's sizes 6–15 and seven color combos).

3. A GoPro action camera

Amazon

I am not ashamed to admit I love YouTube reels and watch a ton of Sage Pasch's videos showing her funny and realistic morning and evening routines as a mom of two in her early 20s.

Pasch‘s fiancé — also in his early 20s — frequently appears on camera, so I asked the YouTuber what her partner wants this winter. (He preferred to remain anonymous.) Because the family spends a ton of time outdoors, Pasch said her fiancé wants a waterproof GoPro action camera that he can use to take family videos when they're surfing or swimming.

Promising review: "Excellent camera for any type of action, I use it for diving and the images are sensational." —Rodrigo Pedroso

Get it from Amazon for $199.99 (originally $239.99).

4. A Nakie outdoor hammock

Nakie

Pasch's fiancé is also asking for a Nakie outdoor hammock, which comes with all the tools you need to hang it and can hold close to 500 pounds, so all the kiddos can safely pile on.

Promising review: "Very relaxing color. Easy to install and light to pack. Very happy!" —Anne-Marie

Get it from Nakie for $97.

5. An easy-care houseplant

The Sill

A friend's dad who preferred to remain anonymous is currently taking care of his sick wife and asking for low-maintenance house plants, like this easy-care snake plant that comes in this chic pot from the Sill. If you have a dad that's dealing with a lot right now, he may appreciate having some color and life around him that's easy to take care of.

Get it from The Sill for $68+ (available in three sizes, five colors, and six planter types). 

6. The largest coffee thermos you can find

amazon.com, amazon.com

That same friend said his dad asked for a coffee thermos, but explicitly wants something huge and non-fussy. Bubba cups are a time-honored classic that will hold close to the whole pot of coffee and are nearly impossible to break.

Promising review: "I love this item. I have to drink a lot of water and this keeps the water cold for such a long time, just like desccribed. This is my second one. I also have a tumbler version. You won't be unhappy if you buy this product." —Sharon Fowler

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

7. A Hamilton Beach food processor

amazon.com, amazon.com

Shopping manager editor Emily Ruane's brother-in-law, Matt M., is a dad to a 5- and 2-year-old. This year, he's asking for a Hamilton Beach food processor that was recommended in one of his favorite cookbooks. "My sister has it and loves it,” he added.

Promising review: "Powerful, great at doing its intended job, easy to clean, easy to put together, fantastic all around. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this baby! Best purchase from Amazon this year!" —Tiana

Get it from Amazon for $55.99+ (available in two styles).

8. Banana Repubic's athletic tapered pants

Banana Republic

Ruane’s brother-in-law also recommends gifting the athletic tapered pants from Banana Republic. "[They're] thicker than slacks and can go formal or casual," he said, adding that a pair usually lasts him two years.

Get them from Banana Republic for $54.99+ (available in sizes 28W–42W and 12 colors).

9. A Google Nest

Target

My dear friend Clark and his father are both into cooking and current events. Clark, who's in his early 30s, recently gifted his dad a Google Nest so he can watch the news as he's making dinner. It's a user-friendly home tech item that doesn't totally break the bank and could be great for other news lovers or multitaskers.

Promising review: "We bought this as a gift. We have one of our own in the kitchen it’s very convenient as a hands-free device. Very easy to use and I would definitely recommend." —Vbest

Get it from $59.99 (available in four colors).

10. A cashmere sweater

J. Crew

It wouldn't be a dad gift guide if there wasn't a mention of a nice new sweater. No less than six of my friends said their dads ask for sweaters every winter, with one saying, "Dads are bad at buying their own." HuffPost senior shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe's dad Fernando Uribe runs cold, and this year (like every other year) is asking for a nice cashmere sweater like this one from J.Crew.

Promising review: "I have five of these bad boys and I love them so much. So soft and comfortable and the colors are all great. If you love cashmere, this is a staple!" —Nathan

Get it from J. Crew for $138 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 15 colors).

11. Cashmere socks

Quince

Uribe's dad is also asking for cashmere socks to keep his feet warm this winter. They're a little more indulgent that a basic crew sock and can make for a great present.

