Dad’s day is almost here! Also known as Father’s Day and taking place this Sunday, January 16, it’s the day to shower the dad(s) in your life with love, breakfast in bed, a sign-off as he heads out to play golf, or a chance to put his feet up on back deck with a cold beer and the big game. Chances are, you might also want to get dear old dad a gift of some kind to go along with a heartfelt greeting card. We have some ideas in the tech realm that every dad will love.
For the Griller Dad: Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT Smoker
If dad loves to grill outdoors during the summer (or with a pair of boots and parka in the winter!), invest in this smoker. As the most advanced model in the line, it offers an impressive 1,260 square feet of space for both grilling and smoking. What makes it high-tech? It uses Wi-Fi and digital fan controls to manage the GravityFed Hopper that can hold fuel for up to 24 hours of controlled grill time. Use the app to monitor the cook while the hopper automatically adds charcoal as needed. Yes, dad doesn’t have to go out every hour or get up from his sun chair to check if more charcoal is needed. From briskets to smoked cheeses, burgers to wings, dad will absolutely adore this new outdoor toy. Stay tuned for my review, coming soon and check out this teaser video.
For the Audiophile Dad: Sennheiser HD 600 Series Headphones
Whether dad likes to sit back in his man cave to listen to a killer music playlist or wrap himself up in a video game, the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones employ an open-back design and custom-tuned dynamic transducer to help envelop him in sound. Offering pure sound and a comfortable fit for long listening sessions, it’s currently on pre-order so you might have to give dad an IOU for now. They sell for $580 and come with a storage pouch and detachable cable. At the time of this writing, they were on sale for $480.
For the Creative Dad: Apple iPad Pro with M4 Chip
The new Apple iPad Pro with M4 chip is not only the thinnest Apple product to date, it also comes with a powerful chip that rivals even some full-fledged laptops. Apple skipped the M3 processor and went straight to the M4 with this model, which combines an 11-inch (5.3mm thin) or 13-inch (5.1mm) Ultra Retina XDR display with powerful AI capabilities. The display is a new tandem OLED that consists of a pair of OLED panels that purport to offer improved brightness and colour reproduction when working together. While this iPad Pro is ideally for serious creative professionals, if you want to spoil dad with the best of the best, even if he isn’t mixing music or editing videos (and especially if he is), grab this for him. It’s powerful thanks to the neural engine, has an updated camera system so he can not only cut but also film video right from the tablet, and works beautifully with the Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil Pro, and Smart Folio if you really want to go all out (or save those for birthday and Christmas). The starting price is $1,399; the Magic Keyboard starts at $399, Apple Pencil Pro is $169, and the Smart Folio starts at $99.
For the PC Gamer Dad: EVNIA 49-inch QD OLED Curved Gaming Monitor
If dad is a PC gamer, consider enhancing his desk set-up with this new flagship monitor from the brand license partner for Philips monitors. The model 49M2C8900 combines a self-luminous OLED with quantum dot technology, providing gamers with improved contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colours. With a 32:9 aspect ratio and 5,120 x 1,440 dual QHD resolution, the 1800R curved screen provides an immersive gaming experience. The 0.03ms GtG response time, 240Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, work together to provide smooth, tear-free gameplay. The monitor features USB-C docking and enables high-speed data transfer, high resolution video signals, and up to 90W power delivery support via a single USB-C cable. There’s also a KVM switch for switching between two computers and sharing peripherals. Adding to the ambiance factor is a three-sided Ambiglow dynamic lighting experience that adapts to on-screen content. Audio complements video via four 7.5W DTS speakers that deliver virtual surround sound. The ergonomic stand offers height, swivel, and tilt adjustments so you can position the monitor at the optimum viewing level to ensure proper posture. VESA compatibility provides flexible mounting options as well. US$1,500
For the Cutting-Edge Tech Dad: Nothing Ear (2) True Wireless Earbuds
Joke with dad that you got him “nothing” only to reveal that you really mean something new from the cleverly named brand. The Nothing Ear (2) true wireless earbuds stand out for ChatGPT integration via the Nothing OS. Boasting a transparent design, they have a custom 11mm dynamic driver, ceramic diaphragm, and improved dual chamber that improves airflow via a pair of additional vents. This, says Nothing, results in clearer sound. While I haven’t tried them myself, the buds purport to support high-res streaming over Bluetooth. Further adjust sound using the advanced equalizer in the Nothing X app, including creating a personal sound profile. With features like noise cancelling and adaptive ANC, up to 40.5-hour battery life with the included charging case (8.5 hours per charge), and support for wireless charging at 2.5W as well as fast charge, the buds sound intriguing. What will really get dad excited, however, is the ability to get information quickly using ChatGPT. Pinch either bud to call up the AI tool and speak a command or question. It’s a highly advanced version of the boring old voice assistant. Get them for $199.
