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CNN
a day ago
- Business
- CNN
My favorite product releases this week: Govee, Lego, Twelve South and more
This week, the CNN Underscored deals team is hunkered down covering 4th of July sales and all the early Prime Day deals. As busy as we are ensuring our readers can save money through the holiday weekend, there were too many exciting product launches this week for me to ignore, so I'm tapping in to share my favorite product drops from the last seven days for you to lounge back and read as you kick back for the holiday weekend. This week brings the launch of Twelve South's first folding iPhone stand, a hybrid smart lamp and speaker from Govee and a Lego brick-built Battle Droid. A new flexible stand built for your iPhone I've been using one of Twelve South's Curve MacBook stands for years now. So, I was thrilled to see that the company was bringing the same machined aluminum build and flexible features to an accessory designed for your iPhone. The new Curve Nano is its smallest stand yet but sports the same folding functionality that I've grown to love with its laptop counterpart. The Twelve South Curve Nano features a thin design that connects to your iPhone via MagSafe. It also works with other smartphones that support Qi2 or have a magnetic case attached. That allows it to snap right onto the back of your handset for quickly propping up your device in either vertical or horizontal positions, based on whether you're taking a FaceTime call or just watching videos. The stand offers adjustable viewing angles with a hinged form factor that comes in three colors. The Coastal Blue is an easy highlight, but you'll also find more typical Dune and Slate styles. You can buy the new iPhone stand for $35 directly from Twelve South or at Amazon. This multicolored lamp is also a Bluetooth speaker As an early adopter in the smart home space, Govee has been impressing me with its wide range of smart lights for years. Other CNN Underscored editors share my thoughts about the brand, as Govee has even climbed to the top of quite a few best-tested guides for various smart home accessories. This week, Govee started shipping its newest standalone smart lamp, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro, and I had to check it out. The company was kind enough to send one over for me to feast my eyes and ears on, and I've been putting it to the test for the past week. Now you may say, 'Rikka, it's a smart lamp, what do you mean by ears?' Well, Govee is mixing things up by tapping audio company JBL to add speakers to the Table Lamp 2 Pro. This isn't the first time a company has thought to bundle the two products together, but it might be the best. Harman Kardon previously added ambient lighting to its usual speaker tech with the Aura Studio series, resulting in what I found was a fairly lackluster release following my testing. Govee is amping things up with its Table Lamp 2 Pro, adding more vibrant multicolor lighting and a robust audio system that doesn't feel like an afterthought. It's powered by a 2.5-inch 500cc full-range speaker and comes complemented by a 5,200mAh battery for over four hours of continuous music and lighting. If I had a nickel for every time one of these lamp and speaker combos has shipped, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. At the very least, Govee is making sure that the second time is, in fact, the charm. After testing this past week, it has earned a spot in my smart home. If you want to pick one up for yourself, the $180 price tag is now live at Amazon and directly from Govee. A new buildable droid has hit store shelves Next up on the list, I am checking in with Lego to see what's new. The company tends to save its new releases for the first of every month, and for July, there's a collection of new kits. While you can shop all of those new kits on this landing page, my favorite of the batch shouldn't be a surprise for longtime CNN Underscored readers — it's the newest Star Wars set! This month, the newest buildable character is being deployed for battle. The new Battle Droid flies onto the scene with a STAP speeder straight out of 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' and features a classic tan coat of paint. The model is on the same scale as other buildable droids from a galaxy far, far away, like the K-2SO I covered on May the 4th. It's the latest kit that I am eyeing up for myself and find that its 1,088 included bricks and $140 price tag should earn it a spot in my collection. Its biggest solar generator to date DJI makes some of the best photography drones on the market. The one feature that matters most with quadcopters is flight time, and the company has consistently been improving its batteries to support more time in the air. Last year, it brought that same power efficiency to a line of portable power stations, and now the largest electric generator to date has arrived. The DJI Power 2000 arrives with double the capacity of its predecessor, clocking in with 2,048Wh of portable energy. And no, you're not seeing double with the ports. DJI includes twice as many AC outlets with a grand total of four, as well as four USB-A slots, four USB-C ports and two SDC outlets. Shared between that robust array of I/O is 3,000W of continuous power output, which ensures this heavy-duty portable battery can power anything from a smartphone to a fan, heater, refrigerator and more. And when it does come time to refuel, the power station can be topped up in just 