The Father’s Day Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Dads

Fathers Day in June follows closely behind Mother’s Day, and this year we celebrate father figures on June 20, 2021.

Dads can be some of the trickiest people to shop for. After all, fathers seem to be folks of simple pleasures. What do you get the man who doesn’t need much and claims to have it all?

This Fathers Day, treat dad to a gift that will spark his taste for trying new things, animate his inner child, or reignite his fondness for getting his hands dirty outdoors.

Use these gift ideas to inspire your own surprises for dad. Though it doesn’t take much to put a smile on dad’s face, a dad glowing with pride is like nothing else. So whether you treat dad to something small, or you go in on something big, remember to celebrate the father figures in your life on Sunday. Treat them to something they wouldn’t get for themselves.

Hunting Knives and Tools

There’s nothing like having the right tool to get the job done. A specialty knife is a thing of beauty and a source of pride. Add to dad’s collection with a knife he’ll use and treasure for years. For hunting dads, look at Gander’s hunting knife collection. For explorer dads, a machete or hatchet will come in handy for clearing new paths. For angler dads, a sharp gutting filet knife is never a bad idea. If dad has a full collection of knives already, consider a knife sharpener.

Fish Finders and Poles

It can be intimidating to go into a specialty fishing store, but there’s really no need for a fancy shop to get dad the gear he needs. Your local Camping World or Gander Outdoors will have the selection of fishing gear any level angler would require–be he a pro on the water, or just curious about trying fishing for the first time.

For a super cool gift that suits a frequent fisherman, fish finders or depth sounders will help identify schools of fish. For a father that loves bringing home dinner, these modern electronics add a whole new strategy to a fishing hobby.

Activewear

Dads somehow manage to wear a pair of jeans for a full decade, and his favorite shirt (though coming apart at the seams) is still “perfectly wearable.” Give dad a mini makeover with some closet staples he doesn’t even know he needs. Some fresh tees, a smart quarter-zip jacket, and moisture-wicking pants will have dad looking sharp. If dad loves to fish, fishing clothing like a UPF shirt with breathable fabric is essential for comfort out in the sun on the water.

Casual Shoes

If you’re a wife, partner, sister, son, or daughter shopping for Father’s day, consider gifting dad something he rarely gets for himself. Just like the right outfit can transform dad’s appearance, the right shoes complete the look and put a spring in his step. Treat dad to a fresh pair of boots, loafers, or sandals. If the summer means boat season for dad, a new pair of boat shoes will look sharp on the dock. Everyday flip flops are useful for keeping by the RV door–slip them on and off upon entering and exiting the camper. Sport sandals and water shoes are built for trekking across the creek with the kids or skipping rocks knee-deep in the lake.

Hard-Sided Cooler

It’s not a proper tailgate if there’s not an endless supply of ice-cold beverages at the ready. A high-end hard-sided cooler is dad’s best friend. Used for tailgating, fishing on the lake, or long camping trips off-grid, coolers always come in handy. The best hard-sided coolers tout their ice-retention rate–3, 5, even 8 days. A solar-powered cooler is the ultimate toy.

Campsite Throne

Dad deserves a throne fit for a king. Don’t settle for any old camp chair. Make sure dad has all the latest features on his royal chair like…Sports monogram customization, zero gravity reclining, a shady canopy, or a beverage container and side table.

Kit out Camp Kitchen

When dad don’s that apron and fires up the grill, you know what’s coming. The grill master is at work and we should all watch and learn. To foster this love for good grilled food, make sure dad has the best tools at his disposal. Wood pellet grills infuse meats w/ extra flavor. Griddles give steakburgers and other meats that crispy outside, without losing fat and flavor to the fire. Cast Iron griddles, pans, and dutch ovens often develop into heirlooms passed down generations, along with secret family recipes.

Upgrade to a Smoker

If dad’s already a master of the grill, prepare him for his next challenge—a smoker. This all-day activity is a labor of love. Make dad the envy of the campground with a digital electric smoker. The scent alone will bring folks flocking to your campsite, and dad won’t hesitate to show off the main event—homemade jerky, smoked brisket, pulled pork, or applewood smoked chicken. Gift a smoker to dad along with a gift card to the local butcher to get the creative juices flowing. Pit Boss Digital Electric Smoker allows hands-off smoking. Specialty wood chips like applewood, hickory, and mesquite contribute to depth of flavor.

Remember, Father’s Day is all about celebrating the father figures in our lives–that could be an uncle, grandfather, or family friend. What and who are you gifting for Father’s Day? Tell us in the comments.