The Best Father’s Day Sales on Gear Dads Actually Like and Use (2024)

Table of Contents
Here's the deal ThermoWorks Dot Simple Alarm Thermometer ThermoWorks Dot Simple Alarm Thermometer The best leave-in probe thermometer Craighill Closed Helix Key Ring Craighill Closed Helix Key Ring A simple and elegant key ring we like as a gift Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack Our structured, polished-looking laptop backpack pick Wandrd Prvke Backpack (21-liter) Wandrd Prvke Our buy-it-for-life backpack pick for photographers eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Backpack eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender A budget carry-on travel backpack we like (but only when it’s on sale) Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Smoker Grill Traeger Pro 575 The best pellet smoker grill Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Smoker Grill Traeger Pro Series 22 A less expensive pellet smoker grill we like Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove Our runner-up camping stove pick Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler A telescoping-handle cooler we think is worth it at this price (but only at this price) AncestryDNA Test Kit AncestryDNA The best DNA testing kit pick Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 16 GB) Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) A larger-capacity version of upgrade e-reader pick Specialized Mode Bike Helmet Specialized Mode Our bike helmet pick for city streets Apple Watch Series 9 (45 mm) Apple Watch Series 9 The best smartwatch for iPhone owners Chaco Men’s Lowdown Sandal Chaco Men’s Lowdown Sandal Our sporty, lightweight sandals pick Reebok Club C 85 White Shoes (unisex) Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes (unisex) A less expensive, bright white version of our retro white tennis shoes pick Pendleton Men’s Plaid Burnside Doublebrushed Flannel Shirt Pendleton Men’s Plaid Burnside Doublebrushed Flannel Shirt An iconic flannel shirt we recommend as a gift for dads Sonos Era 100 Wireless Speaker Sonos Era 100 The best multiroom wireless speaker system GoPro Hero12 Black Action Camera + Accessories Bundle + $50 Best Buy Gift Card GoPro Hero12 Black The best action camera Netvue Birdfy Feeder Netvue Birdfy Feeder The best smart bird feeder Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage + Compact Folding Utility Knife Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage The best utility knife, bundled with a compact folding knife and two general-purpose blades Aura Mason Digital Photo Frame Aura Mason Our digital photo frame pick for vertical orientation $60 of Ace Hardware Gift Cards Ace Hardware Gift Card A gift card for the DIY dad

Here's the deal

  • ThermoWorks Dot Simple Alarm Thermometer
  • Craighill Closed Helix Key Ring
  • Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack
  • Wandrd Prvke Backpack (21-liter)
  • eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Backpack
  • Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Smoker Grill
  • Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Smoker Grill
  • Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove
  • Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler
  • AncestryDNA Test Kit
  • Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 16 GB)
  • Specialized Mode Bike Helmet
  • Apple Watch Series 9 (45 mm)
  • Chaco Men’s Lowdown Sandal
  • Reebok Club C 85 White Shoes (unisex)
  • Pendleton Men’s Plaid Burnside Doublebrushed Flannel Shirt
  • Sonos Era 100 Wireless Speaker
  • GoPro Hero12 Black Action Camera + Accessories Bundle + $50 Best Buy Gift Card
  • Netvue Birdfy Feeder
  • Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage + Compact Folding Utility Knife
  • Aura Mason Digital Photo Frame
  • $60 of Ace Hardware Gift Cards

ThermoWorks Dot Simple Alarm Thermometer

ThermoWorks Dot Simple Alarm Thermometer

The best leave-in probe thermometer

Impressive accuracy and quick temperature readings are crucial for perfectly cooked meats, and this longtime favorite delivers. Its simple, intuitive design includes a large, easy-to-read backlit screen, a strong magnet for securely attaching to oven doors, and a 48-inch probe cable that’s among the longest we tested.

Buying Options

$52 $36 from ThermoWorks

Use promo code WCDOT2024

Other things to know: Lacks a timer and pre-programmed temperature settings. Two-year warranty. Some people reported malfunctions after a few months of use, but we did not encounter this issue. Deal price includes shipping. Use code WCDOT2024.

Read more: The Best Meat Thermometer

Craighill Closed Helix Key Ring

Craighill Closed Helix Key Ring

A simple and elegant key ring we like as a gift

The epitome of quiet luxury, this nifty accessory is everything a key ring should be: elegant, lightweight, and not too bulky for pants pockets. It’s also a cinch to use. Just untwist the ridge cap to add or remove keys—no prying or wrestling necessary.

Buying Options

$34 $25 from Craighill

Use promo code WCDAD, price includes shipping

$30 from Urban Outfitters

Other things to know: Simple and lightweight design necessarily limits the number of keys they can comfortably carry. Shipping varies by location, but seems to be around $4 on average. Use code WCDAD to get the deal price.

