What does dad need this year? He’s (likely) been stuck at home like most of the world this year, so it’s on you to figure out how to make Father’s Day his refuge from what’s been an immensely shitty year.
We’ve packed our Father’s Day gift guide for this reason, tracking several categories we think should bring you a wide enough scope to nail this year’s dad-day gift, while also blocking out the noise and helping take away some of that inevitable choice anxiety which makes these gift-giving occasions always so hard.
See below for our picks out of Audio, Smart Home Essentials, Work From Home, Smartphones, Travel & Lifestyle, Grooming & Health, and Gaming.
Audio
Sony WH-1000XM4
We honestly can’t see any truly wireless noise-cancelling headphones topping the new cans from Sony this year. It could happen, but it’s a very slim possibility, seeing as in just about every way the WH-1000XM4 represents a marked improvement upon the XM3, a pair which quickly became the defining headphones of 2018. If Dad wants to lock himself into his own private listening session with rumbling lows, exceptional mids, and soaring highs, while at the same time owning complete control over some very nuanced (and impressively smart) active-noise cancelling tech, this is the pair you should be getting.
RRP: A$549
More info: sony.com.au
JBL Club One
Could this be JBL’s best pair of wireless headphones to date? There’s more than enough here to justify such a status, with an added kick up of value thanks to superior build quality and an impressively balanced sound signature that doesn’t wobble despite the unrelenting bass thump. They were clearly designed for DJs and those in the party scene, but if dad likes his music brimming with energy then the Club One is a smart choice.
RRP: A$499
More info: jbl.com.au
LG Sound Bar SN9YG
If dad is looking to master his home cinema, then he’s going to need a hefty sound bar to help build up a wide, cinema-like soundstage. LG’s new line is more than up to task, and a good balance of price and quality is the SN9YG. The 5.1.2 high-resolution audio soundbar features support for uncompressed Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and has 4K and Dolby Vision video passthrough for a better, more true-to-content experience. Plus, it comes with the finely detailed LG subwoofer, complementing the sound bar’s up-firing front height channels to efficiently built that surround sound experience.
RRP: A$1,399
More info: lg.com
Jabra Elite Active 75t
Is dad constantly on the move? The Jabra Elite Active 75t earphones are sports-ready and built to last through all the sweat and heat of a hearty workout. Whether he’s running around the block a dozen times or hitting the gym, these buds will not only keep his motivation playlist sounding just right, but the exceptionally comfortable and secure fit will ensure he can jostle around without having to worry about them falling out.
RRP: A$329
More info: jabra.com.au
Sonos Move
Sonos’ famously sleek and minimal design is as evident as ever with the company’s first ever portable wireless speaker, looking soft despite how ridiculously powerful it is. With the ability to function both as a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker, this beast of a performer offers a wide soundstage that’s brimming with personality and fine detail, so dad can take some serious sound with him on his next road trip. Sonos recently launched the speaker in an attractive Lunar White colour, so now you’ve got the choice between full matte black or matte white.
RRP: A$649
More info: sonos.com
Harman Kardon Neo
If dad’s looking for a well-rounded palm-sized speaker than you’d be wise to go straight for the newly released Harman Kardon Neo. It’s one of the legendary company’s most attractive speakers to date if we may say so ourselves, with a performance that’s just as slick and a sturdy IPX7 waterproof rating. Plus, if dad’s always on the phone while hitting the road, he’ll definitely appreciate the built-in echo-cancelling speakerphone.
RRP: A$169
More info: harmankardon.com.au
Smart Home Essentials
LG OLED AI ThinQ TV CX
LG’s acclaimed CX just may go down as the “it” TV of 2020. The OLED TV is a remarkable demonstration of LG’s prowess when it comes to producing this technology, sporting incredible picture quality with deep, inky blacks, the easy-to-navigate WebOS system, and the newly recalibrated Filmmaker Mode (along with other pre-sets) to really dip into cinema-quality production. Top that with the zippy and smooth Alpha 9 Gen3 AI Processor, support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, a comprehensive smart home experience with support for all the major players (including Apple HomeKit), and HDMI 2.1 specifications to make it future-ready for the next-generation of gaming. Plus, LG is finally bringing their new 48-inch version to Australia, making OLED technology more accessible than ever. Other sizes range from 55-inch to 77-inch.
