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The best gifts for dads are the ones that end up in the truck, the garage or the morning routine instead of the back of a closet. For this holiday guide we skipped novelty mugs and focused on things he will actually use: practical tools, grilling and fire pit gear, coffee and beer clubs, car and backup-power gear, and a few comfort upgrades. We compared expert reviews, specs and owner feedback, and we leaned on the trades background of our team for the tool picks.
Part of our Gift Guides.
Our top gift picks at a glance
- DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCD800 drill kit: best tool upgrade
- Klein Tools CL800 clamp meter: best for the HVAC or electrical dad
- Leatherman Wave+: best everyday-carry tool
- Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0: best backyard gift
- Amazing Clubs Coffee of the Month Club: best gift that keeps arriving
- ALLPOWERS P1800 power station: best for outages and camping
- Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie (A18): best stocking stuffer
Price tiers used below: $ = under $25, $$ = $25–50, $$$ = $50–100, $$$$ = over $100. Tiers reflect typical prices when we checked; prices change often, especially around Black Friday, so confirm at checkout.
Tools and garage gifts
A good tool gift fills a gap in what he already owns. If he is loyal to one battery platform, stay with it, since bare tools are cheaper once he has batteries. For deeper comparisons, see our guides to the best cordless drills, impact drivers and miter saws.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill/Driver Kit (DCD800) — best tool upgrade
$$$$ · If dad is still using an old brushed drill with tired batteries, this compact brushless model is a real step up. DEWALT lists a 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck, two speed ranges (up to 2,000 rpm) and a three-mode LED, and the head is about half an inch shorter than the older DCD791, which helps between joists and inside cabinets. The two-battery kit (DCD800D2) comes with a charger and bag.
Caveat: it is a drill, not a hammer drill, so it is not the right tool for regular masonry work. If he already owns DEWALT 20V batteries, the cheaper tool-only version makes more sense.
Klein Tools CL800 Clamp Meter — best for the HVAC or electrical dad
$$$$ · For the dad who works on furnaces, condensers or his own panel, a true-RMS clamp meter is a tool he will reach for constantly. The CL800 measures up to 600 A and 1000 V, has a low-impedance mode to cut down on ghost voltage readings, carries a CAT IV rating and includes a thermocouple probe for temperature checks. Reviewers describe it as accurate and easy to read.
Caveat: it costs more than basic homeowner meters, and casual DIYers may never use half its functions. Our guide to the best clamp meters for HVAC covers cheaper and more advanced options.
Topdon TC002C Duo Thermal Camera — best gadget for finding drafts
$$$$ · This small thermal camera plugs into a USB-C iPhone, Android phone or Windows PC and shows heat as a color image, so he can find drafty windows, missing insulation, leaky ducts and warm breakers. It uses a 256 x 192 sensor with a 25 Hz refresh, which reviewers consider very good for a phone attachment at this price.
Caveat: it ties up the phone while in use, and owners mention app quirks. See our thermal imaging camera guide for handheld alternatives.
Leatherman Wave+ — best everyday-carry tool
$$$$ · The Wave+ has been a go-to multitool for years because it covers so many small jobs: pliers, wire cutters, two outside-accessible blades, a saw, a file and a bit driver, 18 tools in all. Outdoor Gear Lab praises its build quality and locking tools, and it fits a belt sheath or glovebox.
Caveat: the bit driver uses Leatherman’s flat proprietary bits rather than standard 1/4-inch hex bits, and a pocket clip is not included.
Milwaukee Fastback Folding Utility Knife — best small tool he will use daily
$ · A utility knife is the tool that gets borrowed and lost, so a good one makes an easy stocking stuffer. The Fastback opens one-handed with a press-and-flip action, stores spare blades in the handle and adds a wire stripping notch and belt clip.
Caveat: it is a simple knife; if he already has a favorite, a pack of quality replacement blades may be the better gift.
Klein Tools 11-in-1 Screwdriver/Nut Driver (32500) — best under-$25 tool
$ · This is one of the most common screwdrivers in trade tool bags for good reason. One handle covers Phillips, slotted, square and Torx bits plus 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8-inch nut drivers, which handles everything from outlet covers to furnace panels and hose clamps. Toolbox Buzz liked the cushioned grip and how securely the bits seat.
Caveat: the bits are short, so it will not reach screws deep inside recessed holes.
Also worth a look for the garage: our guides to cordless combo kits and rolling tool chests.
