9 Father's Day Gift Ideas Dad Will Actually Want

We all know the drill: when dad says he doesn’t want any Father’s Day gifts for 2024, what he actually means is he doesn’t want yet another dad mug, a box of socks, or a hilarious t-shirt. This year, Father’s Day falls on 18 June and is the perfect time to show your appreciation for your dad, grandpa, husband, or any other man in your life.

But what do you get for the man who has everything (or doesn’t want anything)? If you're stuck for ideas for Father's Day gifts, don't just give in and resort to another pair of novelty socks! From foodie experiences to DIY crafts, read on for a handful of thoughtful gift ideas that he’ll actually love and will make his special day extra awesome. 

1. A cocktail making class will bring out his inner Bond

From the cars to the clothes to the cocktails, it’s hard not to have at least a twinge of envy for fictional super-spy James Bond. Why not give dad a taste of the high life with a cocktail-making class? Whether he likes his martinis shaken or stirred — or prefers something on the more fruity side — he’ll learn how to make his own signature drinks from some of the best mixologists in the UK. 

It would also make a brilliant couples’ activity to let mum get involved, too — what better way to let their hair down than going behind the scenes at a local bar?

2. A cooking class will take his next family barbecue to new heights

We only get a handful of “proper barbecue weather” days a year in the UK, so why waste them? Gift dad a cookery class! Banish incinerated sausages and cremated burgers forever by letting dad learn the art of BBQ from an experienced, local grillmaster. Covering everything from delicious marinade recipes (for carnivores and vegans alike!) to making sure the grill is the right temperature for what he’s cooking, it would definitely make a better Father’s Day gift idea than a novelty apron!

Plus, he can apply what he’s learned to cooking indoors on the other 360 days of the year — you can thank us later for those mouthwatering family meals!

3. A food and drink tasting experience will make Father's Day 2024 one to remember

Maybe you know a busy guy who’d appreciate leaving the cooking to someone else for once: how does a beer and cheese tasting experience sound? Expertly blending these two fatherly staples, he’ll be able to delve into new and exciting taste sensations from across the UK, under the expert guidance of people who really know their stuff. When it comes to Father's Day gifts, there's not much that's going to beat a full belly! 

Dad, not a big beer fan? You’ll also discover everything from local gin tasting sessions to three-course meals paired with rare whisky. It’s a brilliant way to let your pops indulge in some of the finer things in life, and learn something new in the process.

4. A hand building pottery kit will let him get his hands dirty

We’re big fans of pottery — not only is it a brilliant way to unwind, but the satisfaction of creating something that’s both beautiful and useful is second to none. If your dad is a dab-hand at DIY or an artisan in waiting, hand-building pottery might be right up his street. While wheel throwing is a popular and impressive craft, hand-building proves pottery doesn’t have to use any specialized equipment at all – and what better way to say 'Happy Father's Day' than with a super creative craft kit?

Whether he’s a coffee connoisseur who wants to craft the perfect handmade ceramic mug or fancies treating his beloved plants to a handmade clay planter, an at-home pottery kit or virtual class is the ideal way for dad to get started with this relaxing hobby.

5. Building a glass terrarium is a fantastic experience to share

Speaking of plants, a succulent terrarium would make a fantastic Father’s Day gift for any green-fingered guys out there. Combining the time-honoured dadly pursuits of gardening and DIY, there are plenty of options for creating a miniature ecosystem to suit dad’s tastes, from local workshops to at-home terrarium kits.

Why not make it extra special by making a terrarium together? Whether you live on the same street or in different countries, building a terrarium with your dad is a brilliant bonding activity, and you get the bonus of a beautiful, green centrepiece to admire, as well as making new memories with the most important guy in your life.

6. Learning calligraphy is a meditative activity dad will love

Whether dad’s an artistic type looking for new creative avenues or an old-fashioned gentleman who values handwritten letters over emails, there are calligraphy courses all over the UK that would make fantastic options for crafty fellas.

From honing his handwriting to creating inspirational art to hang in his office, calligraphy and brush lettering classes are both soothing and practical — perfect for hard-working dads who don’t take enough time for themselves.

7. A watercolour painting class will set his inner artist free

When it comes to relaxing, creative activities, it’s hard to beat watercolour painting. Not only is it a forgiving way to get started with painting for beginners, it also takes up less valuable space than painting on canvas, making it ideal for guys with smaller studies or sheds. It would also make a brilliant hobby for new dads while they’re on leave — a quick watercolour sketch is the perfect mini-meditation to help keep him occupied.

There are a wide variety of watercolour painting classes to help your pops get started, from hazy landscapes to botanical studies, so you’re sure to find a class that suits his personality.

8. A paint and sip evening will help him switch off and unwind

Of course, if your pops is the outgoing type, a paint and sip class might be more his cup of tea (or glass of wine!). What better way to let the stress of the working week melt away than a drink and draw workshop? With a brush in one hand and a glass of vino in the other, he’ll soon be in his creative element as he creates a mini-masterpiece to show off.

It may be Father’s Day, but that doesn’t mean mum can’t get involved too! Even if they’re both complete beginners, they’ll have a great time creating together at a couples painting class, making new friends, and enjoying some good drinks.

9. An experience gift card doesn’t have to be a last resort

Whether dad’s had a secret desire to get into candle making, is a renaissance man who likes to try his hand at a bit of everything, or just prefers to do things his own way, a ClassBento gift card might be the perfect Father’s Day gift.

This isn’t a last-minute supermarket checkout pickup: this is a gift card that will give any lucky fella the keys to a world of crafts and experiences. Available in easily customizable denominations, it’s the ideal way to spark dad’s imagination and let him think outside the box.

Looking for Christmas gifts for dad? Click here.