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18 Father’s Day Gifts For Single Dads Who Could Use A Little Extra Love

They do it all. Time to show them how special they are.

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It’s no secret that single dads have a lot on their plate. They’re likely juggling a full-time job and being a parent, and that’s no easy feat. Every single parent knows that it takes a village, but at the end of the day, it really comes down to them. If you have a single dad in your life, whether it’s your own father, a close friend, or a family member, then Father’s Day is a great time to show your appreciation for all of the work that they do. These Father’s Day gifts for single dads are thoughtful and a generous way to show how much you care about them.

As they try to be the best dad they can be, they’re also dealing with the societal stigmas that often surround single parents. While single moms are often judged more harshly, single dads usually have to deal with the fact that most people don’t think they’re up to the task of taking care of kids on their own. See? They have a lot going on! All the more reason for them to get a little spoiled on Father’s Day. Look for a gift that they’ll genuinely love based on their interests, but also look for something that will double as useful and come in handy in everyday situations. (They probably don’t need any more clutter lying around.)

Here are some excellent gift ideas for single fathers.

1

A lightweight camping/beach chair

If the single dad in your life spends a lot of time at the beach, camping or outside in general, then this super lightweight, collapsible beach chair from Helinox is a perfect gift and is worth the splurge. It collapses down to the size of a small log, leaving your hands free to carry everything else that’s needed for the beach. It’s mesh, easy to clean, and its splayed feet will keep it from sinking into the sand. The high back makes it extra comfortable.

2

A sweet print

This pebble-inspired artwork from Demdaco is a beautiful piece for any dad who enjoys spending time with his child, especially if they like to be at the beach, the lake, on a boat, or going fishing. It celebrates a beautiful scene between a father and child on a dock, and is such a meaningful gift that will look nice in any household. It’s especially nice for a single dad.

3

A pasta pot he’ll use daily

Oh, he’s a dad, you say? That means he’s making some form of pasta a few times a week, if not nightly for his kids. Spaghetti, mac and cheese — basically anything that needs to be boiled and then strained can be cooked in this convenient pasta pot that has a removable colander nestled within. And it’s made from All-Clad — a cookware brand with legacy that’s known for it’s long-term reliability and used in professional kitchens around the world.

4

A non-alcoholic apéritif

Maybe the single dad in your life isn’t much of a drinker, but even if they are, this snazzy non-alcoholic apéritif from Ghia is lovely to sip on before a meal, or works wonders mixed into a spritz. It’s vegan, non-caffeinated, and has the zingy, herbaceous flavors of a traditional apéritif, without any of the heady buzz.

5

A unique photo

For those looking to buy something more sentimental, a beautifully printed photo is always a good idea. Fracture makes unique glass prints that don’t even need a frame and gorgeously display those special moments dads want to keep close by. You can choose between several different sizes, so the price can vary between $17 and $135, depending on your budget, and you can obviously use whatever photo you want.

6

A reliable backpack

Every single parent should have a sturdy, everyday bag that they can rely on for just about anything. The Away Front Pocket Backpack is up to the task. With plenty of space and pockets, a water-resistant nylon design that also manages to look sleek and stylish, and comfortable padded shoulder straps, this one checks off all the boxes. It has a padded laptop sleeve, detachable key strap for easy reach, and a hidden back pocket for important items. It’s great for travel or everyday use, and the zipper opens completely on either side so you’ll never have trouble finding what you’re looking for.

7

A personalized book

Reading to your kids is just one of the many special moments you can have with them during the day, and this customized book gives them the chance to do that. It’s a personalized daddy-and-me book to thank dad for everything he does for his kids, and it’s so sweet. You can add dad’s name and personalize his illustrated character, add up to three kids to the story, pick out a cover, and write a loving dedication on the first page. This is such a cute and easy way to make dad feel special, and the kids will get a kick out of it as well, which is just a nice bonus.

8

Some caffeine for those early mornings

If he’s a single dad, chances are good he needs some more caffeine in his life. 2Queens Coffee, based in the Catskills of New York, offers bold, flavorful blends that are micro-roasted on-site in their adorable brick-and-mortar shop.

9

A handy mug for hot or cold drinks

A great Father’s Day gift for a single dad is a travel mug because they’re so versatile and will come in handy so many times. Insulated mugs like this one will keep coffee and other hot beverages hot for much longer than a regular mug will, and if he’s a single dad he’s probably not able to drink his coffee right away, so that’s definitely much-needed. This W&P Porter mug is ceramic coated and sleek, perfectly fits in cupholders, and doesn’t feel overwhelmingly huge like some travel mugs do. It can also hold cold beverages as well, if he’s not into hot coffee.

