​2. A portable Bluetooth speaker

For dads-on-the-go a smart speaker may make less sense than a Bluetooth-powered portable speaker. There are lots to choose from, so look for one that suits his needs (durability, water resistance, etc.).

​3. A fitness tracker

Is your dad active? Then he needs a fitness tracker! From Fitbit to the Apple Watch, there are trackers available to fit various budgets and fulfill different fitness needs. All you need to do is figure out how your father exercises and you’ll have the perfect gift.

​4. Smart Remote by Sevenhugs

Before, after–or instead of–exercise, Dad might want to watch TV, turn down the lights, close the blinds, adjust the thermostat, or interact with one of a bunch of other smart devices. That traditionally means having a whole stack of remote controls, many of which you can get rid of with the Smart Remote by Sevenhugs.

This smartphone-like remote will change its onscreen layout depending on what remote-controllable device you’re pointing it at. It’s still in preorder status with initial shipments planned for June and July 2017. It’ll be a late gift, but Dad is sure to appreciate the saved space.

​5. A Biolite camp kit

Have an outdoorsman dad who still likes to have access to his gadgets? He needs a Biolite camp kit. Biolite stoves can be used to cook food and provide heat in the wilderness, and they also contain a battery that charges when you burn things in it.

The stove has a USB port that can charge devices, operate an LED light, or charge other devices. You can also attach a grill to it, making it an all-purpose camp stove that keeps you a bit on the grid while off of it.

6. A drone

Who doesn’t love remote controlled gadgets? Drones are that, and many are easy to fly compared to an RC plane or helicopter.

Why not make a drone gift even more father-child hands on by getting a DIY drone kit you can build together?

​7. HUDWAY Glass

You can give any car a heads-up display with the HUDWAY Glass and its accompanying mobile app. This small phone holder with a tinted screen can be dashboard mounted to provide a safe way to look at smartphone directions while on the go.

8. Tile Bluetooth trackers

Forgetting: It happens to the best of us, and when it happens at the wrong moment it can mean losing a phone, keys, a wallet, or any other small item. That’s where Tile comes in. These tiny Bluetooth trackers can be attached to any device, and the accompanying smartphone app will help you locate misplaced things and find them on a map if you accidentally leave one behind.

9. TV streaming device

Much like the smart speaker, TV streaming devices come in several brands, and the best one for your dad matches up with the ecosystem he uses.

If he buys music or movies from Apple, the Apple TV is a safe bet. If he’s a Google user get him a Chromecast. If he streams stuff through Amazon he needs a Fire Stick or Fire TV, and if he wants something platform independent get him a Roku.

​10. Jabra Sport Coach Special Edition

These impressive ear buds contain all the hardware you need in a fitness tracker with one big added benefit: No wrist device needed.

Rep counts, heart rate, distance, pace, cadence, and calorie burn can all be measured using the Jabra Sport Coach Special Edition. If your dad is a music and workout enthusiast these will be right up his alley!

​11. VR headset

Do you have a dad who is wowed by the latest and greatest tech? Then he needs a VR headset. You can go budget and get him a Google Daydream (provided he has a Daydream-compatible phone), or go for the full VR experience and get him an Oculus. Either way, he’s sure to be impressed, and maybe a bit motion sick.

​12. A tablet

A few years ago I decided that my mom didn’t need the headache of a laptop when everything she did could be accomplished on a tablet. It was a great decision for her and it would probably be for your dad too, provided he isn’t a heavy technology user.

Whether you choose an iPad or Android tablet is up to you and the preferences of your parent, but I recommend the iPad for older, less tech-savvy dads. There are less customization options in iOS, making it a simpler experience for those who only find extra options to be confusing.

​13. Cross Peerless Trackr pen

Cross makes good pens, and for the person who values those kinds of items a good writing utensil is essential. If that sounds like your dad, he could use the Cross Peerless Trackr pen for a couple reasons: It’s produced by a reputable company and it can connect to a smartphone.

The Trackr will alert you if it gets left behind and tell you where your phone last saw it, and it can also help you find a lost phone as well–pretty handy if your dad wants a high-quality pen that won’t get lost!

14. HP Sprocket Photo Printer

Many of today’s fathers straddle two generations: When they were young, photos were printed things that went in albums, were hung in walls, or kept in wallets. Now they’re digital, but it’s possible your dad may still want printed photos. If so, he needs the HP Sprocket Photo Printer.

It’s a tiny, portable photo printer that makes 2×3 images from any smartphone–perfect for making keepsakes of life’s impromptu moments.

​15. A backup battery

Backup batteries: They’re cheap and easy to find, and everyone with a smartphone could use one on occasion. If your dad doesn’t have one then it’s the perfect gift idea, especially if he spends a lot of time out on the road or otherwise away from a power outlet.

You can find them everywhere, from gas stations to big box stores.

​16. Ring Video Doorbell

For the security-conscious father, there is the Ring Video Doorbell. This combination motion sensor, doorbell, camera, and two-way speaker will allow your dad to see who’s at the door and talk to them without even having to leave his favorite easy chair.

The Ring can also notify him when there is motion near the front door, making it a great home security device too.

​17. Sous Vide machine

Sous Vide is a cooking method where food is vacuum sealed and slowly–very slowly–cooked in hot water. It results in a moist, flavorful food that is popular in high-end restaurants. With the proliferation of cheap technology your dad can now make Sous Vide at home too.

If he is an aspiring chef he’ll love being able to cook in luxury like a Michelin-starred pro. Just stand back in case he grows the reality TV attitude to match.

​18. Arccos 360 golf shot trackers

Imagine if your golf-obsessed dad could have a swing coach with him at every hole each time he heads out to the course. He can with the Arccos 360.

These tiny club top Bluetooth trackers analyze each swing and give feedback to help your dad improve his swing. The accompanying smartphone app can also help figure out exact distance to the pin and make club recommendations–it’s a caddy, coach, and measuring stick all in one!

​19. Nest thermostat

Is your dad a bit energy obsessed? Get him a Nest thermostat so he can keep his house perfectly temperature controlled and save money while he’s at it. After spending much of my youth being told to turn off the lights and not to keep the AC set so low I can appreciate the ease a Nest thermostat could bring to a home.

20. A smart suitcase

They contain batteries, USB ports, and 3G radios, they can measure the weight, and some even have Wi-Fi hotspots. Dad the road warrior could use one, and you’re in luck! TechRepublic has featured smart suitcases several times, so you can get a good handle on some different models we tested, tips on finding the right suitcase for your dad’s travel needs, or even take a look through a gallery of various suitcase options.