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21 Cute thoughtful gifts for dad to pull on his heartstrings

Show your dad how much you love him

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Maisie Bovingdon
Freelance Writer
Updated: June 22, 2022
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Whether there is a birthday coming up, your planning ahead for Christmas, or you just want to treat your dad, stepfather, grandparent, or other father figure, and show them just how much they mean to you, a thoughtful gift will always go down well. 

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Some may splash out on lavish gifts, or hilarious joke presents, but others may be shopping for something a little more sentimental to tug at their heartstrings - and we don’t blame you. 

While some may take the time to pen a handwritten letter, or card, to gush over their parent, others think actions - or gifts - speak louder than words. 

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More often than not handmade gifts, or presents, which prove you have been listening to your dad's needs and noted his interests, are the most thoughtful, yet also surprise the recipient.

Personalised gifts are often a firm favourite, whether it is a memory book, painting, or message inscribed on the gift. 

Thoughtful dad gifts he'll love

From sweet photo albums and portraits to reminisce over your favourite moments, to experiences to make fond memories, there are plenty of gifts to choose from. 

Personalised Leather Keyring

Whether you are miles apart, or live under the same roof, a personalised keyring with special memories printed on, which your dad can keep on them at all times is a no brainer. 

This compact but sentimental will bring a tear to their eye - or so we hope. 

multi photo keyring

Personalised Multi-Photo Leather Envelope Keyring, £35, Etsy 

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Favourite Song Vinyl Lyrics Print

They say ‘It’s the thought that counts’, but it counts for even more when you remember the small things.

For example, this Vinyl Print includes the lyrics to any song, whether it is your dad’s favourite track, or a song you both are fond of, you’ll get brownie points for thinking outside the box.

favourite lyrics print

Favourite Song Vinyl Lyrics Print, £10, Print Frame

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Great Pub, Great Walk Book

Show your dad how much you love them and care, by noting their interests, which may well include a trip to the pub and a walk in the fresh air. 

For those who are a little older, it’s a great way to bond with your dad by joining him on those walks and pub lunches. 

great pub great walk box

Great Pub, Great Walk Book, £15.99, Oliver Bonas

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Cadbury Dad of the Year Wholenut Trophy Box

Let Dad know he deserves a trophy with this extra tasty gift box that is chock full with 20 (yes, really!) Cadbury Wholenut bars – what better way to show the Big Guy some major love?

chocolate fathers day cadburys

Chocolate Trophy Box, £24, Moonpig

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Personalised Blanket

We are all for personalised gifts, so if you are anything like us this gift is a must buy. 

You can select six photos of your favourite memories to have printed on this blanket, and the best part is it’s the closest your parent can get to a warm hug from you, especially if you are separated by distance. 

personalised blanket

Personalised Blanket, £19.99, Amazon 

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Hardback Photo Book

A photo book is always a winning option - no matter the occasion. 

Select different sizes, colours or prints for your photobook, and then add your favourite photos, and you are complete.  It not only looks professional, but is affordable too.

hardback heart photo book

The Heart Mini Hardback Photo Book, £22, Papier

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Line Portrait

While some may opt for realistic artistic portraits, others may prefer something a little outside the box. 

This line drawing is vibrant and sentimental, perfect to hang above the mantelpiece that’s for sure.

personalised drawn portrait

Daddy and Me Line Portrait, £47, Letterfest

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Personalised Children’s Book 

Shopping on behalf of your little one who is desperate to get their dad something special? A personalised children’s book is a no brainer. 

This book can be personalised to include your child’s name, to make storytime even more special. 

childrens book personalised

I Love Daddy This Much, £24.99, Wonderbly 

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Memory Journal

Amazon’s Memory Journal is unlike the common journaling books on the market.

