53 FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS FOR ALL KINDS OF TRAVEL-LOVING DADS

In need of some Father's Day gift ideas? We've got dozens at the ready, separated out by interest, so you can find just the right option for every dad, uncle, grandpa, spouse, and father figure in your life. There are options for first-time dads, who are most certainly more tired than usual these days; dads who love a good spa day; and ones who need some caffeine to get their days started. Plus, gifts for dads who spend their vacation days biking, trying out new restaurants, or finding the best local coffee shop. Read on to peruse our favorite travel-friendly father's day gift ideas for 2023, or jump straight to the section that fits your giftee most.

  • For the bookworm dad
  • For the dad who’s always looking up new restaurants
  • For the coffee connoisseur
  • For the cycle enthusiast
  • For the dad who loves a spa day
  • For the tech-fanatic dad
  • For the first-time dad
  • For the active dad
  • For the camper
  • Even more gift ideas

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

For the bookworm

Kindle Paperwhite

$140.00, Amazon

Yes, it will probably take some convincing to get your dad to switch over to a Kindle from his beloved hardbacks—but just tell him about all the money he’ll save on overweight bag fees! This e-reader, our favorite of the bunch, is waterproof (read: beach or poolside-friendly), has an adjustable built-in front light for evening reading, and plays audiobooks over Bluetooth through Amazon’s Audible platform. Plus, you can usually hook up a Kindle to your local library’s e-book platform, so he can still read his favorite books for free.

Audible subscription

$45.00, Amazon

Speaking of Audible, why not get him a subscription to the audiobook service, so he can keep learning and listening while washing the car, grilling, or putzing around in the garage—you know, dad stuff. When you give a subscription, the recipient will get one free audiobook each month, plus 30 percent off of any additional audiobooks they want to listen to. (And suggest he start with the award-winning audio version of George Saunder’s Lincoln in the Bardo, which features a whopping 166 narrators, including Julianne Moore, Ben Stiller, and Don Cheadle.)

This compendium of the New York Times’ 36 Hours series features 150 different weekend getaways, scattered across the U.S. and Canada. It’ll fuel wanderlust and trip ideas for years to come. Whether he’s eyeing a visit to the Berkshires, Boulder, or Big Sur, he’ll find quick-fire itineraries and individual maps to kickstart his own planning. It also makes a great coffee table book.

This moving memoir follows writer James Campbell and his teenage daughter Aiden as they backpack over Alaska’s Brooks Range to the Hulahula River, where they canoe out to the Arctic Ocean. Whether your dad took you camping, to Alaska (lucky you), or simply instilled a love of the outdoors in your own backyard, this gift is a thank you—and an invitation for trips to come.

For the dad who’s always looking up new restaurants

If his vacation planning usually starts and ends with what restaurants the family is going to eat at, give him a little extra inspiration with this National Geographic tome.

Any père who knows Brie from Camembert will appreciate an assortment of French cheese, and Greenwich Village fromagerie Murray’s is famed for its selection. This sampler is stocked with two and a half pounds of the good stuff, including a Murray’s Mini Brie, 18-Month Aged Comte, Langres, Brebirousse D’Argental, and Ossau Iraty.

This kitchen accessory is the perfect addition to any chef's counter. Made of reclaimed wood, this stand holds up a cookbook or iPad for easy recipe access while in the kitchen. It's both functional and chic, and keeps countertops more organized than ever.

The DIY hot sauce making hit is great for foodies who like the experience of cooking. They can make their own hot sauce with this and control the flavor to their liking. The kit includes recipes and a flavor guide, custom label stickers, squeeze and glass bottles, a bottling funnel, and more. 

For the coffee shop connoisseur

Atlas Coffee Club subscription

$9.00, Atlas Coffee Club (starting price per month)

For dads who are always on the lookout for a new and exciting blend, Atlas Coffee Club's subscription will not only keep his taste buds guessing, it'll transport him to coffee regions around the globe. Each package comes with coffee, a brief history of the caffeinated stuff in that region, and tips for the best brewing method for that particular bean.

