Unique Christmas gifts for Dad

Ahh, it’s that time of year again: the endless Google for an original 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, grooming to gadgets.

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 £57

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 £10

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. 

Gift cards from £20,

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. his 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