5 Thoughtful Gifts for Single Dads This Father’s Day

happy dad holding daughter outdoors

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and for single dads, it can be a bittersweet moment. They’re not just dads — they’re providers, comforters, chauffeurs, chefs, and bedtime-story-readers all in one. Whether you’re looking for a gift for your own dad, a friend who’s raising his kids solo, or you’re helping a child pick something for their single father, it’s worth choosing something thoughtful.


While most Father’s Day gift guides are full of the same tired socks and barbecue sets, we’ve gone a step further. This list is curated specifically with single dads in mind — balancing practicality, emotion, humor, and love. Every item here is something a single dad would not only appreciate, but actually use.


Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge a little, here are 5 gift ideas for single dads that hit all the right notes in 2025.

Gift #1: "Dad Fuel" Insulated Travel Mug

Every single dad runs on coffee, tea, or sheer willpower. This stainless steel insulated mug printed with “Dad Fuel” is the kind of small but meaningful gift that makes a dad’s morning a bit brighter. It keeps drinks hot for hours — perfect for school runs, commutes, or chasing toddlers around the house.

Price: £19.99
Buy it from Amazon

Why it’s a great gift:

  • Daily use = daily reminder of appreciation
  • Funny but functional
  • Budget-friendly without feeling cheap

The design is simple, durable, and fits in most cup holders. Whether he’s into tea, coffee, or energy drinks, this mug says, “You’ve got this.”

A black travel mug with a clear lid, featuring a fuel gauge graphic and gas pump icon. The words DAD FUEL are engraved on the front—one of the most thoughtful gifts or perfect Father’s Day gifts for dads who need their coffee boost. gift idea

Gift #1: "Dad Fuel" Insulated Travel Mug

Price: £19.99

Why it’s a great gift:

  • Daily use = daily reminder of appreciation

  • Funny but functional

  • Budget-friendly without feeling cheap

Every single dad runs on coffee, tea, or sheer willpower. This stainless steel insulated mug printed with “Dad Fuel” is the kind of small but meaningful gift that makes a dad’s morning a bit brighter. It keeps drinks hot for hours — perfect for school runs, commutes, or chasing toddlers around the house.

The design is simple, durable, and fits in most cup holders. Whether he’s into tea, coffee, or energy drinks, this mug says, “You’ve got this.”

Three personalized keychains with photos of couples make thoughtful gifts. Each features a different frame color and inscription, including Married, Forever & Always, and I Love You. Perfect for Father’s Day gifts or special occasions. Arranged on a white surface. gift idea

Gift #2: Customised Photo Keychain

Price: £4.99

Why it’s a great gift:

  • Sentimental but stylish

  • Perfect for new or long-time single dads

  • Handmade and personal = high emotional value

Sometimes the best gifts are the smallest. This handmade photo keychain is one of those “I didn’t cry, you cried” presents. You send in a picture of the kids, and the creator prints it onto a polished, durable keychain — optionally with a custom engraved message.

It’s a constant reminder that even in the madness of single parenting, he’s never truly alone. It can clip onto car keys, a bag, or even hang on a bedside hook.

A black handheld massage gun with a digital power button and four interchangeable heads—round, fork, flat, and bullet-shaped—makes one of the most thoughtful gifts or perfect Fathers Day gifts for relaxation, displayed on a white background. gift idea

Gift #3: Massage Gun (Budget Model)

Price: £16.99

Why it’s a great gift:

  • Encourages self-care

  • Practical, not gimmicky

  • Under £40 but feels like a luxury

Raising kids solo is not just mentally exhausting — it’s physically demanding too. From piggybacks to fixing furniture, it all takes a toll. A budget-friendly massage gun might not sound “Father’s Day classic,” but it’s genuinely useful.

This one comes with multiple heads and speed settings to target sore muscles after a long day. It’s the kind of thing he’d never buy for himself, but will absolutely thank you for once he’s tried it.

Man wearing a blue t-shirt with stick figure drawings of a man, woman, child, and dog. Above them, red text reads POSITION OPEN with a red arrow pointing to the man—perfect for thoughtful gifts or Father’s Day gifts for single dads. gift idea

Gift #4: “Single Dad Life” T-Shirt

Price: £8.27

Why it’s a great gift:

  • Celebrates his identity proudly

  • Comfortable and wearable year-round

  • Small gift, big message

Let’s face it — being a single dad can be lonely. But a bold, fun t-shirt like this one says “I’m proud of what I do.” It’s printed with “Single Dad Life” in a modern, subtle design that feels cool rather than cringe.

Whether he wears it out with the kids or around the house, it’s a gift that says: we see you. Sizes go up to 3XL, and it comes in several colour options.

Book cover with yellow background showing a smiling man with outstretched arms running toward a child. The title reads The dad who NEVER gave up. Author: Steph Williams. Perfect for thoughtful gifts or Fathers Day gifts for single dads. gift idea

Gift #5: “The Dad Who Never Gave Up” Book

Price: £2.99

Why it’s a great gift:

  • Emotionally resonant

  • Good for all ages

  • Often sells out before Father’s Day — grab early!

Some dads aren’t just fathers — they stepped up when someone else stepped away. This beautifully written book is a tribute to single dads, stepdads, and men who chose to raise a child on their own.

It’s a touching story, perfect for bedtime or reading alone. The kind of gift that says, “I notice all the invisible things you do.” And it’s also a great way for younger children to connect with and honour their dad.

When it comes to Father’s Day gifts for single dads, it’s not about spending big — it’s about showing appreciation. These five ideas were chosen because they’re thoughtful, practical, and personal, not generic. Whether it’s a mug that fuels his day or a custom keychain he’ll treasure forever, each item on this list says what words often don’t: you’re doing an incredible job.

 

And if you’re still not sure what to buy, here’s a tip: just ask what he’s been meaning to buy for himself and never gets around to. That’s often the best gift of all.

 

Happy Father’s Day ❤️