For the Dad Who Loves Marvel: Casetify Iron Man MacBook Pro Bounce Case
Since putting this case on my MacBook Pro, it has caught the eye of many a Marvel fan. Featuring etching of the popular Marvel Comics character on the front and fitting beautifully on the computer, I love the added protection and style it affords without any significant bulk. The bottom airholes ensure that my computer never overheats (I often work with it in my lap and it’s never an issue). My only criticism is that with the six tiny plastic grips that hold the bottom in place, one side will always pop off if I lift the computer up off my lap with one hand to grab lunch or answer the door, for example. But if you work at a desk and don’t often lift the computer one-handed, you won’t even notice. With full access to charging and other ports, this case doubles as both protection and a fan statement. US$85 and you can get it for various MacBook types; there are versions for iPads and other devices, too. Read my review.
For the Dad Who Loves to Tinker: Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi
If dad loves to tinker with tech toys and set up smart home gear around the house, consider getting him the new Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi and wireless Yale Keypad, the company’s first retrofit smart security solution for the home. The lock is easy to install on the back of most deadbolts with just a screwdriver needed and pairs seamlessly with the keypad. It’s an interior-only smart lock with Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock and the ability to control the lock from anywhere with the Yale Access app. The Yale Keypad, compatible with the new Yale Approach as well as the more than 750,000 compatible August smart locks currently in the market, he can enjoy a key-free experience. One-Touch locking allows you to securely lock the door and unlock using a personalized code. It connects via Wi-Fi to the included Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge for remote control using the Yale Access app. Enjoy keyless entry, monitor the lock at any time on the app’s activity feed, and grant unique access codes for guests, from a renter to the cat-sitter. Yale Approach is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Philips Hue, and Samsung SmartThings as well so you can manage the lock as part of your preferred smart home platform. The touchscreen design is backlit so it is easy to see in the dark, and is treated with an anti-fingerprint and abrasion-resistant coating to minimize wear over time. Yale Keypad is wireless and battery-operated with an IPX5 weather-resistant rating, allowing you to place it anywhere within Bluetooth range of the lock. Get both products as a bundle for US$180 or individually: the Yale Approach is US$130 and Yale Keypad is US$70.
For the Backyard Dad: Neptune by Peerless-AV Outdoor TV
Available through Evolution Home Entertainment, if dad loves to barbecue outside or relax on the back deck with his favourite sporting event (perhaps even the upcoming Paris Olympics), surprise him with an outdoor TV so he doesn’t have to watch from his phone, tablet, or laptop. The Shade Series models can withstand harsh weather elements like rain and snow, and operate in extreme temperatures from -30°C to 50°C. They feature LG Displays with high dynamic range that offers brighter highlights with more contrast. Offering 4K, UHD resolution, and an IPS panel to boost colour performance and consistency, Neptune Outdoor TVs offer 178-degree viewing angles so you can watch TV while barbecuing on your own or adjust to enjoy the big game with the entire family and friends.
