Finding your father the right tech-centric gift can be daunting. Fortunately for you, I’ve put together a list of new products and services that may well make you his favorite child.
The golf bag holds clubs and plays music.
Sun Mountain Boom bag ($330) Sort of a nod to Al Czervik — Rodney Dangerfield’s character from Caddyshack — this full-featured cart bag doesn’t have a built-in beer tap but is armed with powerful bluetooth speakers. Dad can pair it with his phone, and crank music on the driving range and on the course where allowed. Beyond music, the 4.8-pound bag features vinyl panels that can be wiped clean; a velour-lined valuables pocket with multiple slots to hold the included Bluetooth controller; 10.5-inch top with five individual club full-length dividers (although there’s also a 14-way top available), including a dedicated putter compartment; shoulder strap; 12 pockets; and a phone-holding media compartment with a clear vinyl window to view and change the music selection.
Comfort and a quality build
AndaSeat T-Pro 2 ($500) It’s ultra-comfortable and supportive of the back and neck. But the arm rests are also individually customizable, with respect to height and angle. You can just tell from the first moment that it’s very well constructed. And substantial, without being too oversize. And honestly, it’s a cinch to assemble. Its coolest feature: There’s a rocking mode, for those who desire.
A wonderful subscription service
Scribd ($10/month) This subscription service can bring your father a wide selection of magazines, e-books, audiobooks, podcasts, sheet music, and snapshots, which is a Cliff Notes-type of key insights into popular books. He can download multiple audiobooks simultaneously to a smartphone and an Apple Watch — perfect for long road trips or something to listen to while working out without having to eat up phone data. And the service is priced competitively against similar products. Super easy interface on the app.
Portable power station
Raptic Titan XL500 Power Station ($500) Who can’t use more power? This is especially great if your dad is a camper. It’s a portable power station with up to 500 watt-hours of capacity. It operates on a rechargeable LG lithium ion battery, protecting against short circuit over voltage. One charge of the station will provide enough to juice a smartphone 40 times, laptop 10 times, tablet 12 times, cameras/GoPro 70 times, LED lights 60 hours, CPAP up to 14 hours — via a USB-C PD port, three USB-A ports and a AC wall charging receptacle.
Instant back massage
Myovolt Back ($150) From New Zealand, this is a sturdy, wide and flexible belt that velcros around the body. Position the four vibrating nubs on sore spots and turn it on. It’ll provide a gentle massage that stimulates blood flow, promotes circulation, relieves soreness and increases flexibility — all while promoting faster recovery. The vibrating intensity and pattern are adjustable.
A modernized flip phone
Kyocera DuraXE Epic flip phone ($290) This is ideal for older fathers or those who just don’t like smartphones (yes, there are plenty of us). It operates on the AT&T network, and offers enhanced push-to-talk that’s essentially a walkie-talkie with others who have the same feature. Plus its speakers are plenty loud. And the battery lasts a long time. It’s just 4.36 inches tall when closed, weighs just 6.8 ounces, and has a fast 1.2GHz, 64-bit Quad-core processor. Large keys and buttons, adjustable font size and a super-clear display make it a breeze to use.
A slow and quiet juicer
NutriBullet Slow Juicer ($200) Is your father trying to stay or get healthy? Then this compact machine may be perfect for him. Low-speed, high-torque and quiet, it wrings the most nutritious juice from fruits and veggies, via a 3-inch feed chute and durable steel-tipped auger. It also features a no-drip spout. Its low and slow approach is extremely quiet, so early morning juicing won’t wake anyone sleeping nearby.
adjustable earplugs
Veer earplugs ($49) It can be a very peaceful Father’s Day, if you gift these. They allow your dad to adjust the level of noise isolation by up to 32dB in one twist, so he can focus and work more effectively. That’s a result of the specially-molded interior of the funnel and the comfortable silicone spiral. Comes with an array of sizes.