90 minutes when plugged into the grid. You'll also be able to use a car charger or plug-in solar panels for off-grid deployments. My favorite part about the debut is that it's on sale. DJI has dropped the new Power 2000 down to $1,099 to celebrate its launch, an $800 price cut that makes it far more affordable to adopt the company's latest and greatest. New accessories draped in gradient hues My favorite fashion brand has a new collaboration out this week, as the AAPI-owned company, PH5, brings its colorful and wavy designs to Charles & Keith with a new collection of tops, bags and sandals. PH5 has been wowing me for years with its vibrant pieces and is now bringing a few first-of-their-kind products to its wardrobe. The new shirts are exactly what I've come to expect from the brand, but it's the accessories that are particularly catching my eye. New releases like Mesh Gradient Wave sneakers and Toni Gradient Knotted Tote mark the first times that PH5 has released a pair of shoes or a bag. Each of them comes wrapped in the company's signature design cues and means you can accessorize with those playful designs instead of wearing a shirt or dress that's a little too loud. Everything is now available for purchase from Charles & Keith, with pricing across the collection starting at $56. This invisible deadbolt works with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant This Nuki Smart Lock is a product launch that came out of nowhere for me. I fancy myself as something of a smart home aficionado and try to keep tabs on the latest and greatest releases in the space. Even so, this new smart lock seemingly just popped into existence. As for why I am so excited, Nuki is the latest company to hide smart security features in a design that hardly stands out from a traditional lock. Aside from a glowing LED ring on the knob, this looks like any other old piece of front door hardware. Up until now, the company Level has made my personal favorite smart lock with its invisible Bolt offering. But with Nuki's new model clocking in at a far more affordable $159 price tag, I'm enticed to try this one out for myself; as long as I can convince my current landlord to let me swap the hardware. The actual smart tech on this new release is also better than my current frontrunner. It works with the smart home platform Matter thanks to a built-in Thread radio, which makes that it will connect with all the popular smart home systems like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and more. As deals editors at CNN Underscored, we are some of the first people to hear about the latest product news from reader-favorite brands. Our deals team — comprised of senior editor Rikka Altland, editor Jacqueline Saguin and associate editor Elena Matarazzo — is passionate about product launches that we would be tempted to shop, and we enjoy finding a coveted new item (especially one from a brand with top marks from our experts) because it means we're helping our readers make savvy buying decisions.
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The 50 Best Gifts For Men, From Cool Sneakers To Smart Gadgets
Stumped while shopping for the special guy in your life? The best gifts for men are personal, practical presents that speak to their hobbies and interests. So if you're on the hunt for a memorable birthday gift, anniversary surprise or simply a thoughtful gesture to brighten up his week, you'll want to choose something that will become a staple item in his routine and shows just how well you know him. From sleek tech gadgets to sporty sneakers, here are the best gifts for men that will delight for ... More any occasion. Whether you have a busy outdoorsman on your hands (the type that could certainly use a self-cleaning water bottle), a sports-obsessed father-in-law or a brother that says he doesn't 'need' anything, we have tons of unique suggestions below. From a handy wireless charger for the guy who always has a low battery to a heated neck massager to help him unwind to tools that will inspire him to whip up bartender-style drinks or pizza in his own portable oven, here are 50 of the very best gifts for men that are sure to be a hit for any occasion. On Running Named our best overall walking shoe for men, the On Cloud 5 sneaker is made with science-backed CloudTec foam, a forgiving material with a cushioned feel that has been described as 'running on clouds.' It features a removable cushioned arch insole, plus a Speedboard running the length of the sneaker that promotes stability and propulsion when walking to help make every mile more comfortable. Boarderie We all know at least one guy who fills up on appetizers before the main course. If you're shopping for him, we strongly recommend ordering one of Boarderie's pre-packaged charcuterie boards. Artfully arranged with all of the meats, cheeses and treats (dried fruit, olives, chocolates and more) to fulfill his wildest snacking dreams, it's sealed for freshness and can last up to ten days in the fridge. LARQ Whether you've seen the brand on Shark Tank or it's your first time learning about it, this is one gadget that's actually useful for a guy on the go. Larq uses UV-C LED light to eliminate up to 99.9% of bio-contaminants from your water and bottle, plus the bottle's hydration tracking system will encourage him to drink more of the good stuff throughout his busy day. The double-wall vacuum insulation also keeps liquids icy cold for 24 hours and comes with a detachable handle, removable filter straw and bottle