Promising review: "I absolutely love these socks. They are so soft. Quality is great. I will definitely purchase more for myself as well as gifts." —Quince 

Get them from Quince for $29.90+ (available in two sizes and six colors).

12. A timeless L.L. Bean sweater

L L Bean, L. L. Bean

Of course, my own dad, the king of New England, goes for 100% wool sweaters, mainly from L.L. Bean. They're great for skiing or other winter sports, as they're still warm even if they get wet.

Promising review: "A Navy L.L. Bean Norwegian Crewneck has been a constant companion for almost 50 years. I've had several over the decades because they've either been lost, stolen, or needed to be replaced due to a weight change, but none have worn out. Wool is a wonderful fiber. Wool retains its insulating properties better than other fibers when damp, is durable, retains its shape, and is biodegradable. My sweater is actually a women's large because the men's medium was out of stock for quite a while with no forecast availability date. It will probably outlive me, but it will be replaced immediately if it ever "disappears." My policy is to never be without a Navy L.L. Bean Norwegian Crewneck sweater." —GranolaPrep

Get it from L. L. Bean for $189 (available in sizes S–XXXL and two colors).

13. Or under-layers for winter sports

L.L. Bean, L. L. Bean

Speaking of skiing, my dad also asked for new turtlenecks to wear as a base layer. He is partial to the L.L. Bean "unshrinkable" long sleeves that keep their shape over time and last for years.

Promising review: "These are great shirts for winter, almost a uniform for me in the pacific northwest. They live up to their name "unshrinkable". It's unexplainably hard to find a mens' mock turtleneck these days. Thank goodness there is LL Bean! My only suggestion would be more colors!" —Jack PDX

Get it from L. L. Bean for $39.95 (available in sizes S–XXXL and six colors).

14. A cashmere Henley

Quince

Another go-to dad item? A Henley. Uribe's brother Juan Uribe — a brand-new dad — is asking for this super chic cashmere Henely from Quince. It's an elevated take on a beloved, casual silhouette and will pair well with jeans or slacks.

Promising review: "Amazing fit, love the fabric. Thick but breathable, cozy. Would recommend!" —R

Get it from Quince for $89.90 (available in sizes S–XXL and three colors).

15. Durable workwear

amazon.com

Shopping writer Tessa Flores says her unbelievably cool dad, Eliazar Flores, is asking for Carhartt relaxed-fit duck cotton overalls with elastic suspenders for the second year in a row. "I like how durable they are and that I don't have to wear a belt with them like I do with regular pants," he previously told HuffPost.

If your dad spends a lot of time working outdoors or just likes the workwear style, he'll get a lot of use out of these versatile overalls.

Promising review: "I was worried about how wide the legs are. But they’re good. I roll mine up two cuffs and they look great. The 28 inseam fits like 30. And 34 waist fits like 36. They fit loose but good. The buckles on straps are difficult to get used to. But muscle memory kicks in in a couple of wears. Very sturdy well made and tough. (I climbed a tree no snags) love them. They are heavier than what I expected. But still OK to wear with casual outfits." —Keley & Hugo

Get them from Amazon for $70.50+ (available in sizes 28W x 32L–54W x 34L and four colors).

16. A pickleball starter kit

amazon.com, amazon.com

My friend Rosie Carlson's father is adding more activity into his life and wants to get started with pickleball lessons. Surely he'll need a set of paddles and some other starter equipment to get into the game.

Promising review: "I really like these paddles and they are holding up really well. I bought them as a pair with a carrying case and have only used one of them. The other has never been played with and still has the shrink wrap on the handle. After three months of fairly steady play and one tournament, there is barely any wear on it as you can see in the photo. This was a great buy for me." —MTB

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in seven styles).

17. A Tommy Bahama Henley

Nordstrom

Once again, my dad goes full New England icon in asking for "quality clothing without logos or very small logos." He asked for Henleys and statistically has enjoyed clothes from Tommy Bahama, a brand that seems to moving away from floral button-ups and more into high-quality basics. If you too have a low-key dad who likes things that last for years and aren't flashy, I'd recommend peeping this brand.

