Father’s Day is right around the corner, and there’s a solid chance that some of you—maybe most of you—have no idea what to get the dad(s) in your life. True story: We don’t either.

Choosing a gift can be hard. Choosing the right gift is even more challenging. It involves striking a balance between finding something useful and thoughtful while acknowledging the giftee’s specific interests.

The problem is that all dads are different. They like different things. They drive different vehicles in different ways. Some don’t even like driving at all. Those dads are wrong, and this article isn’t for them.

We can’t tell you what gift to get the dad in your life, but we can try to guide your search based on the “type” of dad he is. Here are some places to start.

The DIY Dad

adjusting a holley 4150 carburetor on a ford 289 mustang engine
(Image/Jim Smart)

Key Characteristic: Justifies starting new projects to buy the tools he’ll need for them.

Gift Category: Tools & Shop Equipment


The “Speed is Relative” Dad

second gen chevy camaro z28 n autocross course, Atlanta motorama 2016

Key Characteristic: Has lost count of the number of track wins and traffic tickets he’s accrued.

Gift Category: Circle Track, Autocross


The ‘Pit Away from Pit’ Dad

interior shot of a clean garage workspace with a green chevy nova parked nearby
(Image/Wayne Scraba)

Key Characteristic: Spends more time week-to-week laying on a creeper than he does in his own bed.

Gift Category: Garage & Auto Gear, Storage & Organization


The ‘They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used to’ Dad

blue 1970 mercury cougar front grille shot
(Image/Summit Racing – Patrick Miller)

Key Characteristic: Drives to and from the store in his restomod muscle car—10 miles, in the snow, and uphill both ways.

Gift Category: Restoration


The Interior Designer Dad

69 charger car shelf
(Image/Summit Gifts)

Key Characteristic: Loves driving almost as much as he loves watching the Home Improvement Network.

Gift Category: Home & Office Décor


The Road-Less-Traveled Dad

Rear view of a toyota tacoma climbing out of a creek off-road
(Image/Summit Racing)

Key Characteristic: Associates the phrase “trail mix” primarily with his selection of off-road music.

Gift Category: Overlanding, Jeep, Truck & SUV


The Neat Freak Dad

man wiping a window clean with a microfiber towel
(Image/Malco Automotive Products)

Key Characteristic: Will haunt your dreams if you so much as sniff a French fry in his car.

Gift Category: Car Care & Detailing


The Picky Dad

Key Characteristic: Frequently asks for the gift receipt.

Gift Category: Gift Card

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Author: Will Schertz

Will is a contributing writer for OnAllCylinders. His automotive writing career stretches back longer than a decade and includes a stint as senior reporter for one of the tire industry’s largest trade publications. He enjoys long walks on the beach, romantic candlelit dinners, and thinly veiled sarcasm. Will lives with his beautiful wife and two small humans who steal his food and "need" more LEGOs.