filter. Brightland As a New Yorker for almost two decades, I take my pizza toppings pretty seriously, and this oil from Brightland has become my favorite new way to dress up a slice. Made from premium cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and flavored with a mix of herbs and spices like jalapeño peppers, garlic and basil, it's great for drizzling on top of your deep dish pie or as a dipping sauce for a crispy thin crust. It's also the perfect present for that friend who's always ordering up a piping hot pie. UGG Everyone is happier when they're comfortable and their toes are toasty. Make his day with a pair of Ugg's popular sheepskin-lined Tasman slippers that he'll surely keep on his side of the bed for seasons to come. From the padded foam footbed to the durable outsole, these cozy slippers are a bestseller for a reason. Bose 'If you're shopping for someone who loves to host, check out the Bose SoundLink Max," says Forbes Vetted's supervising deals and coupons editor Kara Cuzzone. "It's a modernized version of the boombox that offers deep bass and up to 20 hours of playtime per charge.' Vuori Wherever life's adventures take him, Vuori's Sunday Element Jacket will help him stay warm and dry. Featuring a four-way stretch performance fabric that has both moisture-wicking and anti-odor properties, it will also keep him protected without packing on a lot of weight or bulk, so he can easily wear it on the go (or stash it in a bag during travel). Uncommon Goods If you and the man in your life are separated by distance, show him he's never far from your mind with this set of unique touch bracelets. The silicone bands connect to an app, which activates a light and vibration prompted by one partner to let the other know that they're thinking of them. Amazon Whether he's an athlete looking for an at-home post-workout recovery session or a traveler in need of some major relaxation, this heated shiatsu neck massager soothes and relaxes strained muscles without a spa appointment. If this isn't the gift that keeps giving, we don't know what is. Amazon This totally unique book will live permanently on the coffee table of any trivia buff. With over 20 chapters themed around topics like movies and television, American landmarks, pop culture, animals, science and more, The Book Of Unusual Knowledge provides hours of fascinating reading, from useful tidbits to obscure facts. Uncommon Goods Do you share a favorite place with the outdoorsman on your list? Gift him a hand-poured soy candle inspired by a national park. Choose from locales like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone or Zion that each evoke an aromatic profile reminiscent of the park's unique atmosphere. And since scent can spark memories, he'll think of you whenever he lights it. Sonos 'As someone who nerds out when it comes to sound quality and noise cancellation, these headphones have quickly become my favorite pair I've ever owned,' says audience development director Spencer Dukoff. 'I can wear them for hours on end without my ears getting warm or sore, and Sonos' emphasis on quality comes through in spades via their debut headphones release.' Neiman Marcus Whether he collects Ferraris or just dreams about taking a test drive, this new book, curated by A.J. Baime, will be a hit. It features over 300 glossy pages of one-of-a-kind vehicles, from a 24-karat gold-plated DeLorean to a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which sold for a record $142 million. The book itself is also a piece of art: The hardcover is adorned with mounted metal and fabricated in rubber, so yes, it even has that delicious new car smell. Gozney The home chef in your life will be delighted by the homemade pies he can churn out in a matter of minutes with this innovative and portable pizza oven from Gozney. This lightweight gadget is one he'll love to fire up, whether he's at home in the backyard or camping in the great outdoors. Homedics Whether he's looking to unwind after a long day, recover from an intense workout or twist and flow after sitting for one hour too many, the Homedics heated back-stretching mat will offer some much-needed relief. All he has to do is lie down and select one of six yoga-style programs, all of which will move him through a series of stretches using precision-controlled air chambers. Amazon Whether he likes to play games, scroll through Instagram or watch live sports, the Apple iPad Pro will not disappoint. The 13-inch tablet is thin and light and comes stocked with a Ultra Retina XDR display, 12 megapixel front and rear camera and lightning fast processing from the M4 chip, making it the perfect choice for work and play. You can also get it engraved with a name, initials or a sweet sentiment for no additional cost. Heatonist 'Fans of the popular YouTube interview series Hot Ones will get fired up over this trio of hot sauces,' says updates writer Claire Epting. 