If your dad’s go-to response to “What do you want for Father’s Day?” is a shrug or a breezy “Don’t worry about it,” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common (and frankly, most frustrating) answers gift-givers face.

But here’s the truth: it’s rarely about nothing. More often, it’s modesty talking. Some dads don’t like a fuss. Others genuinely don’t want you spending money. And a few are just content with what they have.

Why Dads Say They Want Nothing

There’s often more behind the “nothing” than it seems. If you’re unsure how to respond, this indepth article on what to get for Father's Day covers what to consider when Dad says he doesn’t want a thing.

  • Emotional reasons: He doesn’t want to feel like a burden. He might prefer effort over expense. Or he shies away from attention.
  • Practical reasons: He’s got what he needs, doesn’t want clutter, or leans toward a minimalist lifestyle.
  • What he means: Use your judgement. Pick something that makes sense, not something that makes a splash.

It’s less about skipping gifts and more about skipping pressure.

The Gifting Mindset That Works

When in doubt, shift your thinking. It’s not about what you give—it’s about why you’re giving it.

Think of gifts as proxies for appreciation. It could be:

  • A shared experience
  • Something thoughtful and useful
  • A low-key nod to an inside joke
  • A token that shows you’ve paid attention

The sweet spot? Low pressure, high personal value.

Quick Checklist:

  • Useful
  • Shared or memorable
  • Personal (not generic)
  • Doesn’t feel like “more stuff”
  • Skippable without guilt

Know Your Dad – The Gift-Choosing Shortcut

The fastest way to get Father’s Day right? Match the gift to his personality. Here’s a breakdown of common “dad types” and what tends to click for each one.

The Practical Dad

Function beats flash. He wants something that earns its keep.

Best suited to: tool upgrades, car accessories, garage storage, or anything that makes life smoother.

The Sentimental Dad

A softie at heart. He treasures memories and family ties.

Best suited to: framed photos, custom storybooks, handwritten notes, or video compilations.

The Low-Key Dad

He’s not into clutter or being the centre of attention.

Best suited to: consumables (coffee, hot sauce, snacks), minimalist gadgets, or experience vouchers.

The Laughs-a-Lot Dad

He’s the family joker, always up for a laugh.

Best suited to: novelty mugs, punny shirts, cheeky cards, or well-placed gag gifts.

The Experience-First Dad

Time together means more than a wrapped box.

Best suited to: fishing trips, pub lunches, mystery outings, or workshop tickets.

Smart Gifting Formats (With Examples)

Once you’ve got a sense of what kind of dad you’re buying for, it’s easier to pick a gift format that works.

Experience Gifts

Skip the wrapping—give him a memory instead.

  • Day out: picnic, hiking trail, brewery tour, pub lunch
  • Activities: cooking class, golf session, go-karting, fishing charter
  • Mystery day: organise everything, just tell him when to be ready

Upgrades & Useful Gadgets

No-nonsense gifts that replace or improve something he already uses.

  • A better multitool, wallet, or BBQ set
  • Car boot organiser, smart home gear, charging station

Personalised or Sentimental

Add meaning without going over the top.

  • Engraved mugs or tools
  • Custom photo book or framed collage
  • Video messages from the family
  • “Thanks for everything” letters

DIY Gestures

Not everything needs to be store-bought.

  • Make his favourite breakfast or dinner
  • Take over his usual weekend chores
  • Create your own voucher book (BBQ assistant, tech help, movie night, etc.)

Hampers & Subscriptions

Gifts that keep giving (or grazing).

  • DIY snack or beer hampers
  • Subscription boxes for books, BBQ sauces, socks, or coffee

Funny or Novelty Gifts

For the dad who loves a laugh, keep it on-brand for him.

  • Stubby holders, dad joke books, and prank gift boxes
  • Quirky signs or shirts (bonus points if it references an inside joke)

For Dads Who Genuinely Mean “Nothing”

Sometimes, “I don’t want anything” is exactly what it sounds like—and that’s okay. Not every dad wants a present, and not every occasion needs wrapping paper.

In these cases, focus on connection:

  • Share time: watch a favourite movie, take a walk, or go for a drive together.
  • Go non-material: write a letter, share a story, or make him a playlist.
  • Acknowledge the day quietly: even a simple gesture shows he matters.

Respect the boundary—but don’t ignore the sentiment.

Gift Ideas for Remote or Long-Distance Dads

If you can’t be there in person, send a bit of yourself instead. Here are a few ideas that travel well:

  • Mail something personal: a curated care package, snack box, or handwritten card.
  • Virtual experiences: book an online wine tasting, trivia night, or game session.
  • Thoughtful content: send a playlist, audiobook, or favourite read.
  • Make it personal: record a custom video or photo slideshow with family memories.

It’s not the size of the gift—it’s the thought that survives the distance.

If Gifting Feels Awkward

Not all father-child relationships are straightforward. Whether you’re an adult navigating distance, estrangement, or just a different dynamic, Father’s Day can feel complicated.

  • Skip the guilt purchase. A forced gift rarely lands nicely.
  • A kind message, short call, or respectful gesture might hold more meaning.
  • Honour the day in a way that feels right for your relationship, not what tradition says it should look like.