Fathers are often impossible to buy gifts for. They say they don’t know what they want, simply say they don’t want a gift, or seem to have already bought everything for themselves. After some prompting, they usually come up with something practical, like socks or a new charger. Not exactly festive to give.

But the problem isn’t that there’s nothing to give. The problem is that fathers buy either nothing, or everything, for themselves. There are hobby dads who immediately bring home every tool and gadget for their hobby, but also dads who are incredibly frugal with all their things. They wear the same apron until it falls apart, or use their worn-out wallet until the zipper gives out. From the father who already has everything to the father who says he wants nothing - try finding the perfect gift for them.

And yet, all fathers who are there for their families deserve some extra love on Father’s Day. So this year you’re doing it differently: you’re giving a top-tier gift. We’ve gathered 21 gifts that really make an impression - organized by type of father, so you can immediately see what fits. From artisanal sea salt for the grill to a luxury cookbook that can also live on the coffee table. And the best part is that all the tips we give below can be found via Cadeo. So in the end, the choice is up to your father!

How do you choose a good Father’s Day gift?

Before we dive into the list of Father’s Day tips, here are a few rules of thumb that always work. Even for that dad who already has everything or just doesn’t want anything.

Give something he wouldn’t buy for himself. That’s the golden rule, and it works for both kinds of impossible dads. The frugal dad loves it but won’t spend his own money on it. The dad who already has everything simply doesn’t know the product yet. That beautiful knife set, that stylish apron, that premium beard oil - exactly the kind of things you can surprise him with.

Quality over quantity. Better one thoughtful gift than a basket full of stuff. Especially for the dad who already has everything, it’s important to give something with a story, from a brand he doesn’t know, or in a quality he wouldn’t choose for himself. One good product feels more personal than ten small items.

Think in moments. The strongest gift creates a memory. A BBQ evening together with new tools. Morning coffee from an Italian moka pot. An afternoon with a good book or an apron to try out new recipes. Those are the gifts he’ll remember - and even the ‘I don’t need anything’ dad can’t refuse them.

And if you’re unsure? We get it, the pressure is high with dads like these. No stress. There’s also an option where he gets to choose himself - without it feeling like a boring gift card. Ideal for the dad who’s impossible to read.

Get started on the grill: everything for BBQ

The hobby dad in his purest form: the grill master. Maybe he already has a barbecue, but there’s always room for an upgrade in tools or ingredients. Or maybe he secretly dreams of more outdoor cooking, but he’s still wrestling with a wobbly set he once scored somewhere. Sound familiar? Then this is his category.

The barbecue that fits on the table

Not everyone has a backyard with space for a large barbecue. This compact table BBQ from BergHOFF fits on any balcony or patio, can even be taken to other places, and also looks stylish. Truly an item to use all season, whether at home, in a park, or on the beach (only if allowed there, of course). Compact, but serious enough to impress and grill deliciously.

Grilling with the best tools

You can’t grill without tools. A spatula, knife, and tongs - those are the three musketeers of every grill. This premium set from Barbecook is made to last for years and immediately feels like an upgrade as soon as you pick up the tools. The perfect replacement for that worn-out gear he still thinks is fine, but the rest of the family secretly disagrees.

Salt to finish it off

Three kinds of artisanal sea salt, specially curated for the barbecue. Zeeuwsche Zoute harvests their salt traditionally in the Zeeland waters. Small gift, big difference - because once you’ve tasted really good salt, you never go back. So what does good salt taste like? Zeeuwsche Zoute Pure gives your dishes a unique crispness, lifting all your dishes to the next level. Zeeuwsche Zoute Smoked offers a unique flavor experience. The salt with a smoky aroma and taste works in surprisingly many recipes. It’s made by literally smoking the salt between wood chips. Zeeuwsche Zoute Black Garlic is enriched with at least 15% black garlic. This variant is perfect for flavor combinations where a mild salty taste is desired. Great for barbecue dishes, but this salt set also comes in handy in the ‘normal’ kitchen.

Everything for the dad who loves cooking

Some dads prefer to be in the kitchen. Others pretend they’re not into it, but as soon as a new knife or a nice cookbook appears, they can’t be kept away. And then there are the dads who have been working with the same blunt knives for years, claiming they still work fine. Spoiler: they don’t. From the dutiful chef to the real hobby cook: at Cadeo we have a wide assortment of kitchen tools.

Cutlery, gift sets or knife blocks

The products of the famous French brand Laguiole Style de Vie are a great addition to any kitchen. Think oyster and bottle openers, high-quality steak knives, or a magnetic knife block. It’s the kind of gift that looks like it belongs in a chic restaurant, but for home - at a cozy get-together or an evening with friends. For the dad who loves beautiful things but doesn’t quickly buy them for himself.

