Father’s Day is rushing upon us quickly, and it’s time to think about what token appreciation you’re going to present to the guy who’s always been there for you. Don’t bother with another tie or yet another socket set — give him what he really wants: useful tech!
TYLT Block Party
We’ve all seen Bluetooth speakers that could charge the device they were streaming from, but the $129.99 TYLT Block Party is the first one that has a 20,000 mAh battery with four 2A USB ports so that more than one person can get in on the charging action. The speaker on top detaches when needed, getting up to four hours of music playback on its own. When on its charging base, the speaker can get up to 72 hours of music playback! The TYLT Block Party is water-resistant, so it’s just the thing for Dad to bring to the beach or pool, and there’s even a convenient carry handle on the side for toting it along. It also looks good enough that Dad will be happy to leave it sitting around at home or in the office — perfect for when someone needs to mooch a charge.
Aura Quartz Frame
Dad loves to see pictures of his kids and grandkids, and what better way to make sure that he stays up to date than with a $399 Aura Quartz Frame? The Quartz Frame has a beautiful 9.7″ (1536×2048) LED-backlit display; it features unlimited photo sharing, and it can handle all of your photos without any subscription fees. The Quartz Frame automatically dims or brightens depending on the light in Dad’s room, and it will even automatically go to sleep when all the room’s lights are out. You can add photos to the frame at any time through the app which also allows you to link to and add photos from your Google Photos account. All that’s required to make it work is an Android or iOS device running the Aura app and an active WiFi connection at Dad’s home or office. The frames are even available in four different finishes to match Dad’s style!
Butterfly VPN
If Dad travels to China frequently, then he has probably run into some of the state-blocked restrictions on sites that we take for granted here — like Twitter, YouTube, and Gmail. The $89 Butterfly VPN is a slightly larger than a normal thumb drive that plugs into the USB port on his laptop. With it inserted, he can surf all of your favorite sites without restriction; he can even share his unrestricted access with up to five different devices. Butterfly VPN is small, light, and perfect for frequent travelers!
udoq400
If Dad has a lot of devices he needs to keep charged each night (and let’s face it, of course, he does), then he will absolutely love the sleek and stylish utility offered by the aluminum udoq400. You can customize Dad’s udoq400 to charge the devices he owns, and if his operating system preferences change in the future, he’ll be able to upgrade his udoq with new docking cables. The udoq400 starts at $115; with four cables it runs around $150 – $170, and there are additional options like a USB hub, the CboxS which hides all the USB cables, and even an Apple watch charger. The udoq400 looks good in any room, and it is something that will always be handy.
V2 Series 3 Vaporizer with V2 Pro Pods
WARNING: The products discussed may contain or use nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical; in many cities and a few states, you must be 21 to purchase vaping products and/or products containing nicotine. Please familiarize yourself with and obey the law in your location.
If Dad has moved on from cigarettes to a vaporizer (or if you are trying to hint that he quit smoking), then he’ll love the convenience of the V2 Series 3 vape ($54.99 for the starter kit) with V2 Pro Pods ($9.99 refills for a pack of 3). No e-liquid to refill, no mess, just pop in a V2 Pro Pod and go. V2 Pro Pods have a much higher capacity than the JUUL pods, and you can still choose from four flavors in nicotine strengths from 2.4% down to 0%. Help Dad fulfill a promise he’s made (more than once) to quit smoking; give him something more convenient, more controlled, and that contains less nicotine and carcinogens — while he still gets to enjoy blowing out a satisfying cloud of vapor.
Belkin ScreenForce Tempered Curve Screen Protection
If Dad has a shiny new phone, then he needs to keep its screen pristine. Putting his phone in his pockets with coins and keys is just as likely to scratch that display as dropping it facedown; a good screen protector will keep his phone screen safe no matter where he keeps or drops his phone. One of my personal faves is the $44.99 Belkin ScreenForce Tempered Curve. Not only does it offer edge-to-edge protection so there aren’t any abrupt edges on the sides, it’s super easy to get right the first time with their included installation tray. Next time Dad drops his phone or scratches it, he’ll be thanking you as he pulls off the shattered screen protector to reveal his pristine display.
Matrix Power Watch X
Your Dad is cool, and he deserves a cool watch, too! The $279 Matrix Power Watch X never needs charging because it gets its power from your body heat. Even better, this is the only body-heat powered smartwatch on the market with smartphone notifications, activity-tracking and more. Think about it — no more complaints from Dad because he forgot to remove his watch the night before to charge it. If Dad takes it off, his data will be stored in the watch’s internal memory; when he puts it back on, it will turn back on and pick right back up where he left it. Dad will have fun checking to see how much electricity his body heat is producing — Matrix says that makes it the most accurate measure of calories burned on the market. Of course, the watch comes with companion apps for Android or iOS, so he’ll be able to customize and track to his heart’s content.
ION Audio Mustang LP
Help Dad enjoy that stack of LPs he’s been holding onto with the ION Sound Mustang LP. The Mustang LP’s retro styling hides a quiet belt-drive 3-speed turntable that can play every record in his collection — and record them to a USB flash drive! And yes, that’s a radio built-in, so he can also listen to his favorite local stations.
Chamberlain Realtree EDGE Universal Garage Remote
If Dad is a hunter, then he’ll enjoy this little touch of camouflage every time he opens or shuts the automatic garage door. The $42.99 Chamberlain Universal Remote has been done up in Realtree EDGE, and it’s the perfect subtle reminder of where dad likes to spend his fall days — out hunting! Dad will be able to control up to two garage doors with this remote, and it works with over 90% of the garage door openers installed in North America. The remote has an 800′ range, and it can work with garage doors, automatic gates, and even commercial doors. If mom decides she wants to upgrade, they come in other colors, as well.
Brooklinen Super-Plush Towels
These Super-plush towels from Brooklinen will help Dad feel like a new man. These luxurious towels are made from long-staple Turkish cotton grown in the Aegean region. They are so soft, that don’t be surprised if you catch Dad snuggling into them like he’s the Snuggle fabric softener bear. A complete towel set can be picked up for $189.99.