30 Father’s Day Gifts for Healthier, Happier Dads, Handpicked and Tested by Our Editors

30 Father’s Day Gifts for Healthier, Happier Dads, Hand-Picked and Tested by Our Editors

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If you can’t think of a Mother’s Day gift, you can usually fall back on more traditional gifts like flowers and brunch, but Father's Day has no such backup plan. Some dads (most?) are notoriously hard to shop for, especially if they’re the type who takes pleasure in researching and choosing their own gear.

With this guide, we’re hoping to make your Father’s Day gift-buying a little easier. We gathered all of our favorite health- and wellness-focused gifts that our editors and writers have tested. In some cases, we even had the men in our lives test them too. Below, find the best shoes, gym gear, skin care, kitchen gadgets, massage guns, and more dad-friendly products we’ll be buying for our own dads, husbands, and all the other father figures in our lives.

Apparel

Apparel gifts for father's day
Smartwool ankle run socks

For the Runner

Smartwool Run Ankle Socks

Wool socks are actually great for all seasons because of how they wick moisture and are more durable than cotton. These are also thin enough that they won’t overheat his feet, while still being nicely cushioned in key areas for maximum comfort. Editor Olivia Campbell tested a pair and liked how thin they were, praising their quick-drying ability and that they didn’t cause her blisters.

Johnnie-O performance polo

For the Golfer

Johnnie-O Performance Featherweight Polo

Rather than giving him an ordinary polo, we recommend this performance polo made of lighter, moisture-wicking jersey that’s also rated UPF 50+ (the highest ultraviolet protection factor available). Writer Raki Swanson says it’s so soft, it’s “almost like you aren't wearing it at all!” The polo comes in 13 different colors, so you’re sure to find one suited for the golfer dad in your life.

Reebok walk ultra 7 max

For the Walker

Reebok Men's Walk Ultra 7 DMX Max Shoes

“I loved the support of this shoe,” writer Zak Slavik said of these Reeboks, which are designed specifically for walking. “These felt fantastic during walking, you could feel the extra cushion with each step, even going up stairs at a brisk pace.” They come in extra-wide sizing, and Slavik recommended sizing down for a better fit.

Hoka hiking boots

For the Hiker

Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Hiking Shoe

Provided you know his shoe size and preferences, giving the trekker you love a new pair of Gore-Tex hiking shoes is an excellent way to encourage his healthy hobby. These Hokas have a lot of grip, are partially made from recycled materials, and sugar cane. They also have the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. “This is a very high-quality shoe that didn't disappoint,” said writer Steven Rowe.

Patagonia Men's tropic comfort long sleeve hooded shirt

For the Dad Who Forgets Sunscreen

Patagonia Men's Tropic Comfort Natural Sun Hoody

Remembering to reapply sunscreen all the time is a pain, and many of the men in my life often forget to do it. With a sun protection hoodie like this, at least they’ll have less skin to worry about. Writer Grace Gallagher tested the women’s version of this shirt and loved how soft the fabric was (it’s a modal and spandex blend), and that it has a UPF of 40+.

Fitness Gear

Fitness gear gifts for Father's Day
WeGym Soft Kettlebells

For the Dad Who Likes to Swing His Weight Around

WeGym Soft Kettlebells

Having your own set of weights at home is all well and good until you accidentally slam one on the ground and dent the floor or wake up the baby. These kettlebells solve that problem with their inflatable base. “The soft shell base doesn't harm my wood floors, and the non-slip handle is comfortable and helps me keep a safe grip on it,” said Lili Ladaga after testing a set.

GoRuck ruck plate carrier

For the Dad Training to Carry the World on His Shoulders

Goruck Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0

There are weighted vests that just add a little something extra to your walk, and then there’s this weighted vest, which we recently deemed best for those who want to make their workouts next-level intense. He can change out the weight plates as he gets stronger, going up to 30 pounds with the standard vest or 45 pounds with the long version.

waist belt for smart phone

For the Dad Who Relies on His Playlist

Amphipod SmartView Waistpack

“I forgot it was there after the first minute or two,” writer Kara Wahlgren said of this running belt, adding that it didn’t bounce the way others she’s tried have. The great thing is that in addition to seeing everything on his phone through the clear window, he can also use the touchscreen without having to unzip it.

