Unique Christmas gifts for Dad
By Emily | Updated 12th Nov 2024
Ahh, it’s that time of year again: the endless Google for a unique Christmas gift for Dad begins. It’s especially tricky when yours isn’t a golf-playing, hot sauce-eating, craft beer-drinking DIY-aficionado that the internet likes to assume.
But fear not, we’ve done the scrolling for you to bring together our favourite unique Dad gifts – from cooking to coffee, and grooming to gadgets.
Our 16 favourite Christmas gifts for Dad
At a glance
Scroll down for more details
Pet portrait
Coffee subscription
Hot shave experience
Alcohol-free cocktail
Reusable ceramic bottle
At-home facial gift card
Multi-use pan
Standing-desk converter
Custom leather journal
Digital photo frame
All-in-one fishing tool
Personalised star map
Indoor smart garden
Personalised VR experience
Sound wave art print
High-tech sleep aid
You’ve probably come across cutesy pet portraits before, but Animalist does things a little differently. They give you three different styles of modern art to choose from – line drawing, abstract or colourful silhouette – to eternalise your cat or dog in a chic poster.
All you have to do is select the breed of your dad’s pet, then decide which design style, colour and size you think he’d like. You can even personalise the portrait by adding the pet’s name or another message. It’ll last long too – Animalist print using Hahnemühle photo matte fibre paper to give a natural tone, set to last for over 40 years and look lovely in any type of light.
Animalist pet poster, from £55
Filter or French press, Chemex or cold brew – if he's into his coffee, he'll love receiving freshly roasted beans in the post. And the great news is that a premium coffee subscription doesn't need to break the bank. Options from Wood St Coffee Roasters, based in East London, start at just £10 per month. You choose the grind, weight and frequency – from three to 12 months, delivered every one, two or four weeks – and he’ll get to wake up and smell the ethically-sourced, batch-roasted coffee every day.
Use code SUB5 at checkout to get £5 off his first delivery.
Wood St Coffee Espresso Subscription, from £10 per delivery
Chances are high he won’t have experienced this before. The Ultimate Gentlemen Session from Iconic London department store Selfridges is a chance for him to be properly pampered.
It starts with a 45-minute traditional hot shave at Acqua Di Parma Barbiere, the renowned men’s grooming brand and barbers shop in Selfridges. He’ll then be treated to a charcuterie or cheese platter paired with three glasses of wine at Harry Gordon’s bar.
The whole experience is two hours long and is perfect for dads who love a good groom, but wouldn’t splash out on themselves.
The Gentleman’s Experience at Selfridges, from £120
Whether Dad wants to cut down on alcohol or is teetotal, show him he doesn’t have to settle for a simple lime and soda.
With plenty of non-alcoholic brands out there to try, Savyll is a great choice for the Dad who used to love a cocktail. The collection pack works as a flavourful tasting set and includes some very familiar choices – bellini, mojito, Paloma tequila and Moscow mule.
The cocktails are made with natural ingredients, are vegan-friendly and use less than 5g of sugar per 100ml – suitable to all types of drinkers. Choose from a set of four cans or glass bottles.
Savyll Alcohol-Free Tasting Pack, from £9.99
The most sustainable products are the ones designed so well we treasure them. We love Frank Green’s minimalist approach to design, first with their simple but colourful reusable coffee cups, and now with their award-winning insulated water bottles. There are loads of colours to choose from, including gradient styles, so finding something Dad will be happy to carry around the city shouldn’t be too tricky.
Frank Green reusable bottles, from £23.99
Whether he’s super into his skincare or is a soap and water kind of guy, an at-home facial is likely to be a novel treat. At Urban, we offer different facials for every skin concern, including the popular Dermalogica Pro60 and our dedicated men’s facial, designed with regular shaving in mind.
Treat him to an Urban gift card and he can choose when and where to enjoy his facial in the comfort of home. A qualified, pre-vetted pro will bring all the products and equipment with them (including the table), so he can lie back and relax.
