Father’s Day (September 4) is fast looming and brings the opportunity to thank the father figure in your life – whether it’s mum, dad, or a friend. We’ve gathered together a collection of aspirational technology ideas designed for equal parts enjoyment and satisfaction.
Fitbit Charge 5, RRP$299.95
Managing stress, tracking wellbeing, and aiming for a good night’s sleep have become top lifestyle priorities. The Fitbit Charge 5 with its six-month Premium subscription helps connect the dots between activity, sleep, and stress so you can make the best choices for your body, mind, and health. Plus, find innovative stress management tools and more all on your wrist. It’s packed with features including an ECG app for your heart, an EDA sensor for stress, and the ability to track sleep habits. Of course, it comes with all the other advanced fitness and health tracking we’ve come to expect from Fitbit (including Oxygen Saturation monitoring, 20 exercise modes, built-in GPS) and it’s water resistant up to 50 metres. The Charge 5 is the perfect Father’s Day gift – satisfying that blokey desire for high-tech innovation and adding some peace of mind around body tracking.
Belkin Soundform Play True Wireless Earbuds, RRP$89.95
One of the best gifts you can get or give these days is a little ‘me-time’. Treat Dad to some ‘him-time’ to enjoy music, podcasts, or his favourite sounds with Belkin’s Soundform Play True Wireless Earbuds. Available in four mega colour options (midnight, cloud, petal, and ocean), these high performers have two mics in each earbud and fast wire-free touch controls. Plus, they’re IPX5-rated sweat and water-resistant and stay powered for up to 38 hours (up to eight hours of playtime for the earbuds, plus 30 hours in the charging case). And it almost goes without saying that the sound quality is epic.
Also available at JB Hi-Fi.
QN85 Neo QLED 4K, RRP from $3999
Our viewing habits have changed enormously over the last couple of years. Binge-watching became something of an everyday reality during COVID lockdowns, with the after-effect being a desire (and appreciation) for top-quality viewing within our own homes. Boasting the next generation of display technology, vivid colours, and stunning surround sound, the Samsung QN85 Neo QLED 4K offers sound that moves with the action, ultra-sleek design, and exceptional motion enhancements. Plus, a minor detail but oh-so-great – an innovative solar cell remote (no more flat remote batteries). Dad’s got to love that!
Cricut Maker 3, RRP$799
For many years, Cricut machinery has tended to fall under the domain of crafters and scrapbookers. But the latest advances see the Cricut Maker 3 step the game up. It’s likely a Cricut may not even be on your radar as a Father’s Day gift, but when you take into account the fact this new flagship machine can work its design and cutting magic on leather and balsa wood, as well as vinyl labels and heat transfer vinyl, it opens a world of options for a creative dad. It’s hard to resist the lure of being able to make personalised t-shirts (finally a place for all of those dad jokes), decals, 3D artwork, workshop and beer labels, and so much more. It’s smart thinking around a smart machine (plus everyone else in the household is likely to love it!)
July Carry On Pro suitcase, AU$425
Every now and then, a design comes along that’s so breathtakingly obvious that you wonder how on earth no one created it before. Say hello to the July Carry On Pro suitcase – although it hardly seems fair to call this a mere suitcase. The incredibly thoughtful design features a detachable snap-on/off laptop sleeve to house your laptop and essentials, an ejectable battery for USB charging on the go (yes really), and a host of other features, including sturdy but silent wheels, a crush-proof German polycarbonate shell, integrated TSA lock, and impeccably designed interior. If you genuinely want to gift Dad hassle-free travel forevermore, this is the mega Father’s Day solution.
Ecovacs Deebot X1 Plus, RRP$2199
Remember the days when it was considered appropriate for a husband to gift a wife an iron or some other household appliance for a special occasion? Well, now it’s our turn. Except, this time the technology (and the payoff) is super cool and actually likely to impress! Sleek and futuristic, the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Plus delivers a top-of-the-line cleaning system with cutting-edge features (such as built-in voice assistant, obstacle avoidance, and even an oscillating mop for hard floors). Factor in the fact you delivered a robot packed with technology and capability, and he won’t even realise he’s just been given a household appliance. Add a gift card explaining how you’ll now have more free time for dates together (while Deebot does all the work).
Available from JB Hi-Fi, Godfreys, and Robomate
KitchenAid 4.8L Artisan Stand Mixer, RRP$999
One thing that resulted from COVID lockdowns was many at-homers rediscovering the joys of baking. Social media was flooded with images of bread, cake, and biscuit creations – and it led to a huge surge of interest in all things baking-related (binge-watching The Great British Bake Off anyone?). Bread-making became a source of pride for many dads – so this KitchenAid Artisan Series 4.8L mixer makes all kinds of sense as the ultimate Father’s Day gift. Just mention tacos, salted chocolate cookies, and artisan bread! The iconic design and performance is backed by all sorts of techy features Dad will love – plus, attachments such as food grinders and pasta makers are also available.
Images supplied.