Our Favorite Gifts for Your Father-in-Law for the Holidays, His Birthday and Beyond

TBH, you can't keep giving him socks every year.

Collage of four gift ideas for father-in-law

Photos, from clockwise: Farrar & Tanner, The Spice House, Personalization Mall, Halfday

Updated Oct 21, 2024

Holiday shopping for others is meant to be fun, but it's totally normal if some family members are trickier to buy for. If you need help finding gifts for your father-in-law, consider us your go-to resource for ideas. With our list of editor-approved picks and straightforward advice, deciding what to get your father-in-law for Christmas, his birthday or another special occasion, will be much easier.

Choosing a father-in-law gift is really not that different from shopping for your mother-in-law, sister-in-law or brother-in-law, although it may feel more challenging. Our top tip? Take inspiration from his interests. If he starts each day with a cup of coffee, you could get him a fancy travel mug or a monthly coffee subscription. Or, if he spends every Sunday on the fairway, a set of personalized golf accessories might be the answer. We have gift ideas for every type of father-in-law—even the one who seemingly has everything.

Next, consider your relationship with him. If you're still getting to know your in-laws, keep things simple with a bottle of wine or an experience you can bond over. If you're already close, something sentimental (like custom art) is a sweet present idea for your father-in-law. Ultimately, it's the thought that counts, so don't be afraid to get creative. Ready to start your shopping? Here are the best gifts for a father-in-law for the holidays, his birthday, Father's Day or any event in between.

The Short List of the Best Father-in-Law Gifts

Looking for the best of the best? Check out our favorite gifts for fathers-in-law for every occasion below.

Christmas: Uncommon Goods Snowflake Ornament, $35
Birthday: Halfday Garment Duffel Bag, From $89
Father's Day: Wickn Word Custom Father-in-Law Candle, from $30
Thank You: Sierra Metal Design Personalized Golf Marker, From $22
Last-Minute: MasterClass Membership, from $120

All the Best Gifts for Your Father-in-Law

From funny FIL gifts to sentimental presents, our father-in-law gift guide has dozens of ideas that'll make shopping for your bonus family member easier than ever.

1. Brain Teaser Puzzle

If you need a holiday or birthday gift for a father-in-law who already has everything, how about a puzzle? This handheld wooden brain teaser requires users to move a ball through corridors, tiers and gears until it "escapes." Fun and challenging, it makes a great gift for a FIL who likes to keep his hands busy.

From $25 | Uncommon Goods

2. MasterClass Subscription

Man with ingredients at a cooking masterclass

Encourage your father-in-law to keep learning by giving him a year-long membership to MasterClass for the holidays or his birthday. He'll score access to hundreds of virtual classes led by the world's top experts, like writing lessons from James Patterson or cooking lessons from Gordon Ramsay. Trust us, this is a gift that'll impress all the in-laws.

From $120 | MasterClass

3. MLB Stadium Wall Art

Every dedicated baseball fan has a stadium they love the most. Whether your father-in-law has fond memories from his college athlete days or is a season ticket holder, he'll appreciate a cool print of his favorite sports ground. This unique wall art is printed on archival paper with the option to add a black wooden frame for a display-worthy finish. Consider it your Christmas gift for your father-in-law sorted.

From $85 | Uncommon Goods

4. Personalized Travel Tumbler

Anyone who loves the outdoors will appreciate something from YETI—and you just can't beat the brand's double-wall vacuum-insulated tumblers. This 20-ounce travel cup is made of stainless steel and is perfect for hot coffee or refreshing cold beer, depending on the occasion. Your FIL won't just be packing it on every hike or fishing excursion from here on out, though—it's also a nice way to keep his drink hot or cold at home.

From $35 | YETI

5. Scotch-Infused Toothpicks

Looking for small gifts for your father-in-law? If you need something to put in his holiday stocking, these toothpicks won't disappoint. They're infused with barrel-aged Islay Scotch and will release hints of peat and caramel when he uses them to remove debris from his teeth. The gift set comes with four bundles, so your FIL can leave one in his kitchen, bathroom, car and office to keep his smile in check.

$44 | Uncommon Goods

6. Waterproof Leather Gloves

The best father-in-law gifts combine practicality with style. He'll get so much wear out of these waxed leather gloves throughout the holiday season and beyond. Suitable for year-round wear, they're waterproof on the outside and cozy (but not sweaty) on the inside. Note: They'll probably be a snug fit initially. After a couple of wears, they'll form to the natural shape of his hands.

