Gifts for Father-in-Law Who Has Everything

A father-in-law is one of the hardest people on any list. You may not know his taste well, he probably buys his own tools and books, and the gift carries a message whether you mean it to or not. Too personal feels presumptuous; too generic looks like you did not try.

The way through is to give something that is about time together or made to last. Here is the test: will he still be using it a year from now — and will it be out when you visit? A board he plays on with the family passes. A novelty mug does not.

For the family table

A cribbage board. Cribbage is a game many fathers-in-law already know and love, and it is played by two, three or four — perfect for after a family dinner. A folding three-track cribbage board comes with cards and stores its pegs inside. If he does not know the game, offer to learn it with him: our cribbage guide covers the rules.

Dominoes. A double-six domino set works for every generation at the table, and there are a dozen games in one box. See domino games.

Backgammon. For a father-in-law who likes a game with real decisions, a backgammon set in a leatherette case looks handsome closed on a shelf and opens into a full board. Our how to play backgammon guide gets everyone started.

For his pocket

A pocket watch. A pocket watch is a classic father-in-law gift because it feels like something to hand down. Our steampunk pocket watch in bronze has Roman numerals and a chain. Read up on how to wear a pocket watch so you can mention it in the card.

A compass. For the walker, sailor or map reader, a pocket compass with a hinged cover is useful and handsome — and a quiet nod to "finding your way" if it is a wedding gift.

For his desk

A Newton's cradle. The steel Newton's cradle is the desk object everyone has to touch. It suits the retired engineer, the teacher, or the man who still likes to know how things work.

A good deck of cards. For the man who plays cards with his friends, a gold foil deck is a small luxury he would never buy himself — best given as a display piece next to a practical deck.

Gifts for father-in-law on the wedding day

On the wedding day the gift is about welcome and gratitude, not usefulness. Choose one well-made object and write a proper note: thank him for his son or daughter, and say something about the years ahead. A pocket watch or compass, engraved if you can arrange it, suits the occasion; keep it small enough that he can take it home in a jacket pocket.

Christmas and birthday gifts for father-in-law

At Christmas, choose a game: the family is together and it will be used that day. For his birthday, pick something for his desk or pocket and add a line about a shared memory. Either way, the note matters as much as the gift. For more ideas, see gifts for dad who has everything.