GIFTS FOR MEN The Ultimate Idea Guide

Best Gifts for Your Father in Law (Ideas for 2022)

By Andrew Peloquin  |  November 30, 2022

Best Gifts for Your Father in Law (Ideas for 2022)
Courtesy of Readywares
 

Let’s be real here: Fathers-in-law are likely the single hardest guy to buy a gift for.

As if buying a gift for your own dad wasn’t hard enough, you’ve got to try to figure out what your spouse’s father likes, make sure he doesn’t already have it, and find something that you hope will make him happy—that’s a tall order!

There’s a lot of pressure to get on his good side, too. You want him to like you, to approve of you as his child’s partner, and you want to use the gift as an opportunity to bond with him (which is a lot harder than most of us expect).

Talk about a stressful proposition.

But you’re in luck! We’ve got you covered with a long list of gifts for your father-in-law, as well as a few suggestions that will help you to come up with a perfect gift (or as close to it as possible).

As you go into reading this gift guide, keep these things in mind:

  • Play it safe at first. Give your relationship with your father-in-law time to mature and deepen with time. For the first few gifts, go with simple, classic things that every father-in-law loves—be it sports memorabilia for his favorite team, a bottle of something he likes, and so on. Over time, as you get to know him, you can go for the more personal touch.
  • Figure out what he likes. Talk to your partner and see if they can clue you in on their father’s interests, or spend some time talking to your father-in-law yourself and really pay attention to his passions, hobbies, and interests. You’d be amazed by how many gift ideas can spring from a single conversation.
  • Take the pressure off yourself. Yes, it’s tough to bond with your father-in-law, and you might be feeling the pressure to get his gift right. But stop worrying about it—he’s likely got low expectations of you, and any effort you make will win you points in his book.

Check out our gift guide below for all the best ideas for father-in-law gifts:


Some helpful info...


A selection of gifts ideas for your father-in-law in 2024



Grilling Can Get Messy. Protect Your Clothing with this Waxed Apron

Flint and Tinder Waxed Apron


 




The YETI Yonder is a Simple Plastic Bottle That’s Tough to Break

YETI Yonder


 




Katchy Duo Provides Double the Bug-Catching Effectiveness

Katchy Indoor Fruit Fly Trap & Mosquito Killer


 




The Milwaukee M12 Mounting Fan has Magnets on its Base

Milwaukee M12 Mounting Fan


 

Powered by Milwaukee’s M12 series batteries, the M12 Mounting Fan throws a cool breeze with no cords. The durable design delivers airspeed up to 14 MPH, pushes 400 CFM, offers adjustable 3-speed control and 360º rotation.

What really makes this unit stand-out are the mounting options including a magnetic base for metal, and a spring-loaded clamp for hanging.




High Camp Tumbler 2-Pack + Wool Felt Carrying Case

High Camp Tumbler 2-Pack + Wool Felt Carrying Case


 

When you’ve reached that special spot to pour one & reflect, this pair of stainless steel tumblers from High Camp make the perfect vessel for your well-deserved drink.

The 11-ounce tumblers have a double-wall vacuum-insulated design that’s great for both hot & cold beverages. Packaged in a wool felt carry case for simple portability.




Bring a Sixer in the Beer Bottle Caddy

Wooden 6-Bottle Caddy with Bottle Opener


 

Handbuilt from wood for a classic, old-time feel, the Wood Beer Bottle Caddy carries six beer bottles and features a metal bottle opener mounted on the side. For home brewers, it makes a great way to give the gift of beer. Or for those who prefer to BYOB, you’ll arrive in style.




Damn Lucky: One Man’s Courage During the Bloodiest Military Campaign in Aviation History

Damn Lucky: One Man's Courage During the Bloodiest Military Campaign in Aviation History


 

The horrors & heroism of war are laid bare in this riveting true-life tale. Written by NYT #1 Best-seller Kevin Maurer, it follows Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo, a young man from Tennessee who enlisted in the days following Pearl Harbor. Luckadoo went on to become a legendary pilot. By the end of WWII, Lucky had flown through Luftwaffe machine-gun fire and anti-aircraft flak in subzero temperatures, completing an incredible 25 missions.




