20 Father’s Day Gifts That Double as Family Activities (2025)

Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift can be a bit of a puzzle, right?

We want to give Dad something he’ll love, but also something that brings the whole family together. It’s a chance to make memories, not just exchange presents. But how do we find that perfect combo?

This Father’s Day, let’s give gifts that are also an activity! I’m talking about presents that get everyone involved, laughing, and creating new memories. Here are a few ideas to get us started:

• Backyard Camping Set: Everything you need for a fun night under the stars, right in your own backyard.
• DIY Pizza Oven Kit: Build a pizza oven together and then enjoy some delicious homemade pies.
• Family Board Game Collection: A selection of games that everyone can enjoy, from classics to new favorites.

This list is all about gifts that keep on giving – quality time with Dad!

1. Backyard Camping Set

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a chance to bond with the family, tell stories around a “campfire” (even if it’s just a lantern!), and enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of a long trip.

Materials/Process: You can buy complete sets from retailers like Coleman or REI, or you can piece one together yourself. A tent is the main thing, then sleeping bags, and maybe some camping chairs.

Type of Dad: Outdoorsy dads, dads who love adventure, dads who enjoy quality time with the family.

Price Range: $100 – $500 (depending on the quality and size of the set)

Pros: Creates lasting memories, encourages outdoor activity, and is fun for all ages.

Cons: Requires some outdoor space, and the weather needs to cooperate.

Personal Touch: Decorate the tent with glow-in-the-dark stars, and make a special “campground” sign for your backyard.

2. DIY Pizza Oven Kit

Okay, this one is seriously cool. A DIY pizza oven kit lets you and Dad (and the whole family!) build your own wood-fired pizza oven. Then, of course, you get to make and eat pizza!

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a project *and* a delicious reward. He’ll get to use his hands, be creative, and then enjoy the fruits (or pizzas!) of his labor with the people he loves.

Materials/Process: Companies like BrickWood Ovens and Chicago Brick Oven sell kits with all the materials and instructions you need. Some assembly is required!

Type of Dad: DIY dads, dads who love to cook, dads who enjoy a good project.

Price Range: $500 – $2000+ (these kits can vary a lot in price and complexity)

Pros: Unique, creates a functional and impressive outdoor feature, and provides delicious food for years to come.

Cons: Can be a significant investment, requires some construction skills, and takes time to build.

Personal Touch: Have the kids decorate oven mitts or aprons for Dad to use when he’s the pizzaiolo!

3. Family Board Game Collection

Board games are a classic for a reason: they bring people together! Instead of just one game, why not gift Dad a whole collection?

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a gift that encourages interaction, laughter, and friendly competition. It’s a way to unplug and connect with the family.

Materials/Process: You can either curate a collection yourself (think classics like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and newer hits like Wingspan) or buy a pre-made set.

Type of Dad: Dads who enjoy games, family-oriented dads, dads who like to have fun.

Price Range: $50 – $200+ (depending on the number and complexity of the games)

Pros: Provides hours of entertainment, encourages social interaction, and offers a variety of options for different ages and interests.

Cons: Requires everyone to be willing to participate, and some games can be competitive!

Personal Touch: Create a “house rules” poster with input from everyone in the family, and have everyone sign it.

4. Outdoor Movie Projector and Screen

How about turning Dad’s backyard into a movie theater? An outdoor projector and screen let you enjoy movies under the stars.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a unique way to enjoy films, it’s perfect for family movie nights, and it creates a fun, festive atmosphere.

Materials/Process: You’ll need a portable projector (Anker Nebula projectors are popular), a screen (inflatable ones are easy to set up), and maybe some comfy outdoor seating.

Type of Dad: Movie-loving dads, dads who enjoy outdoor entertaining, dads who like new tech.

Price Range: $200 – $800

Pros: Fun for all ages, creates a special event atmosphere, and can be used for more than just movies (sports, video games).

Cons: Requires outdoor space, and the weather needs to cooperate.

Personal Touch: Make a “concession stand” with everyone’s favorite movie snacks.

5. Build-a-Birdhouse Kit

A build-a-birdhouse kit is a fun and educational activity that Dad can do with the kids. And then you get to watch the birds!

