For a dad or father figure who loves a gripping whodunit, consider gifts that spark his puzzle-solving passion. Even the most accomplished amateur detective won’t see these clever presents coming.
- 1.
Escape Room Experience
Team up with the old man for an in-person escape room adventure where he can unleash his inner Sherlock. These experiences offer thrilling mystery-themed scenarios that challenge players to solve puzzles and uncover secrets all under the pressure of a set time limit. Escape rooms originated in Japan in 2007 and quickly spread around the world. It’s estimated there are 2,000 of these experiences in the U.S. alone.
- 2.
Mystery Shows or Movies
Bundle up a binge-worthy collection of crime shows or movies on DVD, or subscribe him to a an on-demand library of programming with a wide selection of mystery content—like PBS Passport or PBS MASTERPIECE on Prime Video. From classics like Sherlock and Endeavour to more recent favorites like Grantchester and Magpie Murders, he’ll have all the twists and turns he can handle.
- 3.
The Good Book Route
Put together a curated selection of mystery novels from classic authors like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, or from modern writers like Tana French or Jo Nesbø. Or, mix it up with best-sellers and new releases—check out the most recent Edgar Award winners chosen by Mystery Writers of America or the UK Crime Writer’s Association’s Dagger Awards for fresh ideas. Better still, hunt down a book actually autographed by his favorite mystery author.
- 4.
His Very Own Sherlock Holmes Cap
Equal parts cozy earflaps and classy detective swager, this hat says your father’s ready to find the missing remote—again. Want to further up his sleuthing? Personalize some signature detective gear like a custom magnifying glass, fingerprinting kit, or detective’s notebook. Adding his name or initials will make them extra special.
- 5.
A Haunting Encounter
For the dad who lives for a good mystery, gift him a potentially unforgettable overnight at a historic inn or lodge steeped in phantom sightings. If he’s not up for a full night of suspense, treat him to dinner there—with a side of the supernatural. The Colonial Inn in Concord, MA was established in 1716 and later functioned as a Revolutionary War hospital. Room 24 is notorious for paranormal activity; it served as the operating room. Estes Colorado’s iconic Stanley Hotel was featured in The Shining and has a real-life haunted history. Author Stephen King allegedly had a few paranormal encounters of his own while staying there.
- 6.
Detective Board Games or Puzzle
Wrap up a mystery-themed board game like the classic Clue or Alibi and make a date to play it with him. Or pick out a themed jigsaw puzzle featuring a captivating crime scene or maybe a detective’s office stacked with case files and stray coffee mugs. You may even be called upon to solve the mystery of a lost puzzle piece!
- 7.
Crime Podcast Subscription
Surprise your father with a list of podcast suggestions he can enjoy during his commute, workouts, or leisure time. Whether he’s into true crime, unsolved mysteries, or thrillers, there’s definitely a podcast to suit his tastes. (If he’s a MASTERPIECE Mystery! fan, by all means clue him into the MASTERPIECE Studio podcast.) With a podcast subscription, he’ll be notified when new installments are released, can have them automatically download, and he may possibly get bonus content or ad-free episodes.
- 8.
Mystery-Themed Cooking or Cocktail Book
If your dad enjoys playing chef or bartender, gift him a themed collection of food and drink recipes inspired by mystery novels or detective tales. Then he can cook up a killer meal or shake up a suspiciously good martini! (This present might just solve the mystery of what’s for dinner.)
- 9.
Mysteries Via Mail
Turns out, the mail isn’t just for bills and birthday cards anymore—it’s also delivering murder, mystery, and mayhem. There are mystery-by-mail subscriptions that send weekly letters slowly offering clues and revealing a crime each month. Some include physical props and objects in addition to written clues. The game is on!
