Best Gifts for Dads in 2026
As a new(ish) father and someone who reviews products for a living, I understand the challenge of finding the perfect gift for a dad. I’m not alone in this struggle; many of my friends struggle to find the right gift for their dad, often resorting to brainstorming in group chats.
Fear not, I’m here to help make gifting a bit easier this year. Below are some of the best gifts for the dad or father figure in your life, including travel gadgets, dad-approved apparel, and best-in-class earbuds. I’ve personally gifted a few of these to my dad, with great results.
The Best Power Bank
The 34 Best Gifts for Dads (2026) begins with a power bank that is both essential and stylish. The best power bank for dad is the one that’s small enough to pack in any bag and light enough that you barely notice it. It’s the built-in, retractable USB-C cord that does it for you—it’s there when you need it, and out of the way when you don’t. Plus, it has an extra USB-A and USB-C port built in, so you can charge multiple devices at once if you want.
The Apple AirTag: A Must-Have
The Apple AirTag is a must-have for any dad. It’s the epitome of useful and practical, with the ability to track keys, luggage, and backpacks. It’s not the most exciting gift, but it’s one that can save you from the hassle of looking for something. The version I linked above also has improved battery life, a wireless charging case, and volume-swipe controls on each earbud stem.
The Best Aluminum Carry-On Suitcase
The best aluminum carry-on suitcase is sleek and durable, with a shell that just looks better with little dents and dings. It’s technically made for rucking, but it can do basically anything you throw at it, travel included. This Huckberry version omits the exterior MOLLE webbing, giving it a sleeker look. You can read more in Gilbertson’s full GoRuck GR1 review.
The Reusable Water Bottle
I’ve become a camera person since becoming a dad, with a growing collection that’s frankly getting a little out of hand. The Owala FreeSip has been my favorite for years, usurping my Hydro Flask and S’well for water bottle supremacy. Plus it comes in literally dozens of colors—there’s definitely one he’ll love.
The Best Digital Pen
The best digital pen is the Montblanc Digital Paper. It has one of the best digital pens money can buy, and despite its small size, it has ample pads and dials, a built-in microphone and line input for audio recording, 64GB of internal memory, and 999 sample slots.
The Portable Party Speaker
The portable party speaker is one of the loudest and most durable I’ve tested. It’s got a clean, understated, loudspeaker-slash-rock-concert look that’s a far cry from the light-show techno vibes of most portable party speakers. It’s very durable, with large silicone balls on each corner for impact protection. Plus, it has a swappable battery.
The Best Business Travel Over-Ear Headphones
The best business traveler over-ear headphones are the latest Bose. They are some of the most comfortable over-ear headphones you can get, with dang good noise-canceling too. If Dad loves his music, podcasts, and TV shows, no matter where he is, these will be a trusty companion for his next adventure, whether that’s on the couch or on his next long-haul flight.
The Portable Sampler and Sequencer
The portable sampler and sequencer is a must-have for Dad who loves to make music. This one from Teenage Engineering is one of the brand's portable samplers, sequencers, and composers that Dad can make music on, wherever he is.
The Minimalist Turntable
The minimalist turntable is a must-have for Dad who cares about how a turntable looks. This one from Flaunce is a minimal faux wood model that looks elegant on a shelf or table, but lets the vinyl take center stage.
The Softest Tee
The softest tee is the one that’s absolutely the softest. This one from Teenage Engineering is the softest tee I own, with a fabric that never bothered my sensitive skin. It’s athletic without being too slim-fitting, stretchy without feeling cheap, and a great do-everything (or do nothing on the couch) tee for anyone, not just Dad.
The Versatile Pants
The versatile pants are the ones that are very lightweight and have a reasonably athletic fit. They are water-repellent and have a durable ripstop polyester waist that Dad can adjust with an adjustable drawstring.
The Great Running Shoes
The great running shoes are the ones that are neutral support and plenty of cushion. The Brooks Ghost is a great running shoe for Dad, with dozens of miles of walking and running this year. They are comfortable and reliable.
The Breathable Run Shirt
The breathable run shirt is the one that’s breathable enough for a serious run, but looks normal enough to go to the cafe afterward. It’s made from 100 percent polyester—no nylon or spandex to be found here, which means it dries fast and absorbs very little water, in my experience.
The Perfect Office Shoes
The perfect office shoes are the ones that are buttery smooth leather alone is worth a small splurge. They have a mercifully wider toe box than most loafers tried, and they’re versatile enough to complement both Levi’s and formal slacks. They’re the platonic ideal of office footwear.
The Speedmaster Collection
The Speedmaster Collection is the new watch that Jeremy White is very into. They are “mini Moonwatch” and go so far as to call them “mini Moonwatch.