$145 | Huckberry

7. Personalized Tree Ornament

Choosing Christmas gifts for your father-in-law doesn't have to be complicated—it can be as simple as something to hang on his holiday tree. This wooden bauble is shaped like a snowflake and incorporates his name into the unique design. (Psst: They also make great holiday gifts for in-laws if you want to impress the whole family.)

$35 | Uncommon Goods

8. Festive Bottle of Wine

Looking for a cool way to say "Happy Holidays" that isn't a card? Mano's Wine has the answer. The outside of this fancy bottle of wine is engraved with a festive message, while the inside holds a full-bodied California cabernet sauvignon. It's an especially thoughtful gift for your father-in-law and mother-in-law if you're spending the holidays together. Bonus: They can keep the bottle afterward and reuse it as a candleholder.

$40 | Mano's Wine

9. Garment Duffel Bag

Here's a thoughtful holiday or birthday gift your well-dressed FIL absolutely needs. This innovative luggage from Halfway starts as a hanging garment bag to keep suits crisp, then folds into a duffel bag to hold at least three day's worth of clothes and shoes. It's a good gift for your father-in-law if he travels for work or likes taking weekend getaways with his partner.

$98 | Halfday

10. Monthly Coffee Subscription

Person opening a monthly coffee box subscription

Subscription gifts make really good last-minute presents for fathers-in-law. (Plus, they keep the positive vibes flowing for months after the event you're celebrating!) A subscription from Atlas Coffee Club is perfect for a FIL who starts each day with a fresh brew. Every month, he'll receive a variety of rich blends from different countries all over the world, along with postcards and tasting notes to enhance the overall experience. Simply choose the roast, grind and subscription duration, and add a gift note to surprise him on Christmas, his birthday or another holiday.

From $60 | Atlas Coffee Club

11. Heated Neck Wrap

Here's a clever gift for a father-in-law who spends hours sitting at his desk: a soft, weighted neck wrap. He simply has to warm it in the microwave and drape it over himself to relieve achy muscles in his neck and shoulders. We can't think of anything better after a long day of meetings.

$69 | Bearaby

12. Deluxe Barbecue Spices

Every season can be grilling season if you have the passion for it…just ask your BBQ-loving father-in-law. This set of smokey gourmet spices includes a Brisket of Love Barbecue Rub, Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, Bronzeville Southern Rib Rub and a Chipotle Garlic Barbeque Blend—perfect for seasoning grilled meats and veg. Don't be surprised if he wants to cook something special for you to say thanks.

$40 | The Spice House

13. Baseball Board Game

Do you and your father-in-law share a mutual love of baseball? Bring the thrill of the ballpark home with this old-school board game that's decorated with the logo of his favorite MLB team. Just roll the dice to move players around the board and keep score using the dry-erase board. Even his grandkids will be excited about this game.

$75 | Uncommon Goods

14. Compact Travel Hoodie

Wearable gifts for your father-in-law are a great idea for the holidays, his birthday or even Father's Day. This lightweight hoodie from Unbound Merino is perfect for a guy who travels a lot and likes to stay cozy while on the move. It's made from Merino wool and folds down compactly, so he can easily pack it in his carry-on. Bonus: The fabric regulates body temperature and is naturally odor-resistant, so it'll feel fresh even after a few wears.

$178 | Unbound Merino

15. Gourmet Salad Dressings

Any good cook knows that simple, quality ingredients can make all the difference to a home cooked meal. If your father-in-law likes to take charge in the kitchen, he'll love this gift set from Brightland. It includes a bottle of cold-pressed olive oil, a bottle of champagne-infused vinegar, a jar of floral-infused honey and a stainless steel pour spout. Now, his legendary pasta dishes and zesty salads will taste even better.

$88 | Brightland

16. Fleece-Lined Slippers

Still looking for father-in-law present ideas for Christmas or Hanukkah? A comfy pair of slippers is a classic gift for the holiday season. These suede moccasins are lined with a shearling interior to keep his feet cozy when temperatures drop. Choose from a variety of colors, including chestnut brown, dark green or black, to suit his tastes.

$89 | L.L. Bean

17. Pickleball Pint Glasses

Pickleball pint glasses father-in-law gift

Combine two of your father-in-law's favorite things (beer and pickleball) in one thoughtful gift with these unique pint glasses. The set of two features a playful illustration of pickles "dinking" that'll raise a smile from your light-hearted FIL. Pair it with his favorite craft beers (and a promise to be his partner at the next game) for extra brownie points.