'It includes mild, medium and obliteratingly hot varieties—the same ones sampled by celebrities on the show—so you can test your own tastebuds' limits at home.' SirDavis Founded by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and created in partnership with Moët Hennessey, SirDavis American Whisky is this year's buzziest spirit. He'll enjoy the smooth, buttery taste, which is peppered with spices like cinnamon, clove and classic rye and finished with a hint of honey. Even better the bottle is perfectly gift-worthy, so you can skip the wrapping paper and add in a set of whisky glasses instead. Tokyo Treat Founded by a Tokyo native who loved sharing local snacks with her friends around the world, Tokyo Treat recreates that experience on repeat with their monthly subscription service. Available in three, six and twelve month plans, each shipment comes with 15 to 20 full size snacks, including Japanese soda, instant ramen, rare KitKat flavors, chips, cake and more. Ralph Lauren Upgrade his bartending game with this polished cocktail shaker from Ralph Lauren. He'll feel like a pro no matter what drink he's mixing, thanks to its stainless steel finish and luxe leather details. It's an elegant addition to any home bar—and it can be personalized with his initials for an additional $10. Blanchard's Coffee 'In the past few years, I've made a concerted effort to focus more on small businesses when buying gifts for friends and family,' says Dukoff. "Blanchard's Coffee is beloved in Richmond, Virginia, and their online shop makes it easy to purchase their high-quality, delicious coffee varieties whether or not you're local to the area. Their flagship beans like Dark As Dark, Blanchard's Blend or Handshake are great options for the everyday coffee drinker, but they also offer single-origin beans from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Kenya and more for adventurous palates.' Uncommon Goods Whether he's a mixologist by trade or a host at heart, this cocktail rimming board is sure to up his drink-making game. Personalized with his name on the attached cutting board, he'll surely keep this tool on his kitchen counter, home bar or rolling cart when he's hosting friends or just treating himself to a nightcap. Neiman Marcus If his wallet has seen better days, now's the time for an upgrade. This streamlined billfold style by Saint Laurent is made with oh-so-smooth calfskin leather and will look sleek whenever he pulls it out. The two slip pockets and eight card slots will help keep him organized. Todd Snyder Stylish menswear brand Todd Snyder teamed up with Champion to release this beloved hoodie, which is specially knit to resist shrinkage so it stays true to size and gets better with time. It comes in three colors, including this soft gray hue that looks great with jeans and joggers. Daise If he has returned from an outdoor adventure with a sunburn one too many times, it's probably a good idea to help him step up his sun-safe regimen. And you can start by introducing him to Daise's sun-protective apparel, like this casual-cool collared shirt. It's rated UPF 50+, meaning that it blocks 98% of the sun's rays, and he could rock it anywhere from a barbecue to a boat day. hoka Specifically designed for trail running, Hoka's Tecton X 3 shoes are crafted with a Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole and traction lug for superior grip and enhanced speed while exercising outdoors. They're also lightweight, breathable and the cool gaiter-style design helps keep out any debris as you're jogging. Amazon Last year, Apple debuted its latest wearables and iPhones, including the Apple Watch Series 10. This upgraded model has a slimmer design, a new chipset (the S10) and a larger display. He'll especially love that feature if he tends to type replies or read his texts on his watch. COURANT Courant's wireless chargers offer a stylish way to stay powered up. The Mag:3 is a multi-device charger that's bound in either leather or linen. It also has a drop tray for stashing trinkets, which means he can juice up his tech and empty his pockets all in one place. Amazon If the man in your life is always looking for his next great read, the latest Kindle is just the gift. The lightweight tablet can store thousands of books (up to 16 GB), which is double the storage capacity of the previous model. Its battery life is impressive, too—it'll last up to six weeks on a single charge. GoPro GoPro's latest offering is their smallest and most portable 4K camera yet, that still delivers top-of-the line video and slo-mo footage, along with 12MP photos and 8MP photos from video. It has 46% less mass than the popular Hero13 Black, and it's also waterproof and compatible with 35 GoPro mounts and accessories. Amazon Available at a more affordable price than the Xbox Series X, the Series S gaming console is a great intro for any guy looking to dip a toe into the gaming world. It features quick resume technology (so you can easily toggle between games and pick up where you left off), lightning-fast load times and gameplay of up to 120 FPS. Sign him up for an Xbox Game Pass so you can play together as soon as he opens it. Meta "This collab isn't just great for techies: The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are an excellent gift for travelers, allowing jetsetters to take high quality photos and videos (that then sync to your phone) with just the tap of a button,' says senior travel editor Astrid Taran. 