Just like the rest of us, dads need cold brew within reach to function on a basic level when WFH. This slow drip cold brew tool yields coffee that’s never sandy or muddy, a common problem in making cold brew at home. Instead, it mimics the coffee shop texture everyone strives for.

A favorite of articles director Arati Menon, this collapsible cup is just what dad needs to take his own coffee on the go (and maybe even save a few cents when he makes a pitstop at a local coffee shop). It's available in 12-, 16-, and 24-ounce sizes, and in tons of colors: sage green, denim blue, and more.

The Hario coffee bottle is a must-have for your dad who loves his cold brew in the morning. The wine-sized bottle makes five cups of cold brew in eight hours—they just have to fill the center mesh filter with their favorite grounds, add water, and let it sit overnight. 

For the cycle enthusiast

Thousand bike helmet

$89.00, Amazon

Thousand’s retro bike helmets are lightweight (read: good to travel with) and come in a whole host of colors, from gold and bright red to subtler tones of navy and black. It’s also designed to double as a skateboard helmet—perfect for all those ‘cool’ dads out there.

RadMission1 Electric Metro Bike

$2099.00, Rad Power Bikes

If he's been waffling on the thought of investing in an electric bike, this Father's Day might be the time to surprise him with new wheels. Our friends at Wired recommend Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes for its reasonably priced entry-level bikes; this model has a relatively light battery (seven pounds) that lasts up to 45 miles on a single charge.

Designed with cyclists in mind, Camelbak’s 24-ounce bike bottle is insulated to keep water extra cold throughout the day. It's meant to fit into most any bottle cage, and is lightweight enough to make it worth carrying around even off the bike.

One of our reader's most-purchased Amazon buys? This handy phone mount, which makes following directions and playing music safer and easier, wherever dad decides to pedal next.

For the dad who loves a spa day

Eberjey William PJ Set

$168.00, Eberjey

Everyone deserves a nice pair of pajamas for lounging around in and taking on vacation. This best-selling set is made mostly of Eberjey's soft signature modal fabric (a fiber that comes from beech trees) and provides enough warmth and breathability to keep on all day, whether he's putzing around the Airbnb, reading a book in the backyard, or just watching TV at home.

Ugg Scuff slipper

$80.00, Amazon

Everyone deserves a cozy pair of slippers in their closet to make home feel more like a hotel spa. This pair has a suede exterior with a warm, wool inside that feel like your feet are in a cloud. Whether dad is working from home or has to run out for a quick dog walk, these are the comfortable slippers he'll be throwing on. 

A practical gift you can get for dad right on Amazon that he'll actually use is this Beard Straightener Grooming Kit. This one comes with a beard wash, brush, comb, unscented growth oil, a balm, conditioner, razor, and scissors. 

Allswell Spa Bundle

$72.00, Allswell

A gift we often recommend for moms, too, this Allswell Spa Bundle brings the luxury of a hotel stay to him with a cozy, lightweight waffle robe and matching slippers.

For the tech-fanatic dad

Apple Airtags

$99.00, Apple (four-pack)

Never worry about dad misplacing his belongings again. The tech-obsessed father will be happy to receive a set of these Apple AirTags, which allow users to easily keep track of valuables. Simply attach one to keys, a backpack, or wallet; then, track items on the Find My app using a phone.

STM ChargeTree

$70.00, Amazon

Keeping devices powered up is a full-time job for tech geeks. If your dad swears by Apple products, the ChargeTree will quickly become his new favorite desk accessory. It’s only as tall as a hand and a few inches long, so it takes up minimal space, but puts in work: It can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once.

Bellroy Tech Kit

$59.00, Amazon

If dad's in need of some organizational help, Bellroy's tech kit is a good place to start. It'll keep all his cords neat and tidy inside elastic cable organizers, with mesh pockets for things like a mouse or power bank. And since it zips open flat, it's easy to see and organize everything at once.

My Passport Go

$120.00, Amazon

For the dad who insists on something practical when it comes to gifts, this durable SSD will let him backup all his files now, and keep new ones safe on the road during his next trip. As for the specs, it has 500 GB of storage and is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers.