Read more: 32 Gifts for People Who Have Everything

Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack

Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack

Our structured, polished-looking laptop backpack pick

Ditch the briefcase. Made for the modern commuter, this elegant bag boasts refined vegan leather trim and a geometric shape that remains streamlined when full and doesn't collapse when empty. Ergonomic design features like ventilated back panels and memory-foam shoulder straps make it a pleasure to carry.

Buying Options

$245 $213 from Troubadour

Use promo code WCSUMMER24 (limited colors)

$225 from Amazon

Other things to know: Body is coated with waterproofing treatment and zippers are set in waterproof tape. 90% recycled materials. 17-inch laptop compartment. Very rarely discounted. Use promo code WCSUMMER24. Some colors are out of stock.

Read more: The Best Laptop Backpacks

Wandrd Prvke Backpack (21-liter)

Wandrd Prvke

Our buy-it-for-life backpack pick for photographers

Whether used as a camera bag or a daily-carry backpack, this comfortable, adaptable backpack can protect expensive gear in the toughest environments and weather. It features tons of loading layouts and access options for any kind of scenario.

Buying Options

$220 $132 from Moment

With delayed shipping (limited colors)

$175 from Wandrd

Other things to know: The heaviest backpack we tested. Lacks easy-to-access organizational space for items like notebooks and pens. Deal price is for the 21-liter backpack in Sonoma Orange or Yuma Tan, both of which are backordered for 1-2 weeks. Other colors and sizes also on sale.

Read more: The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Backpack

eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender

A budget carry-on travel backpack we like (but only when it’s on sale)

Whether it’s work trips or family vacations, travel doesn’t have to be stressful. With the largest capacity of any carry-on bag we tested, this backpack has the organizational features most travelers want, including an easy-to-access main compartment, a laptop sleeve, and tons of external pockets.

Buying Options

$80 $50 from Amazon

With delayed shipping

$100 from eBags

Other things to know: Our former budget pick, but the street price has jumped so we only recommend it when heavily discounted (like right now). Not as comfortable to carry as our picks. Can expand past the limits of most overhead bins. Shipping is delayed.

Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Smoker Grill

Traeger Pro 575

The best pellet smoker grill

Dads who love low-and-slow cooking will appreciate this reliable and fuel-efficient smoker, which features precise temperature controls and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote operation via phone. It excelled at holding low temperatures in our testing, allowing us to make tender, juicy barbecue almost effortlessly.

Other things to know: Produced the mildest smoky flavor of any pellet grill we tested. Price has risen over the past few years (while we’ve seen it drop as low as $500 during Cyber Week, back in 2022).

Read more: The Best Pellet Smoker Grill

Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Smoker Grill

Traeger Pro Series 22

A less expensive pellet smoker grill we like

Beef up your favorite dad’s grilling game without breaking the bank. This simple, entry-level pellet grill is an older-gen model, but compared with our newer top pick, it’s notably less expensive and comes with two temperature probes.

Buying Options

$500 $390 from Home Depot

You save $110 (22%)

$700 from Traeger Grills

Other things to know: Only has 10 preset temperature options, with temps up to 450 °F. No Wi-Fi connectivity. Available to ship or with store pickup from Home Depot (depending on local availability).

Read more: The Best Pellet Smoker Grill

Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove

Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove

Our runner-up camping stove pick

For more precision control over cooking temperatures while camping, we recommend this stove. It boils water a bit faster than our top pick and has a handle for easier carrying.

Buying Options

$170 $119 from Coleman

You save $51 (30%)

$127 from REI

Other things to know: Heavier and more expensive than our top pick. Piezo electric ignition tends to break over time. Three-year limited warranty. Not the lowest price we've seen, but within $15.

Read more: The Best Camping Stove

Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler

Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler

A telescoping-handle cooler we think is worth it at this price (but only at this price)

Imagine a carry-on piece of luggage with the durability and insulation of a rolling hard cooler. Unlike our top rolling cooler pick, the Yeti Tundra, the Roadie has a telescoping handle that changes its center of gravity, which may make it easier to maneuver in some situations.

Buying Options

$400 $320 from Yeti

(limited colors)

Other things to know: In our cooler guide’s Competition section. Typically pricier than the Tundra, and the difference in maneuverability wasn’t immediately clear during tests. Holds 76 cans versus Tundra’s 82. On sale in camp green. Order from Yeti by June 12 at noon CST to ensure arrival in time for Father’s Day.

Read more: The Best Coolers

AncestryDNA Test Kit

AncestryDNA

The best DNA testing kit pick

History-buff dads can dive into their own roots with this DNA test, which boasts the largest family-matching database we've seen. The process is easy from start to finish, with a thorough interface, straightforward instructions, and reports and results that are presented clearly and with useful historical context.