'Its ability to play music provides a great soundtrack for strolling through a new city, and to top it all off, they just plain look good.' Amazon This metal punch is the perfect gift for the musically-inclined man who can never keep track of his tools. He can create unique picks from any source of plastic—old IDs, subway cards, credit cards—so he'll be ready the next time he prepares to pluck away at a gig or at-home jam session. Amazon If he's a music fan, indulge his interest in vinyl with this classic Crosley record player. The three-speed belt drive turntable plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records, and while it certainly has a cool retro vibe, it also comes with Bluetooth capabilities so you can stream digital tunes through the built-in speakers, too. Amazon Whether he packs his lunch for work every day or he's known to meal prep for weekend outings, this electric lunch box from Crock-Pot ensures his meal will be ready when he is. The spill-proof design and packable size makes it convenient to heat up dishes like soup or oatmeal, plus the detachable cord ensures he can keep leftovers toasty on the go. Uncommon Goods These aren't your grandmother's kitchen towels. Featuring red and white wine guides, each guide covers 68 wines with ratings (excellent, good or best avoided), paired with 56 foods for a total of 3,808 possible combinations. He'll also find information on acidity, body, tannins and sweetness for each blend listed, perfect for wine newbies and seasoned sippers alike. Mark & Graham A frequent traveler probably already has his favorite suitcase, custom luggage tags and plenty of packing cubes, but you can still level up his flying game with this zippered tie case from Mark & Graham that fits up to three ties, cufflinks, collar stays and handkerchiefs. You can also personalize it with his monogram for an additional $12. Uncommon Goods Settle a sweet tooth and seal his fate with a dozen handmade chocolate-drizzled fortune cookies packaged in a cute takeout container. You can choose from 80 different fortune messages, which means you can easily tailor the gift to a partner, co-worker or friend, depending on the occasion. Mark & Graham A gentleman always carries a handkerchief and these monogrammed squares are as proper as it gets. Shop three color combinations and personalize them with your loved one's initials, choosing from a variety of fonts, motifs and thread colors. Uncommon Goods If he loves football, he'll appreciate this personalized book that retraces significant moments of his favorite National Football League team. Bound with vegan leather and housing reprinted coverage from the New York Times, this book inscribed with his name on the cover is sure to live in his personal library for life. Therabody Theragun's new Prime Plus massage gun comes with a Heated Percussive Plus attachment that combines soothing warmth with percussive therapy. It's a game changer for tackling sore, overworked muscles and speeding up recovery post-workout, plus you can choose from five speeds and three heat levels for targeted relief. Huron Who wouldn't love a vegan, cruelty-free bundle that makes you feel good and smell even better? Great for both the man who goes all out with grooming and the one who needs some inspiration, this body care set by Huron includes a shampoo, conditioner, body wash and deodorant in fresh scents like eucalyptus, juniper, sandalwood and cedarwood. Cozy Earth Everything from Cozy Earth is luxe, but this bath robe is extra snuggly. It features an absorbent waffle weave texture on the outside that's balanced by a super-soft ribbed terry lining, which makes it the perfect thing to slip on after a warm shower. It's also slightly oversized without feeling heavy, and has an adjustable tie waist and large pockets for phones, snacks and more. SNOW Unglamorous as it may sound, the gift of a healthy smile is worth a lot. This toothbrush from Snow isn't your average run-of-the-mill drugstore pick, but a product that feels more like an Apple gadget. The sonic-powered bristles clean teeth and gums while built-in LED lights whiten as you brush. Aesop This lightweight spray by Aēsop smells more like an expensive custom cologne than a deodorant, thanks to a blend of essential oils with woody and earthy top notes. It makes for a great present for the guy who already has it all or for the man that likes to switch up his signature scent. Amazon Keep the man on your list hydrated and happy with a Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler that will keep his drink icy cold on the hottest of days. The double-wall vacuum insulation is also wonderfully leakproof, which means he can throw it in his bag or the back seat without worry. Amazon Whether he enjoys a quiet game of solitaire, a weekly poker night with his friends or needs an interesting coffee table addition, this moody deck of cards is a pleasant surprise. The black-on-black design looks cool enough to be on display in a Vegas casino, and costs less than $10, making it one of the most affordable gifts on this list. Amazon If he watched CNN's beloved food and travel show, Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy, then he likely already trusts Tucci's opinions on pasta and wine. Now, the Oscar-nominated actor is taking his food journey to the next level, chronicling 12 months of meals and memories in this funny (and mouthwatering) memoir that honors the role that food plays in all of our lives. Amazon From cuticle trimmers to nail files and clippers, this all-in-one stainless steel nail set includes everything he'll need to look his best from his fingers up. The durable case keeps everything organized and will fit right into his gym bag, work tote or nightstand. Amazon If it's about time for him to swap out his old electric razor for a new one, treat him to the Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer 9000. It features smart technology that scans beard density and boosts power just where it's needed, has self-sharpening steel blades and includes precision trimming guards. Best of all, there are 21 tools and accessories in the kit that will cover his grooming needs from head to toe.