If your dad commutes to work or is a frequent flyer, having a reliable and compact portable charger is crucial. This one is lightweight and can charge an iPhone seven times, the Galaxy S8 five times, and the iPad mini 4 twice. 

For the dad who doubles as a paparazzo on vacation, Canon’s portable wireless printer allows him to turn some of those digital memories into prints at the drop of a hat. It connects to a phone via Bluetooth and a free Canon app to print photos from your camera roll or social media in wallet-friendly two-inch-by-three-inch size.

Upgrade his plane setup with this handy Bluetooth adapter, which will allow him to use his AirPods, Beats, or any other wireless headphones while watching in-flight entertainment. It can also pair to CD players, some TVs, and gym equipment.

Just in time for summer activities, this portable speaker features multi-host functionality so your dad can easily connect and switch between two Bluetooth devices. It's lightweight and allows for 20+ hours of playtime on just a single charge.

For the first-time dad

Even if he has insisted his entire life he doesn’t need an eye mask, the sudden need to sleep at odd hours, whenever he can find them, makes one a welcome addition for any new dad. The MZOO is a Traveler favorite for the way it sits up off the eyes, making it seem like you’re barely wearing a mask at all. If you want some other eye mask inspiration, check out our full list of favorites.

Thule Urban Glide 2

$850.00, Amazon

Between diaper changes, late night feedings, and the few minutes new dads manage to cobble together to sleep, it’s tough to find time to work out. But as a father of two, I can tell you, you’ll feel much better if you do. A good running stroller can help dads get active while still supervising their new additions, and the Thule Urban Glide 2, with its sizable wheels, twist brake, and comfortable handlebar is as good as they come. Despite the name, it’s great if you’re heading out on a hike as well, as long as the terrain isn’t too rutted out and rocky.

Brooklinen Bushwick pant

$90.00, Brooklinen

Ultra-soft, easy to clean, and neutral enough to pair with nearly any T-shirt or button-up, he'll be living in these comfy joggers—and slipping them on for his next plane ride.

In case you hadn’t sensed the theme yet, new dads: they’re tired. Access to hot coffee at all times of day is vitally important, and no insulated mug keeps the hot hot (and the cold cold) quite like a Yeti. The added HotShot cap keeps everything completely sealed in.

Theragun Elite

$399.00, Theragun

New dads won’t always admit it, but after a few months of lifting and bending they could use a massage. And the Theragun Elite will give their muscles a professional-grade working over on demand. The percussive therapy device works on everything from your feet to your neck. It’s also small enough to pack away and use after a long drive or first airplane trip as a family.

Chatbooks MonthBooks subscription

$10.00, Chatbooks (per month)

Newborns are changing every day, a fact that can be lost in the busyness of, well, making it through each day. Give him a low-stress way to collect memories with a Chatbooks subscription; the company makes it super easy to pull pictures from your phone's camera roll to turn into coffee table-ready photo books on a monthly basis.

For the active dad

Allbirds Tree Dasher

$135.00, Allbirds (Women's sizes)

If dad’s in need of a new pair of athletic shoes, we recommend Allbirds’ Dashers. They’re the perfect shoe to bring on vacation—lightweight, packable, and sturdy enough to use while exercising (plus, they’re machine washable, so they couldn't be easier to keep clean).

NFL team polo

$65.00, NFL Shop (starting price)

If he's the kind of fan who plans trips to visit new stadiums, gift dad a comfortable polo to rep his favorite team on the road (and upgrade the frayed T-shirt he’s usually sporting).

Danner Mountain Light Cascade hiking boots

$430.00, REI (women's sizes)

If your dad loves to hike, he probably is in need of some new, reliable hiking boots. These  leather ones are breathable, water-proof, and provided extra traction for more stability while moving. Plus, the aesthetic will always be in style.

Coleman camping chair

$34.00, Amazon

Whether your dad loves camping trips or just needs a comfortable chair to sit in at the soccer field, this one is a winner. It has a built-in cooler that holds four cans and keeps drinks cold for hours, plus a mesh cup holder and side pocket for storing his phone or sunglasses. The chair has a fully cushioned seat, added back support, and is collapsible for easy storage and transport.