RRP: Starts from A$3,959 (based on 55-inch price)
More info: lg.com
Dyson V11 Outsize
Dad in the market for a new vacuum cleaner? If you want it to the best available right now then go for Dyson’s wildly popular V11 Outsize. The new cordless free vacuum is a true powerhouse, with Dyson’s signature high-end design and enough features (and attachment tools) to handle an entire house no matter the size.
The V11 has been re-engineered here, with a sense of “bigger is better”. That means a 150% larger bin, 25% bigger cleaning head and a click-in battery life of up to 120 minutes. Dad will have no issue cleaning just about anything, with 40% more suction power when compared to the Dyson Cyclone V10, plus just about every tool for every situation you can think – we’re talking combination, crevice, mini motorised, soft dusting brush, stubborn dirt brush, extension hose, mattress tool, and flexi crevice tool.
RRP: From A$1,299
More info: dyson.com.au
Philips Airfryer XXL
All you’d need to do is type ‘Airfryer’ in on Google to see how ridiculously popular this kitchen essential has become. For those unfamiliar, the massively convenient gadget has become the new ‘must have’ for at-home chefs, especially health conscious ones given the fundamental use of being able to achieve the crisp of deep-frying without the excess oil.
Go with the Philips Airfryer XXL if you’re looking for one with a considerable amount of power, and enough capacity to fit an entire chicken. The easy-to-use device is driven by Twin TurboStar technology which circulates high-powered hot air to cook food, while Fat Removal Twin tech extracts and captures fat so you end up with your favourites and up to 90% less fat. You’ll also save big on oil.
RRP: A$499
Buy: philips.com.au
Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera
At A$229, it’s never been more affordable for dad to add one of Arlo’s full HD 1080p security cameras to his smart home set-up. The brand has been remarkably busy this past year, expanding their range, which now sees a slimmer profile with this wireless, weatherproof camera that offers live streaming and recording in full detail both day and night. And thanks to that integrated spotlight, dad will be able to see in colour at night as well.
RRP: A$229
More info: arlo.com
Google Nest Hub Max
If dad is steady curating his smart home, then he’ll need a display to tie it all together. The Google Nest Hub Max is a beaut, with a 10″ HD touchscreen, strong 2.1 Stereo speaker system and a seamless Google Assistant experience so dad can set up a central hub to not only control his smart home, but visualise it as well. It’s especially a must if he already has a Google Nest Camera, seeing as the integration between the two devices works perfectly, plus it has its own built-in nest camera so dad can keep an eye on things indoors.
RRP: A$349
More info: google.com
Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
Is Dad more of an Alexa guy? Whether he already has a smart security system being built up, or you know that he’s been looking into one, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus is excellent value with its newly introduced Pre-Roll tech. Not only goes it record in vibrant and sharp 1080p now, but it also captures several seconds before a motion event, which can make all the difference in the case of an actual security issue. Or, if pre-roll isn’t a deal-sealer, you can just go for the newly refined Ring Video Doorbell which is less than half the price.
RRP: $369
More info: ring.com
Work From Home
Surface Go 2
The Surface Go 2 is one of the best portable 2-in-1’s you can buy right now. It’s light, sleek, and is an exceptional channel for all Microsoft has learned ever since the Surface series first launched. With a gorgeous 10.5” PixelSense™ Display and a productivity-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio, if dad works in any type of design or creative field he’ll definitely love taking this for a daily spin. It’s got some real power under the hood too, so click through below and get the full spec list.
RRP: From A$599
More info: microsoft.com
Huawei Matebook X Pro
Trust Huawei to deliver both a slick, comfortable and ergonomic design as well as pure power with the Matebook X Pro. The workhorse laptop runs in Windows 10 and offers a premium, speedy and incredibly efficient experience, running on the Intel i7-10510U CPU with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage. Plus, if dad’s already in the Huawei ecosystem, the Chinese tech company has finessed the integration experience and made syncing one of the brand’s smartphones with the laptop much easier. Dad will definitely want to show off the ability to just physically tap the phone to the laptop and transfer a photo like that *click fingers*.