Buying Options

$100 $39 from Amazon

You save $61 (61%)

$100 $39 from Walmart

You save $61 (61%)

$99 from AncestryDNA

Other things to know: AncestryDNA may monetize their DNA data if they opt into its research program. All DNA testing kits have privacy risks that should be taken into account.

Read more: The Best DNA Testing Kit

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 16 GB)

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

A larger-capacity version of upgrade e-reader pick

Give the gift of all their beloved war novels, right at their fingertips. This e-reader’s larger, brighter, waterproof display is a notable improvement over the entry-level Kindle. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity and seamless integration with Audible for audiobook lovers.

Buying Options

$150 $115 from Target (16 GB)

You save $35 (23%)

$150 from Amazon

Other things to know: Lockscreen has ads. 16 GB internal storage. Highly adjustable color temperature and lighting for precise control over screen brightness. Matches lowest price we've seen in the past nine months, but we expect to see slightly better deals during Prime Day. Target Circle Card members save an extra 5% (bringing the price down to $109).

Read more: The Best E-Reader

Specialized Mode Bike Helmet

Specialized Mode

Our bike helmet pick for city streets

Designed for upright riding, this bucket-style helmet outperformed its competition during our tests, with cleverly designed vents to prevent overheating. Urban commuters who don’t want to sacrifice fashion for function may find the half-dome shape appealing for cycling in street clothes, rather than spandex.

Buying Options

$100 $60 from Specialized

Price includes shipping (limited colors)

Other things to know: Scored exceptionally well on Virginia Tech’s crash tests. Looks more like a skateboarding helmet. Less generous crash-replacement policy than those of our other picks. The heaviest helmet we tried. Limited colors. Price includes shipping.

Read more: The Best Bike Helmet for Commuters

Apple Watch Series 9 (45 mm)

Apple Watch Series 9

The best smartwatch for iPhone owners

Compared with previous models, the latest-gen Apple Watch has a larger active screen area and more premium features. During our tests, it offered the best combination of style, health and fitness features, app selection, battery life, and price of any smartwatch for any platform.

Buying Options

$360 $330 from Amazon (45 mm)

(limited colors)

$360 $330 from Target (45 mm)

(limited colors)

$360 $300 from Amazon (41 mm)

You save $60 (17%)

$360 $300 from Target (41 mm)

(limited colors)

$400 from Apple

Other things to know: Battery easily lasts for a day on a charge, but more demanding features like using cellular connectivity or Maps may have this watch in Power Reserve mode by the end of the day. Both the 41 mm and 45 mm body sizes are on sale with aluminum cases in limited colors.

Read more: The Apple Watch Is the Best Smartwatch for iPhone Owners

Chaco Men’s Lowdown Sandal

Chaco Men’s Lowdown Sandal

Our sporty, lightweight sandals pick

A neutral, trend-proof design makes these versatile sandals rugged enough for outdoor activities but still appropriate for everyday wear. The lightweight rubber soles offer ample support while the webbed polyester straps ensure a secure, highly adjustable fit.

Buying Options

$70 $51 from Amazon

(limited colors)

$70 from REI

$70 from Chaco

Other things to know: Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, but not normal wear-and-tear. Most sizes on sale in blue navy color (also on sale for $8-15 cheaper in black, but stock is limited and price varies by size).

Read more: The Best Sandals

Reebok Club C 85 White Shoes (unisex)

Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes (unisex)

A less expensive, bright white version of our retro white tennis shoes pick

Parents are dancing like they did in the 1980s as part of the latest TikTok trend—and now they can dress like it, too. Serving up a preppy-chic Eighties sports club aesthetic, the unfussy, low-cut silhouette of these leather sneakers embodies old-school cool, and the sturdy foam insoles will support their feet for miles.

Buying Options

$90 from Reebok

Other things to know: Lacks the off-white coloring and terry lining of our pick, and the leather isn’t quite as soft. Little arch support. Run true to size, but notably narrow—we recommend those with wider feet go up half a size. Not as plush as our Nike picks. On sale in limited colors.

Read more: The Best White Sneakers

Pendleton Men’s Plaid Burnside Doublebrushed Flannel Shirt

Pendleton Men’s Plaid Burnside Doublebrushed Flannel Shirt

An iconic flannel shirt we recommend as a gift for dads

Made from durable, washable cotton, this classic flannel is brushed on both sides for maximum softness. It comes in multiple timeless plaid patterns and will look great for years to come without showing any evidence of wear and tear, shrinking, or fading.

Buying Options

$100 $45 from Pendleton

Price includes shipping (limited colors)

$75 from Amazon

Other things to know: On sale in select colors, but most size availability for grey/red plaid. Price includes shipping.