Nite Ize Squeeze rotating smartphone bar mount

For the Cyclist Who Roams Far and Wide

Nite Ize Squeeze Rotating Smartphone Bar Mount

Remember when we used to have to get out our giant maps to find the best bike route? Well, a dad in your life does, and that will (or should) make him grateful for the way this phone mount lets him navigate routes on his screen without having to look away from traffic (safety first). I’ve been using this mount for a couple of months, and I can’t believe I rode for so long without it. Now I can glance down at the map without stopping, and when I’m doing my usual park route, I can change up my playlist, never worrying that my phone will fall and shatter onto the street.
Watershed Chattooga Dry Duffel

For the Boat Dad

Watershed Chattooga Dry Duffel

Whether he likes rowing a canoe on the lake or fishing on the high seas, he’s sure to want all his valuables kept dry. This duffel bag is 100 percent waterproof and has six lashing points to attach it to the boat or other equipment. “This [bag] is so giant, I can put a large backpack inside,” said writer Ysolt Usigan, reporting that all her belongings stayed dry in it, and it’s easy to open.

Joola Perseus pickleball paddle

For the New Pickleball Convert

Joola Perseus Heat Vision Pickleball Paddle

A good racket can make a huge difference in his game. “My accuracy and control went up triple-fold in one session with that paddle,” said writer Kimberly Dawn Newman after testing the Joola Perseus Heat Vision. It has an “excellent sweet spot and control,” she added, and it’s suitable for beginners through advanced pickleball players.

French Fitness medicine ball rebounder

For the Dad Who Likes New Workouts

French Fitness MBR500 Medicine Ball Rebounder

Just lifting the same old weights gets boring for many of us; a fitness-focused dad might enjoy building muscles by tossing a medicine ball at this rebounder instead. “I've had a blast using this,” said editor Katrina Cossey. “I can really feel the rebounder pushing the medicine ball back to me and my arms [are] getting a good workout.”

Hair and Skin Care

Hair and skin care gifts for Father's Day
Laduora duo scalp hair care kit

For the Dad Who’s Thinking About His Hairline

Laduora Duo 4-in-1 Pod-Based Scalp & Hair Care Device

Laduora packed a lot of functions into this device: It provides red-light therapy, microcurrent stimulation, and massage for your scalp while also delivering serums from one of three available “pods.” There’s a pod for flaky and itchy scalps, one for thinning or slow-growing hair, and one for dry and damaged hair. “I love the scalp massage,” raved writer Jen Sinclair, who said her hair appeared fuller after using it.

Harry's Original shave kit

For the Traveling Dad Who Likes a Simple Shave

Harry's Original Shave Travel Kits

My husband has tried just about every kind of fancy and budget razor out there in his pursuit of the best way to shave. He even went for a scary-looking old-fashioned “safety” razor for a while. After all that, he’s come back to Harry’s razors, with solid, ergonomic handles and disposable five-blade razors. The company also has a very convenient and inexpensive subscription model. As a gift, we recommend this travel kit, which includes a chrome-handled razor, a blade cover, a travel-friendly bottle of shaving gel, and an attractive water-resistant bag.
Marlowe Face moisutrizer

For the Low-Maintenance Dad

Marlowe No. 123 Facial Moisturizer for Men

This is a no-fuss face moisturizer that feels light and not greasy while still protecting the skin’s barrier with green tea extract, aloe, and passion flower extract. “It has a pleasant scent, is easy to apply, and made my skin feel less dry after a few applications,” writer and dietitian Sarah Glinski said.

Leaf People Men's Mini essential skincare kit

For the Skin-Care-Curious Dad

Leaf People Mini Essentials Men’s Skin Care Kit

Even if the dad in your life doesn’t buy a ton of skin-care products for himself, he might really enjoy using them. This three-step mini set smells so good, with an amber and lemongrass exfoliating face wash, a sandalwood and ginseng balancing toner, and a green tea and hyaluronic acid face cream. Just don’t buy this for someone with really sensitive skin, as it may cause a reaction.
Le Labo basil shampoo

For the Dad Who Likes to Smell Great

Le Labo Basil Shampoo

If he’s not into wearing cologne but still wants to smell good, consider getting him this shampoo, which we named the Best Fragrance in our list of shampoos for men. Campbell’s husband and teenage son both tested this shampoo, and she said it made her “feel like I was living in a spa.”

Jack Black lip balm

For the Kissable Dad

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Healthy soft lips don’t just need moisture; they need protection from UV rays, just like the rest of his skin.

 Writer Julia Childs Heyl said this lip balm is so thick, it’s almost solid, providing a great moisture barrier that lasts. Plus, it’s gender-neutral-looking, which some guys appreciate.