RRP: A$3,299
More info: huawei.com
Jabra Evolve2 85
If dad’s on those constant Zoom calls, then he’ll surely appreciated a best-in-class UC headset. Jabra have been reliable as of late, and the brand’s Evolve85 is certainly no exception, with powerful and precise active-noise cancelling for immersive calls and music sessions. There’s 10 microphones across the device – 2 in the fully integrated boom-arm, 8 across both earcups – for superior performance, plus an industry-leading 37-hour battery life, perfect for dad’s working on the road. Do note that if the price tag is too much of an ask, the Evolve2 series also comes in more affordable models.
RRP: $730
More info: jabra.com.au
D-Link COVR-1102 Mesh Wi-Fi
Just two small, lightweight and attractively designed nodes of D-Link COVR-1102 Mesh Wi-Fi system can take your home’s signal, speed it up and max it out to the entire house. With WFH now much more of a thing in 2020, dad’s going to need that signal strong and extended if he’s going to compete with all the smart devices at home already. You don’t want any dead zones in larger houses, so it’s worth looking into a mesh system like this. Plus, it’s one of the few Easymesh certified systems out there, so if dad needs to add any extra nodes in the future, he can do so without having to worry about staying in one brand’s ecosystem.
RRP: A$299
More info: dlink.com.au
Airfly Pro
If dad has just got himself a new pair of Bluetooth headphones, he’s going to need the Airfly Pro. This nifty little gadget can plug into a traditional headphone jack to augment any device with a strong and reliable Bluetooth connection, with the ability to connect two headphones at once. It’s got a dependable 16+ hour battery life, so if dad’s on the road he’ll definitely appreciate being able to expand his usage for those new headphones.
RRP: A$89
More info: twelvesouth.com
Twelve South Curve Laptop Stand
Affordable but still sporting a quality build, this curved laptop stand is defined by its flowing aluminum design to really wrap around dad’s laptop and keep his posture in check. The ergonomic design will help dad tidy up that working desk and position his screen in the ideal spot for longer sessions.
RRP: $79
More info: twelvesouth.com
Smartphones
Oppo Find X2 Series
The team at Oppo have surely made one of their loudest and most impressive statements to date, expanding upon the original Find X2 with the Pro, Lite and Neo models this year. That opens up this flagship series to more people, with the Pro representing the pinnacle, rightfully touted as one of the best Android phones money can buy right now. The superior camera system, zippy user experience, and remarkable display are all appreciated, but one of the stand-outs of this series is just how incredibly fast the battery charges – think 0 to 50% in just 15 minutes. That’s the Pro model of course, but the tech also trickles down to the more affordable Neo and entry-level Lite models. Pick a budget first and then dive on in.
RRP: From A$749 (based on Oppo Find X2 Lite retail price)
More info: oppo.com
DJI Osmo Mobile 4
The just announced OM4 is DJI’s latest innovation when it comes to motorised smartphone gimble tech. And it takes everything that has made the previous gimbles class-leading, refining them with better software, more precise motors, and now a magnetised attachment system so dad doesn’t have to wait precious seconds wedging his smartphone into a clamp when he spots something worth filming. If dad is any type of creative and wants to fully harness the power of his smartphone’s camera system, then get him this gimble and send him on his way to Hollywood.
RRP: A$239
More info: dji.com
Travel & Lifestyle
ECCO Men’s ExoStrike Mid
ECCO is renowned for quality builds and premium materials, but they deserve just as much praise for design as well. The ExoStrike is one of the most attractive hiking-ready shoes we’ve seen lately, a highly functional hybrid boot that looks good enough to wear in any setting. From the Dyneema Bonded leather upper – a world’s first – to the snug Prosoma heel cup for protective support, if dad’s planning on going on any hikes this year (because let’s face it, we all need a good long one) this is the shoe he’s going to want with him. Although even if this one isn’t his style, ECCO has plenty in the “Father’s Day” section of their website (link below).
