Last Minute Gift Ideas for Dad: Cool Finds He’ll Actually Use in 2025

When Dad needs to shuttle big files fast, Samsung’s T9 hits up to 2,000 MB/s in our testing, making video edits and backups feel snappy. The compact, pocketable body and included USB‑C cable with a USB‑A adapter mean it plays nicely with laptops old and new. Just note it isn’t a Thunderbolt drive, so speeds depend on the host’s USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Some users report occasional disconnects and Macs may need reformatting or drivers for best compatibility.

Need something Dad can toss in his bag and forget? The Anker 733 doubles as a 65W GaN wall charger and a 10,000mAh power bank, and in our testing its two USB‑C plus one USB‑A ports made topping off a laptop and phone straightforward. As a battery, max output drops to about 30W on a single port, we noticed occasional cable/phone quirks, and there’s no MagSafe/Qi option. Still, at about 320 grams and $109.99 (Anker US), it’s a tidy, travel-friendly solution for busy days.

AirPods Pro are a clutch last-minute win for iPhone dads: during our review we found the Active Noise Cancellation meaningfully stronger than the last gen, great for flights and lawn-mowing alike. The MagSafe case adds a speaker and Precision Finding in Find My, so locating it is easy, and multiple ear tips helped us dial in a comfy seal. Battery life lands around six hours with ANC on, and at $249.99 (Best Buy) it’s spendy—plus some features are limited on non-Apple devices.

Worried Dad can’t hear his podcasts over the mower? Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra deliver industry-leading noise cancellation in our testing, wrapped in plush, lightweight earcups that stayed comfortable for long sessions. We did notice occasional ANC pops or thumps while walking, plus some app and multipoint hiccups, and several owners report ear-cushion wear over time. If he values blissful quiet and comfort above all, the $329 (Best Buy) price feels justified—just plan on keeping the firmware updated and treating the pads gently.

If Dad’s a reader, the latest Kindle Paperwhite is a sweet spot: a crisp 7-inch display with better contrast that’s easy on the eyes for marathon chapters. During our review, battery life stretched for weeks and the IPX8 waterproofing plus Bluetooth audiobook support made it great by the pool or on flights. It does cost a bit more than the prior model and the Home screen can feel busy with store promos. Note that perks like wireless charging require the pricier Signature Edition.

This Belkin BoostCharge Pro is a tidy bedside upgrade for Apple dads, powering an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once. We found the 15W MagSafe pad snaps on securely with strong magnets, propping the phone upright for StandBy mode and easy glances. Just remember it needs Belkin’s compatible power adapter—generic USB bricks won’t cut it—and the Watch puck can be a little slippery. Some users report failures after several months, so hold onto the receipt.

For an easy smart-home stocking stuffer, the TP‑Link Tapo Mini adds app and voice control to lamps or coffee makers without blocking adjacent outlets. We found the compact design and Matter support make setup smooth across Apple Home, Google Home, and more, and the price is hard to beat. Expect the occasional Wi‑Fi or pairing hiccup, and the physical button can feel stiff. There have also been reports of long‑term relay issues on older Tapo units, so monitor performance.

Upgrade Dad’s comfort game with the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, which pairs a bright, easy-to-read touchscreen with air quality monitoring and optional security tie-ins. In our testing, it integrated smoothly with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for voice control and automations. You may need a C‑wire (or an adapter) for installation, and some advanced features live behind a subscription. Our experience shows placement matters—nearby vents or fans can skew readings unless you add remote sensors.

For the dad who loves dialing in ambience, this Philips Hue Starter Kit unlocks rich colors and tunable whites that transform a room from focus-ready to game-night glow. During our review, the included Hue Bridge delivered rock-solid responsiveness and scales nicely for bigger homes, plus it plays well with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Setup does take a router port and the upfront cost is higher than basic bulbs. Be aware some advanced features may require a subscription, and future‑proofing is limited without Matter support.

If Dad’s old billfold is bursting at the seams, the Bellroy Note Sleeve trims things down without feeling sparse. In our testing, the quick-access slots and pull-tab made daily cards effortless, and the RFID lining adds peace of mind for transit taps. Just note the leather can scuff if neglected, it gets chunky when overstuffed, and a few users report stitching wear with heavy use. At $95 (Bellroy), it’s a stylish, practical upgrade that keeps pockets tidy.

For the grill-master dad, the MEATER Pro keeps cooks tidy with a truly wireless single probe and tracks both internal and ambient temps for better low-and-slow results. In our testing, the app’s guided presets and estimated completion times took the guesswork out of briskets and roasts. Connectivity can hiccup on very long cooks, and you’ll need to clean the probe carefully to ensure reliable charging. Also note the ambient sensor updates more slowly than a dedicated instant‑read.

If Dad dreams of pizzeria‑level pies, the Ooni Koda 16 brings blistering heat fast—perfect for Neapolitan-style crusts—and its roomy 16-inch deck fits family-size creations. In our testing, setup was truly plug-and-play, and the simple controls make it easy for first-timers to nail their launch and timing. You’ll want to rotate the pizza to dodge hot spots, and peels/thermometers add to the tab. It’s pricier than smaller portables, but the performance and capacity justify the splurge.

For the coffee-obsessed dad, the Fellow Stagg EKG Pro nails pour-over control with a gooseneck spout and single-degree temperature precision. In our testing, dialing in exact temps for light roasts made a noticeable difference in clarity and sweetness, and the minimalist design looks great on the counter. It’s pricier than standard kettles and heats a touch slower because of the precision. Our experience shows occasional firmware or display quirks can crop up, so buy from a retailer with solid support.

If Dad struggles with harsh alarms, the Hatch Restore 3’s bright sunrise light and gentle sound library make mornings feel less jarring. During our review, we loved the big central knob and physical buttons for phone-free use at night, plus the deep library of wind-down and wake routines. Just know many premium soundscapes live behind the Hatch+ subscription and the app/Wi‑Fi are required for setup and full features. It’s a bit bulky, so measure the nightstand first.

Got a dad who fixes everything? The Leatherman ARC brings a MagnaCut primary blade that, in our testing, stayed sharp and shrugged off corrosion, and every one of its 20 tools deploys one-handed thanks to Leatherman’s Free tech. The U.S.-made build feels rock-solid, making it a premium buy at $249.99 (Public Lands). It is heavier at about 8.6 ounces and a few units show fit-and-finish quirks, but for a do-it-all multitool he’ll actually use, it’s tough to beat.