Kitchen Gear

Kitchen gear gifts for Father's Day
Smithey cast iron skillet

For the Brunch Master

Smithey No. 14 Skillet

This is the kind of iron skillet he can pass down to his kids, if they turn out to be chefs, too. Unlike most iron skillets, this model has a machine-polished interior (though it will still need seasoning) and a pleasing copper color. The 14-inch model is big, so if he won’t be cooking for crowds, you can size down to the No. 12. “I find the polished interior to be extremely useful in preventing food from sticking,” said editor Katie Tuttle.

Espro french press p7

For the Coffee Connoisseut

Espro P7 Coffee French Press

With a double mesh filter, a double silicone seal, and an insulated stainless steel body, this French Press makes coffee with less grit that stays hot longer and doesn’t get over-brewed. “The design is sleek and very attractive to keep on your countertop,” said Swanson.
Ninja woodfire outdoor pizza oven

For the Pizza Snob

Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven

If he won’t accept anything but the best wood-fired pizza, maybe it’s time he learns to make it himself? This outdoor oven uses wood pellets to reach up to 700 degrees, and can cook other foods too. “It's not overly large, which is nice when you don't have a ton of patio space,” said editor Ashley Ziegler, who’s planning on cooking ribs in it next. “It also makes pizzas quickly and easily.”

Paudin chef's knife set

For the Slice and Dicer Ready for an Upgrade

Paudin 7-Piece Chef Knife Set

Sometimes you don’t even know you need a new knife set until after you use a new knife set, which is what happened when writer Sarah Stankorb tested these carbon stainless steel knives. “There are so many items that I hadn't realized were a struggle with our old knives,” she said. “These can slice through anything.”

Caraway wood cutting board set

For a Safe Place to Play With Those Knives

Caraway Cutting Board Set

Wooden cutting boards can get gross and retain the taste of old food if you don’t maintain them properly. Get him a high-end replacement set of three along with a handy stand. “These boards not only cut cleanly but also don't stain like other wood cutting boards,” said writer and dietitian Brittany Scanniello.

Weber Q series grill

For the Grill Master on the Move

Weber Q 1200 Portable Table Top Propane Grill

Why confine those finely honed grilling skills to his own backyard when he could be taking that show on the road? This portable liquid propane grill lets him grill in a nearby park, a far-off campground, or anywhere in between. “While being portable, it still didn't feel cheaply made,” said writer Catherine Brown, who has used it on her porch and at the beach. “The griddle is cast iron, and I loved how it is in two parts, making it super easy to clean off in any normal kitchen sink.”

Sleep and Relaxation

Sleep and relaxation gifts for Father's Day
Sijo Flexcool memory foam pillow

For the Hot-Sleeper

Sijo FlexCool Memory Foam Pillow

Shredded memory foam is another great invention for the sleep- and neck-pain-challenged. He can remove or add handfuls of the stuff to get it to just the right height and firmness. And despite memory foam being a notorious heat trapper, this pillow has a special cover to help keep it cool. “It's icy cold, but it feels almost like a Supima cotton — just very soft and luxe,” Wahlgren said after testing this.
Homedics Wake band

For the Reluctant Early Riser

Homedics Wakeband Silent Alarm Band

While you can wear a smartwatch to bed for a quiet buzzing alarm that won’t wake your partner, that means leaving that watch uncharged. Also, some find those bulky things uncomfortable to sleep in. Get the dad in your life this sleeker solution that’s just for waking up. It’s a simple woven fabric band with a vibrating device that doesn’t have a screen or light that will accidentally wake someone in the middle of the night. He can set the alarm with the associated app and rest easy until a gentle vibration goes off at the right time.
Coop airjustable travel neck pillow

For the Frequent Flyer

Coop AirJustable Travel Neck Pillow

Now that we’ve admitted that those flat U-shaped travel pillows are useless, everyone’s coming up with new configurations that will actually let you sleep upright on a plane, train, or car. The dad in your life who’s always up in the air can inflate this pillow to his desired size, and position it just right for the direction he’d like —side, front, or back. “It doesn't feel like it's choking me like the wraparound neck pillows,” said Campbell.
ENO Doublenest Hammock

For the Backyard Napper

ENO Double Nest Hammock

What’s better than reading or taking a nap in a gently swaying hammock? Doing it with your kiddo cuddled up next to you. This hammock has enough room for such dreamy scenarios (though he may end up swinging more than sleeping, when an active kid is involved). “You can just tell from the start that it is high quality and going to last for a while,” said editorial director Simone Scully. “It also collapses down very small, which is great for bringing on trips or camping.” I can attest to the quality, too, as I’ve had my own for more than 10 years.