Get it from Nordstrom for $99.50 (available in sizes S–XXL).

18. Merch from a cause you (or he) supports

Bonfire

My dad really melted my heart when he said he'd love some merch from Savage Sisters, the harm reduction organization that I volunteer with or general "gear that supports good causes.” It's kind of the adult version of gifting a project from art class, where your dad can be proud of you and feel included. I love this shirt supporting the Fort Greene Community Fridge and also love how easy it is to find great merch that supports good causes on Bonfire.

Get it from Bonfire for $28.49 (available in unisex sizes XS—3XL and three colors).

19. A Carhartt pocket tee

Amazon

Ruane's husband Chris Grosso, a father of two little girls, always asks for the classic Carhartt pocket tee, a closet staple for over a decade. "His shirts get more wear and tear these days, cooking for and taking care of two little kids, so I think he'll be delighted to unwrap a few new ones," she said.

Promising review: "I have purchased several of these Carhartt heavyweight pocket T shirts over 4–5 years. They are high quality and very durable. I have had no issues putting them in the washer (delicate) and in the dryer. The XL Tall is a perfect fit for me. These are my 'shirt of choice' for everyday wear." —UhFordBoy

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in sizes XS–3XL and seven colors).

20. Bombas socks

Bombas

Another classic dad gift with many options: socks. Williams’ husband is asking for Bombas socks made from moisture-wicking merino wool that naturally regulates temperature and keeps feet from getting funky.

Get them from Bombas for $76 (available in three sizes and seven colors).

21. Low-rise socks

amazon.com

My dad asked for lower-rise socks he can wear with sneakers or running shoes when he's on the go. If your dad is also a Virgo king who organizes his grocery lists by what aisle things are in, he also may love an uber-practical present like this one.

Promising review: "These socks do exactly what you'd think! They go on your feet and stay there until you take them off. If I could give 10 stars, I totally would." —JAB

Get them from Amazon for $15 (available in two colors).

22. A good book (or a gift card to a local bookstore)

Bookshop

My dad — as well as many of my friends' dads — are asking for "good books," which means something different to everyone. If you've got a music-loving dad that's into oral history, he'd probably love Jonathan Abrams' 2022 release on the origin of hip-hop. But you can never go wrong with a Bookshop gift card that lets them shop online while supporting local bookstores.

Get it from Bookshop for $32.55 or check out Bookshop's gift cards.

23. A fun spin on a classic

Blundstone

Ruane's friend Mary Guerin knows her husband Mike, a dad to two school-age kids, wants a new pair of everyday boots. In searching for something classic but with an unexpected element, she found and loves these red elastic Blundstone boots (which I also own) that are durable and sporty while still being fun.

Promising review: "Totally comfortable from day one - and warm, too. Love the red inset!" —Ellen S.

Get them from Blundstone for $229.99 (available in sizes 4–14 and eight colors).

24. Vuori performance joggers

Vuori

Guerin also cited Vuori as a favorite brand for athleisure. We found these bestselling under-$100 joggers that offer a moisture-wicking four-way stretch fabric crafted from recycled polyester. Over 8,000 reviewers have awarded these comfy pants a 4.8-star rating.

Promising review: "So comfortable and attractive. I can wear them anywhere and anytime." —Mike L.

Get them Vuori for $98 (available in S—XXL and eight colors).

25. A waffle-knit beanie from a hometown coffee brand

Intelligentsia

As a former resident of Chicago, Guerin has his eye on this stylish waffle-knit beanie from a beloved third-wave roaster and retailer that got its start in the Windy City.

Get it from Intelligentsia for $30.

26. A gift card for online or in-person framing

Framebridge

A genius suggestion that we’re totally stealing for everyone on our lists this year, Guerin also asked for a gift card to Framebridge, a startup that specializes in both mail-order and in-person framing. (There are a number of locations throughout major cities on the Eastern seaboard.) The brand’s website is overflowing with inspiration, and they also offer design services.

Get it from Framebridge starting at $25+. 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.