10 Gadgets That Will Delight Dad

How many neckties does a dad truly need? Even Socrates might have asked this question, likely as a rhetorical one, and certainly in Greek. Finding the perfect gift for dad can be tricky, especially if you're hoping to steer clear of the classic tie.

Thankfully, technology has our backs! Today, there's a gadget for every kind of dad. Whether he's a chef, sports enthusiast, or tech geek, the right gadget can make his day. The real challenge isn't replacing the tie—it's narrowing down the vast array of options.

That's where we step in. We've curated a list of gadgets, gizmos, and cool devices that are sure to bring a big smile to any dad's face. Whether it's for a birthday, holiday, or Father's Day, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!

10: The Ultimate Remote Control

An ideal entertainment system is a thing of tech beauty. Essential components include a quality television and a sound system, but that's just the beginning. You also have set-top boxes like DVD players, Blu-ray systems, game consoles, and more. But here's the real dilemma: How do you manage all those remote controls?

Introducing the universal remote! These gadgets save you from the headache of juggling multiple remotes. A good universal remote consolidates all your entertainment system's functions into one device. Some even offer features that allow you to switch between modes with a single button. Press one, and your TV setup is ready; press another, and you're set to watch a Blu-ray.

There are numerous universal remotes available, each with varying features. Some may require you to input model and serial numbers to get started, while others let you program the remote via a Web interface. Some remotes may even allow you to configure them using the individual component's remote control.

9: Television Meets the Internet

Does your dad have a favorite man cave where he enjoys relaxing and watching TV? Does he reminisce about the "good old days of television" before reality shows took over? Is he into niche films and documentaries? If any of these apply, connecting his TV to the Internet could be the perfect gift.

There are plenty of ways to get your dad's TV connected to the Internet. You could either build or purchase a media PC to hook up directly to his TV, and there are several easy-to-use products available. But if this sounds too complicated, don't worry—other simpler solutions are available.

Devices like Roku, Boxee, and Apple TV can give your dad access to Internet content right on his TV. Video game consoles such as the Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3 also offer features that allow streaming from services like Netflix or Hulu.

For dads who travel frequently, a Slingbox might be the perfect solution. These devices connect to your TV and stream content over your home network. This means you can access the content on a computer, tablet, or smartphone—no matter how far away you are.

8: Keep It Cool

It might seem unusual that a thermostat could capture the tech world's attention, but that's exactly what the Nest thermostat did when it launched. The Nest combines numerous features into a sleek and simple design. Just looking at it invites you to interact with it!

What makes the Nest so unique? For starters, it's Internet-connected. This allows you to monitor and adjust your home's temperature from anywhere. Additionally, the Internet connection enables the Nest to receive software updates whenever they become available.

But perhaps the Nest's most impressive feature is its ability to learn your habits for heating and cooling your home. As you adjust the temperature, the Nest records and analyzes the data. When you're away, the Nest can adjust the temperature to conserve energy. It will then readjust to your preferred settings before you return home.

Nest offers a range of features designed to boost heating and cooling efficiency. One such feature is Airwave. The Nest can switch off your air conditioner 10 to 15 minutes before your home reaches its desired temperature. However, the air conditioner continues to blow cool air for several minutes, using the system’s fans to circulate the cool air throughout the house while the unit itself stays off, conserving energy.

7: Getting Fit

For dads who love to exercise—or for those who have mentioned wanting to get fit—a fitness tracker could be the perfect present. There are plenty of options out there. Some are simple pedometers that count how many steps you take in a day, while others use multiple sensors to measure not only distance walked or workout intensity, but also how many calories you've burned.

Some fitness trackers are part of a complete fitness system that helps dad stay on track with his workout plan. For instance, the BodyMedia FIT comes with an online platform where dad can track both the calories he consumes and burns. If he's burning more than he's eating, he's on the path to weight loss. He can also set personalized goals and receive advice on how to achieve them.

With so many different gadgets available, you're bound to find something that suits your dad's interests. Whether it's a device that connects to various monitors via Bluetooth or an all-in-one tool that tracks the energy burned during a workout, there's a perfect gadget waiting to be the ideal gift.

6: Robot Lawnmowers

For dads with lawns, maintaining the yard can be either a rewarding task or a chore. Dads who aren't fans of pushing or riding a lawnmower in the summer heat may appreciate the help of a robotic lawn care assistant.

There are a variety of robot lawnmowers available. Some need professional installation, where a technician visits your dad's yard to set up and program the mower to stay within the property boundaries. Others may require you to lay down wire that forms a nearly invisible perimeter to prevent the robot from wandering off course.

You can find lawnmowers that run on battery power, so your dad won’t have to inhale exhaust fumes or worry about constantly buying fuel. Some models even come with solar panels to help recharge the batteries. Best of all, these robot lawnmowers give your dad the luxury of relaxing while the yard work is taken care of.

5: Bring on the Noise

The digital age has made it easier than ever to buy music as a gift. With instant delivery, you can purchase music one track at a time, and best of all, there's no awkwardness involved when buying music your dad loves at a store. It's a secret between you and him!

