Best Birthday Gifts for Dad: Unique Gift Ideas for Dads Who Love the Outdoors

Show him you love him back with the perfect gift. (Unsplash/Juliane Liebermann/)

Are you looking for unique gifts for dads who the outdoors? There are so many different pursuits and hobbies to choose from that it can become overwhelming. But all it takes is that one gift to stand out from the rest and make his day. As an avid outdoorsman myself, I chose these ideas and products based on usefulness, practicality, and effectiveness.

Whether you’re starting your shopping early or looking for that last minute gift for dad—this guide has the answer. It’s filled with a variety of options and choices for all the fathers out there. From hunting and fishing gifts for dad, to barbecuing and camping gear—I think this gift guide has the right ideas.

Cool gifts for dad: Car Phone MountBest last minute birthday gifts for dad: Portable ChargerPersonalized gifts for dad: Customized YETI Rambler Can InsulatorUnique gifts for dad: Carhartt Seat CoversBest tech gifts for dad: Fossil Hybrid Smart WatchBest useful gifts for dad: Meat ThermometerBest hunting gifts for dad: onX Hunt SubscriptionBest fishing gifts for dad: Simms Rain JacketBest gifts for dads who love barbecuing: Charcoal SmokerBest camping gifts for dad: Reusable Water Bottle

Get the best birthday gifts for Dad this year!

The following picks offer a wide range of interests and hobbies. Many fathers spend their time outside fishing, camping, and barbecuing—but I realize not all do. So I included some unique and fun ideas that are useful indoors, outdoors, or wherever he might be. Check out the full list of the best birthday gifts for dad below!

Cool Gifts for Dad: Car Phone Mount

Stay safe when looking at your phone for directions with this car phone mount. (VANMASS/)

Cool gifts for Dad? Looking down at your phone for navigation instructions when driving is unsafe, inconvenient, and definitely uncool. Keep your phone secure and at eye level while driving with this Car Phone Mount. Keeping the road in your peripheral vision and at eye level is safe and smart. It’s easy to glance at your phone before your next turn, and you don’t lose sight of the traffic. It’s an excellent gift for fathers who spend a lot of time on the road.

Best Last Minute Birthday Gifts for Dad: Portable Charger

Keep your devices charged on the go with this portable charger. (Anker/)

One of the most useful accessories is a portable charger that comes in handy everywhere. Whether you’re on a long hike or riding the train home from work, when your phone dies, it’s frustrating. This Portable Charger has a long battery life and can fully charge a phone multiple times before losing its battery. Keep it in your hunting pack, fishing bag, or briefcase. I never go anywhere without it. A perfect idea for last minute gifts for dad.

Personalized Gifts for Dad: Customized YETI Rambler Can Insulator

Make your can insulator personal with different customizations and designs. (YETI/)

What better way to show your appreciation for dad than custom YETI drinkware? Personalize this YETI rambler can holder with an awesome design or one of your dad’s classic quotes. This stainless steel holder has double-wall vacuum insulation and is dishwasher safe. Perfect for keeping your drink cold on those hot summer days. Give the best personalized gifts to dad before his party so he can keep his drink cold the entire time.

Unique Gifts for Dad: Carhartt Seat Cover

Custom seat covers to protect the interior of your car from dirt, debris, and moisture. (Covercraft/)

Getting tough stains out of car seats is not only annoying but sometimes impossible. These easy to install custom rugged Carhartt seat covers will protect your car’s upholstery no problem. They come in two different colors and are machine washable. Known for making some of the most durable and rugged clothing, Carhartt brings its innovation to motor vehicles. A great unique gift for dads who put their car or truck in some harsh conditions.

Best Tech Gifts for Dad: Fossil Hybrid Smart Watch

A classic-looking watch with the modern features of a smartwatch. (Fossil/)

Searching for tech gifts for dad? This new take on a smartwatch combines the classic look of a traditional watch with many modern smartwatch features. This watch works with iPhone and Android phones and can hold a single charge for over two weeks. It tracks your steps, heart rate, active minutes, calories, and sleep. For those of you who don’t like the look of a typical digital smartwatch but want the benefits—this watch is for you. The traditional look never goes out of style, and it just got better with these new smart features.

Best Useful Gifts for Dad: Meat Thermometer

Know exactly when to turn off the grill or over with this cooking thermometer. (ThermoPro/)

There’s no reason to overcook meals anymore. Pick up a digital meat thermometer and cook your dinner perfectly. This fast-reading meat thermometer makes checking temperatures quick and easy. An overcooked meal can ruin a dinner—don’t take the risk and use a thermometer. A useful gift for Dad, who is always looking to improve his culinary skills.

Best Hunting Gifts for Dad: onX Hunt Subscription

Hunt smarter with onX hunting maps at your fingertips. (onXhunt/)

The onX hunting app is one of my most critical tools when I head to the woods or marsh. It allows you to locate property lines, mark spots, and track your location. It is an amazing scouting tool and reference for looking back on old hunts. The subscription service can either be purchased as a premium or elite account. The premium account gives mapping access to one state, while the elite account gives it to all fifty states in the country.

Best Fishing Gifts for Dad: Simms Rain Jacket

Stay on the water longer with this durable fishing rain jacket. (Simms/)

Any serious angler knows that conditions aren’t always comfortable. But this shouldn’t take you off the water. Keep fishing through wind, rain, and snow in this Simms challenger rain jacket. This durable 100% nylon two-layer shell will keep the elements off of you. Coming in a variety of sizes and colors, this jacket is a no-brainer for the diehard fisherman. This is on the list of best fishing gifts for dad!

Best Gifts for Dads Who Love Barbecuing: Charcoal Smoker

Take your barbecue game to the next level with a charcoal smoker. (Weber/)

Adding a smoker to your barbecue repertoire opens up a whole new world of cooking possibilities. This smoker comes in three different sizes ranging from 14″ to 22″. If you’re a serious barbecuer, then using a smoker is something you should try. The smoker will tenderize meat and make for an enjoyable eating experience. If you know a dad who loves to barbecue, this could be the best gift they’ve received in years.

Best Camping Gifts for Dad: Reusable Water Bottle

A good water bottle is an essential aspect of every camping trip. (Nalgene/)

This 32 oz. reusable water bottle is perfect for camping trips and day hikes. Staying hydrated in the woods is critical for a safe and enjoyable adventure. I like to bring at least two on my trips. They are easy to refill and perfect for a day out in the woods, whether you’re hiking, fishing, or hunting. When filled, it adds two pounds to your pack and will easily slip into a holder on almost every backpack.

Now it’s time for you to choose the best birthday gifts for dad

When you’re choosing the best birthday gifts for dad, spend time researching and learning about some of his hobbies. Having an idea of what to look for will make for a much smoother shopping process. Dads love getting gifts they can put to use, and the list above is filled with ideas to make sure your present is remembered this year.

Outdoor Life wants to help you find the most useful and expert shopping recommendations for the best gift ideas. Searching for more unique gifts? Check out more gift guides here: The Procrastinating Outdoorsman’s Guide to Last-Minute Gifts, Father’s Day Gifts for the Outdoorsman, Outdoor Life’s Holiday Gift Guide.