14 unique Father’s Day gift ideas for dads that don’t want anything

Gifting Thoughtfully

By Holly Tucker

24TH APRIL 2024

Looking for a unique Father’s Day gift for a dad who insists they just don’t want anything this year? It’s a common dilemma but worry not. Our small businesses and I have got you covered…

How to surprise dads who say they want nothing for Father’s Day

Heaven forbid dads might actually give us a clue as to what they would truly love for Father’s Day this year! For many though, time spent with their kids is enough — and that’s wonderful. But I know that if there’s a dad you want to celebrate and you’re anything like me, you will want to find something special to show him just how much he means to you. So I’m sharing a curated collection of some of the most unique and thoughtful gifts I’ve found to surprise and delight even the most reluctant of dads for Father's Day 2024… with help from the best UK small businesses of course.

Understanding the ‘Dad Who Wants Nothing’ and some factors to consider

Some dads and father figures say they don't want gifts simply because they think they have everything they need or because they don’t want us to spend our time or money on them. Yet how often do we get to show them that we see them and appreciate all they do? Plus there’s been a huge cultural shift and evolution in the role of fatherhood in the last few years. So whether you want to consider something sentimental for him, an experience over something material, or something to tap into a passion of his (and the more niche the better in my book!), here are some thoughtful gift ideas I really hope he’ll love.

My top 14 unique Father’s Day gift ideas for 2024

Personalised Rectangular Photo Cushion

ROAM, £42

If I was shopping for my husband from my son when he was little, I always found photo gifts were a big hit. It’s something he’d never buy but will always cherish (especially now Harry’s away at uni).

Mens konoc keyring seen in blue, green, black, orange.

Mens Starling Personalised Leather Keyring

Konoc, £23

How about something personal he’ll use everyday like a keyring? With this one, you can choose the colour as well as adding words to this, as a super personal daily reminder of just how much he’s loved.

Marbled Journal - Indigo & Wine

Marmor Paperie, From £27.60

With the Priory reporting that 40% of men never talk about their mental health,¹ a journal like this could be life changing. It also shows you know he’s got things on his mind and that you want to help.

I Love You To The Core Wooden Apple

Supplies For Life, £17.50

Dads love surprises. These hand painted wooden apples come with a little gold envelope inside containing a secret message from you — the perfect way to show him that you love him to the core.

olive green leather mouse stamped with 'Dads Home Office'mat

Hand Stamped Leather Personalised Mousemat

Parkin & Lewis, £26.00

For any stay-at-home dads, finding something for their office will likely be well received. Something like a mouse mat is something he’ll use and if you personalise it cleverly, you can make him smile too.

'Pint?' Painted Sign

Ollie Cooper Signs, £320.00

How about some original custom artwork? This hand painted peice shows you’re always there to talk (and support his interests AND that you’ve pushed the boat out). It’s pretty special… But then, so is he!

Fantastic Father Party Hat Card

Hadley Paper Goods, £4.95

With more and more dads putting their role of fatherhood in front of pretty much everything else in life, a token to show you appreciate it will go down well. This kindly-worded crown might just mean more than any present he’s received.

Samar Merino Wool Stripe Sock Bright Blue

Genevieve Sweeney, £22.00

Get him a little luxury that he wouldn’t treat himself too. For example, he might buy himself socks… but perhaps not ones knitted from the softest merino wool that help revitalise a disappearing UK industry and support artisans and family run factories? These will make him feel wonderful.

Inclusion Chocolate Bar Bundle

Harry Specters, £20.50

For the kind hearted dad, find a gift that does good. For instance, Harry Specters’ chocolate not only tastes incredible, it improves the life of autistic people and their families through paid employment, free work experience and free training opportunities.

Cricket Bat Stool

Dead Mary's, From £120.00

Or how about finding a truly unique way to nod to his hobbies? The founder of Dead Mary’s turns vintage cricket bats and stumps into stools — a great talking point for his favourite spot in the house.

Wooden flat carpenters pencils laid on a wooden table. The pencils have a slogan Measure Twice Cut Once screenprinted at one end in red ink, but the joke is that last word has been cut off, or mispositioned.

Measure Twice Cut Once Set of 3 Flat Carpenter’s Pencils

Salty's Studio, £4.50

These will make any DIY dad or ‘maker of things’ smile. Made from recycled pallets, these carpenter pencils come in a set of three, are flat so won’t roll off a ladder and provide a gentle reminder.

Model wears a sterling silver halo charm on a green para cord bracelet

Personalised Men's Infinity Bracelet

Chambers & Beau, £45.00

Personalising something he can wear that you’ve bought him will mean the world. This infinity bracelet comes in five colours and can be hand stamped with meaningful words of your choice. “Can I have a lift?” doesn’t count!

blue-luggage-tag-with-calligraphy-for-surprise-holiday-reveal

Personalised Holiday Tag - Denim Blue

Another Loop, £13.75

Or how about getting him a trip somewhere you can go together? You can always make it extra special with something physical to give on the day like this calligraphed luggage tag memento — much nicer than a printed email!

Fire-hose Large Wash Bag

Elvis & Kresse, From £74.00

He’ll always appreciate something clever. What can you find that he won’t have seen before? This beautiful washbag is a great example. It’s made from repurposed, decommissioned fire-hose so it’s as strong and waterproof as it is stylish. Plus 50% of profits go to The Fire Fighters Charity — a lovely story he’s bound to appreciate.

So all in all, even if Dad says he doesn’t want anything…

There are some wonderful ways to surprise Dad this Father’s Day — and support small businesses in the process (which dads are bound to approve of!). This is just a handful of suggestions but for plenty more thoughtful gift ideas, for every possible occasion, explore our gifts department.

3 quick Father’s Day FAQs

1. How can I make a Father’s Day special for a dad who doesn’t want gifts?

If you were to tell him your five favourite memories from growing up, what would they be? What are your absolute favourite things about him? Or if you’re buying on behalf of the kids, get them to think about it, then write it in a card so he can look back on it forever (we have lots of thoughtful Father’s Day cards if you need one).

2. What are some non-material Father’s Day gift ideas?

Find me a tired dad that won’t appreciate breakfast in bed! For plenty of ideas on this, try our Father's Day Breakfast In Bed Collection. It’s a wonderful way to surprise him — especially if you add some unexpected treats.

3. Can I give a Father’s Day gift that is more about an experience than a physical item?

Absolutely. Spending time with his kids will be one of the greatest gifts he can receive (or just trying something new that he’ll enjoy). I’d just find a lovely way to give it to him. Another Loop can make you a personalised calligraphy golden ticket with the experience you’d like, to have something nice to give him on the day. Whatever you end up choosing, I hope he feels loved.

Sources:

Priory Group statistics

Author’s bio

Holly Tucker MBE, is the founder of notonthehighstreet and Holly & Co — a highly curated small business marketplace, where 95% of the small businesses are female founded.

Having championed entrepreneurship across the UK for more than 20 years, had a Sunday Times bestselling business book Do What You Love and the award-winning podcast Conversations of Inspiration, Holly passionately believes in living creatively and that anyone can build a business doing what they love.