RRP: $429
More info: ecco.com
Hush Puppies’ Michigan Boot
When did Hush Puppies start looking so damn good? The long-established footwear brand has certainly picked their game up when it comes to how their boots look, with one of the best examples being the sightly Michigan style boot. The sleek, smart-looking suede upper and breathable mesh lining help give off that stylishly rugged look so dad will want to take them anywhere, no matter the situation.
RRP: $189
More info: hushpuppies.com.au
UGG Express’ Vincent Scruff
Winter may be over, but you never really know when the next arctic-level blast is going to strike with the way 2020 has been going. If dad’s in the need of some casual, stylish round-the-home footwear then go for the Vincent Scruff style from Ugg Express. He’ll thank you for that smooth suede exterior and impossibly soft and warm inner lining once the temperatures drop again. And if that style isn’t to his taste, there’s plenty of others on the website (linked below).
RRP: A$175 (currently on sale for A$72)
More info: uggexpress.com.au
Icebreaker Merinoloft Hyperia Hooded Jacket
As we said above, winter may be over but that doesn’t mean dad shouldn’t be prepared for all-weather conditions when he’s out hiking around his state this year. To help him prep, he’s going to need a convenient, strong jacket to boss-level that layering game. Icebreaker’s Merinoloft should do the trick, with its lightweight pertex quantum air fabric and smart, highly considered design which includes a zipper chin guard, interior storm flap, and an included stuff sack to easily pack it away
RRP: A$315 (down from $450)
More info: icebreaker.com
Boost Charge USB-C Power Bank 10k
If dad is off on those long hikes or an extended road trip, he’s going to want to keep his smartphone topped up at all times. Long gone are the days when powerbanks needed to be charged each night as well, but with the USB-C PD 10K from Belkin packing in a huge 10,000mAh battery, not having a full charge won’t be much of an issue. With an 18W USB-C outlet (and an additional 12W USB-A outlet), this bad boy offers an additional 36 hours of battery life and can zip up a half-charge of a modern USB-C device in roughly 36 minutes.
RRP: A$79
More info: belkin.com
Rovingwork Mobicase
Organisation is the key to a good trip, whether it’s a short time spent on the road or a long-haul (whenever we’re able to have those things again). If dad’s constantly out and about, and he needs a hyper-organised carry solution for his work, then turn your attention to Rovingwork’s beautifully designed Mobicase. It’s work on-the-go without sacrificing style and efficiency, presenting dad with an all-in-one multi-purpose laptop bag with various pockets, protective measures and built-in, ergonomic features to help declutter dad’s work life.
RRP: A$150 (small); A$160 (medium)
More info: rovingwork.com
Grooming and Health
Theragun Pro G4
Therabody’s latest line of smart percussive massage therapy guns reaches the peak with Pro G4, a high-end, do-it-all device that’s been making waves in the world of fitness and health. Especially valuable if dad has any unresolved tension, or is workaholic when it comes to his fitness, the Pro G4 can expediate post-workout recovery, assist in pain management, act as an on-demand massage therapist, and work wonders for relaxation and reducing stress. Plus, it comes with several well-designed and soft attachment heads, as well as an app which has pre-set routines for specific use cases like pre-sleep routines. And if the price tag is too high for you, the Theragun line also has some more affordable options.
RRP: A$899
More info: theragun.com
Wave Roller
Another one from Therabody here, but vastly different to their popular massage guns. This Wave Roller is one of the brand’s first steps into becoming a whole-body wellness leader, offering up an efficient foam rolling experience so dad can have quick access to warm-ups, a recovery aid, better blood flow, enhanced mobility, and an effective tension reliever. With five speed app-controlled settings, and seamless Bluetooth connectivity, it’s smarter than your average foam roller and can really target dad’s specific needs.
