Dads are unquestionably the hardest people to shop for. They never want or need anything ― primarily because they can and do buy whatever they want or need ― and when prompted for gift ideas, they usually respond with the infinitely unhelpful “I only want your company.”
You should never show up to a gift-giving occasion, like a birthday or Father’s Day, without a wrapped package in hand. No matter what type of guy your dad is, there is something on this list that will make him smile.
3-D Printer
What, is your dad still printing on paper? Now that the technology is nearly perfected, some 3D printers are surprisingly inexpensive and easy to use. For example, the Peachy Printer costs just over $100, including shipping. You can order a pre-made model so your dad can start printing right away, or you can offer him some customization with a self-assembly kit. While your dad might not have anything particular he wants to print, the joy and wonder of watching something grow into 3-D is exciting for everyone.
Bluetooth Speakers
One way in which dads differ from moms is their general love of sound. Dads tend to be music junkies ― albeit not all of them love the same style of music ― and having a worthwhile audio system is usually important to them. A beautiful new Bluetooth speaker, perhaps from a renowned audio manufacturer like Bose, is sure to make your dad smile. If he already has a Bluetooth speaker, you can get him a special one, like a waterproof option for the shower or pool.
Drone
A few years ago, it was remote-controlled helicopters. Now, the must-have toy amongst dads is definitely drones. He would probably do best with a durable beginner model like the $90 Blade Nano QX RTF Quadcopter, which has optional features that assist with takeoff and flight stability while your dad learns to fly.
Surveillance Camera
While this might have been more useful to your dad when you were in high school and prone to sneaking out of the house, a surveillance camera is still a fun and practical gadget for your dad to enjoy. Plenty of new systems are entirely smart, connecting to the Internet to allow your dad instant views of the house through his smartphone. Nest, maker of the acclaimed smart thermostat, also produces security cameras that are top-notch.
Vaporizer
This shouldn’t come as a surprise: Your dad smokes. He probably does it secretly, when no one is around ― but I assure you, your dad has enjoyed tobacco products, and he will again. However, just because he opted for cigarettes and cigars in the past doesn’t mean he wouldn’t prefer a sweeter, lighter alternative, like an e-cigarette or vaporizer. With this gadget, he might feel comfortable revealing his secret vice every once in a while.
Fitness Tracker
If your dad can walk, he can get fit. Using a fitness tracker, your dad can more adequately monitor his health, including his sleep patterns, heart rate, exercise habits, and more. While FitBit is perhaps the most popular brand, there are dozens of alternatives, many of which might be better for your dad’s lifestyle.
Ken Burns Documentary
Then again, maybe your dad is too active, and what he truly needs is a reason to rest his old bones. Something about Ken Burns’ films has the unprecedented power to make commanding men shut up and listen. The documentaries are long and packed with facts about American history, so your dad will be engaged while he relaxes on the couch.
Heated Insoles
For some reason, as you get older, you lose circulation to your feet. Believe it or not, your dad’s toes are freezing almost constantly. You can remove his discomfort with heated insoles that slide easily into his shoes and slippers. There are a few cheap one-time use options, but to show you care, you can splurge on these $80 rechargeable insoles.
Magnetic Putty
To most, magnets are boring items that keep your grocery list stuck to your fridge, but to dads, magnets are pure magic. You can keep your dad entertained for weeks with magnetic putty, that moves and morphs as though granted life by the power of magnetism.