Must-have knives

Four classic French knives with olive wood handles. Opinel has been making knives that last generations since 1890 - simple, beautiful, and effective. It’s the kind of kitchen tool your dad will still be slicing with in twenty years, and then he’ll tell people he got it from you. And let’s be honest: his current knives are probably long overdue for replacement, but he’ll never throw them away himself.

Artisanal Apron

A good apron is an underrated gift. This handmade apron from Brût Homeware is made of durable materials and looks good enough to cook in, grill in, or just wear around the kitchen looking cool. The typical dad keeps using his apron until it literally falls apart - so this is your chance to retire that worn-out 2014 version.

Ottolenghi - a classic

Ottolenghi is now a classic among cookbooks. The average hobby chef already has Simple at home, but there are more great cookbooks from this chef to discover. Flavour, for example, is full of plant-based recipes that are surprising, colorful, and accessible. Even the father who claims he can already cook anything will find dishes here he’s never tried. Or what about Comfort? The name says it all: 100 recipes that give comfort food a modern twist. We also carry cookbooks by other authors in the assortment. A top gift for the dad who likes trying new recipes - or if you’d simply like something different on the table ;)

For himself for once: grooming and care

Many fathers spend exactly zero seconds choosing grooming products. They use the same shower gel for ten years and think that’s perfectly fine. But give them something quality and they’ll secretly use it every day. This is the category where you score with the dad who truly buys nothing for himself - or surprise your father who thinks he already knows everything about grooming.

A grooming set, but for your beard

A complete beard set from the New Zealand brand Triumph & Disaster. Beard balm, beard oil, and a comb - everything you need for a well-groomed beard. The brand combines natural ingredients with a no-nonsense look that suits dads who don’t like fuss, but do like quality. Beard required.

A nice bathrobe from vtwonen

A bathrobe is the ultimate pampering gift that dads don’t quickly buy for themselves. This Soft Embrace from vtwonen is unisex, made of soft cotton velvet, and wonderfully roomy. It’s exactly the kind of product that suits the frugal dad: he thinks it’s beautiful but would never buy it, because he doesn’t think he needs it. But give him this and he’ll wear it daily - guaranteed.

The daily shave, but premium

A premium shaving set for the man who goes for quality and comfort. The Safety Razor is a stylish and durably made razor that delivers a close, precise result with less irritation. The After Shave Balm soothes the skin immediately after shaving, reduces redness, and hydrates without feeling sticky, with a fresh, masculine scent as the finishing touch. Together they form an elegant, timeless set that turns every shave into a luxury moment. Perfect as a gift for men who like to look well cared for. And isn’t that every father?

Treats, in all shapes and sizes

A moka pot with timeless design

This Italian moka pot from Bialetti combines timeless design with modern functionality. Put it on the stove, wait for that gentle bubbling, and you’ve got the best espresso without needing an expensive machine. The Venus is the stainless-steel version - sleek, modern, and suitable for induction. It’s a morning ritual that never gets old. Perfect for the hobby dad who already has a coffee grinder, but also for the frugal dad who still drinks instant coffee.

An upgrade to his whiskey experience

A good whiskey deserves a beautiful glass. Give your father this refined gift set for a unique tasting experience with iconic granite whiskey stones and elegant signature crystal glasses. The handmade granite stones chill without watering down, and the two beautiful lead-free crystal whiskey glasses with diamond design are great to drink from. The sleek modern design sits perfectly in the hand and enhances the aromas and flavors of your whiskey. Perfect for the connoisseur who wants to elevate his drinking experience. Unique, tasteful, gift-worthy. We have several sets from R.O.C.K.S. in our assortment, so be sure to have a look around!

Licorice with a great story

Is your father a huge sweet tooth? Let him discover different kinds of artisanal licorice with the packages from Mooie D.R.O.P. Each product is made with love in Baarn. Young people distanced from the labor market make, package, and sell the licorice. That way he can enjoy, for example, the nostalgic taste of fresh salty licorice or addictive licorice fudge. Warning: by the time you give it, this gift is probably already gone.

Everything for the beer lover

With the Biercheque, your father can go in search of his ultimate beer experience. He can soak up the stories behind the beers and share in that experience. Togetherness, passion, craftsmanship, and gezelligheid are what Biercheque is all about. Get to know the brewers and taste the unique flavors of the beers at the same time, but above all get acquainted with the incredible drive and passion for the product. When you see that come together, the ultimate experience is created.