For The Dad Who Entertains: LG Cinebeam Q Portable Projector
Dads who entertain, whether it’s neighbours, friends, extended family, or his own young kids or grandkids, he’ll love being able to set up fun movie nights under the stars or epic basement sleepover sessions with the LG Cinebeam Q portable projector. Model HU710PB is designed for viewing virtually anywhere in 4K quality and at up to 120 inches in size with 450,000:1 contrast. It has a 360° rotatable handle and auto screen adjustment feature that optimizes placement and image size. With 154% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, enjoy all types of content, or even activate the Light Drawing function to enhance the ambiance of your space with digital images. Image-mapping, meanwhile, projects images onto a wall to provide cool mood lighting. How can you access content? Along with pairing the projector with devices via AirPlay 2 and Miracast, the CineBeam Q comes with LG’s webOS platform built in for seamless access to popular streaming services. Pricing starts at $1,700.
For the Music Loving Dad: Totem Acoustics LOON Monitor Speaker
Help dad sit back and enjoy his favourite classical music playlist or enjoy stellar sound while immersed in an action movie with the Totem Acoustics LOON monitor. The speakers that bear a Canadian-inspired name (and hail from the Canadian company) employ a ported two-way design with a 1-inch laser-etched textile soft dome tweeter, 5.75-inch woofer with copper clad voice coil, and come with matching magnetic grills. Nominal impedance is 8 ohms and the speakers boast a sensitivity of 87dB @ 1watt and crossover frequency of 2.5kHz. While they’re excellent as two-way monitors in a stand-alone two-channel system, Totem has designed the LOON to be equally adapt as rear speakers for the recently launched Bison series. Available in Black Ash, Black Walnut, or Satin White, they’re $1,500.
For the Photographer Dad: Nikon Nikkor Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Super-Zoom Lens
Help dad get up close to the action with his Nikon Z series full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera with the Nikkor Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR, a high-magnification zoom lens that’s ideal for travel, sports, backyard wildlife, and other similar scenarios. The lens covers a broad range of focal lengths from 28mm to 400mm. It offers 14.2x zoom with a super-telephoto zoom lens that has a range up to 400mm. It’s also lightweight at approximately 1.6 lbs, making it easy to carry when travelling. Capture close-ups at short distances for food, flowers, and animals. When shooting far away, you can fill the frame with the subject and still have a pleasing blurred background. The lens uses a stepping motor (STM), which enables fast and quiet autofocusing, allowing rapid focus on moving subjects. The lens also features a vibration-reduction (VR) function with performance equivalent to 5.0 stops, which helps achieve sharp photos and stable video with ease, even when handheld, says Nikon. Get it for about $1,700.
For the On-the-Go Dad: UGREEN 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank
If dad is always traveling, or if he commutes to work using public transit, he’ll make good use of the UGREEN 10,000mAh magnetic power bank, which offers fast and efficient on-the-go charging of his mobile devices, from his phone to his earbuds. It’s ideal for an iPhone, connecting via strong 10N magnet so he doesn’t have to worry about charging cables. Plus, he can continue using the phone with the bank attached to the back unlike others that require some type of cable. Get 20W fast charging and with the 10,000mAh battery, he can keep devices charged up all day. An iPhone 15 Pro, for example, can be charged up to 1.9 times. Since it has a wired port as well, he can charge a second device using a cable at the same time should he have a spare handy. It also supports two-way charging so charge the bank itself while it’s recharging your device. Made from a skin-friendly silicone material that is soft and comfortable to use, it is also slim and weighs just 7.8oz. The LED indicator shows the battery level so you know when to recharge the UGREEN power bank before going out. This model also has various security and safety features including Overcurrent Protection, Overheating Protection, Shortcircuit Protection, and Overvoltage Protection. It’s about $70.
For the Work-From-Home Dad: Kensington SD-5800T Portable Dock
Help dad organize his desk and all its peripherals with the Kensington SD5800T Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Quad Video plug-and-play docking station. It supports up to four 4K monitors via HDMI with fast data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps and 100W power delivery. It has a total of 16 connectivity ports, including two DisplayPort ports, a Thunderbolt host, USB-C 3.2 Gen2, USB-A 3.2 Gen2, USB-A 3.2 Gen1, USB-A 2.0, combo audio jack, SD, microSD card readers, and 2.5Gbps Ethernet. Compatible with both macOS (11 or later) and Windows (10 or later), there’s also built-in UHS-II SD and microSD card readers. Get one for about $485 and stay tuned for my review.
