Photo illustration: The Strategist, Photo: Retailer
Father's Day is Sunday, June 16, which means you don't have much time to find a thoughtful gift for your dad. Shopping for a tech-savvy dad can be tricky, especially if he doesn't keep up with all the latest gadget and gadget releases. I do, so I've rounded up a variety of gifts for tech-savvy dads, including some of the best ones I've tried this year. Whether he's interested in experimenting in the kitchen, taking family photos, or setting up a beautiful audio experience with wireless or portable speakers, you're sure to find something here he'll love. (We also have gift guides for new dads, golf-loving dads, barbecue-loving dads, and of course, all other types of dads.)
This simple device allows dad to seamlessly connect his Bluetooth headphones or AirPods to the plane's in-flight entertainment system.
This power adapter has four USB ports, allowing you to charge your phone, headphones, and external battery all with one device, no matter what country you're in.
This is the smartwatch any dad would want if he doesn't already have one (though if he has an older Apple Watch he'll definitely be happy to upgrade).
If you have an Android phone, the Pixel Watch is essentially Google's version of the Apple Watch, with a nice looking round screen.
Kobo's latest e-reader has a color screen that lets you read comics and graphic novels and take notes inside the book with a stylus. It's my new favorite e-reader.
This pocket-sized drone is perfect to take on family camping trips or hikes to capture beautiful landscape photos from the air.
Capable of shooting in 4K, the camera can be attached to a bike, ski helmet, shoulder strap or mounted on a gimbal to capture the perfect action shot.
Our favorite compression boots give you that post-massage feeling after a bike ride or run, helping you recover faster.
Compatible with the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air, Apple's latest stylus features new gestures and haptic feedback that enhance the drawing experience so you can work on your next masterpiece.
Now I can carry a bottle opener, ruler, box opener, hex wrench, and more, all in my purse.
This version of the Google Smart Thermostat “tracks and alerts you to unusual patterns in heating and cooling usage while suggesting schedule adjustments to help you save energy,” says Strategist contributor Kyle Shulman. This is a great gift for any dad who's in the market for a smart thermostat.
To add a bit of immersion to Dad's TV watching experience, these lights provide a bright but unobtrusive background color, and the color can be adjusted depending on the movie or TV show being played, giving your home environment the feel of a mini cinema.
This smart alarm clock comes with a variety of soothing tunes to choose from to wake you up and emits a soft light that mimics a sunrise to help you wake up in the morning, making it one of my picks for the best alarm clocks.
Now you can take a photo without having to take out your phone.
This smart security camera sends alerts of any suspicious activity directly to your app and has a speaker and microphone.
Unlike AirTags, this tracker (which works with Apple's Find My feature) can slip easily into a purse without adding any noticeable bulk.
Though it's made for streamers, this programmable dashboard can be set up to trigger tasks on your computer, like opening your favorite apps or controlling your smart home gadgets.
These hexagonal smart lights can be programmed to display a variety of colors, creating an ambiance to suit any mood or occasion.
Our favorite robot vacuum can sweep and mop floors with the push of a button, so he can get his Sunday back.
If you want a digital photo frame that also doubles as a smart speaker, the Google Nest Hub Max comes with the Google Assistant, which lets you control your smart home gadgets (like your Nest thermostat or camera) and display photos of your family on the screen.
This tiny smart light can change the atmosphere of a room without having to change a bulb, and it can even be carried from room to room.
Though less obtrusive than the Apple Watch, the fitness tracker can still log your steps and monitor your sleep habits — and it's less distracting.
These plugs allow dad to make any device smart, like turning a regular lamp on or off or setting a schedule from his phone. Schurman explains: “Wyze can be turned on whenever your other smart devices are activated. For example, when someone approaches your video doorbell, a window light can automatically turn on to make it look like someone is home.”
If a simple speaker just won't cut it for you, Apple's smart speakers stand out for their excellent sound quality and integration with other Apple devices like the Apple TV and iPhone.
Give the gift of sweat-proof earphones that can withstand serious training, have great sound quality, and offer decent noise cancelling.
When I want to block out noise, I use these noise cancelling headphones, and the sound quality is great too.
Sonos is known for its multi-room audio capabilities and great sound, and this portable speaker is no exception. It sounds great and can be carried from room to room or outdoors to a barbecue.
Kodak's compact projector comes with a tripod, making it perfect for weekend camping trips or backyard movie nights.
Lenovo's handheld console is my favorite of the many I've tested, thanks to its high-resolution screen, flexible design, and the ability to play PC games on the fly.
When we interviewed gamers looking for a suitable alternative to the often-sold-out Switch, three recommended Apple Arcade. “To be honest, I play a lot of my games on my phone,” says gaming YouTuber Sophie Orchard. “There's a much larger variety of games on mobile now.” Andrew Webster, games editor at The Verge, recommends the subscription service for offering higher quality games and a more streamlined gaming experience compared to the usual games found on the App Store.
Many gamers recommend this Logitech gaming mouse, including Verge staff writer Cameron Faulkner, who said it's his current favorite. The grip is comfortable, and he likes that it “includes adjustable weighting for your preferred feel” if he wants a bit more resistance while playing. If your dad wants to take his game to the next level, this mouse is a great choice.
This controller can turn your iPhone or Android smartphone into a Switch-like portable console, perfect for gaming on the go without weighing down your bag.
This mechanical keyboard has a satisfying clicking sound and interchangeable keys, so you can find your own stylish set to give your board a custom look.
This smart thermometer has multiple sensors along its shaft that tell you the temperature of your steak from the surface to the center, and can even predict when your steak is done. It can be used on stoves, grills, and smokers.
This mug is perfect for dads who complain that their thermos never gets their coffee hot enough. The Ember Mug² keeps drinks consistently hot for hours thanks to its built-in battery-powered heating system and charging plate. The whole setup connects via Bluetooth to the Ember app, so dad can change the temperature of his drink from his smartphone or from another room.
The Click & Grow Smart Garden is perfect for dads who want to grow their own fresh herbs. Strategist senior writer Lisa Corsillo recommends it as one of her favorite indoor smart gardens. It's about the size of a loaf of bread, has space to grow three plant pods at a time, and has over 50 different plants to choose from.
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The Strategist aims to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for what to buy in the vast world of e-commerce. Some of our latest wins include women's jeans, wheeled suitcases, bed sheets, coffee makers, bath towels, and more. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
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