Fitbit Versa Watch, $199.95, Fitbit.com
Fitbit, known for its fitness-tracking smartwatches, just released its newest device, the Versa. This watch is notable for its four-plus-day battery life and on-screen workout plans. It is also more like an Apple Watch than previous, more basic models, now with the ability to give quick replies to incoming texts and access certain apps. The Versa still does what a Fitbit does best, though, by tracking daily activity like steps, workouts, heart rate and sleep cycles with the option of inputting meals.
Fitbit watches are great for all dads, whether they are athletically inclined and want to use it for training, or if they don’t like to work out so much but want to use it to count their steps during the day. The Versa is easy (and fun!) to use – all you have to do is strap it on your wrist and get moving
Amazon Echo (2nd generation), $79.99, Amazon.com
The Amazon Echo is an increasingly popular device that is essential to any smart-home. The Echo will make a dad’s life more convenient and fun by offering things like sports scores, the latest news updates and answers to online searches all through voice activation. Instead of having to grab and unlock a phone and type in queries, dad can ask his questions out loud hands-free and get answers right away. The built-in speaker can also play music, podcasts and live broadcasts for when dad is busy cleaning or working on the car.
Another important feature for dads is the ability to order products straight from the Echo. This means never running out of diapers or pantry staples again – he just needs to let Alexa, the Echo’s voice assistant, know when he is running low.
Although this may not be the best gift for someone who is worried about data privacy, the Echo is easy to use for even the most beginners of tech – this means grandfathers are included!
HBO NOW streaming subscription, $15/month, hbonow.com
If you’re looking for a cheaper gift, you can pay for a few months of streaming service HBO Now for a deserving father. Popular shows like Game of Thrones and Westworld and movies like Blade Runner 2049 and Dunkirk are available through the service, often exclusively. The app can be accessed from any device including phones and Roku players connected to TVs.
If your dad or grandpa isn’t very into HBO Now’s selection, there are plenty of other monthly streaming subscriptions to choose from, including Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, CBS, Showtime, Starz and YouTube TV.
Pico Model C Home Brewer, $399,
Ok, so this gift might be out of your price range, but it could be a great surprise for multiple family members to pitch in together. This Pico Model C allows dads to brew craft beer from their own homes, which could mean a lot of money saved in the long run for an enthusiast. The device can brew five liters at a time in two hours, with the beer ready to be enjoyed in 10 to 14 days.
Dads can browse online for their favorite PicoPaks – anything from wheat beers, to cream ales, to IPAs, etc. – when they’re ready to brew. If they are feeling confident they can customize their own recipe, starting with a predetermined base and adjusting factors like grains, alcohol content, bitterness and aroma. This is a great gift for a dad or grandpa who is not just looking for a one-time gift, but a whole new hobby!
Fortnite, standard PlayStation 4 download $39.99, store.playstation.com
If you know even a tiny bit about gaming, you’ve probably heard of the massively popular game Fortnite. With multiple news articles setting out to answer why the game caught like wildfire, Fortnite made a name for itself across all demographics. The first-person shooter game features fantastical landscapes and characters and allows for teams of 100 players to compete against each other.
If any PlayStation-playing dads (or even grandpas!) haven’t tried out the game yet, give them the chance to get in on the hottest trend. The core of the game is available for free download, but this standard pack includes access to an exclusive campaign, in-game banner icons and piñata packs, making it also a good gift for enthusiasts who have tried the basic game but who may want some extra features. The game is also available on desktop, Xbox and Nintendo Switch.
