A gifting question: Who’s a hard person to shop for because they’re stereotypically not great at talking about their feelings or asking for nice things for themselves? If you said any and all dads and father figures, you’d be exactly right.
While tired gender roles are, in fact, tired, we can all admit that shopping for Father’s Day can be tough. To make this Father’s Day a little less of a guessing game, we rounded up our favorite affordable gifts for dads. From compact thermoses to gardening sets, we found items for all types of dads, all under $30.
And, to beat them at their own game, we used this handy-dandy joke generator to come up with an eye-roll-inducing extra cheesy dad joke for every present on our list.
Though a present isn’t the only way to show your appreciation, it’s a little something to make the dads in your life know how loved they are. And with everything on our list coming in under $30, your dad will be proud knowing that you stayed under budget this year.
HuffPost receives a share from retailers on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
A personalized gallery photo book full of memories
Related dad joke: Did you hear about the photographer who stole all those photos? I think he was framed.
Add a personal touch to your Father's Day gift with this photo gallery book and fill it with cherished family photos he'll love to look through. You can pick the book size (8-by-8 to 12-by-12), cover type and page type to further personalize the book and turn it into something he'll be proud to display at home.
A subscription to a slew of artisan coffees
Related dad joke: What does the coffee call his morning routine? The daily grind.
Treat your dad to exciting beans from local roasters and cafes across the country with a subscription to Trade Coffee. All you have to do is fill out a short quiz about the type of joe he likes and how often you want him to receive a new bag.
A stylish digital alarm clock
Related dad joke: When's it time to go to the dentist? Tooth-hurty.
Get your dad into the future with this super techy alarm clock that looks like a smartphone. It can be used as a mirror when it's not telling the time, and it has three levels of brightness for heavy and light sleepers.
A reader-approved heavyweight cotton T-shirt
Related dad joke: What laundry detergent do mermaids use? Tide.
The Carhartt men's basic pocket tee is a big seller here at HuffPost, and for good reason. It's breathable but made from durable 100% cotton that doesn't cling, looks good with everything and comes in a bunch of fun and neutral colors. Style-crazy dads and unironic workwear dads alike will love to add this to their collection. Grab it in sizes XS-5XL, with tall sizing options available.
A podiatrist-approved foot stretcher for plantar fasciitis pain
Related dad joke: What happens when you injure your feet? They heel on their own.
Previously recommended by podiatrist Louis J. DeCaro, this rocking foot stretcher has made "a world of difference" in many Amazon reviewers’ plantar fasciitis pain. The rocker design holds the foot in the optimal position for an accurate and efficient stretch and has slip-resistant pads to keep the stretcher in place while in use. If your dad suffers from a particular type of foot pain, this device will be a welcome relief.
Promising review: "I recently developed plantar fasciitis and it was causing me all kinds of pain in my knee, heel and ankle. Using this device before and after my runs made a world of difference. [The] pain is subsiding and I’m able to continue training. Such a great device for a hard-to-stretch area - highly recommend.” — Bels
An easy-to-use knife sharpener
Related dad joke: What knife connects to Bluetooth? A pairing knife.
A dad tip? A dull knife is actually more dangerous that a sharp one. Keep his kitchen tools on point with this budget-friendly knife sharpener that can be stored in even the smallest kitchen.
A Bluetooth speaker with a built-in stand
Related dad joke: What does a baby computer call its dad? Data.
Available in nine colors, this speaker-stand combo can prop up his phone or tablet and boost the sound so he can hear better. This is great for video-calling the family, or watching TV or movies while he does other things. The stand has an adjustable angle and an anti-slip base, and is compatible with devices between 4 and 13 inches.
Promising review: "I bought this for my husband for Father's Day. He likes to go outside in the mornings on the patio with his coffee and watch news and such on his phone. The speaker is pretty loud and his phone fits great. He has a Samsung S9+. He uses this every single day!" — Lana
A sturdy insulated lunchbox from a trusted workwear brand
Related dad joke: What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.
A lunchbox a dad will be happy to be seen with? Sign me up. This insulated Carhartt lunch bag holds up to six cans and will keep food, snacks or drinks super cold during work, on a long day on the golf course or on the boat.
A set of internet-famous Bluetooth earbuds
Related dad joke: What kind of music do rabbits like? Hip hop!
If your dad introduced you to all your favorite bands, he'll love this set of waterproof wireless earbuds that have a 10-hour playtime per charge. They're a great set of budget-friendly buds or a perfect extra set to keep in a gym bag or at the office.
A set of smart lightbulbs that you can control with your phone
Related dad joke: How did the hipster burn his hand? They changed the lightbulb before it was cool.
These smart bulbs can connect with your home Wi-Fi and/or Alexa, so you can control them wherever you are, not just from the light switch.
A pack of reusable multipurpose dish cloths
Related dad joke: What do you call a sleeping paper towel? A nap'kin!
Dad always on you for using too many paper towels? He'll love making the swap to these reusable biodegradable and super-absorbent dish cloths that can pick up tough messes, be thrown in the wash and used time and time again.
A gardening tool kit that comes with a dedicated carrying bag
Related dad joke: Why ask the gardener for help? They give sage advice.
If your dad likes to tend to his plants, he'll love this six-piece gardening set that comes with a carrying case. It's in a basic color palette that's not too loud and comes with an array of tools for all sorts of backyard projects.
A popular insulted mug that will keep drinks at temperature for hours
Related dad joke: What do you call two lattes fighting? A heated debate.
It's challenging to find a reusable cup these days that isn't huge or covered in corny sayings. Enter the Yeti 10-ounce stackable lowball thermos that's perfect for coffee, cocktails and any other beverage your pop can think to keep in it.
Or a smart plug that will allow you turn off devices with a spoken command
Related dad joke: How did Benjamin Franklin feel after discovering electricity? Shocked!
This smart plug lets your dad control entire outlets, not just a bulb. Preset it to shut off or turn on during the day or actively control it with your own voice via Alexa.