15 Best Christmas Gifts for Dads Who Are Impossible to Shop For: Thoughtful Picks He’ll Love

Because he'd really rather have something a little more personal...

dad xmas gift

by Remy Farrell |
Updated on

Dads are tricky to buy for when it comes to Christmas, and many are set to spend this festive season as the victim of yet another generic sock gift. Yes, it's mostly their fault, because the only answer to the question 'what do you want for Christmas' is 'nothing', but that doesn't mean we can't at least try to get into their minds. They did birth us after all (well kind of) so it shouldn't be hard to get a little creative.

Spare a thought, then, for your dad/step-father/godfather and give him something he actually wants. Is it a brand-new dressing gown or a new cashmere jumper? Perhaps it's a cookbook or a whiskey.

Whatever it is, we're almost certain it'll turn his frown upside down and add some Christmas cheer into his life this festive season.

How we selected the best Christmas gifts for dads

As Grazia's commerce writer and a self-confessed shopping addict, I've become somewhat of a gifting expert. Given I spend most of my days browsing the online and offline racks at international and British retailers and reading through press releases, I'm well versed in what's on offer and as such, have developed a deft hand at picking out pieces that are surefire favourites. For this guide, I've relied on the brands Team Grazia loves and focussed on unique and timeless presents that'll definitely earn you the best gift giver title this festive season.

Here's Grazia's definitive guide to what to buy this Christmas - from books to booze and everything in between.

Shop: The Best Christmas Gifts For Dads

The Best Overall Christmas Gifts For Dads

Editor's Choice

Stan Smith's are a top contender when it comes to gifting at Christmas time. Your dad will love these when he opens them on the 25th.

GANT is serving straight-up scarf goals.

Every Haeckels skincare product contains seaweed that's been handpicked in Margate. The plant is rich with valuable vitamins, minerals and amino acids, as well as being anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. You can shop by 'concern' on its website - from moisturise to hydrate to sebum regulate - and the packaging, which is recyclable or compostable, is pleasingly pared-back.

Arket is our go-to for all things gifts, and we're sure Dad will appreciate this ribbed cotton beanie this winter and beyond.

Instead of buying a generic calendar, why not get him one personalised with family photos?

The Best Affordable Christmas Gifts For Dads

Laboratory Perfumes - who believe in using socially-consciously, environmentally-friendly and cruelty-free ingredients - has scents, candles, moisturisers and soaps. My favourite (for anyone) is Gorse, which is the essence of summer in the countryside.

The World Of Agatha Christie 1000-Piece Jigsaw

Rrp: $21.99

Price: $17.20

Not just a jigsaw, but a puzzle that contains puzzles in the form of 90 clues to discover, all of which relate to the life of Agatha Christie. Ingenious, no?

The Best Luxury Christmas Gifts For Dads

These cashmere-lined leather gloves are sensible and stylish.

Maium, Backpack
Price: $70 (was £139)

maium.nl

This waterproof backpack is designed in Amsterdam - by 'bad weather experts' - and has pannier hooks so that it can be attached to a bike.

The Best Foodie Christmas Gifts For Dads

Once you've napped off the turkey dinner, there's always room for wine and cheese - right? Do it the decadent way this Christmas, with this Port, filled with notes of black cherry and fruit cake, and stilton gift box from Fortnum & Mason.

The Best Christmas Gifts For Tech-Loving Dads

If your dad's desk is a mess, and he's always tripping over his phone cable, then this wireless charging tray will kill two birds with one (very sleek) stone.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us