Christmas presents for Dad: whisky glasses, maps and one daft pair of socks
Our best overall Christmas present for Dad is a pair of whisky nosing glasses, a proper upgrade for the dram he has after Christmas dinner. The best budget pick is a dad joke book at around £5–£9. For something unusual, an OS Explorer map of his home patch shows him footpaths he has never walked.
The usual advice is to think about what Dad does on a Saturday. At Christmas, also think about what he does on 25 December between lunch and the film.
Fixed budget? Guides picked for it: Gardening gifts for Dad under £30
For Christmas Day itself
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Whisky nosing glasses (pair)
Tulip-shaped glasses designed for nosing and tasting whisky.
Christmas is when the good bottle comes out. A pair of nosing glasses means he can share a dram with whoever stays up latest.
Not for: Anyone who drinks whisky with lots of ice and mixer.
See it on Amazon for Whisky nosing glasses (pair), paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Dad joke book
A small book of groan-worthy jokes and puns.
Give it early on Christmas morning and he will have fresh material for the whole of lunch. The family has been warned.
Not for: Dads who are sensitive about their jokes.
See options on Amazon for Dad joke book, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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‘Bring me a beer’ socks
Socks with a slogan on the sole asking anyone who can read it to fetch a beer.
He will put his feet up on the pouffe after lunch and someone will read the soles. Then they will fetch him a beer.
Not for: Non-drinkers, or anyone who would be mortified to show the soles of their feet.
See options on Amazon for ‘Bring me a beer’ socks, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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British craft beer gift set
A box of bottles or cans from small breweries, often with a glass.
If he likes a beer while the King’s speech is on, a box of small-brewery bottles makes it feel like an occasion.
Not for: Non-drinkers and anyone under 18.
See options on Amazon for British craft beer gift set, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
Fixes for his daily annoyances
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Rechargeable head torch
A USB-rechargeable LED torch on a headband.
Dark dog walks, fiddling with the boiler, finding things in the loft: a head torch helps with all of them.
Not for: Anyone who already owns a good one.
See options on Amazon for Rechargeable head torch, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Stainless steel vacuum flask
A steel flask that keeps tea hot for most of a day.
For the dad on the touchline or the riverbank. A proper flask keeps tea hot until the final whistle.
Not for: Anyone who already has a battered flask they love.
See options on Amazon for Stainless steel vacuum flask, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Stovetop espresso maker
An aluminium or steel moka pot that brews strong coffee on the hob.
If he grumbles about the coffee pod machine, a stovetop pot makes stronger coffee and has nothing to break.
Not for: Induction hob owners, unless you buy a steel induction-safe version.
See options on Amazon for Stovetop espresso maker, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
Hobby upgrades
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OS Explorer map of their area
A detailed 1:25,000 walking map of a particular area.
Find the sheet that covers his town and he will spend Boxing Day planning walks. It is surprising how many paths locals have never tried.
Not for: Anyone who only follows apps and never unfolds a map.
See options on Amazon for OS Explorer map of their area, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Indoor putting mat
A roll-out putting green with a return gutter for practising at home.
January is a long month for golfers. This keeps his putting going in the hallway until the course dries out.
Not for: Anyone without a long enough hallway or patient housemates.
See options on Amazon for Indoor putting mat, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Telescopic golf ball retriever
An extending pole with a cup on the end for scooping balls out of water hazards.
For the dad who loses three balls a round in the pond. A gentle joke that pays for itself by spring.
Not for: Low handicappers who rarely find the water.
See options on Amazon for Telescopic golf ball retriever, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Vinyl record cleaning kit
A brush, fluid and cloth for keeping records free of dust.
If his old records have come down from the loft, this gets the dust out before he plays them.
Not for: Anyone who only streams.
See options on Amazon for Vinyl record cleaning kit, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
A bit of nostalgia
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Retro handheld games console
A pocket console in the style of the 1990s with built-in classic-style games.
Reminds him of the games he played as a teenager, and he can challenge the kids to beat his scores on Boxing Day.
Not for: Serious gamers who expect modern titles.
See options on Amazon for Retro handheld games console, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
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Home brew beer kit
A starter kit with a fermenter, ingredients and instructions to brew beer at home.
A winter project that ends with him handing everyone a bottle of his own beer in February. He will be very proud.
Not for: Dads with no warm cupboard to leave a fermenter in.
See options on Amazon for Home brew beer kit, paid link, opens in a new tab Ad
Nothing matches those filters. Try a bigger budget or another vibe.
Price bands are our own estimates, not live shop prices, so check the price before you buy. Buy buttons are paid links: if you buy, GiftPuffin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we pick. How our links work.
Questions people ask
What do you get a dad who doesn’t want anything for Christmas?
Something that fixes a small daily annoyance he has stopped noticing, like a cold cup of tea on the touchline or a dead torch. Or give him something to do, like a home brew kit or a walking map. Practical presents tend to suit dads who say they need nothing.
What is a good cheap Christmas present for Dad?
A dad joke book, beer socks or an OS map of his area are all around £15 or less. Pair two of them for a stocking. Our under £20 list has more.
Is alcohol a good Christmas gift for Dad?
It can be, if he drinks and enjoys trying new things. Whisky nosing glasses or a craft beer selection feel more considered than a random bottle. If he is cutting down, pick from the hobby sections instead.
When should I order Dad’s Christmas present?
Aim for early December, and earlier for personalised items. If you are posting it to him, check our Christmas last posting dates page for the deadlines.