14 Gadgets Every Dad Needs

By Lisette Mejia

Updated on 11/28/2014 at 2:07 PM

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If your dad is anything like ours, he's the hardest person to shop for, especially during the holiday season. He doesn't need or want much, and you certainly can't give him something too obvious or cliché . . . it has to be just right. Ahead, we've rounded up the gadgets and gizmos that fit the bill perfectly. He's gonna love them — promise.

This good-looking dipped leather iPad case ($128) is just the thing to score major points with pops.

No matter which gadget your dad loves most, chances are he'll love this convenient smartphone CD slot mount ($25). The mount inserts into a front-loading CD player slot and holds anything from a cell phone to a satellite radio to a GPS unit.

If he's a frequent traveler, then Philips's bluetooth-enabled wireless security set ($13, originally $50) will keep his valuables safe and sound. It comes with a leash, silicon pouch with metallic lock, and lanyard.

For star-gazing dads, the NexStar Evolution 8 Telescope ($1,600) is the ultimate gift. The optical tube is eight inches wide and works with iOS and Android apps to find stars, constellations, and planets.

The new Fitbit Charge ($130) is a fitness-loving dad's dream come true. With real-time fitness stats, all-day activity tracking, sleep-pattern detection, and caller ID, it's easy to see why.

Thanks to a waxed cotton canvas exterior and leather trim, this laptop bag ($98) is as stylish as it is practical.

Amazon's new Fire TV stick ($40) is a video-streaming device with over 200,000 TV episodes and movies available for streaming from Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, and much more — perfect for the pop-culture-obsessed Dad.

A Swiss army pocket knife in a phone case? It's true. This In-1 multitool utility case ($45) comes with screwdrivers, tweezers, scissors, a toothpick, and more — and it's even TSA-approved. Win.

With the iGrill mini thermometer ($40), Dad can step away from the grill and spend more time with friends and family. From up to 150 feet away, he'll know when the meats are ready because the device will send an alert to his phone.

A golf sensor motion device ($150) attaches to a golf glove and lets him see his swing in 3D from iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. It also works with an app that measures club head speed, hand path, tempo, and other stats.

If he's someone who can't live without Post-It notes, this LCD writing tablet ($40) is a welcome upgrade. It's superthin and comes with a stylus so he can create lists, notes, and doodles.

To build the ultimate smart home, gift him this smart doorbell ($199) that will let him see and talk to visitors from smartphones or tablets, no matter where he is. It features night vision abilities and adjustable camera angles.

This rechargeable power card ($35) is so small, Dad can easily keep it in his wallet. The best part is the folding USB that works with cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras, and more.

The photo-loving Dad will get cinematic, sweeping shots on the go with the smooth rolling wheels of the iStabilizer dolly ($60) for smartphones. The mount can also be detached and used on tripods with a standard camera mount.