For The Fit Dad: OnePlus Watch 2 Smartwatch
If dad goes to the gym, runs, cycles, plays sports, or just wants to keep an eye on his health and wellness as well as his daily calendar, the OnePlus Watch 2 is the perfect option for Android phone owners, especially if he has a OnePlus phone like the OnePlus 12. I reviewed the OnePlus Watch 2 earlier this year and it’s a fabulous smartwatch that he can use to track workouts and steps, keep on top of notifications, listen to music, and more. Running WearOS, it employs a dual chip architecture that purports to help the battery run more efficiently, giving you about four days per charge, which I found to be accurate. Once you need to recharge, VOOC charging has the Watch back up and running in no time. There’s also a Power Saver mode. Dad can personalize the look with tons of cool watch face options and complications on the bright AMOLED screen. Meeting IP68 and 5ATM ratings, this is a smartwatch dad will be proud to wear just about anywhere and love using alongside the companion app. It’s $400 but if you have an old smartwatch lying around, even if it’s no longer working, you can trade it in for $60 off.
For the Content Creator Dad: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Handheld Camera
I reviewed this dreamy little handheld camera earlier this year, including taking it along with me to CES 2024 where I used it to record all my videos. I have also used the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for social videos, recording footage then editing it using the Lightcut app, which works seamlessly with the camera. If dad creates content, whether for his social channels, YouTube, personal projects, and more, he’ll absolutely love this camera. The pocket-sized gimbal camera has a rotatable OLED touchscreen so you can record in both portrait and landscape mode. There are tons of modes, like product showcase while live streaming when connected to your smartphone via the app. If you’re going to get this camera for dad, I’d suggest spending the extra $200 for the Creator Combo. At $899, it includes accessories he’ll most certainly use, including a handle, mic transmitter, windscreen, mic clip magnet, battery handle, mini tripod, wide-angle lens, and convenient carrying bag.
For the Car-Loving Dad: Turo Car Share Booking
Last summer while my car was in for service, I took the opportunity to review Turo, a car sharing service described as the AirBnb of car rentals. Rather than rent a car, you book a personal owner’s vehicle to use for a limited period of time. There’s a process in the app to go through booking, so if this is for dad, you’ll need to grab his driver’s license and a selfie along with other details before completing booking (learn all about it in my detailed review). There are tons of car options in cities across Canada (and in other countries), ranging from a luxury McLaren GT 2023 you can book in Toronto or Chevrolet Corvette 2023 in Calgary to a vintage Mercedes-Benz 560SL 1987 in Burlington or a Mercedes-Benz 380 SL 1982 in Halifax. Want to get dad an EV vehicle to try out before he takes the leap? You can book a Rivian R1T 2023 in Vancouver or Porsche Taycan 2023 in Montreal. If dad loves to go on adventures, book him a car like a Ford Bronco 2023 in Calgary or a Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2017 in Richmond. It’s the perfect opportunity to let dad go on a weekend joyride with the car of his dreams, or to test drive a car for much longer than he’d be able to do at the dealership. Pricing varies but you can find great deals from top-rated owners, even drilling down the search by numerous parameters. My experience with a 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E was flawless, and the electric car was downright cool.
For the Turntable Dad: Onkyo TX-8470 2-Channel Network Stereo Receiver
Get dad the Onkyo TX-8470 2-channel network stereo receiver if he loves spinning tunes on a turntable. It was specifically made for use with a record player, though he can use it for focused audio with other sources as well. It’s especially great for dads who love to sit back and listen to favourite vinyl. With Onkyo’s patented discrete op amp circuits and isolated MM / MC phono board, sensitive phono signals are protected from unwanted distortions to improve clarity and audio performance, says the company. The receiver delivers 110 watts per channel and comes with voice assistant support built-in, including Google Assistant, Apple Siri, and others. In addition to its AM/FM tuner, you can access favourite high-resolution music streaming platforms from the stereo receiver, which has been integrated with partners at Roon (Roon Ready), Tidal, Deezer, and more. Featuring an AKM Premium 32-bit/768 kHz stereo two-channel DAC, HDMI ARC 4in/1out (all supports 8K up to 40Gbps visual content support), HDMI ARC technology, three digital inputs (two Optical and one Coaxial), and a Class G Amplifier, it’s available for US$799.
