Gear

16 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Athletic Dad

What do you get your athletic dad or Father's Day? Here's your guide for every kind of dad who likes to sweat.

by Jen See
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

This Father’s Day treat your athletic dad to the gear he needs to enjoy his favorite sport. From runners to soccer players, and everyone in between, we’ve got your gift ideas covered.

Gifts for the Gym Rat Dad

Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller

This foam roller works through tight muscles and lets you self-massage the knots and kinks from the day’s hard gym workout. Proprietary density zones provide a three-dimensional surface that helps relieve muscle tightness while the hand-wrapped EVA foam gives the grid a firmer surface than most foam rollers.

Buy Now $40

Onnit Star Wars Kettlebell Set

Add some fun to dad’s strength training with these Star Wars-inspired kettlebells from Onnit. The collection includes Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, and Boba Fett replicas formed into kettlebells. Onnit casts the three Star wars villains in black iron for added drama. Weights range from 50 to 70 pounds.

Buy Now $150

Gifts for the Runner Dad

Run BK Willy B Short

If dad loves to run, he’ll be happy to unwrap a pair of Willy B shorts on Father’s Day. The five-inch inseam offers solid coverage without compromising mobility. The stretch polyester-spandex fabric is breathable and holds its shape even after a long day out. The Willy B features a built-in liner with stretch for comfort and has two interior hip pockets and one zipper pocket for holding essentials. We like the water resistant fabric used for the pocket lining, too, because there’s nothing worse than a sweaty phone.

Buy Now $65

Lululemon Surge Run Backpack

For dads looking to multi-task, the Surge is a low-profile backpack designed for running. Pack the Surge with a change of clothing and get some miles in on the way to the office. At 15 liters, the Surge is ample enough to handle fresh clothing and shoes. There’s also a sleeve for a laptop or tablet. Lululemon constructs the Surge from water-repellent fabric, so dad’s post-run outfit will be protected from the elements. Two adjustable chest straps help keep the pack secure and the adjustable shoulder straps include zipper pockets for keys, wallet, or phone.

Buy Now $128

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Fitbit VersaTM

The Fitbit VersaTM is the best health and fitness smartwatch for an athletic dad. Versa can track your run, show you workout summaries, offer up insights, and even give on-screen workouts for you to follow. In addition to boosting your workouts, this watch can store and play 300-plus songs, keep you connected with text and app notifications, and last more than four days (varies by use). It’s the perfect gift for the dad who likes to keep close tabs on his health and look good while doing it.

Buy Now $199

Gifts for the Triathlete Dad

Pearl Izumi Elite Pursuit Tri Short

Thanks to their busy training schedule, most triathletes don’t have a lot of time to waste doing laundry. Pearl Izumi constructs these shorts from a breathable nylon-lycra blend and they’ve been updated to improve compression and aerodynamics. A quick-dry chamois insert adds comfort and silicon leg-grippers prevent the shorts from riding up. A stretch draw cord helps dial in the perfect fit. Available in Black and Black-Screaming Yellow.

Buy Now $95

Tyr Special Ops 2.0 Goggles

A fresh pair of goggles is sure to brighten any triathlete’s day. Tyr engineers the Specials Ops specifically for open water swimming. Polarized polycarbonate lenses reduce glare and offer UVA/UVB protection while the curved lenses also provide extended peripheral vision — nice for keeping tabs on the competition. The silicon gaskets are designed to create a watertight seal without uncomfortable pinching.

Buy Now $30

Gifts for the Surfer Dad

Dakine Section Roll Top Backpack

he roll top of this durable, water-tight bag makes it easy to load up the main compartment with wet suit, towel, trunks, and other surf essentials. A front slip pocket accommodates small pieces such as fins, wallet, and leashes. There’s even a dedicated pocket for wax. A mesh side pocket handles water bottles with ease. If the surf’s flat, pack the waterproof compartment with ice to create an on-the-go cooler.

Buy Now $55

Hurley x Pendleton Grand Canyon T-shirt

Surf brand Hurley has partnered with Pendleton to create a clothing collection that celebrates the National Parks. The Grand Canyon t-shirt is 100 percent cotton and features an abstract design that echoes the colors and lines of the Grand Canyon. Hurley will donate a portion of the proceeds to the National Park Foundation, too, so you’ll be giving twice. Available in sizes small to double XL..

Buy Now $30

Gifts for The Casual Exerciser

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve

Lululemon constructs the Metal Vent Tech short sleeve from breathable, four-way stretch fabric. Whatever dad’s work-out plans, this shirt is sure to hold up under the pressure. We love the seamless construction and the anti-stink fabric treatment. Even better: the lightweight and breathability of the Metal Vent makes it feel like you’re wearing nothing at all.

Buy Now $68

Lululemon T.H.E. Short

These lightweight shorts are built for all-around training and they feature an 11-inch inseam and a sweat-wicking four-way stretch waistband. The short’s woven fabric includes lycra to retain shape and ensure mobility. A zipper pocket holds essentials, such as keys and media. Lululemon gives T.H.E. a generous cut for mobility and comfort and the neutral colorways match just about anything.

Buy Now $58

Gifts For the Soccer-Obsessed Dad

FIFA World Cup Official Game Ball

The perfect gift for the soccer-playing dad, the World Cup game ball celebrates Russia, the 2018 host country. To design the ball, Addidas drew inspiration from Russia’s urban landscapes. The pixelated graphics replicate the image of a spinning Telstar, which Addidas created for the 1970 World Cup tournament. The Telstar became instantly famous and the 2018 game ball aims to match it

Buy Now $124

Nike Dri-FIT Squad

Constructed from sweat-wicking fabric, these shorts combine style with flat-out function. Nike’s Dri-FIT fabric aims to transfer sweat away from the body and the shorts are designed to stay in place with rubber detailing at the waist. An internal drawcord dials in a comfortable fit.

Buy Now $35

Best Gifts For the Cyclist Dad

Giro Chrono Sport Jersey

It won’t flap in the breeze, but Giro has given it a more comfortable profile than some of the race-fit, super-aero jersies out there. The Chrono is versatile and ready for a cruisey Saturday road ride, commute to work, or that big century for which dad’s been training. The fabric features built-in sun protection and there are three rear pockets for essentials. A full-length zipper offers temperature control.

[buy button url=https://www.giro.com/us_en/products/men/apparel/jerseys/chrono-sport-sublimated-jersey.html price=”$80]

Smith Rebound Sunglasses

Designed for mountain biking and perfect for cruising, the Rebound glasses strike a ideal combination of performance and style. Smith places no-slip material, megol, on the nose-piece and temples to help keep the glasses in place when things get sweaty. The glasses also feature Smith’s ChromaPop lens technology and the frame shape is designed to be helmet-friendly.

Buy Now $139

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