The 12 travel gifts your dad will love this year

Every year, I struggle to find the right gift for my dad. And every year, my teens ask me what they should get their dad. Why are dad’s the hardest to buy for? Have you ever purchased a gift for your dad, only to find it still in the box, unused, months later? If your dad is a road trip expert, he will love the items on this list! These are tried and true items that we or our dad have purchased and used on road trips. Good luck!

For the music/electronics guy

Whether it’s a podcast, an audio book, or his favorite jams, every Dad needs a moment to himself while driving. Help him block out the sounds of the backseat drivers with these lightweight foldable headphones with hard case. They can be used wired or with Bluetooth, and use a normal micro USB charger. I’ve used these for years and get great sound and long wear out of them!

Have a podcast, comedy show, or audio book you want to listen to together with your driving companion? Grab this handy-dandy 3-way headphone splitter right off your keyring to enjoy an audio experience with your significant other! Up to three listeners can attach to the same device at one time for maximum fun, and the rest of the world doesn’t have to hear it. Everybody wins!

When his device’s batteries run low, Dad will reach for this travel case, which holds all of his cords, adapters, earbuds, and charging accessories. No more mystery cables draped across the console or falling out of his carry-on bag. This set even comes with zip ties! What man can resist zip ties? And when he unloads everything into the hotel room for the night, this travel pouch makes it easy to grab what he needs to charge his devices for the next day’s travel.

For the ‘comforts of home’ dad

Many of our husbands use different hair and beauty products than the rest of the family does. From hair gel to beard butter, this versatile set of travel bottles in its own clear travel pouch will allow him to bring just the right amount of whatever he needs. Whether flying by air or by car, these bottles are designed to keep the contents safe and to fit TSA regulations. Just make sure he marks each container with the product, so it doesn’t get mixed up with yours in the hotel room! Bonus: This pouch can also be used at most major-league stadiums, where fans are required to bring any snacks or drinks ONLY in a clear plastic case.

My husband is a road warrior and can drive through the night without getting sleepy. However, as the sun comes up and he’s ready to pass the wheel to me, I feel bad that he can’t sleep as well with the light in his eyes. Give him the gift of sleep with this hoodie travel pillow with a carrying case. Even if he’s not asleep, he’ll enjoy the peace and quiet while he listens to music or his audio book under here. And if the kids think he’s asleep, maybe they won’t ask him, “Are we there yet?”

For the handyman dad

My dad’s motto is to be prepared for anything. I was taught to always over-pack for contingencies and emergencies, and this little tool is a perfect addition to my dad’s automotive arsenal. With the power to charge a battery, inflate a tire, or charge from double USB ports, this combination Air compressor and battery charger will likely prove its worth on your very next road trip!

For the “kid at heart” dad

Nothing says “kid at heart” like this retro video game that works without wifi. When Mom has offered to drive but you’re far from civilization and cellphone towers, Dad can kick back in the passenger seat and enjoy some retro video games on this little device. We can almost guarantee he won’t be watching or commenting on your driving!

For the fit dad

If you only vacation for a week or two per year, Dad might be tempted to take a break from his workout routine during his travels. But for the committed workout guru, it’s important to have some tools in the car that can be used to replicate his home workout regimen. Even a small space can become a home gym with this set of resistance bands and so much more. The carry pouch, the door weight, and the various resistance levels make this a perfect fit for any level of workout. No more searching for the hotel’s gym, only to find it closed due to COVID regulations.

For the sports fan dad

Many dads are sports fans. Maybe yours is constantly quizzing you about obscure sports trivia. When his team is not playing, this little trivia book could keep him busy for hours. And I imagine it could turn into a competition between him and his kids, if any of them are also sports fans.

For every dad

While most of the gifts on this list are specific to dads with a particular interest, the next few gifts will work for any dad, including those who seem impossible to buy for. I’ve never met a guy who couldn’t use another pair of these adjustable slides for travel, the shower, or the beach. Does your dad always forget his sandals at the beach? Does he gross you out by going barefoot in a hotel? These slides will protect his feet from the world around him, and protect the world around him from his feet!

What dad really drinks enough water when traveling? With this vacuum insulated hot or cold water bottle, which comes in any color you could dream of, you can make healthy choices and keep cold water or hot tea within arms’ reach! Whether you’re traveling in the heat of summer or the driest winter weather, the best way to mitigate the risk of illness is to keep hydrated. This bottle will also encourage Dad to drink more water and less soda, which keeps him healthy and helps him live longer, so you can annoy him for many years to come!

In our family, it’s always Dad who is unloading the car at Oh-dark-thirty or packing it up in the rain or sleet. It’s a tough decision to bring a hoodie with him, because leaving it in the suitcase is no help at a fuel stop, but having it loose in the car always gets in the way. This product was originally offered on Shark Tank, and I can see why the sharks jumped all over it! My husband is definitely getting this reversible backpack jacket for Christmas! I’ll feel so much less guilt when I send him back out for something I forgot to bring into the hotel room!

These are the 12 gifts our dads just can’t live without this year. What suggestions would you add? What are you buying for your dad to use on his next road trip? Let us know in the comments!