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a hands-on project, it encourages appreciation for nature, and it adds a charming touch to the yard.

Materials/Process: You can find kits at craft stores (like Michaels) or online retailers like Amazon. They usually include pre-cut wood and all the necessary hardware.

Type of Dad: Nature-loving dads, DIY dads, dads who enjoy projects with their kids.

Price Range: $20 – $50

Pros: Affordable, educational, and a fun activity for all ages.

Cons: Requires some basic assembly skills.

Personal Touch: Let the kids decorate the finished birdhouse with paint and personalize it with a family name.

6. Telescope

A telescope opens up a whole new world of exploration—the night sky! It’s a gift that encourages curiosity and wonder.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a chance to explore the stars, planets, and other celestial objects with his family.

Materials/Process: Telescopes range from beginner-friendly models (like the Celestron AstroMaster series) to more advanced ones. You’ll also want a star chart or a stargazing app.

Type of Dad: Science-loving dads, dads who are curious about the universe, dads who enjoy educational activities.

Price Range: $100 – $500+

Pros: Educational, encourages a sense of wonder, and can be enjoyed for years to come.

Cons: Requires clear skies and some patience to learn how to use.

Personal Touch: Plan a special stargazing night with snacks and blankets, and let everyone take turns at the telescope.

7. Giant Yard Games

Take classic games like Jenga, Connect Four, or Yahtzee and supersize them for outdoor fun!

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a fun way to get everyone moving, laughing, and competing in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Materials/Process: You can buy giant versions of these games from retailers like Wayfair, or you can even find DIY instructions online.

Type of Dad: Dads who enjoy games, dads who like to entertain, dads who are young at heart.

Price Range: $50 – $200+

Pros: Fun for all ages, encourages outdoor activity, and creates a festive atmosphere.

Cons: Requires outdoor space, and storage can be an issue for some of the larger games.

Personal Touch: Have the family create a “tournament” with prizes for the winners!

8. Sports Equipment Set

A set of sports equipment for the whole family can lead to countless hours of fun and activity.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a way to stay active, teach the kids new skills, and enjoy some friendly competition.

Materials/Process: This could be anything from a basketball hoop and balls to a volleyball net and equipment, or a croquet set.

Type of Dad: Active dads, sports-loving dads, dads who enjoy teaching their kids new skills.

Price Range: $100 – $500+ (depending on the sport and equipment)

Pros: Encourages physical activity, provides opportunities for bonding, and can be enjoyed for years.

Cons: Requires some outdoor space, and different family members may have different interests.

Personal Touch: Have everyone decorate a team jersey or t-shirt for Dad to wear during your family games.

9. Subscription Box for a Shared Hobby

A subscription box tailored to a shared hobby is a gift that keeps on giving, month after month.

Why Dad Will Love It: It provides a regular opportunity to connect with the family and explore a shared interest together.

Materials/Process: There are subscription boxes for just about everything! Think cooking (meal kits), science experiments (Mel Science), arts and crafts, or even outdoor activities.

Type of Dad: Dads who have a specific hobby, dads who enjoy trying new things, dads who value shared experiences.

Price Range: $25 – $100+ per month

Pros: Provides ongoing enjoyment, introduces new activities and ideas, and encourages regular family time.

Cons: Requires a monthly commitment, and the content of the box is predetermined.

Personal Touch: Create a special “unboxing” ritual for each delivery, with snacks and decorations related to the theme.

10. Musical Instrument and Lessons

If Dad (or the family) has always wanted to learn a musical instrument, this is the perfect gift!

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a chance to learn a new skill, express creativity, and maybe even start a family band!

Materials/Process: Choose an instrument that Dad (and maybe the kids) would enjoy learning – a guitar, a keyboard, a ukulele. Then, sign up for lessons, either in person or online.

Type of Dad: Music-loving dads, dads who want to learn a new skill, dads who appreciate creative expression.

Price Range: $100 – $500+ (depending on the instrument and lessons)

Pros: Encourages creativity, provides a lifelong skill, and can be enjoyed individually or as a family.

Cons: Requires practice and dedication, and the initial investment can be significant.