ToughBuilt Nailed It with These Handy Fastener Bags

ToughBuilt Fastener Bag


 

The ToughBuilt Fastener Bag 3-Pack simplifies storage of small items and supplies. They measure 10.94 x 6.81 x 2.91 inches and feature heavy-duty mesh windows that allow you to see everything inside. Grommets for hanging them on the wall & webbing handles for carrying add function to a smart, simple design.




Wuben’s H5 Flashlight is a Compact Performer

WUBEN H5 Multifunctional Clip Flashlight


 

The multi-use H5 flashlight from Wuben packs a ton of function into a compact & weatherproof package. It’s got a 360º rotating beam, a magnetic design for hands-free use, 400 lumens with a beam angle of 175º. Power comes from an A2 battery or the integrated 14500 lithium-ion rechargeable battery, so “it’s dead” won’t happen.




Nebo Work Light is 2000 Lumens Bright

NEBO OMNI 2K Work Light


 

With an ultra-bright 2000-lumens of LED light, the multi-directional Nebo Work Light is a serious lantern for work as well as indoor-outdoor applications. The hinged design makes it stable in all positions, while adjustable lights rotate in all directions. The handles are also magnetic for convenient hands-free use. USB-C rechargeable.




Grypmats Keep Tools Tidy

Grypmat


 

Designed for high-demand industrial work and used by mechanics and techs from NASA to NASCAR, Grypmat tool mats keep your tools safely stored, handy, and organized. Made of a rugged yet silent & soft material, they’re chemical and oil resistant and they don’t slip off of whatever surface you place them on. Made in bright, high contrast colors, they simplify visual management for keeping track of nuts, bolts, parts and tools. Multiple sizes are offered.




This Glass Popcorn Maker is Clearly Cool

Puebco Glass Popcorn Maker


 

Made of heat resistant glass, the clever, minimalist design of this glass corn popper from Puebco gives you a crystal clear view of the popping process. A slotted glass insert lets your butter melt slowly into the vessel for perfect coverage every time.




This All-Weather Smart Plug from D-Link Takes Voice Control Outdoors

WeMo WiFi Smart Outdoor Plug


 

Equipped with two, waterproof & grounded 3-prong outlets and a USB-A charging port, plus support for Alexa, Apple Home Kit and Hey Google voice control, the WeMo wi-fi Smart Outdoor Plug gives you precise mobile control for all your outdoor devices & appliances. An “Away mode” function turns various lights in the home on and off to make it appear occupied, when you’re away.




Easily Carry Your Tools in this Heavy Duty Waxed Canvas Bag from Readywares

Readywares Tool Bag


 

Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, or home DIYers, this one is for you. The Tool Bag by Readywares is an ultra-tough waxed canvas bag that features 11 spacious pockets plus a large main compartment that offers you plenty of room to carry around all the tools and essentials you’ll need for your job.

The cotton and polyester-blend fabric straps have all been reinforced so you know they’ll bear up under the weight of your tools even if you over-fill the pouch (which, let’s be honest, us working guys tend to do). Plus, the waxed canvas is tough enough to shrug off rain, spills, and stains, and you can literally rub out any scuffs in the wax coating to make it look as good as new.




Big Poppy Gives You a Spotlight, Lantern, Candle & Power

NEBO BIG POPPY Rechargeable Flashlight and Lantern with Power Bank


 
$22.50

Equipped with a 300 lumen lantern, a 120 lumen spot light, and a flickering flame mode, the rugged & rechargeable Big Poppy is a versatile wireless light & USB power bank in one. Battery life ranges from 3 to 15 hours on a charge depending on light mode.




Equip Your Kitchen with a Countertop Sausage Grill

Johnsonville Sizzling Sausage Grill


 

Purpose-built to do sausages and brats the right way, Johnsonville’s Sizzling Sausage Grill takes the guesswork out of grilling to deliver mouthwatering results. With modular cooking plates for dogs, bratwurst, and even breakfast patties, this mess-free countertop cooker heats up to cook links and patties in under 10 minutes, and bigger brats in 15, all indoors, with automatic alerts when finished & quick, dishwasher-safe clean up.