This creation is unique, as it is a gift for your parent, but also for you, as it allows your dad to share all his fond memories with you, so you can learn about the family history on a deeper level. It’s almost an heirloom.

journal customisable cover

Memory Journal, £10.28, Amazon

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Original Newspapers 

For the parents who are fascinated by history, gifting them this bundle, which will include the headlines in the news on their exact birthday will blow them away. 

original newspaper gifts

Original Newspapers, £19.99, Historic Newspapers

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Personalised Map Signet Ring

A piece of jewellery is often a great gift idea, and when it comes to dads a signet ring is a failsafe option. 

But this is no unusual signet ring, t has a personalised map etched into it, whether it is to pinpoint a place your family hold fond memories or your home, the attention to detail will undoubtedly impress.

sterling silver personalised map signet ring

Personalised Map Signet Ring, £165, Not On The Highstreet

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The Day You Became My Grandpa Keyring

For those who want to gift their granddad a special something, this personalised keyring with the date you were born will surprise your grandparent. 

Keep it hidden away for those days you want to cheer up your grandparent, on their birthday or Christmas. 

personalised key ring

The Day You Became My Grandpa Keyring, £15, Not On The Highstreet

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Cork Globe

From family holidays, to dream destinations on the bucket list, Prezzybox has created a unique gift idea for the travelling dad. 

Pinpoint your favourite places, and map out your next adventure together on this chic cork globe. 

pin your places cork globe

Cork Globe, £29.99, Prezzybox

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Father & Daughter Poem Print

Did we say how much we love a personalised gift? 

Etsy has created a sweet poem, which has been resized as a large print perfect for the home, just in case your dad needs a daily reminder how much his little girl adores him. Simply add your dad’s name, as well as yours, and you have a touching gift perfect for any ages. 

father daughter poem

Father & Daughter Poem Print, £4.95, Etsy 

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Father And Child Photoshoot

Name a better way to bond with your parent with a father and child photoshoot.

Enjoy playing around and capturing special moments by a professional photographer, which will be treasured for years to come. 

father child photoshoot

Father And Child Photoshoot, £39, Menkind

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Chapel Down Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour For Two

We have mentioned spending quality time with your parent and making memories will be a priceless gift, and one activity we know will go down a storm is a wine tasting experience and tour of the vineyard. 

Virgin Experience Days has a whole host of activities, but it is this affordable outing to Chapel Down vineyard, which we predict will be a success for all parties attending. 

wine tasting

Chapel Down Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour For Two, £50, Virgin Experience Days 

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Name A Star

Your dad may be a star in your eyes, but why not take that notion further, and name a star after your parent. 

Star Name Registry allows you to name a standard star, or opt for a brighter star, which makes for a truly unique gift. 

star gift

Name a Star, £17.99, Virgin Experience Days

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Thomas Sabo Bracelet 

A precious keepsake is always a great gift idea, which never fails to disappoint. 

This Thomas Sabo bracelet could even be engraved with a message, song lyric, or special memory you both share, which they won't take off. 

thomas sabo

Thomas Sabo Bracelet, £39, Thomas Sabo

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Do One Thing Every Day Together Journal 

While some may be shopping for photo books or share their fond memories in a journal, this gift helps you get creative, as you can find new fun activities to do with your parent, or as a full family, which you can document after. 

Not only is this a great gift in the moment, but for years to come - and once it is full you can look back and reflect on all the fun moments you have shared. 

do one thing

Do One Thing Every Day Together Journal, £9.99, Amazon 

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Fingerprint Engraved Keyring

Philippa Herbert has created a whole host of stunning jewellery items for him and for her, which make for the perfect gift as they can be personalised with names, dates, casts of your child's feet, or hands, or the addition of their fingerprint. 

You can't get more sentimental than your child's fingerprint on a keyring, cufflink or pendant, especially for first time parents.

philippa herbert fingerprint engraved keyring round

Fingerprint Engraved Keyring, £350, Philippa Herbert 

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Reasons Why I Love You Dad

We did say Father's Day is a time to shower your dad with love and attention, and what better way to do so than with this box filled with all the reasons you love your dad. 

Not only is it super affordable, but it is meaningful, and certainly proves you've thought outside the box. 

reasons dad

Reasons Why I Love You Dad, £8.99, Etsy 

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