Every year it's the same problem. Dad already owns the tools, the socks and the mug that says "World's Best Dad." Ask him what he wants and he says he'll buy it himself if he needs it.

What he can't buy himself is a little clay version of him doing the thing he loves most. The grill on a Sunday. The mower he's a bit too proud of. The kids on his shoulders. Our studio sculpts each one by hand from your photos and paints it to match, from the gray in his beard to the cap he never takes off. It sits on his desk or his workbench, and people ask about it.

Here are 8 designs dads love, one for every kind of dad.

For the dad with a hobby

1. Running the grill

Red apron, tongs in one hand, a burger in the other, his grill right beside him. For the dad who won't let anyone else near the barbecue. Running the Grill figurine, from $228.

2. Fishing off the dock

Dad and his kid side by side, rods out, waiting for a bite. Two figures on one base, for the dad who taught you to fish. Fishing Off the Dock figurine, from $398.

3. On his lawn mower

Plaid shirt, both hands on the wheel of a bright red ride-on mower. If his lawn is his pride and joy, this is him. On His Lawn Mower figurine, from $408.

4. Driveway legend dad

Backwards cap, red jersey, a basketball spinning on one finger. For the dad who still thinks he can beat the kids at the hoop in the driveway, and sometimes does. Driveway Legend Dad figurine, from $169.

5. Dad plants the flag

A full space suit, helmet at his feet, an orange flag in his hand. For the dad who reached every goal he set, or the one who just loves space movies. Dad Plants the Flag figurine, from $169.

For the dad who's all about the kids

6. Kids on his shoulders

One on his shoulders, one hugging him tight. For the dad who's the family climbing frame every weekend. Kids on His Shoulders figurine, from $488.

7. At the game with the boys

Matching blue shirts, foam fingers in the air, dad in the middle. For the family that plans the week around the game. At the Game With the Boys figurine, from $488.

8. New dad with his baby

His first months as a dad, the baby wrapped up in his arms. Those early weeks go by in a blur of night feeds and naps, and most new dads have hardly any photos of themselves from them. This one he keeps long after the baby has grown up. New Dad With His Baby figurine, from $299.

Is his hobby not here? Woodworking, cycling, the old car in the garage, the dog that follows him everywhere? Tell us and our studio sculpts it. Pets can join any design for $89 each. Golf dads have their own gift guide.

Tips for getting it right

• Pick his real thing. The best dad gifts are the ones that show what he does every weekend, not a joke about dads in general. If he grills, put him at the grill.
• Send the cap. If he always wears the same cap, shirt or glasses, make sure it's in one of your photos. Those details are what make people say "that's him."
• Add the kids if they're grown. A design with the kids works for grown-up kids too. Send a recent photo of each of them.
• Sizes. Classic is 7.1 in (18 cm), Grand 9.1 in (23 cm) and Showpiece 11.8 in (30 cm), measured to the top of the head.
• Free extras. His name or a short line on the base is free, and so is a gift note of up to 200 characters.

How it works

1. Send a photo. Pick a design and a size, and add your photos.
2. We sculpt it by hand. Real clay, shaped and painted by hand. No 3D printing.
3. You approve the proof. On Standard and Faster you get free proof photos, and we make changes until you love it. Nothing ships until you say yes.
4. It arrives in a gift box. Tracked to the door, ready to give.

Wondering how a hand-sculpted mini compares with a bobblehead? We wrote a side-by-side guide. And if you're buying for both parents this year, see our gifts for mom.

Questions people ask

Can I send it straight to him?
Yes. Put his address in at checkout. Every mini comes in our gift box, no prices are printed on anything inside, and on Standard and Faster the proof photos come to you, not to him.

My dad has a big beard and thin hair. Will it look like him?
That's exactly what the proof is for. Send a clear face photo and a full-body one, and we keep changing it until it looks right to you.

Is it sturdy enough for a garage or a workbench?
It's a display piece, not a toy, so keep it somewhere it won't get knocked: a shelf, a desk or a cabinet. If it arrives damaged, email us within 14 days with photos and we remake it or refund you in full.

See all designs for dad or start with your own photo and idea.