Gizmodo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
The Best Tech Gifts for Father's Day 2025
Getting a gift for Father's Day (reminder: it's Sunday, June 15) is no easy task. What more could the dad in your life need other than your unconditional love? Turns out, physical gifts—preferably something useful or entertaining—are exactly what he needs to escape the hellscape that is our current timeline. Like we did for Mother's Day, we've curated a selection of the finest tech to get your favorite dad. With options for budgets under $100, under $300, under $500, and over $500, we're sure pops will like something from this list. Gifts Under $100 Anker 6-Foot USB-C Cable ($10) Nothing screams 'man of the house' like a 6-foot USB-C cable that can probably reach any outlet from the couch. For $10, you get two of 'em. Gotta keep the phone charged up when the commercials on the big screen hit. Buy at Amazon 8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2 ($20) It'll feel wrong at first to use a PS5 controller to play Xbox and vice versa, but it beats buying a completely new gamepad when you can just pair existing ones to your consoles using this USB dongle. The 8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2 even works with Switch, so dad can play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with a PS5 or Xbox controller. Buy at Amazon Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company ($30) Whether dad loves Apple or hates it, the company's sheer scale producing devices like the iPhone and iPad unexpectedly gave birth to China's technology scene and helped give rise to its largest Asian competitors such as Xiaomi and Huawei. Apple in China is a fascinating dive into how Apple's growth has made the world go round. Buy at Amazon Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ($50) It's the talk of the gaming scene for good reason. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers a feast for the eyes and ears, and a wonderful story wrapped in gameplay that feels new while scratching the itch of any dad still nostalgic for early Final Fantasy titles. Buy at Amazon Arcs ($60) Leder Games' Arcs is the kind of board game that does so much in such a small space. It's a trick-taking conquest game about gaining space supremacy in the vein of 4X games on PC. If you want to make it extra spicy, also buy the Blighted Reach expansion to connect multiple games into epic, multi-session storylines. Buy at Amazon Anbernic 34XXSP ($67) Anbernic's latest Game Boy Advance SP mimic is the kind of device that will put a smile on the face of any dad who grew up with a Game Boy in tow. The 34XXSP is powerful enough to play most games from early handhelds, and even a select few games from the N64 or Dreamcast era. Buy at Anbernic SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence ($70) SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Life is one of those games that will get both the space-loving and mechanics-minded dads excited to sit at the table with you. It's a game that will run for several hours, but it ends with such an epic climax that everyone will be jonesing for another round anyway. Buy at Amazon Xbox Design Lab Controller ($80) That skin oil-worn controller he's using to play Xbox may work just fine, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't love an upgrade. Microsoft's Design Lab is full of unique customization options—from colors to patterns to grips and more. Buy at Xbox Gifts Under $300 Backbone One ($100) A quality mobile controller may be the perfect gift if he has ever complained about aching thumbs while trying to play a game on a phone. Our current choice remains the Backbone One, but if you want to spend more, the Backbone Pro is a good upgrade with tighter controls. Buy at Amazon Govee Gaming Pixel Light ($120) Your dad deserves to jazz up his decor beyond bland paintings you can find at a thrift shop. The Govee Gaming Pixel Light lets the man in your life add his favorite 8-bit art (32×32 pixels) to his wall. Buy at Amazon Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition ($120) Logitech's Lift is the go-to for vertical mice, but if your dad wants one for gaming, Razer's Pro Click V2 Vertical is the only way to go. Not only does it come with a more ergonomic design, but it also has more programmable buttons, faster polling rates for gaming, and RGB—gotta have RGB for dad to prove he's a real gamer. Buy at Amazon Nothing Ear ($130) There are a lot of wireless earbuds out there, but not everyone (dads included) is okay with defaulting to AirPods. Nothing's Ear, with its ceramic drivers, is fantastic for a dad who needs great audio with a style that's just a little bit different than most. Buy at Amazon Klipsch One Plus Premium ($170) Without making any assumptions about your dad, there's a chance that he may appreciate tech that's a little more analog. Klipsch's Bluetooth speaker brings great sound but also a slick mid-century design with knobs to boot—a design that combines modern tech with a vintage look. Buy at Amazon Lego Mario Kart ($170) What better way to spend time with a dad than over a Lego set? Even better is when that Lego set is a giant Mario riding a go-kart. 