Read more: The 43 Best Gifts for Dads

Sonos Era 100 Wireless Speaker

Sonos Era 100

The best multiroom wireless speaker system

From music to podcasts, these speakers produce full, well-balanced sound and fit nicely in any room. They’re fully loaded with built-in Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, and Amazon Alexa support, and compatible with more streaming services (about 130) than the competition.

Buying Options

$250 $200 from Amazon

You save $50 (20%)

$250 $200 from Best Buy

You save $50 (20%)

$470 $375 from Costco (two-pack)

Costco membership required

Other things to know: Sonos’s own voice-control compatibility is limited. Difficult to add external, non-AirPlay-enabled audio players to the system. Sonos app can be glitchy—and our experts advise against pushing the latest update due to ongoing issues. Two speakers can be combined into a stereo pair. Costco membership required for two-pack deal.

Read more: The Best Multi-Room Wireless Speaker System

GoPro Hero12 Black Action Camera + Accessories Bundle + $50 Best Buy Gift Card

GoPro Hero12 Black

The best action camera

This action camera’s impressive image quality and super-steady stabilization ensure life’s big and small moments are captured beautifully. Other perks include waterproofing to a depth of 10 meters, a 2-mm-thick Gorilla Glass lens cover, and a simple interface that even beginners can easily navigate.

Buying Options

$450 $350 from Best Buy (with accessories bundle + $50 gift card)

You save $100 (22%)

$299 from Amazon

$350 from Best Buy

Other things to know: Battery generally lasted about 15% longer than that of predecessor Hero11 Black. Accessory bundle includes Handler (floating hand grip), Head Strap 2.0, two Enduro batteries, and case. Also includes a $50 Best Buy gift card.

Read more: The Best Action Camera

Netvue Birdfy Feeder

Netvue Birdfy Feeder

The best smart bird feeder

A natural source of entertainment with a modern twist, this smart feeder will be a kick for avid birders. It’s easy to fill and maintain, captures stunning 1080p wide-angle video and color night vision, and sends alerts that include the species names of the birds spotted.

Buying Options

$250 $185 from Birdfy

Use promo code MOBILE08

$200 from Amazon

$200 from Walmart

Other things to know: Local and cloud video storage options. Flip-up roof can hold up to 1.5 liters of seed. Make sure to use code MOBILE08 to get the deal price.

Read more: The Best Smart Bird Feeders

Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage + Compact Folding Utility Knife

Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage

The best utility knife, bundled with a compact folding knife and two general-purpose blades

Perfect for tasks that are too tough for scissors and too damaging for nicer pocket knives, our go-to utility knife is safe, slim, and quick to open and close one-handed. Changing blades is a breeze thanks to the uniquely contoured ergonomic handle, which can store five extra blades.

Buying Options

$20 $15 from Home Depot (includes compact fold knife + extra blades)

With store pickup (or free shipping to select zips)

$15 from Home Depot

$18 from Ace Hardware

Other things to know: Belt clip is not reversible. Smaller knife lacks blade storage. Opt for store pickup; free shipping may be available, but varies by location.

Read more: The Best Utility Knife

Aura Mason Digital Photo Frame

Aura Mason

Our digital photo frame pick for vertical orientation

Share treasured family memories with our long-loved digital frame pick, which we like for vertical (aka portrait orientation) photos. Even if the recipient isn't the most tech-savvy, its intuitive design makes uploading photos a breeze, and the vivid 9-inch display fits nicely on smaller tables and shelves.

Buying Options

$200 $169 from Aura Frames

You save $31 (16%)

$200 $169 from Amazon

You save $31 (16%)

$200 $169 from Walmart

(limited colors)

$199 from Saks Fifth Avenue

Other things to know: Formerly our longtime top pick and still one of our favorites. Aura offers the best approach to data security of the frames we’ve tested. 4:5 aspect ratio. More cropping issues than our top pick, but fixable in app. Looks great in landscape orientation, but not as great as our top pick. On sale in both colors at Aura and Amazon and one color at Walmart.

Read more: The Best Digital Photo Frame

$60 of Ace Hardware Gift Cards

Ace Hardware Gift Card

A gift card for the DIY dad

Your dad may have everything, but sometimes the best Father’s Day gift is giving them exactly what they want, when they want it. Great for funding upcoming projects around the house, this gift card deal is essentially free money for those who shop at Ace Hardware in-store or online.

Buying Options

$60 $50 from Ace Hardware

Free Ace Rewards membership required

Other things to know: Buy a $50 Ace Gift Card and receive a $10 Ace eGift Card for free. If you’re looking for inspiration or recommendations, Wirecutter has plenty of home and garden guides. Ace Rewards membership required. Limit two free $10 eGift Cards per customer.

Read more: The Best Toolbox

Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter's expert-approved picks.

This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow.

The Best Father’s Day Sales on Gear Dads Actually Like and Use (2024)
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