VHS 1982 Playing Cards Take You Back In Time

1982 VHS Playing Cards


 

Two or three generations ago, movies at home were watched on a format called VHS. It was a giant plastic box with magnetic tape inside that was placed into an even larger set-top box called a VCR. The picture quality was garbage but for a time, high tech. True story. Ask someone old. The Kings Wild Project has created the VHS 1982 collection: playing cards that pay homage to this beloved dead technology. The high-quality, limited edition cards feature 80s-era graphics inspired by period design. Choose from their 3 retro styles.




ThermoCharge: No Dead Phone or Frozen Fingers

ThermoCharge


 

Power up your phone on the fly and keep your hands cozy, all with one pocket-sized device. The ThermoCharge is a 4400 mAh Lithium-battery power supply for your USB devices & it also doubles as a handwarmer that heats up to 113º. It runs for 6 hours of simultaneous warming & charging.




Greys Outdoor Slippers are Winter Worthy

Greys The Outdoor Slipper


 

Crafted from a temperature-regulating wool blend, Greys Outdoor slippers are perfect for chilly winter mornings & feature a grippy rubber outsole that will keep you cozy & dry even for outdoor use. Comfy with or without socks, they also feature a stub-proof toe box & leather pull tab quick on/off.




The Leaf Hauler Makes Fall Yard Work Fast & Easy

The Leaf Hauler


 

Raking season is coming. This fall, get it handled like a pro with the Leaf Hauler. This rugged, reinforced clean-up tarp carries 4X what a wheelbarrow does and has 6 handles for easy transport. It comes with stakes to keep it down on windy days & folds up flat for storage.




This Pen is Made From a Fighter Plane Propeller

This Pen is Made From a Fighter Plane Propeller


 

Made from the propeller of an original Spitfire—the infamous WWII fighter plane—this pen pays homage to aviation history with its Hydulignum construction, a high strength birch laminate seasoned by years of wartime use. The pen is also engraved with the serial number of the original propeller and comes in a handcrafted ash wood presentation box.





Having trouble finding something you think your father-in-law will like?

At WERD, we spend every day of every year uncovering the latest in men's gadgets and gear. Try going through some of our categories for more gifting inspiration. A few to try: Gear for Men, Cool Gadgets, Books for Men, Stuff for the Home.



WERD has been reader-supported since 2009. When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. We do not accept compensation for reviews.

What events should I buy a gift for my father in law?

There are a few important moments that every father (and father-in-law) deserves to have commemorated.
  • Promotions
  • Retirement
  • Milestone birthdays (45, 50, 60, etc.)
  • Holidays (chiefly Father’s Day and Christmas/Hanukkah)


What should I write to my father-in-law in a card?

Yes, writing messages in cards is hard. It’s difficult to think of what to say when you’re not very familiar with your father-in-law, or you don’t have years of happy memories and a solid emotional foundation to build upon.

There’s a lot of pressure to write a message that is heartfelt but not trite, genuine but not overly gushy.

Thankfully, American Greetings has an in-depth guide to help you write messages for your father-in-law. Read their instructions and sample messages, and use them as a springboard to help you come up with your own.



If you don't like your father-in-law, do you give him a Christmas present?

Let’s be honest: not everyone has a great relationship with their in-laws. For all your efforts to be a good partner to their child, there are all sorts of out-of-your-control reasons your father- or mother-in-law might not like you.

Giving gifts to someone you dislike is a tricky path to go down. On the one hand, it can be a way of mending the rift and trying to bond with your in-laws. On the other, they might suspect it and think you’re trying to "buy your way into their hearts".

Talk with your partner about it, and see how they feel. If you’re not sure whether going the gifting route is a good idea given your less-than-ideal relationship with your father-in-law, you can always settle on a greeting card with a hand-written note.

Bonus points if you include a gift card to his favorite hobby/fishing/hunting/craft/auto parts/sports memorabilia store.

It’s worth an effort to "make nice" with your father-in-law by giving a gift, but be certain to discuss with your partner to be sure it’s the right choice for your specific dynamic.

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