'It's-a-me-Mario!' voice not included. Buy at Lego Shun Classic Chef Knife ($170) This isn't the most high-tech product on this list, but it may be among the most practical. We can say with conviction that dad will never struggle with carving a bird ever again if you give the gift of Japanese steel. Buy at Macy's Polaroid Flip ($200) The Polaroid Flip is all nostalgia wrapped in a retro veneer, and it's now one of the better ways to take full-size instant photos at home. The camera is a hefty device, so dad may feel like a big, strong man lugging it around. Buy at Best Buy Flipper Zero ($200) The hardware-hacking dad in your life interested in his next DIY project would be absolutely thrilled to have the Flipper Zero. It's a signal multitool that can connect with various RFID and other radio protocols, plus the GPIO pins and custom firmware can be used to create a whole host of interesting use cases. Buy at Flipper Zero Boox Palma ($246) Kindles and Kobo e-readers are great for reading ebooks, but they don't fit into pockets. The Boox Palma is exactly the solution—a phone-sized e-reader that runs Android apps (though using it for anything more than ebooks is slow AF) that dad can actually grip with one hand. Buy at Amazon Meater Pro XL ($280) Grill dads who don't want to stand by the open flame constantly for every cookout will appreciate the Meater Pro XL. The device's four smart meat probes will let him monitor the temperatures and finish times for multiple meals through a single app, which means no more sprinting back and forth between oven and grill. Buy at Amazon Gifts Under $500 Meta Quest 3S ($300) Has your dad ever expressed any interest in VR, or even doing some at-home workouts? Set him up with the Quest 3S, and he won't need anything more. Buy at Amazon Philips Hue Play Sync Box ($334) If your dad needs an upgrade to his entertainment system, Philips' Hue Play Sync Box has him covered. This tiny box can coordinate the lighting of a movie with Hue smart lights and syncs TV content at 8K 60Hz and 4K 120Hz for a unique home theater experience. Buy at Amazon Google Pixel Watch 3 ($350) Everyone has an Apple Watch. Let dad feel different with the Google Pixel Watch. It tracks almost everything an Apple Watch does, including health and fitness, and the battery life is excellent. The only caveat is that it works with Android phones, not iPhones. Buy at Amazon Meta Ray-Bans ($350) Smart glasses might seem like an overboard gift if dad isn't tech-inclined, but Meta's Ray-Bans might be the right ratio of tech-to-style goodness. They have a classic look and are surprisingly nice for Bluetooth audio. Buy at Amazon Breville Paradice 9 ($395) Don't fault dad if his knife skills are subpar. Fortunately, a high-powered food processor like the Breville Paradice 9 can slice and dice just about any ingredient more evenly and faster. Technology saves time! Who'd have thunk it? Buy at Amazon Sony WH-1000XM8 ($448) Whether it's blocking out a crying baby or angsty teenager, Sony's latest WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones deliver best-in-class active noise cancellation. Bonus points: they fold up neatly and come with a case that doesn't look like a bra (looking at you AirPods Max Smart Case). Buy at Amazon Gifts Over $500 Xreal One ($500) Maybe some lucky dads will get a $3,500 Apple Vision Pro for Father's Day, but if all dad needs is a pair of video glasses for watching Netflix and YouTube, Xreal's One is more than good enough and stupid easy to setup (just plug it into any device that supports USB-C video out). They're barely larger than a pair of sunglasses, the 1080p video is super sharp, and the screens even dim for a see-through effect. Buy at Amazon reMarkable Paper Pro ($680) If you're gonna get dad an e-reader and can splurge for the very best, the reMarkable Paper Pro is the one to get. It's got a color E Ink screen that's great for reading comics, supports a stylus for notetaking, and you can even get a keyboard folio case for it. Buy at Amazon