Outdoors and grilling gifts
For the dad who lives at the grill or around the fire, accessories are a safer bet than a new cooker unless you know exactly what he wants. If a full grill is on the list, start with our gas grill, pellet grill and smoker guides.
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 — best backyard gift
$$$$ · The Bonfire 2.0 is a stainless steel fire pit built to burn with much less smoke than an open ring. Outdoor Gear Lab rated it among the best at controlling smoke even with less-than-ideal wood, and it has a removable ash pan for easier cleanup. It is about 19.5 inches wide, so it suits a patio or smaller backyard.
Caveat: it is pricey, it throws less heat outward than reviewers wanted, and it needs a stand on a wood deck. Compare options in our smokeless fire pit guide.
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE — best grilling tool upgrade
$$$$ · A fast, accurate instant-read thermometer is the single tool that most improves grilling results. The Thermapen ONE reads in about one second, has a backlit display that rotates automatically, is IP67 water resistant and carries a five-year warranty, according to TechRadar’s review.
Caveat: it is expensive for a thermometer. For leave-in probes, read our MEATER Pro vs Combustion comparison.
YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler — best everyday gift
$$ · Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps coffee hot on a cold job site or drinks cold by the grill, and the magnetic MagSlider lid is easy to open with one hand. It is dishwasher safe and comes in plenty of colors.
Caveat: the slider lid is splash resistant, not leakproof, so it should ride upright in a cup holder.
Coffee and beer gifts
Subscription clubs are a smart choice for dads who already own everything, and they are a lifesaver if you are shopping late, since the gift is the plan itself. See our coffee subscription comparison for more services.
Amazing Clubs Coffee of the Month Club — best gift that keeps arriving
$$$$ (prepaid plans) · Each shipment includes two different 12-ounce bags of 100% Arabica coffee from different growing regions, whole bean or ground, from small-batch roasters. You can prepay 3, 6 or 12 months, and shipping is free in the continental US. It suits the dad who drinks coffee every morning but rarely tries anything new.
Caveat: the roasters change every month, so a dad with one fixed favorite blend may prefer a bag of his usual. The club does not ship to PO boxes.
Check price at Amazing Clubs →
Baratza Encore ESP Burr Grinder — best coffee upgrade
$$$$ · If he still uses pre-ground coffee or a blade grinder, a burr grinder is the upgrade he will taste first. The Encore ESP uses a 40 mm conical burr and covers settings from espresso to French press. Tom’s Guide called it close to the perfect entry-level grinder and found it very easy to use and clean. Our coffee grinder guide covers more choices.
Caveat: grind consistency is good rather than exceptional, so dedicated coffee hobbyists may eventually want a higher-end grinder.
Amazing Clubs Beer of the Month Club — best gift for the craft beer fan (21+)
$$$$ (prepaid plans) · Each month brings 12 craft beers from two small breweries, so he gets a rotating mix of styles without hunting for them. Prepaid 3, 6 and 12-month plans are available. This is an adult gift: the recipient must be 21 or older and show ID at delivery, so plan for someone to be home.
Caveat: you do not pick the beers, so it suits an adventurous drinker more than someone with one favorite IPA.
Check price at Amazing Clubs →
Tech and car gear
These are the practical gifts that pay off on the worst day: a dead battery, a check engine light or a winter power outage.
ALLPOWERS P1800 Portable Power Station — best for outages and camping
$$$$ · The P1800 pairs a 1,024 Wh LiFePO4 battery with 1,800 W of AC output, enough to run a refrigerator, lights, phones or a CPAP for many hours during an outage, or to run a coffee maker at the campsite. It has four AC outlets plus fast USB-C, and it can recharge from solar panels. Our power station for refrigerator guide explains how to size one.
Caveat: at roughly 1 kWh it will not run a whole house, and it is heavy enough that you will not want to carry it far. ALLPOWERS coupon codes, when available, are listed on our deals page.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter — best glovebox gift
$$$$ · A lithium jump starter means he does not need a second car or a stranger with cables. The GB40 is rated for gas engines up to 6 liters and diesels up to 3 liters, has spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection, an IP65 case and a built-in flashlight. TechGearLab praised its clamps and compact size. See our jump starter guide for bigger models.
Caveat: reviewers found its battery capacity modest and its USB ports slow, so it is a jump starter first and a phone charger second. Top it up every few months.
