Ad. Father’s Day is Sunday, 21st June, which means if you’re anything like me, you’ve just looked at the calendar and felt mildly panicked. Three weeks sounds like plenty of time. It never is.
I find Father’s Day a bit of a guessing game every year. Not because the dads in my life are difficult, exactly, but because they’re the type who either already own the thing they want or insist they want nothing, while being visibly delighted when they actually get something good. You know the ones. Impossible, and yet somehow charming about it.
So this year I thought I’d be organised for once and put a proper round-up together. I’ve been looking through the Father’s Day gifts range from adidas — there’s loads on there, from iconic trainers to golf kit to gym bags — and I’ve mixed in a few ideas from other categories too, to cover the dads who aren’t necessarily head-to-toe sportswear people. Budgets covered: small treat to proper splurge.
Right, here we go.
For the Trainer-Obsessed Dad
You can’t go wrong with trainers. Especially if the dad in question is the type who gets weirdly excited about a particular colourway, or who’s been wearing the same knackered pair since about 2018 and simply will not replace them.
The Samba OG (£95) is the one I keep coming back to. It’s a classic. There are sixteen colours available, and adidas offers free personalisation on them too, which makes it feel a bit more like an actual gift and less like something he’d just pick up himself.
If he’s more of an under-the-radar person, the Handball Spezial (£90) is brilliant. Loads of colourways, same personalisation option, and the kind of shoe people notice and ask about without being showy. Both of these sit at a realistic price point for a birthday-level treat, and both are the sort of thing that gets worn constantly once they’re in the rotation.
For the Golfer
I know very little about golf. But I do know that golfers are strangely particular about what they wear on the course, and that getting this right earns you serious points.
The adidas golf clothing range has loads of options — the Ultimate365 Golf Shorts (£50) and Ultimate365 5-Pocket Trousers (£65) are both solid picks. Practical, smart, loads of colour choices, and they look decent off the course too. I always think that matters with a gift; nobody wants to unwrap something that only works in one very specific context.
If you’re not sure on sizing (always a risk with trousers), the adidas e-gift card (from £50) is a good option here. I know gift cards have a reputation as a last resort, but if someone knows their own size and preferences, a gift card for a brand they like is a proper gift. No shame in it whatsoever.
For the Dad Who Lives in a Tracksuit
Some dads just genuinely live in sportswear. I don’t blame them, it’s comfy! My husband always puts on an adidas tracksuit when he gets in from work. For these dads, the Firebird Track Jacket (£65) is a brilliant shout.
The 4ATHLTS Duffel Bag (£38) is also worth a look — practical, well-priced, and a great option for the gym-going dad who is still using a carrier bag to carry his kit.
For something a bit more low-key, the 3-Stripes Baseball Cap (£18) is a nice easy win, it comes with the free personalisation option too, which is a lovely touch if you want to add a name or a date.
Outside the Sportswear Aisle
Not every dad wants (or needs) more kit, and sometimes a gift guide that’s all one brand starts to feel a bit same-y. Here are a few ideas to fill out a hamper, or for when you want something completely different:
A skincare set. Most men won’t buy this for themselves, which is exactly why it makes such a good gift. Loads of brands do brilliant Father’s Day sets.
A good book. Totally depends on what he’s into, but a book is always a solid shout for the dad who claims he ‘doesn’t have time to read’ and then absolutely tears through something once it’s in front of him. Biographies and history tend to go down well in my experience.
A local experience. If you’re in Yorkshire (or just want something a bit more memorable), a meal out somewhere he’d love but wouldn’t necessarily organise for himself always lands better than a thing. Helmsley, Malton, York — all brilliant for a proper lunch or dinner that feels like a treat.
A Couple of Practical Notes
Father’s Day in the UK is Sunday 21st June. If you’re ordering online, it’s worth keeping an eye on delivery times over the next couple of weeks — the personalisation option on adidas trainers and caps is lovely but does add a bit of lead time, so factor that in if you’re going down that route.
And if you’re still stuck after all of this — honestly, just ask him what he wants and then pretend it was your idea all along. That absolutely counts as effort. I’m convinced of it.
What are you getting the dads in your life this year? I’m always on the lookout for an idea I haven’t thought of — drop it in the comments below!