For The Home Theatre Dad: JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar
Upgrade dad’s den or man cave with improved sound without taking up too much space. The JBL Bar 1300X soundbar, available through Erikson Consumer, is $2,500, but it does the work of multiple speakers, ideal for smaller spaces. He’ll get 1,170W output and a 12-inch wireless subwoofer included. What dad will really appreciate, however, is that there are detachable speakers on either side so he can tailor the set-up depending on what he’s doing. Get more immersive, enveloping surround sound when watching movies or playing video games by placing those two speakers behind you. For listening to tunes, place them on either side to use as stereo speakers, or keep them attached for a more focused sound experience. Take one upstairs to listen to tunes from a Bluetooth connected mobile device while making dinner or to the home office to use as his desk speaker. The versatility justifies the high price: it’s like you get a soundbar, home theatre system, and portable Bluetooth speaker all in one.
For the Star Wars Loving Dad: Casetify Star Wars Co-Lab Collection
Yes, this is the second Casetify option on this list, but if dad isn’t into Marvel, I’ll bet he loves Star Wars, right? The expanded Star Wars Co-Labs collection now includes the Dark Side, with new leather and aluminum cases for Apple, Samsung, and Google devices. The MagSafe-compatible case features the iconic figure, Darth Vader. He’ll love sporting it and reminding you that he is your father. It’s US$75.
For the Beach Dad: Sonos Roam 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
For beach bum dads or dads who love to chill by the pool, the Sonos Roam 2 portable Bluetooth speaker is perfect for bringing along. It’s lightweight, compact, and boasts an IP67 water-resistance rating so he can safely use it at the beach or poolside. Compared to the original Sonos Roam, this new model has a revamped design, easier-to-use controls, and quicker set-up thanks to a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button. What’s great about this speaker is that it can also connect to his home Wi-Fi network (when in range, of course) and integrate with an existing Sonos system. So, he can enjoy his music by the pool or on the deck and continue to hear it playing on another connected Sonos speaker when he pops inside for another beer or a bathroom break. It runs for up to 10 hours per charge and comes in Olive, Sunset, Wave, Black, and White, for $229 in Canada.
For the Dad Who Loves to Cook: Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven
Solo Stove is known for its flameless fire pits, which are a hit among customers: reviewers rave about them. The company offers other products, too, including the Pi Pizza Oven. Dad might already have a barbecue, maybe even a smoker. But one thing he might not have and has been eying is an outdoor pizza oven. This one is dual fuel so it can be used with the wood burning assembly or upgraded to propane via the gas burner. Shipping with a reversible Cordierite pizza stone, it’s optimized for heat distribution and minimal heat loss thanks to the demi-dome construction and panoramic opening that also makes it easy to place pizzas inside and take them out. It even comes with a lifetime warranty so you can be confident that dad will be able to enjoy it for years and years to come. He’ll be whipping up delicious pies for the fam-jam in no time. It’s regularly $735 but at the time of this writing, it was on sale for $590.
For the Dad Who Needs a PC Upgrade: Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge AI PC
Has dad been using the same old computer for the last five to 10 years, maybe even (gulp!) longer? If so, he will probably never upgrade until his “it works just fine” PC finally dies. Upgrade him with something that’s not only more current and powerful, but also has tons of AI features that he’ll be able to leverage once he gets the hang of it. Whether he’s PC savvy or not, a little coaching will go a long way. This model is powered by Galaxy AI and Microsoft Copilot+ along with the Snapdragon X Elite compute platform, which ensures it can handle the most intensive AI tasks. Dad can ask questions using natural language, enjoy features like Live Translate, Circle to Search, Recall for describing details of a document, e-mail, or webpage to locate it, and tap a single button to call up Copilot for assistance with just about anything. Equally great for dads who aren’t very tech-savvy as for those who are pros, it runs for up to 22 hours and supports super-fast charging. One caveat: it won’t be available until June 18, 2024, but you can pre-order now and assure dad that his gift will be work the extra few days wait. Pricing starts at $1,850.