Facials are currently only available in London and the South East
Whether Dad has one signature dish he loves to repeat or he’s a bit more adventurous, a beautiful pan will inspire him to get hosting.
We’ve been lusting after the Always Pan from Our Place ever since it first went viral in 2021 thanks to its chic design and modern colourways. Hailed as a 10-in-1 pan, it’s said to make cooking so much simpler. Use it to: saute, sear, bake, braise, steam, fry, boil, roast, strain and serve. This pan can handle whatever he likes to cook. It’s also toxic-free and nonstick, can withhold up to 230º heat in the oven and is made from 100% recycled aluminium.
Oh, and did we mention that it’s really nice to look at?
Our Place Always Pan, from £130 for size standard
If your dad spends long hours working from home, consider gifting him an ergonomic upgrade with an electric standing desk converter. This gadget sits on top of his existing desk and, with the press of a button, transforms his setup into a standing workspace.
The Flexispot converter is adjustable, spacious enough for dual monitors, and encourages better posture by making it easy to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day.
Not only will it help alleviate back pain and fatigue, but it also promotes better productivity and energy levels. The sleek design means it fits seamlessly into any home office setup, making it a practical yet thoughtful gift for dads who value both comfort and efficiency.
For the dad who still prefers pen to paper, a custom leather journal can be a cherished gift. Papier’s leather journals can be personalised with his name or initials on the cover, for a unique touch. The soft leather cover, combined with high-quality lined or blank pages, makes it perfect for jotting down thoughts, sketching ideas, or keeping track of goals.
Whether he’s an avid journaler, a writer, or simply someone who enjoys a good notebook, this journal is a timeless present that offers both elegance and functionality. Plus, it comes in a variety of colours to suit his style.
For the sentimental dad, a digital photo frame loaded with family memories makes a heartwarming gift. The Nixplay Smart Frame is Wi-Fi-enabled, so it's easy to upload photos from anywhere using the app. The 10.1-inch HD display brings your pictures to life, making those special moments look stunning on display.
With features like voice control and customisable playlists, it's a perfect way to keep family moments front and centre, especially if he’s not a fan of scrolling through his phone to find them.
For the dad who loves to fish or camp, the Leatherman Signal multi-tool is a must-have. It combines the reliability of a classic multi-tool with features tailored for the outdoors, including a fire-starting rod, a hammer and a sharpener.
Its compact size makes it perfect for slipping into a pocket or tackle box, and it includes essentials like pliers, wire cutters, a knife, and a saw. Whether he’s out by the lake or exploring the wilderness, this tool makes sure he’s always prepared for it all.
For a gift that’s both personal and meaningful, consider a custom star map from The Night Sky. This map shows the exact arrangement of stars on a specific date and location of your choice – whether it’s his birthday or a cherished memory.
You can customise the design with a message, making it a lovely keepsake that he can hang on his wall. It’s a thoughtful way to celebrate a special bond, especially for the dad who loves stargazing or has an appreciation for the cosmos.
Does Dad love having fresh herbs or wants to get into gardening, but doesn't have the outdoor space? The Click & Grow Smart Garden is his answer.
It's an indoor garden that uses smart technology to grow herbs, vegetables, or even flowers with minimal effort and comes with built-in LED lights and self-watering pods. So that means he can enjoy fresh basil, mint, or cherry tomatoes all year round, even in the depths of winter.
Its modern design fits perfectly on a kitchen counter or windowsill, and it’s ideal for dads who love to cook with fresh ingredients or are simply curious about growing their own produce. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a bit of greenery into his home without the fuss of traditional gardening.
If you have the budget, give Dad the gift of unlimited experience. The latest in virtual reality, the Meta Quest 3 is an all-in-one VR headset that delivers on immersive experiences right out of the box – no need for PC connectors. Whether he’s exploring virtual landscapes, playing high-intensity games, or even meditating in peaceful digital environments, it's a taste of the future.