But dad still needs a device to play his tunes. There are plenty of affordable digital music players to choose from. Alternatively, you could gift him an iPod touch, a device that’s nearly as capable as a smartphone. There are many devices available at various price points and with different features.

One key factor to consider is the ease of use. Some digital players come with simple, intuitive interfaces and easy-to-use features. These are ideal gifts for dads who enjoy music but aren’t fond of complicated gadgets. It’s also important to think about the type of computer your dad uses—some devices work seamlessly with PCs, but not with Macs, or vice versa.

With a bit of effort and some research, you can find the perfect digital music player that matches your dad's preferences and habits. Plus, you won’t have to worry about anyone catching you buying that Slim Whitman greatest hits album.

4: Coffee Talk

Is your dad not quite himself until that first cup of coffee hits? Does he know exactly where his coffee beans are sourced from, and can he argue the benefits of a fine Kona blend versus the beans from Jamaica's famous Blue Mountains? Then he might enjoy a vacuum coffee brewer.

This might not be the newest technology—it's been around for over a century! But its appeal is undeniable. A standard vacuum brewer features one container that holds the water. A second container with a siphon and rubber seal fits atop the first. The siphon extends below the water line of the first container.

Add freshly ground coffee to the top container, place the brewer on heat, and watch the magic unfold. As the heat converts the water in the bottom container into vapor, the vapor takes up more space than the liquid. With nowhere to escape, the vapor pushes the water up through the siphon into the second container, where the coffee grounds are. The water mixes with the grounds, brewing the coffee.

When the water level in the lower container becomes sufficiently low, the brewing process begins to bubble. At this point, remove the brewer from the heat source. As it cools, the gases contract. The pressure difference and gravity push the water back down the siphon, with a filter trapping the coffee grounds and leaving behind a clean brew.

Vacuum coffee brewers come in various designs and sizes. Some look like they belong in a mad barista's laboratory. If your dad considers coffee royalty, this could be the ultimate gift for him!

3: Rock On!

For musical dads, there are a variety of awesome gifts to choose from. If he's aspiring to become a video star, there are plenty of webcams and USB microphones available. A quality camera and microphone can significantly elevate the production value of even the simplest video.

For the guitarist, consider gadgets like the iRig or Peavey AmpKit. These allow your dad to connect his guitar to iOS devices such as the iPhone or iPad and make it sound like it's plugged into an amp. He can even simulate effects pedals and adjust settings to find the perfect tone.

A simple and practical gift could be an electronic tuner. These tuners work for a variety of instruments, detecting the vibrations of the instrument to tell you if any adjustments are needed.

And if you want to keep the peace at home -- both musically and otherwise -- consider gifting a quality pair of headphones so that your dad's musical creations stay confined to his personal space.

2: Tablets, Smartphones and E-readers, Oh My!

A few years ago, smartphones were mainly for busy executives and tech enthusiasts, tablets were designed for niche professions, and e-readers seemed like unnecessary gadgets. However, two companies, Apple and Amazon, revolutionized these perceptions by launching the iPhone, iPad, and Kindle, paving the way for others to follow.

But which one should you choose? Tablets, smartphones, and e-readers often have overlapping features, and some, like the Amazon Kindle Fire, even blend the lines between categories. The first step is to determine which features matter most to your dad. If phone calls aren't a priority, you can easily rule out smartphones. If he loves reading but doesn't care about apps, internet browsing, or sending messages, tablets may not be the right fit.

Even once you've narrowed it down to the right category, choosing the exact model can still be challenging. There are so many options in tablets, smartphones, and e-readers, each with its own operating system and unique design. Selecting the perfect one for your dad can be difficult. Does he prefer Apple iOS or would he lean towards Android? Perhaps a Blackberry suits him better, or maybe he would enjoy a Windows phone?

Before you purchase any of these devices, remember that some may come with ongoing network fees. Your dad might be thrilled with his new smartphone—until that first bill arrives with data charges. He could quickly reconsider the gift if it turns out to be the 'gift that keeps on taking.'

1: Car Diagnostic Kit

Back in the day, a man could easily pick up some basic mechanical skills and fix his car. Sure, it might involve a few hours covered in grease over the weekend, but a dedicated car enthusiast could troubleshoot and repair many common car issues on their own.

These days, things have become a bit more complex. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced computer systems that track everything from tire pressure to engine health. So, when that dreaded 'check engine' light comes on, it's hard to know whether it's a major problem or something minor.

Now, there are car diagnostic kits that sync with smartphones to help you understand what's happening under the hood. For example, Kiwi by PLX Devices is a great option. It comes with a WiFi or Bluetooth connector that plugs into your car's computer system, sending data directly to your smartphone. The Kiwi models are compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Once you know what's going wrong, you can decide if it's something you can tackle yourself or if it’s best to head to the mechanic. Understanding the issue also ensures that you'll know if your mechanic is offering a fair price or trying to take advantage of you. It's a gift any dad would certainly appreciate.