Forget the tie and aftershave. Today’s dad deserves tools that make life easier and more fun.
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Fish story
Anxious anglers will never miss a nibble with the Poletap 7-foot Spinning SmartRod with Built-In Bite Alert. When a fish bites, an alarm sounds or a light flashes; for quiet, night fishing, use the light-only setting. The SmartRod works with any reel. The bad news: You still have to clean the fish. $39. (800) 966-6546; walmart.com.
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Go, Dad, go
The Garmin Vivoactive HR smart watch is a multi-tasking wrist machine. It’s a GPS, heart monitor, fitness coach and activity tracker for running, walking and swimming. It even serves as a personal cheerleader when you hit your goals. And, oh yeah—it tells time, too. $250. (913) 397-8200; garmin.com.
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Course correction
Most golfers mentally replay their last round, seeking ways to improve. Game Golf Live, a Bluetooth-enabled device that clips to a belt, tracks and records the game in real time, allowing for in-depth analysis. The device saves every game, so you can watch progress over time. $130. (800) 726-0190; gamegolf.com.
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Power play
Dad will be all-powerful with this Father of All Portable Chargers. The RAVPower 27,000-milliamp-hour Universal Power Bank weighs less than 2 pounds and can charge an iPhone 6s up to 11 times. Multiple ports allow simultaneous charging of several devices, while the built-in AC outlet is a convenient way to charge a laptop. $170. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
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Controlling interest
The Harmony Companion remote system from Logitech is the best way to unclutter the table beside Dad’s favorite chair. A single remote and included wireless hub allow one-touch control of eight smart devices, including music, streaming video, games, Blu-ray, cable, lights and more. The Harmony app turns his smartphone into a remote, too. $150. (646) 454-3200; logitech.com.
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Peace and quiet
Life can be overwhelming—and noisy. Why not give Dad his own little oasis? If you can’t afford a private island, try Bose Quiet Comfort 35 Wireless Headphones. Acoustic noise-canceling technology constantly monitors and adjusts to ambient noise. Dad won’t hear anything but his music. $350. (800) 379-2073; bose.com.
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Forgetful father
With so much Dad stuff to do, life can get a bit harried. It’s easy to misplace a wallet or laptop. Just attach the credit-card-sized Tile Slim Bluetooth tracker to an object, and use your phone to find it. Can’t find the phone? Tile Slim works in reverse, too. $30. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
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No-miss steaks
If your father is finicky about his steak, he’ll love the Anova Culinary Bluetooth Sous Vide Precision Cooker. It’s as simple as placing steak—or any food—in a sealed bag and using a precisely heated water bath to get a perfect result every time. Bluetooth lets you monitor cooking from your phone. $148. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
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Grill guardian
If Dad is the family grill master, he’ll love the iGrill Mini digital Bluetooth thermometer. No more cutting into steaks or chops to test doneness; the iGrill watches the grill while Dad relaxes in the hammock. The companion app is like having a personal, on-call grilling expert. $50. (800) 446-1071; weber.com.