RRP: A$249
More info: theragun.com
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000
With 35% of parents acknowledging that their dental routine has notably changed in the past few months (hint: it’s not for the better) due to the pandemic, a high-end device like the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 has never looked so attractive. It’s pretty much the be-all and end-all of electric toothbrushes, with four specific settings (clean, whitening, gum health and deep clean), and a built-in pressure sensor that lets dad know if he’s brushing too hard. Top that with the ability to keep an easy progress report on the connected Sonicare app and a stylish USB charging travel case, you’ve got yourself something that’s worth the upgrade over your standard electric brush.
RRP: A$379
More info: philips.com.au
Braun Series 9
Still considered the world’s most efficient electric shaver, the Braun Series 9 is a masterclass in comprehensive grooming tools with five shaving elements to capture more hair in one stroke for that flawless, controlled, and gentle shave. If dad has been meaning to keep his facial hair in check, the Series 9 will allow him the kind of precision he’ll need, whether he’s shaving wet or dry.
RRP: A$499 (currently on sale from $799)
More info: shavershop.com.au
Tony & Munro Range
If dad loves his skincare, then this newly launched Tony & Munro range should be much appreciated. The Australian-made, sulphate and paraben free products have been formulated specifically for men’s skin with natural ingredients and sustainable packaging. The range includes the first and only BB Cream made in Australia for men, by men, and a revive hydrating eye gel to tighten skin, soften lines and reduce redness and dark circles.
RRP: From A$38
More info: tonyandmunro.com
Fitbit Charge 4
The Charge 4 is Fitbit’s most advanced health and fitness tracker to date, widely acclaimed with its efficient built-in GPS, Spotify control, NFC-enabled Fitbit Pay, and up to 7 days of battery life. Although what separates the newest Fitbit from the rest of the pack is Active Zone Minutes, so dad can properly and accurately track his heart rate each week for a more accurate picture of cardiovascular fitness changes. If dad needs a comprehensive fitness tracker to help him reach any fitness goals, the Fitbit Charge 4 is a wise choice.
RRP: A$250
More info: fitbit.com
Withings Steel HR Sport
If dad values an attractive, classic look when it comes to hybrid smartwatches, then Withings should be at the top of your list for Father’s Day this year. The brand’s Steel HR Sport is a beautifully designed hybrid with up to 25 days of battery, in-built GPS, and the ability to continuously and accurately track and record fitness when dad is walking, running, swimming and sleeping. Plus, the HR Sport features a special sub-dial so dad can see daily steps at a quick glance without having to pull out his smartphone.
RRP: A$330
More info: withings.com
Gaming
For more gaming-specific gift ideas check out our brand-specific gift guides:
For the PlayStation Father’s Day gift guide click here.
For the Xbox Father’s Day gift guide click here.
For the Nintendo Father’s Day gift guide click here.
Logitech G915 Lightspeed Keyboard
What does a $400 wireless keyboard get you? Quite a lot it turns out. Logitech’s high-end G915 is a remarkably thin and low-profile wireless mechanical gaming keyboard that’s been smartly designed to offer just about everything a gamer, coder or designer would need to customise and streamline their experience creating on a PC. Boosted by Logitech’s G-Hub software, the keyboard offers complete control over everything from the lighting, to a dedicated column of specialised macro keys. You’ll be surprised just how much of a difference a high-end keyboard can make to daily use.
RRP: A$399
More info: logitechg.com
WD_Black P50 Game Drive
Yes, consoles and PC’s have sufficient on-board storage now, but not nearly enough to keep up with an increasingly large and demanding collection of new games. If dad is struggling to keep on top with the constant barrage of games, and can’t bring himself to get rid of the old ones, he’s going to need a dependable gaming drive. The WD_Black P50 is exactly that, a dedicated SSD built for gaming with up to 2TB storage and read speeds of up to 2000 Mbs.
RRP: From A$251
More info: amazon.com.au
EPOS│SENNHEISER GSP 600 Series
If dad is in need of the perfect gaming headset, then this specifically designed and immensely powerful new release from EPOS should do the trick. The premium audio company has now finessed the performance-oriented gaming headset with both the GSP 601 and 602, offering high, crisp audio fidelity, clarity and realism for the most intense gaming sessions, complemented by a comfortable ergonomic design and modern colour palettes.
RRP: A$319
More info: eposaudio.com
