10 Father’s Day Gifts for Tech-Savvy Dads

By Nathan Eddy

With so many portable devices to tote, keeping them charged can be a challenge. With the iContact Power Bank, charge the device for just a few hours and you’ll be able to recharge when batteries are running low. Simply attach your device’s compatible USB charging cable to the Power Bank, and Dad’s smartphone, tablet or other compatible device will be back in service.

The $100 Iomega iConnect Wireless Data Station can add WiFi support to any USB drive or printer you may have, and it comes with four USB ports that let users share media from attached drives over the home network or over the Internet. Users can also print to a home printer from anywhere, and it boasts a set of advanced media features, such as the DLNA-certified UPnP AV media server and iTunes server so that content can be shared between computers.

Well come on, there has to be at least ONE necktie on the list, and what’s better than ones that feature logos from the Star Wars franchise? In four different styles and color combinations and priced between $54.99 and $64.99, these 100 percent silk handmade ties allow Dad to display his geekdom in the midst of a corporate hierarchy. The Darth Vader Red (red fabric with black Vaders) and Rebel Logo Blue are among the choices.

Compatible with Android and Apple devices, the Pebble smartwatch made a big splash when it was thrown into the market, as it allows users to view email and text messages and control music playing on iTunes and Pandora. Plus, it lasts between five and seven days on a single charge. Featuring an e-Paper display that can be read easily even in direct sunlight, the waterproof, scratchproof device packs a lot of usability for a modest price of $149.99.

These cufflinks are made from upcycled circuit boards with domes that create a reflective 3D optical effect. Each piece is unique, but all have the same beautiful azure background, showcasing their intricate patterns and electronic components. And for just $45, they fit neatly into anyone’s Father’s Day budget.

Seamlessly stream everything from music to movies, games, phone calls or even conference calls from anywhere with the Jawbone Jambox wireless Bluetooth speaker. Starting at $99.99, the device can be updated with apps, software and new features through Jawbone’s My Talk portal, and the powerful battery lasts up to 10 hours.

You knew there had to be a mug on this list too, right? Everyone’s current epic TV obsession, “Game of Thrones,” gets in on the caffeine train with mugs featuring the Tyrell and Baratheon sigils. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe, they’re the perfect hot beverage holder.

The LaCie Sphère hard drive ($490), designed by Christofle, a manufacturer of fine silver flatware and home accessories based in France since 1830, features embedded technology by LaCie, high-speed USB 3.0 ports and 1TB of storage to give Dad enough space for years of backups or an extensive photo, video and music library. The company’s Private-Public software ensures files remain completely confidential, and automatic Eco Mode lowers power usage by up to 90 percent when the drive is idle.

This slim Flex Fitbit ($99.99) is worn all the time. During the day, it tracks steps, distance and calories burned, and at night, it tracks sleep quality and wakes the user silently in the morning. By checking out the LED lights, users can see how they stack up against personal goals. Maybe it can’t make Dad hit the gym more often, but it will let him know how healthy he is.

Buy him a Tesla Model S, a luxury electric sedan. Consumer Reports’ top-scoring car of all time and a frequent presence on “best of” lists, the Model S combines eco-friendliness with style. It might put you back a bit (the base model starts at just under $70,000), but it sure beats another “World’s Best Dad” necktie.