Gift Guide for Your Dad Who Wants "Nothing at All"

Recently, my dad celebrated his birthday and the weeks leading up to it were torturous—endless back-and-forths with my sister and mother, brainstorming what on earth to get a father who says that all he wants is nothing. Maybe a little chocolate bar (he says, with glee in his eyes, fully aware that he is making my life harder by refusing to be specific). Deep down, though, no matter how much he ponders, he himself probably thinks that all he really wants is to watch TV and take a big fat nap, far away from his two daughters who can’t give him a break after a long day at work. 

We searched “what to buy for someone who does not want anything” and all that came up were shirts, belts, boxers, wallets. But..what if your dad is like mine, and receives these exact things every year because we genuinely do not know what to get him for his birthday, Christmas, Fathers’ Day, and every other occasion that calls for a gift? It’s already at the point where he doesn’t even need to see the present to know what it is.

A belt…boxers…a shirt…a wallet…

(He says ‘I love it’  in a suspiciously enthusiastic tone.) 

Instead of throwing generic gift ideas at you immediately, and after very deep and careful consideration, I decided to categorise the dads into four types. 

1. The dad who likes to eat and watch TV

2. The dad who is interested in sports of some sort (whether taking part or watching) 

3. The dad who likes music

4. The dad who enjoys sitting outside and staring into the distance

Hopefully your dad fits neatly into any of these categories, but really, which dad doesn’t?

Dad Category 1: The Eating Dad

Honestly… real. 

Some dads simply enjoy munching snacks on a couch after their 9-to-5 (or 7-to-7 if your dad is like mine—in which case, he is extremely valid). This is the man who claims he is “not hungry” and then proceeds to vacuum half the pantry while lying horizontally on the couch. 

If your dad falls under this category, consider gifts that elevate his favourite pastime of eating without moving. 

Upgraded versions of things he really loves would be a great idea—fancy truffle chocolates, uniquely flavoured chips, really good coffee or tea sets (or, if your dad says that “kopitiam coffee is better than Starbucks” —my dad, 2026— consider getting him an entire bag of kopitiam coffee beans. He will love it and love you for it), or a snack basket curated entirely around his taste. These gifts show effort while still respecting his lifestyle of horizontal relaxation.

If, however, you decide that you want to gently nudge him out of the couch-potato habit, consider pairing snacks with something more active: healthier alternatives alongside a guided workout class. Better yet, get one for yourself too so you can accompany him. I swear he will love it and completely ignore the fact that you just took a jab at his beloved horizontal lifestyle. 

Dad Category 2: The Sporty Dad

I know a couple of dads who enjoy a post 9-to-5 football session or run… dads who somehow have more energy than us in our twenties. While my dad is definitely a horizontal dad, I would still slip him into this category as well, because he admittedly runs at least three times a week and is deeply interested in football (default dad activities, of course). 

For sporty dads who actively participate, think practical gifts but upgraded. Not just random gym gear, but things he will genuinely use but would never buy for himself.

A customised workout towel, a jersey with his name on it, a large-capacity insulated flask for post-workout hydration, or a proper backpack or duffel bag for sweaty clothes that he keeps postponing purchasing. 

If your dad works out at home, a yoga mat for dads who insist on doing crunches on the cold hard floor (my dad, again), a walking pad or small home-gym equipment for dads who complain about gym membership prices—or simply the gym membership itself—are surprisingly good ideas. A handheld massage gun is elite-tier (as a former track athlete, I can confirm), and a waterproof speaker instantly makes workouts more enjoyable. 

Bonus thoughtful points: book him a sports massage, physio session, or recovery/yoga class. He may act unimpressed but his hamstrings will never lie. 

Dad Category 3: The Music Dad

Ever heard the term “dad rock”? Your dad who falls under this category probably really digs that…Metallica, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Eagles—you know the type.

As a certified dad-rock lover myself (according to my friends), I once received official band tees for my birthday and absolutely loved it.  And honestly, unique band merchandise is heavily underrated, such as bag charms, patches, pins, koozies (a surprising number of bands sell koozies, which I bought for myself…a certified dad in training). 

If your dad actually plays music, that’s even better. 

Consider upgrading gear he already owns but refuses to replace because “this one still works”. New instrument cables, a quality tuner or metronome, fancy guitar straps, concert earplugs, or clip-on microphones/headstock cameras for recording practice sessions.

If he’s a classical musician—say a violinist—thoughtful gifts include a new shoulder rest (as a violinist myself, we really never replace them), good-quality rosin, or a new violin case. Music shop vouchers (Swee Lee, Synwin, etc.) are always safe and deeply appreciated. 

Concert tickets are undefeated.

If you’re artsy, designing a custom poster of his favourite band or a stylised print of his instrument(s) is incredibly cool and personal.

Dad Category 4: The  Chill/ Do-nothing Dad 

He who doesn’t want gadgets. 

He who doesn’t want gifts. 

He who merely wants peace. 

For this dad, the best approach is honestly to observe him for a few weeks instead of panicking the week before his birthday. Quietly note what he complains about. What inconveniences him. What he mutters under his breath while doing chores.

If he has backaches, consider an ergonomic chair or a back massager if your budget allows.

If he complains about clutter, get shelves or storage boxes and organise them with him.

If he keeps commenting on smells in the house (despite being the perpetrator in question), a nice diffuser will do wonders.

If all he wants to do after work is go straight to bed, a cosy blanket or warm ambient lighting suddenly becomes the most luxurious thing in the world.

Sometimes the best gifts are not flashy at all. They simply make daily life more comfortable. Intentionality beats extravagance every single time. 

Happy Gifting!

All these material gifts are sweet and thoughtful, but never forget that consistency matters far more than what you hand him once a year in gift wrap. Spending time with him, checking in, helping out around the house, and showing care in small everyday ways will always mean more.

I’m sure your dad, despite claiming that he wants nothing, feels that love far more often than he lets on.