The Best, Worst, and Most Popular Father’s Day Gifts

A 2025 Snapshot

Father’s Day has become a staple in the retail calendar – part heartfelt appreciation, part high-street frenzy. But what do dads really want? What are we still getting wrong? And what’s flying off the shelves year after year?

Here’s a well-researched guide to the best, worst and most popular Father’s Day gifts in 2025 – so you can dodge the gimmicks and go for gold.

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The Best Father’s Day Gifts (According to Dads)

A recent survey by Create Gift Love gave a clear picture of what British dads actually want. Spoiler alert – it’s not socks.

  • Food and drink (37.66%) – Gourmet hampers, craft beers, whisky tastings, posh crisps… if it’s edible or drinkable and vaguely luxurious, it’s a win.

  • Tech gadgets (36.66%) – From wireless earbuds to smartwatches, tech remains a go-to for modern dads.

  • Clothing (35.16%) – Think quality loungewear, slippers or a jacket they wouldn’t buy themselves. Less “novelty tie”, more “cashmere hoodie”.

  • Personalised gifts (32.37%) – Engraved items, photo keepsakes or hand-drawn pictures framed like museum pieces. It’s the thought that counts – and this time it’s well received.

  • Fragrance and grooming products (30.37%) – A decent aftershave or an indulgent grooming kit is still very much appreciated.

Many fathers also rated time together and low-pressure plans as important – a pub lunch, a walk in the woods or just not having to deal with the Sunday roast.

The Worst Father’s Day Gifts (What to Avoid)

According to anecdotal evidence from sources like KISS 95.1 and various online threads where dads unburden themselves, these are the recurring gift offenders:

  • Fishing gear – Only useful if he actually fishes. Otherwise it just smells like bait.

  • Golf accessories – Ditto. If he doesn’t play, it’s like giving someone ski poles for Christmas in Cornwall.

  • Hawaiian shirts and novelty ties – Funny for about three seconds. Then straight to the charity shop bag.

  • “Best Dad” merch – Mugs, socks, mousemats… appreciated once, maybe. The fourth version starts to feel like a lack of effort.

  • Cheap tools – DIY stuff is fine – but poor quality or wildly irrelevant gadgets (looking at you, car-polishing gloves) are more burden than blessing.

The consistent theme? Generic = forgettable. A little effort – even if it’s small or handmade – goes a long way.

The Most Popular Father’s Day Gifts (What People Are Actually Buying)

A YouGov survey of UK consumers found that some gifts are purchased time and time again, regardless of whether Dad actually wants them.

  • Alcohol (31%) – Spirits and craft beers dominate. Safe, and often appreciated – but it depends on the dad.

  • Tech gadgets (20%) – Sales rise sharply each June for smart home items, audio equipment and personal devices.

  • Tickets to events – Football, live music, comedy nights. Experience-based gifts are on the rise.

  • Clothing and accessories – Classic staples like jackets, trainers or belts.

  • Personalised items – Gaining popularity each year – proving the power of meaningful over mass-produced.

Retailers are leaning further into customisation, bundling, and curated experiences – not just products. That aligns with a wider consumer trend: people want gifts that feel thoughtful and authentic, not transactional.

Final Thoughts

Marketers have long known that Father’s Day is a chance to boost mid-year revenue. But in the rush to sell socks and multitools, many brands miss what dads actually value – time, care, and something that reflects a bit of thought.

Whether you’re a brand planning a campaign or someone just trying to get it right for once, keep in mind: the best gift doesn’t need to be expensive. It just needs to feel considered.

If all else fails, just ask him what he’d actually like. And no, he probably doesn’t want another tie.

TL;DR

  • Top-rated gifts include food and drink, tech gadgets, clothing, personalised items and grooming products.

  • Most avoided gifts are fishing gear, golf stuff (if he doesn’t play), novelty ties, “world’s best dad” merchandise and poor-quality tools.

  • Most commonly purchased gifts are alcohol, tech, clothing and experience-based items.

  • Key takeaway – avoid generic gifts, and go for something thoughtful, personal or genuinely useful.