Every dad, no matter the age, loves some kind of tech, even if he has no idea how to use it.And luckily, there are plenty of tech gadgets that would make great gifts for daughter to give dad, but that won’t break the bank. Here are 5 great options.
Google Chromecast Streaming Stick
If even Apple TV is too difficult a concept for dad to grasp to get his Netflix or favourite YouTube videos onto the big screen, you really can’t go wrong with the Chromecast. It’s as close to plug-and-play as you can get: plug it into the TV’s HDMI port, run through the quick and easy setup process for dad, then show him how he can easily “cast” content from his favourite sites, like Netflix and YouTube, from the smartphone, tablet, or computer to his TV. All he needs to know is to select the cast button at the top of the app screen. The stick is just $40,so if you have some extra dough, tack on a yearly subscription to Netflix, which will run about $100.
CynturJumperPack Mini Portable Charging Station, Jump Starter
Every dad loves a gadget or gizmo he can keep in the car, and this one takes the cake. The device, which weighs less than a pound, packs a 12,000 mAh charging bank inside for boosting your mobile devices, plus the capability to jump start a vehicle with an up to eight-cylinder engine. That means not only trucks and SUVs, but even boats! Dad can throw it into the trunk and forget about it, since it will hold the charge for up to a year. Or, pop it into the glove compartment and use the 2.1-amp USB port for charging smartphones, tablets and more while on the go. Really want to impress dad? Show him the integrated 200 lumen torch that can also be used as a strobe light. US$100
Deluxe Comfort TAB Roll Lap Pad Pillow
Let dad truly enjoy playing app games, surfing through photos, or enjoying FaceTime calls with the grandkids with this stand that is filled with soft buckwheat and microbeads. Dad can place it comfortably atop his lap, or tabletop, then dock the tablet or e-reader, and enjoy hands-free fun.$35 .
Apple Music Yearly Subscription
It’s not officially available yet, but you can give dad a promise note for a one-year subscription to the new Apple Music streaming music service that launches just after Father’s Day, on June 30. For $90 (the first three months are free), dad can get unlimited access to curated channels that continue to learn his tastes and adjust the tunes accordingly. He’ll get unlimited song skips, and can access the music right along with his existing iTunes Store purchases and ripped CD library.
94Fifty Smart Sensor Basketball
Forget golf – help dad get super-active by improving his B-ball skills with this sensor. It can measure papa’s skills on the court so he can advance his game for the next meetup. A total of nine motion sensors provide real-time feedback on shots and ball handling, and also tracks speed, backspin, and arc. The results are wirelessly sent to dad’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch via Bluetooth, but dad can also hear live feedback as he practices his best moves. He can even compete with his buds over Twitter, and share their results. $280