For The Traveler Dad: JBL Live 770NC Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Dad will be blown away by the sound quality, comfort, and battery life of these headphones, along with the breadth of customization options in the app. And you’ll be blown away that they only cost $300. I recently reviewed these headphones and would highly recommend them for dads who travel often and need a good pair to pack in their carry-on. The noise cancellation is fabulous, ideal for silencing the hum of the airplane engine, surrounding city noise while dad walks to the train to get home from work, or keep things quiet while he works from home. They’re available in Canada from Erikson Consumer.
For The Gamer Dad: WWE 2K24 Video Game
It’s the perfect time for dad to dive right into this video game with WWE’s big Money in the Bank event coming to Toronto in July. If dad loves wrestling, he’ll absolutely love this video game. Available for a variety of platforms, including PlayStation and Xbox, the game celebrates the last 40 years of wrestling with an iconic roster of legendary wrestlers as whom you can play, like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Undertaker, and Andre the Giant as well as new favourites like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and John Cena.
There are different match types, retellings of iconic WrestleMania moments in history, and more. The game looks eerily realistic: dad will feel like he’s really in the ring, without all the aches and pains that come with it. Just be prepared for yelling, hooting, and hollering, especially if dad plans to play while bonding with the kids. The standard version is about $80.
For The Golfer Dad: Alphard Club Booster V2
Does dad love to spend his Sunday mornings on the golf course? He probably has all the essential gear he needs, but there are still items you can get for him that he probably doesn’t have, likely never thought of, and didn’t even know existed. The Alphard Club Booster V2 is an interesting device you can connect to a manual cart (there are several bracket options depending on the cart he has) and turn into a remote controlled one. Let dad get those all-important steps in while he controls the cart from a remote or even the smartphone app without having to carry or push it along with him. It can manoeuvre over all types of terrain, even hills, using the six-axis gyroscope. There’s downhill speed control so it won’t slide away, an automatic parking break, anti-tip wheels, and a free-wheel mode if you want to operate it without power. Available with a two-year warranty, the Alphard Club Booster sells for US$839 but was on sale at the time of this writing for US$739.
For Dad’s Personal Care: Philips Series 9000 Wet & Dry Shaver with SkinIQ
For dads who love to groom in ultimate style, the Philips Series 9000 Wet & Dry electric shaver with SkinIQ uses a patented Lift & Cut shaving system to cut at skin level. It also provides real-time feedback of pressure via a Pressure Guard sensor to protect his precious skin from accidental cuts and nicks. The 360° rotating blades ensure an even and seamless personal grooming experience, cutting in all directions using 150,000 cutting actions per minute. The Dual SteelPrecision blades cut more hair per stroke as well.
With an integrated pop-up trimmer and travel case, it can run for up to an hour per charge of its Li-ion battery. Charge it to full in an hour or for five minutes for a quick shave as needed. The whole package is $290.
For the Commuter Dad: Kensington Contour 2.0 Business Laptop Backpack
Help dad travel to work and back in style with the Kensington Contour 2.0 business laptop backpack. Designed to dissipate heat and contour to his body, it evenly balances weight so dad can feel comfortable trudging through the train station or up the stairs to his office. It has a padded carry handle as well when he wants to give his back a break or he’s carrying a lighter load. The laptop security compartment is protected with a puncture-resistant lockable zipper along with an addition layer of interior protection for a laptop up to 15.6 inches in size. There’s also an RFID security pocket, perfect for traveling with his passport, and it employs a TSA checkpoint-friendly design for easy screening when traveling, along with trolley pass-through straps. Made of durable, water-resistant material, there’s an integrated bottle holder so dad can stay hydrated. Win one for yourself or for dad in our contest: enter now.