Ideal for dads who might not fit the usual “gamer” mould, but are excited by new technology experiences. Plus, with fitness apps and interactive travel experiences, it’s a versatile gift that can be as relaxing or as exhilarating as he likes.
For an artistic gift, transform your dad’s favourite song, meaningful phrase, or even a recording of your voice into a custom sound wave art print. Artblox takes the audio file you provide and turns it into a striking piece of art, with options to choose colours and add captions.
This gift is perfect for dads who appreciate modern art with a personal twist – it’s a creative way to celebrate his love for music and meaningful memories.
If your dad has trouble winding down at night, the Dodow sleep aid device might be the unexpected gift he never knew he needed. This small device uses a rhythmic light projection to guide his breathing, helping him relax and fall asleep faster without the need for any apps or screens.
The Dodow is scientifically designed to help users fall asleep up to 2.5 times faster by encouraging a natural relaxation response. If he struggles with having busy minds at bedtime, add this to your basket.
Why not gift a massage?
Our massage treatments are perfect for Christmas gifts, especially for those who prefer an experience or something to look forward to!
At Urban, we have a wide range of at-home massage treatments available, from sports massage to reflexology. Get a relaxing treatment booked for your dad today with one of our Christmas gift cards.
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How to pick a thoughtful Christmas gift for Dad
A good gift for Dad is thoughtful, personal, and tailored to his interests or needs. It’s best to think about what he enjoys doing in his free time—whether it's a hobby, passion, or even a guilty pleasure. The best gifts show you’ve put thought into his personality, lifestyle, and preferences.
If your dad already has most things he wants or needs, consider going for experiences instead of physical gifts. Think along the lines of a hot shave experience, a virtual reality headset, a MasterClass subscription, or a personalised service like a pet portrait or custom sound wave art print. Gifts that focus on relaxation, learning, or new experiences can be particularly thoughtful for the dad who “has it all.”
It depends on his personality. If your dad appreciates practicality, opt for something he’ll use regularly—like a high-quality standing desk converter, a smart garden, or an artisan coffee subscription. If he’s more sentimental, consider personalised or memory-driven gifts, such as a custom star map, a digital photo frame, or a handmade leather journal. The best approach is to strike a balance: something he’ll cherish that also adds value to his life.
Absolutely! Thoughtful gifts don’t have to be expensive. For example, you can find personalised items like custom notebooks, gourmet coffee, or artisan cheese-making kits for under £30. You can also consider giving your time: a homemade dinner, a day out together, or simply helping him with a project he’s been putting off can be just as meaningful as any store-bought present.
Pay attention to hints he might drop in conversation or observe what he gravitates towards when shopping or browsing online. Think about his hobbies, what he’s been talking about recently, or any challenges he’s facing (e.g., better sleep, relaxation, organising his workspace). If you’re unsure, asking close family members for ideas or even directly asking him for a wish list can also help narrow it down.
Experience gifts can be meaningful, especially if your dad values making memories over collecting things. Whether it’s a tasting tour, a virtual reality session, or even a special spa treatment, these gifts can create lasting memories. However, if your dad is more into tangible items he can use and enjoy, a high-quality gadget, book, or culinary tool might be a better fit. It all comes down to his personality and preferences.
Personalised gifts are a great way to show thoughtfulness. You can customise items like leather journals, star maps, or soundwave prints with names, special dates, or meaningful messages. Another approach is to create something that reflects his favourite hobbies or passions, such as a custom pet portrait if he loves his dog, or a bespoke whiskey-tasting set if he’s a connoisseur.
Not all dads fit the stereotypical mould of loving golf, grilling, or sports. For a unique spin, consider gifts like a smart indoor garden, a facial, or a sleep aid device like the Dodow. These gifts cater to a wide range of interests, from tech enthusiasts to nature lovers to dads who enjoy self-care.
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