$38 | Uncommon Goods

18. Custom Pet Portrait

The secret to finding a good gift for your father-in-law is to take inspiration from what he loves the most. If that happens to be his furry friend, he'll love this pet-inspired portrait. Simply upload a photo of his pet to be transformed into a framed digitally-rendered illustration he can hang on the wall. You can also add his pet's name for a cute finish. Aww!

From $70 | West & Willow

19. Monogrammed Scarf

You don't always have to splurge to find a thoughtful holiday or birthday gift for your father-in-law. Whether you're shopping on a budget or just want to give him something small, this personalized scarf is a great idea. It comes in solid black or charcoal gray and can be embroidered with his monogram for a personalized touch.

Get 15% off with the code KNOT15PM.

$30 | Personalization Mall

20. Cocktail-Inspired Wall Art

An Old Fashioned with an orange twist, please! If this is your father-in-law's go-to cocktail, then he'll love this vintage-style wall art. The colorful poster features an illustration of his favorite drink printed on premium matte paper with several framing options. We love how it lists the ingredients for his nightcap of choice, so he'll never forget how to whip one up.

From $25 | Etsy

21. Sports History Subscription

One of the best ways to find cool gifts for your father-in-law is to take inspiration from his favorite hobby. If he's into sport and history, this subscription gift offers the best of both worlds. Every month, he'll receive replicas of patents for sports equipment, like golf tees, baseball gloves and football helmets. He'll also get supporting documents to help him understand the context and history behind each invention.

$42 | Uncommon Goods

22. Copper Whiskey Tumbler

Here's a great father-in-law gift idea that'll elevate his favorite nightcap to a sophisticated sip. Everything from the copper-plated base to the bold stag head makes this whiskey tumbler a treasured piece of glassware. You can even have it engraved for an heirloom-worthy finish.

From $62 | Farrar & Tanner

23. Meat and Cheese Gift Box

We couldn't write a list of the best gifts for your father-in-law without including something delicious he can eat. If he's partial to a snack (or two), this meat and cheese gift box will satisfy his cravings. It contains three varieties of artisan cheese, two types of sausage, honey hot mustard and salted water crackers. Best of all, it works for any occasion, not just the holidays.

$60 | Harry & David

24. Wireless Charging Pad

Is your father-in-law always losing his phone charger? Perhaps this wireless charging pad will be easier to look after. Sleek and stylish, it can be used to power up his phone, earbuds or any other device he can't live without. Choose from linen or Italian leather and have it personalized with his initials for an extra touch of customization.

From $40 | Courant

25. Portable Fire Pit

If your father-in-law never misses the annual family camping weekend, this portable fire pit will help him prepare for his next adventure. With it, he can create his own campfire (and toast gooey s'mores) at any point in the year. Its clever design ensures a smokeless flame that can be fueled by firewood or eco-friendly pellets.

From $80 | Solo Stove

26. Personalized Golf Balls

Does he like to spend his weekends on the golf course? While this father-in-law gift doesn't guarantee he won't lose his ball, it will make it easier to find. This set of 12 Callaway golf balls can be printed with his name for a thoughtful present he'll be excited to show off at his next matchup. It's a fun (and practical) gift that'll take his golf game to the next level.

Use the code KNOT15PM to get 15% off.

$67 | Personalization Mall

27. Holiday-Themed Socks

Socks get a bad rep for being unimaginative gifts, but there is a way to make them a bit more enticing. These comfy socks from Bombas are decorated with wintry motifs (like snowflakes and penguins) for a subtle nod to the holiday season. They also have seamless toes and cushioned footbeds to support his arches while he's on the move. Bonus points for the colorful gift box that lets you skip the gift wrapping.

$54 | Bombas

28. Kabob Grilling Baskets

Kabob grilling baskets father-in-law gift

Skewers are harder to prep and cook than most recipes let on—but they don't have to be. These kabob grilling baskets will ensure meat and veggies don't fall between the grates and that everything cooks evenly. We can't think of a smarter (or more affordable) father-in-law gift for a guy who loves to grill.

$20 | Uncommon Goods

29. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

And the great gift ideas for your father-in-law keep on coming. Whether he likes listening to music while he works out or tends to the garden, a Bluetooth speaker is a practical gift he'll actually use. This one from TREBLAB is also waterproof and impact-resistant, so it's sturdy enough to withstand the elements.

