Google Nest Thermostat
The Nest Smart Thermostat by Google is currently on its fourth generation, and offers deep integration with Google Assistant, plus it works with Alexa, too. Using a Nest Thermostat may even save dad money, thanks to the thermostat's intelligent management of his home's temperature depending on whether he's actually there.
Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 continues to be a great gift for dads, now with features like a blood-oxygen sensor and an electrocardiogram for better tracking heart health. The new model now has a brighter, always-on screen with narrower borders, so it's able to display the time and other "complications" much better at quick glances.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation)
Amazon's newest Echo Dot smart speaker with Alexa is now a sphere, instead of a puck, to enhance its audio capabilities. Plus, Alexa Guard, which uses the Echo Dot's microphone to detect audible threats and alerts dad via smartphone, is a helpful security boost. Bring the dad in your life into the modern era in a surprisingly affordable way.
Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones
While the latest model is available now, the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones are still among the best noise-cancelling headphones out there, thanks to their style, comfort, and sound, but for much cheaper. Most importantly, these headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, meaning they can cut out noises from dad's commute or even at home.
Fitbit Charge 5
Maybe an Apple Watch is too much — but if dad still wants to track fitness, then the Fitbit Charge 5 is an excellent affordable option. The Charge 5 has a heart rate monitor, and it can track your walking, running, swimming, and more. It also includes GPS tracking for distance workouts, blood-oxygen level measuring, and step tracking.
Read our full guide to the best fitness trackers, where the Fitbit Charge 5 is included, here.
Apple AirPods
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Wireless earbuds are perfect alternatives to larger headphones if dad prefers mobility and comfort. If dad has an iPhone, then the ideal choice is Apple's AirPods. The standard $129 AirPods will work fine, offering customizable touch controls and Siri support. If dad has an Android phone, he'll love Samsung's $150 Galaxy Buds 2 with stunning sound and even noise cancellation.
Read our full guide to the best wireless earbuds, where these products are included, here.
Apple iPad (10.2-inch, 2021)
The latest basic Apple iPad offers a big 10.2-inch display, which is ideal for entertainment, video calls, and even doodling with the newly supported, second-generation Apple Pencil. This iPad also has a wider front camera that can follow you around a room for FaceTime calls, making it a fine option to better keep in touch with dad.
Polaroid Go Everything Box Camera
Since the camera in dad's phone is likely good enough for the majority of his photography needs, consider something more unique. This modern Polaroid instant camera is smaller than ever, but also still turnkey in use and simply a fun-looking device from a trusted camera brand.
Fluance RT81 Turntable
Perhaps dad is more of a classic music fan, so a record player is worth considering. Many parents today clearly still prefer the grainy, warm sound of vinyl. The Fluance RT81 is an excellent entry-level turntable. It's relatively affordable, easy to use, supports 33-1/3 and 45 rpm playback, and even has a built-in preamp.
Tile Essentials 4-pack
Most parents have the tendency to lose things. This set of Tile Bluetooth trackers offers four shapes and sizes designed to attach to keys, phones and tablets, TV remotes, and more. After pairing dad's phone, he can cause these trackers to chime for easier finding, and inversely the trackers can be used to find dad's phone.
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