For all hobbies

From reading to shoes and from cigars to DIY: we’ve got something for everyone.

Clean shoes

Sneakerheads: people with a passion for sneakers and everything around them. But the products from First Amsterdam are also for the father who treats his shoes with love but has been polishing them with the same cloth for years. First Amsterdam makes premium shoe care products that keep sneakers and leather shoes looking like new. The Premium Bundle includes everything you need - from cleaning to protection. Whether he’s a collector who already has everything or the kind of dad who wears his one pair of sneakers into the ground: with this set, everything looks like new again.

For every reader

For the father who likes to pick up a book or magazine - or the one who really should do that more often. But choosing a book for someone is still pretty difficult. So sometimes the best solution is: let him choose himself. The Boek & Bladkado gift card can be redeemed at hundreds of bookstores throughout the Netherlands.

Prefer a magazine? Then this 100% tree-free magazine is a unique alternative. Happy Times is full of positive stories about sustainability, impact makers, and practical tips. Choose a single issue or go for the bundle of three editions. It’s the kind of gift he may not expect, but then spends the whole Sunday afternoon on the couch with.

An even more surprising gift? Then go for this combination of cookbook and seasonal calendar, fully focused on cooking with Dutch seasonal products. Practical, beautifully designed, and full of inspiration to use all year round. The kind of gift the father who already has everything doesn’t know yet, and the father who wants nothing can’t refuse - because it’s a book, a calendar, and a cooking guide all at once.

For the cigar lover

This complete and refined gift set is ideal for a unique whiskey tasting and cigar smoking experience. The luxurious set combines the best of both worlds with handmade granite whiskey stones, a precision cigar cutter, and a minimalist granite ashtray. Whether your father is a beginner or an experienced smoker - cigar cutters are essential in every collection. Combined with the heavy granite ashtray, the result is a pure expression of material and form that embodies one of life’s little luxuries. Sounds too good to be true, right? But we really have it. For your father (or for yourself).

Choose-it-yourself gift for the sporty and active dad

The hobby dad who buys all the gadgets himself? You don’t give him stuff - you give him the freedom to choose. The same goes for the DIY dad who spends every weekend at the hardware store. With these gift cards, you’re always right, because they know best what they need themselves.

The Sportsgiftcard can be spent at thousands of sports venues and stores throughout the Netherlands. From a padel lesson to new running shoes - he chooses what he needs. Exactly the solution for the dad who seems to already own all the sports gear: because there’s always something that needs replacing or adding.

And for the father who spends his weekends in the hardware store, there’s the Kluscadeau. Redeemable at the best-known hardware stores in the Netherlands. Because yes, he always seems to need something for that one project. And even if he says he wants nothing - ask him if he needs anything for the renovation and you’ll get a list longer than his grocery list.

Finish it off: tips that make every gift better

A gift only becomes truly special when you add something personal to it. Here are a few simple things that make a difference - even for the dad who claims he doesn’t care about anything.

Write a card. Sounds old-fashioned, but a heartfelt message makes any gift ten times more special. It doesn’t have to be a novel - a few sentences about why you chose this gift are enough. You can also add a digital personal message at Cadeo. Even the toughest ‘I don’t need anything’ dad goes quiet for that.

Arrange breakfast. Simple, always a hit. Fresh rolls, orange juice, a good cup of coffee - and the gift alongside it. It’s the combination of attention and something tasty that does it. Who says no to a set table with treats and loved ones?

Plan something together. The best gifts are moments. Cook that recipe from the new cookbook together. Have a BBQ evening with the new tools. Go to that sports match together. The gift is the reason, the time together is the real present. And that is ultimately what every father values most - even the one who won’t say it out loud.

Still unsure? Let him choose himself

Even after sixteen suggestions, you may still be unsure. Maybe your father really is impossible - the kind who already has everything and says he wants nothing. Maybe he doesn’t know himself. Or maybe you just want to make sure you get it right.

That’s why there’s an option that never misses: a choice gift via Cadeo. You send a personal link that lets your father choose a gift himself from more than 1,200 products, including all the options from this article. So you don’t have to guess. Choice gifts are available from 15 euros, and you can personalize the experience with your own message via Cadeo Studio.

And the best part? If he’d rather have something else than what you initially chose, he can quietly exchange the gift - without you noticing a thing. No awkward moment, no disappointment. The perfect solution for the impossible father.

We think that should do the trick for Father’s Day this year. And the most important thing is actually the simplest: spend time together and let him know you’re thinking of him. Because that is ultimately what every father loves to receive most.