From $80 | Amazon

30. Stretch Woven Belt

Finding a present for your fashionable FIL might feel like a big ask, but it's easier than you think. This woven belt is a small (but thoughtful) gift for your father-in-law's birthday or the holidays that he can wear year-round. The elastic cording offers stretchy comfort without typical belt notches, so he'll be able to buckle it up for a perfect fit.

$55 | Nordstrom

31. Custom Storybook

As far as unique gifts for your father-in-law go, this one takes the cake. Storyworth will email him a prompt every week for a year. Then, they'll compile all his responses into a beautiful keepsake book. It's the best way to remember all the life lessons he tells you and preserve his memories. Choose from a variety of prompts or include your own questions to ask your father-in-law to get to know him even better.

$99 | Storyworth

32. DIY Hot Sauce Workshop

Does your father-in-law insist on adding a touch of spice to every meal? If so, we can't think of a better holiday or birthday gift for him than a hot sauce workshop. This 75-minute virtual experience is led by an expert instructor who'll share tips on how to buy, blend and bottle different types of chilies to create a signature sauce. Your FIL will receive a DIY kit in the mail beforehand, so no prep is required.

$75 | Uncommon Goods

33. Cozy Ribbed Beanie

Help your father-in-law stay warm while he's spending time outdoors with this cozy beanie from Patagonia. It's made from recycled wool and nylon and comes in various colors, like orange, lime green, brown and navy. Whether he wears it jogging in the park or cheering his grandkids on from the bleachers, this practical accessory will be his go-to on colder days.

$49 | Patagonia

34. Custom Ammo Box

Christmas stockings aren't the only place to stash presents for your father-in-law. This recycled military ammo can is the perfect receptacle for smaller gifts (like candy, snacks or socks) that he can use year-round. It's made from steel and can be engraved with his name, holiday greetings or a short birthday message for your FIL.

Want to get 15% off your order? Use the KNOT15PM code at the checkout.

$60 | Personalization Mall

35. Funny Father-in-Law Candle

Searching for funny father-in-law gifts? Whether it's for his birthday, Father's Day or just because, this custom candle will make him chuckle. The scented flame is made from 100% soy wax and comes in a glass jar labeled with a humorous father-in-law definition. Choose from a pre-designed label or customize your own for a playful gift that shows just how well you get along with your FIL.

From $30 | Etsy

36. Wine-Inspired Jigsaw

If you're still stumped on what to get your father-in-law for Christmas, try something fun he can do over the holidays. This unique jigsaw puzzle will take him on a tour of his favorite wine regions (like Italy, France or California) without having to leave home. As he puts the 1,000 pieces together, he'll create a colorful map of wines and uncover intriguing trivia about each variety. Pair it with a bottle of vino (of course) to round out this father-in-law present idea.

$47 | Uncommon Goods

37. One Line a Day Journal

Is your father-in-law always talking about keeping a journal but can't make the habit stick? (We feel his pain.) Get him the "One Line a Day" diary so he can sum up his thoughts in a few short words. As the name suggests, it's designed to include a one-line entry for each day for a unique (and low stakes) approach to journaling. It includes space for five successive years, so he can look back and reflect on each memory over time.

$17 | Amazon

38. Craft Beer Selection

We're all for thinking outside the box, but sometimes it's best to keep things simple. If your father-in-law likes beer, then give him beer (it's in the name after all.) This selection includes six high-quality craft beers, from world-class IPAs to microbrews. They come in funky, colorful cans packaged in a gift box that says "Cheers to you" for a thoughtful touch. Expedited shipping is available if you need a last-minute gift.

$59 | GiveThemBeer.com

39. Flask With Integrated Tumblers

This flask was built for outdoorsy types. It's made from durable stainless steel with a leak-proof seal, so it'll withstand a few falls on uneven terrain. Best of all, it has built-in tumblers, so he won't have to sip from the bottle. Now, he can toast with his friends (or you) after his next hike. An engraved option is also available if you want to make this practical gift more personal.

From $95 | High Camp Flasks

40. Sentimental Golf Ball Marker

Sentimental golf ball marker father-in-law gifts

Treat your father-in-law to a round of 18 holes together, then surprise him with this golf marker before the first tee-off. The stainless steel disc is engraved with the phrase: "Best father-in-law by par," along with your and your spouse's names and a special date—like your wedding date if you want to thank him for all his support during your engagement.

From $22 | Etsy

Our team received [some of] these products as promotional samples in exchange for editorial consideration and independent review.