Getting a great gift for dad on Father’s Day is even nicer when it’s the right fit. With so much to choose from, the odds are good that you will be able to find one from the options that I list below. You may consider your dad to be worthy of the best, and you’d be right in making that claim. Tech is always a good place to start because boys will always love their toys, no matter how old they are. And one of the easier ways to find that perfect gift is to narrow things down to category or product type.

There are plenty of tech categories, so let’s break it down even further. Whether it’s a new mobile device, pair of headphones, or something to do with health, fitness, a home theatre or home office, you will find something cool here.

Phones and tablets

You don’t get more personal than a smartphone, so the question comes down to which one. The Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra 5G are of the same line, but not entirely the same. With each phone, you are getting the best Samsung has to currently offer, which includes a gorgeous Dynamic AMOLED display, superb camera and solid battery life.

As an Android alternative, the Google Pixel line is always worth looking at. These phones use a purer version of Android and sport some of the best cameras available. They’re just not especially flashy in how they look, and battery life may not match everyone else. And there’s plenty more where that came from if an Android phone is what dad prefers.

If he’s an iOS user, getting him an iPhone should probably start with the new iPhone SE. An iPhone 11 in the size of an iPhone 8, it’s a bargain by Apple standards. But if you think the screen needs to be bigger, the iPhone 11 or iPhone XR would be better options to go with.

When screen size really matters, you’re entering tablet territory. You may want to consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with S Pen as one way to go. The company’s newest tablet features a brilliant display that’s great for consuming content, but if creativity is in dad’s blood, the S Pen can step in there. Naturally, the iPad is equally useful as an option, and you can decide whether the regular iPad or iPad Pro fit best. The iPad has a strong aftermarket supporting it. It could be a case, keyboard, stylus, docking stand or some other accessory; you are sure to find something good.

Jabra Elite Active 75t Review

Headphones

This is a broader category unto itself, so start out noting what’s the most useful and comfortable. Is it a pair of over-ear headphones, or in-ear true wireless earbuds? Is he more the sporty type or someone who likes music in casual situations?

Perhaps he’s looking to shut off the outside world when taking in the TV content he likes most. That’s what the Sony WH-RF400 can do. The sound-isolating RF headphones connect to the TV and wirelessly send the audio signal, letting him hear between his ears at his own volume.

If he really wants to shut out all that ambient noise when listening to music or on a trip, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II have some of the best noise-cancelling technology around. With Bluetooth connectivity, plus built-in access to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, they also keep playing high-quality audio for up to 20 hours. You could also try the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 as a similar choice.

Conversely, true wireless earbuds let you cut off all wires and go much smaller. The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ are a big upgrade from the previous model, with greater comfort, better sound and much longer battery life. They also work with both Android and iOS, so it doesn’t really matter which phone or tablet dad uses.

For something more durable and just as competitive on comfort and audio, consider the Jabra Elite 75t. They’re an excellent mix of design and functionality, and among the best on the market. You could spend a bit more for the Elite Active 75t to add a little extra sweat and waterproofing. If he likes tinkering, you can’t go wrong with the Jaybird Vista, which are also just as rugged. Go with the Apple AirPods for good phone calls and a pure iOS experience.

Wearables and health

Active dads may like if there’s some gadgetry to go with a run or workout. In case he has a wearable that’s long in the tooth—or none at all—then a fitness band or smartwatch may do. These do vary quite a bit, so let’s dive a little deeper.

For smartwatches, Samsung offers two versions of its Galaxy Watch Active2. The standard one is your everyday smartwatch, capable of activity tracking, playing music and handling notifications. The Golf Edition comes with the Smart Caddie app covering 40,000 courses, with GPS support for several golf-related features. If he likes to hit the links, he may also like playing with that on.

Then there’s the Apple Watch. It comes with a slew of features itself, and works in different environments—especially if you have the LTE version. With a huge aftermarket of bands, straps and covers, the Watch offers plenty of personalization. It only works with the iPhone, so bear that in mind when shopping for a gift in this category.

The Fitbit Versa 2 is a nice choice for its user-friendly design that works so seamlessly with the mobile app. It includes Alexa, giving you a way to control smart home devices and other compatible products by talking to your wrist. If he prefers to run above all else, Garmin has an excellent lineup to choose from.

Fitness bands also come in some varieties, but a standout is definitely the Fitbit Charge 4. It has built-in GPS for better tracking, and is a great sleep companion for the data it can show you. Plus, it uses the same standard of straps the Charge 3 used, so plenty of personalization options there. If you’re feeling generous, throw in a Fitbit Premium subscription on top of that.

Home office

Recent events have put the onus on working from home, so what could be missing in that office? It might begin with a monitor to get a larger picture in his work environment. There are so many to choose from, it will usually come down to screen size and available space. Same with an all-in-one printer, or Supertank printer. These printers use ink tanks rather than cartridges, meaning ink can last for up to two years.

For a multi-screen workstation, dad might like being able to control each screen with one keyboard and mouse. The Logitech MX Keys and MX Master 3 do that, and they can work with both Windows and Mac. Imagine his surprise when he can switch between his desktop, laptop and tablet like it was nothing.

Does dad still have a landline that he needs, but pays too much for? Set him up with an Ooma Telo 2 VoIP phone system. He can pay a one-time fee to port his existing number over, and pay a fraction of the price every month. If he has Internet access, he can easily handle VoIP.

Father’s Day surprise

Whether or not you plan to surprise him yourself with something unexpected, or you’ve assembled a group to pitch in, any of these items should put a smile on his face. These are all practical products that serve to fill a want or need. Identify what that would be to the best of your ability, and he’ll be filled with joy and gratitude.

Best Buy Gift Guide
Ted Kritsonis
Editor Cellular/Mobile Technology
I’m a fortunate man in being able to do the fun job of following and reporting on one of the most exciting industries in the world today. In my time covering consumer tech, I’ve written for a number of publications, including the Globe and Mail, Yahoo! Canada, CBC.ca, Canoe, Digital Trends, MobileSyrup, G4 Tech, PC World, Faze and AppStorm. I’ve also appeared on TV as a tech expert for Global, CTV and the Shopping Channel.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Hmm, I’d really like a new monitor or a supertank printers, wonder how I can get my 6 year old onto this blog before Sunday 🙂

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