Nekteck shiatsu neck massager

For the Dad Who Needs to Shrug It Off

NekTeck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

Dads who find themselves hunched over phones and computers, as well as those who do physical labor for work, could probably use a way to relieve their neck and back pain. This inexpensive massager plugs into the wall or car and has a heat mode. Editor and testing manager Sophia DeVito liked how intensely it worked her muscles, saying it “actually made my neck feel better and less stiff.” She’s thinking about buying one for her dad, too.

Therabody Theragun sense massager

For the Dad Who Works Out a Little Too Hard

Theragun Sense by Therabody

Theragun is the most trusted name in massage guns because its products are durable, hold a charge for a really long time, and have a handle that makes them more comfortable to use. They also deliver a really powerful massage. The bonus with the Theragun Sense is an LCD screen that helps guide users through their massage. “I like the simplicity of this Therabody massager,” said Cossey, who used it to ease her plantar fasciitis.

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Sabrina Rojas Weiss

Sabrina Rojas Weiss

Author

Sabrina Rojas Weiss has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years, 12 of which she's spent in the health and parenting space. Her work has appeared in Parents, Verywell, Yaho...

Olivia Campbell

Tester

Olivia Campbell is the New York Times bestselling author of Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine and Sisters in Science: How Four Women P...

Raki Swanson

Tester

Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, ...

Steven Rowe

Steven Rowe

Tester

Steven Rowe is a New York City–based writer and editor with over six years of experience writing about mental health, men's health, parenting, and products.

His work has been publis...

Zak Slavik

Zak Slavik

Tester

Zak Slavik is a fitness and sports product tester and writer for Everyday Health.

Originally from Chicago, Slavik has lived the majority of his life in Colorado and has been a compe...

Grace Gallagher

Tester

Grace Gallagher is a writer with nearly a decade of experience writing about health and wellness, focusing on hair, sexual wellness, pregnancy, and parenting. She also works full-t...

Kara Wahlgren

Tester
Kara Wahlgren is a New Jersey-based health and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in Prevention, Good Housekeeping, Seventeen, Beachbody On Demand, Woman's World, and more. W...
Ysolt Usigan

Ysolt Usigan

Tester

Ysolt Usigan is a veteran writer, editor, and commerce journalist with more than a decade of experience creating lifestyle, health, wellness, and shopping content for brands includ...

Lili Ladaga

Lili Ladaga

Tester
Lili Ladaga is a freelance editor on the Marketplace Team at Everyday Health.
Katrina Cossey

Katrina Cossey

Tester

Katrina Cossey is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience in broadcast and service journalism. Over her career, she’s covered topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, new...

Kimberly Dawn Neumann

Tester

Kimberly Dawn Neumann is a NYC-based magazine and book writer whose work has appeared in a wide variety of publications including Forbes Health, Forbes Home, Women’s Health, Health...

Sarah Glinksi

Sarah Glinski, RD

Tester

Sarah is a registered dietitian and accomplished health and nutrition writer known for her expertise in crafting engaging content. She received dual bachelor’s degrees in nutrition...

Jen Sinclair

Tester

Jen Sinclair Is a freelance health and wellness writer who has spent the last two years writing feature articles and reviews of mental health and medical services and products. Her...

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW

Tester

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a California-based clinical social worker and mental health writer. Her writing often focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory ...

Sarah Stankorb

Tester

Sarah Stankorb is a freelance health writer who specializes in writing about women's health, rare diseases, and healthcare.

For years she reported for Cincinnati Children's Research...

Brittany Scanniello, RD

Tester

Brittany Scanniello is a freelance writer, registered dietitian-nutritionist, and owner of Eat Simply Nutrition, a Colorado-based integrative nutrition company and private practice...

Katie Tuttle

Tester

Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She h...

Catherine Brown

Tester

Catherine began a career based on health while working at an orthodontist's office, then became a certified yoga and meditation teacher, but soon recognized a call to follow a path...

Ashley Ziegler

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites inc...

Simone Scully

Tester

Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science ...

Sophia DeVito

Sophia DeVito

Tester

Sophia DeVito is a New York–based freelance writer and communications professional with a passion for health, wellness, beauty, and lifestyle editorial content, complemented by han...

Ally Hirschlag

Ally Hirschlag

Editor

Ally Hirschlag is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience editing and writing health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, and science content. Her work has appeared in...

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Carneiro Ortiz R et al. Possible role of ALDH1 and CD44 in lip carcinogenesis. Journal of Applied Oral Science: Revista FOB. December 22, 2023.