Personal Touch: Create a “stage” area in your home where the family can perform together.

11. Family Recipe Book Project

This gift is all about creating a family treasure together. You’ll compile all your favorite family recipes into a beautiful, personalized cookbook.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a sentimental and practical gift that celebrates family traditions and creates a lasting keepsake.

Materials/Process: Gather recipes from family members, write them down, and then compile them into a book. You can use a service like Shutterfly or do it yourself with a nice binder and decorated pages.

Type of Dad: Dads who love to cook, dads who cherish family traditions, sentimental dads.

Price Range: $20 – $100 (depending on how elaborate you make the book)

Pros: Personalized, sentimental, and creates a lasting family heirloom.

Cons: Requires time and effort to gather and compile the recipes.

Personal Touch: Include photos of the family cooking together or enjoying the meals.

12. Custom Family Mugs and Cocoa Kit

Give Dad a set of personalized mugs, one for each family member, and pair it with a gourmet hot cocoa kit for cozy nights in.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a practical and heartwarming gift that encourages family time and warm drinks on chilly evenings.

Materials/Process: Order custom mugs online (Shutterfly, Etsy) and assemble a hot cocoa kit with high-quality cocoa, marshmallows, and fun toppings.

Type of Dad: Dads who love cozy nights in, dads who enjoy hot beverages, family-oriented dads.

Price Range: $30 – $60

Pros: Practical, personalized, and encourages family time.

Cons: Mugs can break.

Personal Touch: Have each family member decorate their mug with fabric markers before it’s personalized.

13. Build a Terrarium Kit

A terrarium kit is a fun and educational project that brings a bit of nature indoors.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a relaxing activity, and the finished terrarium is a unique and low-maintenance piece of decor.

Materials/Process: Purchase a terrarium kit (available online or at garden centers) and assemble it together, layering soil, plants, and decorations.

Type of Dad: Nature-loving dads, dads who enjoy DIY projects, dads who appreciate unique decor.

Price Range: $30 – $70

Pros: Educational, relaxing, and creates a lasting piece of decor.

Cons: Requires some care to keep the plants alive.

Personal Touch: Add small figurines or decorations to the terrarium that reflect Dad’s interests.

14. Kite Making and Flying Kit

A kite-making kit is a fun and active gift that gets the whole family outdoors.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a chance to be creative, build something together, and then enjoy the thrill of flying it.

Materials/Process: Purchase a kite-making kit (or gather supplies like dowels, paper, and string) and assemble and decorate the kite together.

Type of Dad: Active dads, dads who enjoy being outdoors, dads who are young at heart.

Price Range: $20 – $40

Pros: Affordable, gets the family outdoors, and is a fun activity for all ages.

Cons: Requires a windy day and open space.

Personal Touch: Have each family member decorate a section of the kite with their own designs.

15. Family Time Capsule Project

Create a time capsule together to be opened in the future.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a sentimental and creative way to preserve memories and create a fun activity for a future date.

Materials/Process: Choose a container, gather meaningful items, and write letters to your future selves.

Type of Dad: Sentimental dads, dads who enjoy reminiscing, dads who like creative projects.

Price Range: $20 – $50 (for the container and any decorative materials)

Pros: Highly personal, creates a lasting family treasure, and encourages reflection.

Cons: Requires planning and a long-term commitment.

Personal Touch: Include photos, letters, and small items that represent your family’s life at this moment.

16. Custom Family Comic Book

Turn your family into superheroes (or whatever characters you like!) in a custom-made comic book.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a unique and creative way to celebrate your family and create a fun story together.

Materials/Process: You can hire a service to create a custom comic book, or you can try a DIY approach using online tools and printing services.

Type of Dad: Dads who love comics, dads with a good sense of humor, creative dads.

Price Range: $50 – $200+ (depending on the length and complexity of the comic book)

Pros: Highly personalized, creative, and a unique keepsake.

Cons: Can be more expensive and time-consuming than other options.

Personal Touch: Involve the whole family in creating the story and designing the characters.

17. Tree Planting Kit

Plant a tree together to commemorate Father’s Day and create a lasting symbol of family growth.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s an eco-friendly and meaningful activity that benefits the environment and creates a living legacy.