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Scanner — best for the DIY mechanic
$$$–$$$$ · BlueDriver plugs into the OBD2 port of any 1996-or-newer car and pairs with a free iPhone or Android app to read and clear check engine codes, show live data and suggest likely fixes. On supported makes it also reads ABS, airbag and transmission codes, and there is no subscription. Our OBD2 scanner guide compares it with handheld scanners.
Caveat: enhanced coverage varies by make and year, so check the vehicle before buying, and the dongle is bulkier than some rivals.
For winter driving, a portable tire inflator or a dash cam also makes a solid gift.
Comfort gifts
After a long day on his feet or under a car, comfort gifts get used every single day. For a big-ticket splurge, browse our massage chair and massage gun guides.
Therabody Theragun Relief — best for sore muscles
$$$$ · The Relief is Therabody’s simplest, gentlest massage gun, aimed at everyday aches rather than athletic recovery. It runs on one-button control, comes with three attachments, weighs about 1.4 pounds and is rated for about 120 minutes per charge, according to Therabody.
Caveat: people who want deep, intense percussion may find it too mild; stronger Theragun models cost more.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Cushion Socks — best practical luxury
$$ · These merino-blend socks are made in Vermont and backed by Darn Tough’s unconditional lifetime guarantee, so a worn-out pair can be exchanged. The cushioned sole suits work boots and hiking boots, and merino helps with odor and moisture. A pair or two is a gift he will notice every morning.
Caveat: they cost far more than a multipack, run snug, and owners recommend line drying.
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie (A18) — best stocking stuffer
$ · The classic rib-knit cuffed beanie with the Carhartt patch is a cold-weather staple on job sites and ski lifts alike. It is 100% acrylic, machine washable and comes in dozens of colors, so it is easy to buy one in his favorite.
Caveat: acrylic is warm but not as breathable as wool, and it comes in one size only.
Gift-giving tips
- Order early. Carrier and retailer holiday cutoffs usually fall in mid-to-late December, and heavy items like fire pits and power stations can ship separately or take longer. Order bulky gifts by early December to be safe.
- Match his tool platform. Peek at the batteries in his garage before buying a cordless tool. A tool that fits the batteries he already owns is more useful and usually cheaper.
- Ask for a gift receipt. Tools, meters and clothing sizes are personal. A gift receipt makes swaps painless, and many retailers extend return windows for holiday purchases.
- Subscriptions solve late shopping. A coffee or beer club can be ordered at the last minute and announced with a card; the first box ships on the club’s schedule.
- Check age and delivery rules. Beer clubs require an adult 21 or older to sign with ID, so ship to an address where someone will be home.
- Watch Black Friday pricing. Power stations, jump starters and tools are often discounted in late November, so it can pay to buy then and hold the gift.
Looking for a discount? Check our deals and coupon codes page.
FAQ
What do you get a dad who says he doesn’t want anything?
Go for consumables or upgrades of things he already uses daily: a coffee club, better socks, a sharper utility knife or a quality tumbler. These don’t add clutter and get used right away.
What is a good gift for a dad who works in the trades?
Pick tools that save time on the job and fit his existing gear: a clamp meter for HVAC and electrical work, a compact brushless drill on the battery platform he already owns, a multi-bit screwdriver or a thermal camera for diagnosing problems.
Are subscription clubs good holiday gifts?
Yes, especially for dads who have everything or when you are shopping late. Prepaid 3, 6 or 12-month plans give him something new every month, and the club handles shipping.
What is a practical tech gift for dad under $100?
A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner like BlueDriver often falls near that range and can save a trip to the shop. A smaller jump starter or a tire inflator are also useful choices; check current prices, since they change often.
Related guides
- The best cordless drills
- The best clamp meters for HVAC
- The best smokeless fire pits
- The best coffee subscriptions
- The best power station for a refrigerator
- The best massage guns
Sources
DEWALT: DCD800 drill/driver; Tool Nerds: Klein CL800 review; Notebookcheck: Topdon TC002C Duo review; Outdoor Gear Lab: Leatherman Wave+; Toolbox Buzz: Klein 11-in-1 review; Outdoor Gear Lab: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0; TechRadar: Thermapen ONE review; Amazing Clubs: Coffee of the Month Club; Amazing Clubs: Beer of the Month Club; Tom’s Guide: Baratza Encore ESP review; TechGearLab: NOCO Boost Plus GB40; Tom’s Guide: BlueDriver Pro review; Therabody: Theragun Relief; Packstack: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew review; We Tried It: Christmas gifts for dads. Owner feedback is summarized in our own words from public reviews. Photos courtesy of Unsplash.