10

For the whiskey fan

For the dad who needs a little bit of help on the entertaining front, there’s this set from Patet. Even if he doesn’t entertain, though, this is a great and thoughtful gift for a dad who loves whiskey. The Smooth and Bossy set comes with Glacier Rocks Ice Sphere Molds to make four perfectly shaped ice cubes for an on the rocks drink, a Collins Orange Twist in Syrup to make drinks, and an Admiral three piece Decanter and Tumbler Set. It’s classy, cool, useful, and nice to have around the house. If you want to step up the gift game, add a bottle of their favorite whiskey as well.

11

For the athletic dad

If you’re looking for a great Father’s Day gift for a single dad who loves to work out, play sports, or just be as active as possible, try this Performance Body Spray Trio Pack. It comes with three body sprays in Fresh Citron and Driftwood, Fig Leaves and White Musk, and Coconut Water and Sandalwood. These are perfect for masking sweaty odor, and they’re also an aluminum-free deodorant that is made with powerful prebiotics that cleanse the skin and support the growth of good bacteria to keep odor in check. Plus, they smell great and the bottles are pretty aesthetically pleasing.

12

The coolest portable grill

Opt for a big splurge with this enviable portable grill. Actually, it’s a fire pit and grill all in one. It looks like a normal fire pit, but it comes with a grill grate that can be added on when you’re ready to cook up some dinner, plus a pole that allows you to move the grate up or down for easy temperature control. There are handles on the side that make it easy to tote this to the campground, and an optional add-on side table for some more space.

13

A sleep aid of sorts

Let’s be real: every parent, single or not, needs a little extra sleep help most nights. This Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask is a way to get some extra shuteye and relaxation and makes for a great gift. It uses the same science behind weighted blankets to give your face the right amount of pressure stimulation to relax you, blocks out light to keep you snoozing, and feels really amazing. It’s made with a micro-plus and luxurious imitation cashmere, so it’s super soft and smooth. The adjustable velcro strap makes it easy for anyone to use and keeps it comfortable.

14

A parenting help subscription

There are times where every parent could use a little help when it comes to, well, parenting. Parent Lab is a science-based app and online resource for parents who need some advice and coaching when it comes to dealing with their kids. While the app download is initially free, there are in-app purchases you can gift the single dad in your life (or you can buy a gift card to the Apple or Android store for them to buy them). Parent Lab offers coaching programs by topic, like ones about trouble with eating or screen time. Parent Coaches are available for live video sessions, calls, and on-demand messaging and can help come up with unique plans for your family. It’s a great resource.

15

Delicious food

Gifting food is almost always a great option. The Ultimate Sandwich Board Gift Pack is a great pick for any dad who loves a good sandwich—because, really, who doesn’t? It comes with so much stuff: a Veroni pre-sliced prosciutto antipasto platter, Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise, Backyard Brine pickles, Peppadew Peppers, Veroni pre-sliced mortadella, Calabro organic gourmet mozzarella, Mestemacher organic German bread, The Billy Goat Chip Company Kicker potato chips, Edmond Fallot Whole Grain Mustard, Edmond Fallot Dijon Mustard, and a Gripper Bamboo cheese board for serving. Everything together makes a delicious sandwich, and most of this stuff can be saved for future sandwiches as well.

16

A great candle

For the dad who loves candles, a Boy Smells candle feels perfectly fitting. This one, Cedar Stack, is described as woody and spicy, and it carries notes of juniper berry, ginger, cedarwood, musk, and more. On a scent strength scale, it ranks 4/5, which means the single dad you’re shopping for will get a lot of bang per burn.

17

Some self-care help

A beard trimmer might sound like a cliché Father’s Day gift, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good one. This TRYM Lithium Rechargeable Beard Trimmer Set delivers up to 80 minutes of cordless trimming, so it’s convenient and won’t die right away after one use. It’s an 11-piece kit that comes with all the comb attachments you need for trimming your hair, body, mustache, and beard. It’s made with a high-velocity motor and is cordless and easy to use. There are also four different trim attachments, and the sleek and modern design looks nice on display in the bathroom.

18

For the gardener

For the dad that gardens, this gift is thoughtful and extremely useful. This Essential Garden Seat and Tool Kit actually a lightweight, foldable stool that he can sit or kneel on when in the garden to stay comfortable. It has a sturdy steel frame and a durable polyester canvas seat for comfort. It also comes with five wood-handled tools that are basics he’ll need for working outside, and they can be tucked in the front of the storage bag. There’s also room for other things like seeds, snacks, and their phone. It’s so nice looking, easy to store, and definitely something he’ll get a lot of use out of.

No matter what gift you choose for the special single dad in your life, pair it with a sweet card that says exactly how much he means to you. He’ll love it.

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