Father’s Day 2025: Gift ideas that go beyond socks, wallets and last-minute online orders

Father's Day 2025: From tech tips to tool kits and heartfelt chats, here’s how to make dads feel seen and special (Image: Canva)

Dads can be tricky to shop for. They rarely say what they want, often claim they need nothing, and somehow end up with yet another pair of socks. But Father’s Day isn’t about exaggerated gifts, it’s about celebrating the quiet strength, dry humour and life wisdom they bring.

Before you rush to checkout on the same old mug or keychain, think about what would truly make your dad smile. Does he love tinkering with tools, learning new apps, or hearing from you in more than two-word texts? A thoughtful gesture can go a long way in making him feel seen, heard and loved—not just on Father’s Day but always.

Be it’s your dad, granddad, stepdad or any man who’s shown up like one, here are some cool ideas that will help you say, Happy Father’s Day:

Also read | Father’s Day special: Embarking on your paternal journey? Here’s a financial planning checklist

• Spend time: Plan a day out, even if it’s just a walk, a chai stop or watching a cricket match together. Presence > presents.

• Write a letter: Old-fashioned? Maybe. But a handwritten note telling him what you admire about him will become a keepsake.

• Send a long WhatsApp message: Not everyone is a poet, but just string together your thoughts and let it be messy, nostalgic or funny. He’ll read it more than once.

• Teach them technology: Help him set up voice commands, show him how to use Google Lens or finally explain what cloud storage really is.

• A friendly gadget: Gift them smart plugs, Bluetooth trackers, digital frames, or a compact speaker, simple tools that make life easier, not confusing.

• A tool kit: Most dad’s love their tools. Whether he’s actually handy or just likes the idea of fixing things, a neat, updated tool set never goes unappreciated.

• Ask them for advice: About careers, cars, mortgages, or even which T-shirt colour suits you. It’s a sign of trust, and they love being needed.

• Ask them for a favour: Fixing a leak, lending a shirt or figuring out a recipe, dads love feeling useful. It’s secretly how they show love too.

• Make a playlist: Curate songs he used to play on long drives or tracks that remind you of him. Music stirs memories like few things can.

• Share a memory: Remind him of a story he once told you or bring up a childhood moment you’ve never forgotten. It’s better than any gift wrap.