TrailCool UPF Adventurer hat

$60.00, Eddie Bauer

A new summer hat is just what your trail-loving dad needs. This one will keep him cool and protected from the sun, all while making him feel (and look) a bit more like Indiana Jones.

For dads on-the-go hiking or camping, a sling backpack is a must. This one has a thick adjustable strap for extra comfort and can be worn across the body or on one shoulder. 

For the beach days and road trips to come this summer, there's nothing better than a Yeti. This mid-size cooler is perfect for day trips, built to fit behind the driver’s or passenger’s seat of a car, and is completely bear-proof, in case he wants to bring it on that next camping excursion.

Putting green

$50.00, Amazon

If dad’s idea of a vacation well-spent is finding a new golf course to play a round at, bring the game to him with an at-home putting green. This one measures nine feet by three feet, so he’ll need a decent amount of space to put it in, or a bit of real estate in the garage or backyard.

For the camper dad

This Hydro Flask soft cooler is great for days at the beach, by the lake, or on a camping trip. The 18L tote can fit up to 24 cans without ice and keeps drinks cold for hours. It has a comfortable shoulder strap and can be worn across the body, too. The cooler bag also features a watertight zipper to make sure nothing leaks or spills throughout the day.

This Wizard Stick lets your dad keep six of his favorite canned beverages in this sling. It's insulated, small enough to carry or throw in a backpack, and is ideal for hot days outdoors. 

Yellow Leaf hammock

$199.00, Yellow Leaf Hammocks

Help your dad install a hammock in the backyard and you’re essentially bringing vacation to him. Yellow Leaf’s Hammocks, which are ethically made by weavers who produce them by hand, are lightweight yet totally sturdy, and come in a range of colors and neutrals that will suit any backyard aesthetic. While we love a classic hammock shape, they also come in “chair” styles, if your dad prefers more of an upright-lounging position. The best part? Each hammock is easy to pack up and take on the go, and comes with a carrying bag.

Gone Hiking candle

$38.00, Homesick

Homesick candles are a favorite for easy but thoughtful gifting; this one smells like afternoons in the great outdoors (pine, moss, cedarwood). If hiking's not exactly his thing, choose from one of Homesick's many location-themed candles to remind him of his hometown or the destination your family used to spend summers in.

Even more gift ideas

For the dad who packs everyone's family vacation essentials: Give him a cool new way to store his toiletries with Cadence's magnetic capsules; they're leakproof, too, so he can slide them into his carry-on or weekender without fear of a soapy mess on the other end.

Away The Carry-On

$275.00, Away

For the dad who's carrying luggage from the ’80s: Voted number one for luggage in our 2021 Reader's Choice Awards, the Away Carry-On is known for high-quality, lightweight pieces. This one is the ideal size for most trips and it's durable, meaning this is one gift he will definitely use again and again. 

Field Notes journal

$110.00, Lifetime Leather

For the dad in need of a travel journal: Your travel-loving dad or grandpa wants to soak up every moment of his upcoming trips. Give him a place to gather his thoughts (and store a metro card or cash) with this compact journal.

For the dad always flying business class: This is a perfect size weekender bag for any summer or work trips your dad has planned. It fits up to 15” laptop, has a removable zippered pouch inside, and fits right on your suitcase with its luggage sleeve. 

Artifact Uprising frame

$52.00, Artifact Uprising

For the sentimental dad: Pick out one of your best photos from your favorite family trip and send it to dad in one of Artifact Uprising's metal tabletop frames for a simple, thoughtful gift he can add to his desk.

For the dad who loves country music: There's no one as iconic as Dolly. This book looks back at 175 (!) of her songs, mixing in never-before-seen photographs and personal stories from the queen herself.

For the photo-happy dad: If he loves to flip through coffee tables books and already has one of Gray Malin's iconic overhead shots hanging on his office wall, he'll love the photographer's new tome, which is filled with images from the first decade of his career shot on all seven continents.

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