Materials/Process: Purchase a tree sapling and planting supplies from a local nursery and plant it together in your yard.

Type of Dad: Nature-loving dads, environmentally conscious dads, dads who enjoy gardening.

Price Range: $30 – $100

Pros: Eco-friendly, creates a lasting symbol, and is a meaningful activity.

Cons: Requires outdoor space and some gardening knowledge.

Personal Touch: Create a small plaque with a family message to place near the tree.

18. Stargazing Projector and Accessories

Bring the beauty of the night sky indoors with a stargazing projector.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a relaxing and educational way to explore the universe from the comfort of your home.

Materials/Process: Purchase a stargazing projector and perhaps some books or apps about astronomy.

Type of Dad: Dads who love science, dads who enjoy relaxing at home, and dads who are fascinated by the universe.

Price Range: $50 – $150

Pros: Educational, relaxing, and can be enjoyed year-round.

Cons: Requires a dark room for the best effect.

Personal Touch: Create a cozy viewing area with blankets and pillows.

19. Family Scrapbook Kit

A scrapbook kit provides all the materials you need to create a lasting family memory book together.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a sentimental and creative way to preserve cherished memories and stories.

Materials/Process: Purchase a scrapbook kit or gather supplies like a scrapbook, photos, decorative paper, and embellishments.

Type of Dad: Sentimental dads, dads who enjoy crafts, and dads who love reminiscing.

Price Range: $30 – $60

Pros: Personalized, creative, and a lasting keepsake.

Cons: Requires time and effort to assemble.

Personal Touch: Have each family member contribute their own pages and stories to the scrapbook.

20. Donation to a Family-Related Charity in Dad’s Name

Instead of a physical gift, make a donation to a charity that supports families in need, in Dad’s name.

Why Dad Will Love It: It’s a meaningful way to honor his values and make a positive impact on the world.

Materials/Process: Choose a charity that aligns with your family’s values and make a donation online or by mail.

Type of Dad: Philanthropic dads, dads who value giving back, and dads who are less interested in material possessions.

Price Range: Any amount

Pros: Meaningful, supports a good cause, and is a great way to teach children about giving.

Cons: No physical gift.

Personal Touch: Create a certificate or card with a personal message explaining why you chose this charity and how it honors him.

These gifts are more than just presents; they’re opportunities for connection, laughter, and shared experiences that Dad will treasure long after Father’s Day is over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I choose the right activity gift for my dad?

A: Consider his interests, hobbies, and the ages of your family members. Think about what kinds of activities you already enjoy doing together and what new things you’d like to try.

Q: What if we have a small budget?

A: Many of these gifts can be adapted to fit a smaller budget. For example, you can have a backyard campout with things you already own, or create a DIY family game night.

Q: How can I make the gift presentation special?

A: Get creative with the presentation! For an experience gift, you could create a “ticket” or an itinerary. For a physical gift, involve the whole family in wrapping it and adding personal touches.

Q: What about dads who live far away?

A: You can still give an experience gift! Plan a virtual game night, a совместный online cooking class, or a scheduled video call with a fun activity planned.

Q: How do I make sure everyone participates and has a good time?

A: Choose an activity that everyone can enjoy, and be flexible! The most important thing is to spend time together and celebrate Dad.

Tips for Presentation

Here are some ideas to make the gift presentation extra special:

• Themed Wrapping: Wrap the gift in a way that relates to the activity. For example, if it’s a backyard camping set, use brown paper and decorate it with leaves and twigs.
• Family-Made Card: Have everyone in the family contribute to a handmade card with drawings and messages.
• Activity Invitation: Create a special “invitation” to the activity, outlining the plan and what to expect.
• Photo Slideshow: Put together a slideshow of past family activities and memories to set the mood for the new one.
• Breakfast in Bed: Present the gift along with a special Father’s Day breakfast.

Last-Minute Options

Running short on time? Here are some quick ideas:

• Printable Game Night Kit: Find printable board games or trivia questions online for instant family fun.
• Subscription Box Gift Card: Give Dad a gift card for a subscription box that aligns with a shared interest.
• Plan a Day Out: Create a schedule for a day of family activities that you can do together.