7 Tech Gifts Dad Will Actually Use
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Dads are famously hard to shop for. Ask what they want and the answer is usually "nothing," and then they buy themselves the thing you were thinking of the week before.
The trick is to go for upgrades to things they already do: grilling, fixing, driving, and puttering around the garage. Every pick here solves a small, everyday annoyance, which is exactly the kind of gift that gets used instead of stored in a closet.
In this guide
- Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Door Opener with Camera
- Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker
- ThermoPro TP19H Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
- Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool
- Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Station
- JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker
- OCOOPA UT5 Nano Rechargeable Hand Warmer
1. Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Door Opener with Camera
Best for: Upgrading an old, noisy garage door opener
A complete garage door opener with Wi-Fi, a built-in camera, and battery backup. He can open, close, and check the garage from his phone, see live video of what's inside, and still get the door open when the power goes out. The belt drive is very quiet, which matters if there's a bedroom over the garage.
It replaces the whole opener, so it's best for a dad whose current one is old or loud. It comes with two car remotes and a wall control.
What people like:
- Built-in camera to check the garage from anywhere
- Battery backup keeps the door working in a power outage
- Quiet belt drive
- Long motor and belt warranty
Worth knowing:
- Replaces the whole opener, so plan for installation (or hire a pro)
- App and camera don't work while it's running on battery
- Some video features may require a myQ subscription
- Most older remotes and keypads won't work with it
2. Ninja Woodfire ProConnect XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker
Best for: Backyard grilling without the hassle
An electric outdoor grill that also smokes, air fries, roasts, and bakes, with real wood-pellet flavor and no charcoal or propane. This XL model has room for a brisket or two racks of ribs, plus two built-in thermometers and an app that tells him when it's time to flip or pull the food.
It plugs into a regular outlet, so it works on a patio or balcony where a big grill won't fit.
What people like:
- Real smoky flavor from a small scoop of pellets
- App and two built-in thermometers take out the guesswork
- Grills, smokes, air fries, and more in one
- Big enough for a family cookout
Worth knowing:
- Heavy, and slow to preheat
- Short cord, so it may need an outdoor extension cord
- Parts aren't dishwasher safe
- Check building rules before using it on a balcony
3. ThermoPro TP19H Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
Best for: Steaks cooked exactly right
An instant-read thermometer gives a reading in a few seconds, so he can pull steaks, burgers, and chicken off the grill at exactly the right moment. The folding probe tucks away safely, and the backlit screen is easy to read outside at night.
It's a small gift that every grill master ends up using constantly.
What people like:
- Reads the temperature in about a second
- Large backlit screen that rotates to face him
- Magnetic back and water-resistant body
Worth knowing:
- Runs on a AAA battery (included)
- Meant for quick checks, not to leave in the meat while it cooks
4. Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool
Best for: The dad who fixes everything
Pliers, wire cutters, knives, screwdrivers, a saw, and a file, all folded into one tool that fits in a pocket or on a belt. The main tools open with one hand, which is handy when the other hand is holding something.
It's a classic dad gift for a reason: it gets used for years.
What people like:
- 18 tools, including pliers, wire cutters, scissors, and a saw
- Main blades open with one hand
- Replaceable wire cutters and a long warranty
Worth knowing:
- Heavier than a small pocket tool
- Has knife blades, so it can't go in carry-on bags
5. Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Station
Best for: A tidy nightstand (iPhone users)
One stand charges an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time, replacing a tangle of cables with a single plug. The phone snaps on magnetically and charges fast, and it can tilt so the phone works as a bedside clock.
It's best for dads with a recent iPhone. The wall adapter and cable are included, so it's ready to use out of the box.
What people like:
- Charges phone, watch, and earbuds at once
- Fast 15W magnetic charging
- Adjustable tilt for a bedside clock view
- Wall adapter and cable included
Worth knowing:
- Best with iPhone 12 or newer (Android phones need Qi2 or a magnetic case)
- Takes up more space than a single charging pad
6. JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker
Best for: Music in the garage and backyard
A rugged, waterproof speaker with big sound for its size, made for the garage, the deck, tailgates, and camping trips. It connects to any phone over Bluetooth and plays for about 12 hours on a charge.
It's tough enough to survive a few drops, which matters in a workshop, and two JBL speakers can be paired for more sound.
What people like:
- Waterproof and tough
- Around 12 hours of playtime
- Can pair with other JBL speakers for bigger sound
Worth knowing:
- An older model (newer Flip versions exist)
- No microphone for speakerphone calls
7. OCOOPA UT5 Nano Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Best for: Cold mornings and game days
A slim rechargeable hand warmer that heats up fast and is small enough to slip into a glove or coat pocket. A smart chip adjusts the heat for comfort, and it recharges like a phone, so there are no disposable packs to buy.
It's great for anyone who scrapes windshields, coaches on cold sidelines, or works outside in winter.
What people like:
- Heats up in seconds
- Small enough for gloves and pockets
- Smart temperature control
- Rechargeable, so no disposable warmers
Worth knowing:
- Small size means a smaller warm area than bigger warmers
- Needs recharging after a long day out
Not sure where to start? The instant-read thermometer and the hand warmers are easy, crowd-pleasing picks. For a bigger gift, the Ninja Woodfire grill is the one he'll talk about at the next cookout.
Shopping for Mom too? See our tech gifts for Mom guide.