10 Smart Home Gifts for Dad

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Whether he's a car nut, a grill master, or the family multi-tasker, Dad works hard for the people he loves. This holiday season, say thanks to him with one of these exciting smart home devices

Whether he's always on the go or always at home, there's something out there this holiday season for every type of dad. 

Here are our 10 picks for cool gadgets Dad might love (don't forget the step-dads, brothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, and grandfathers either):

1. Amazon Echo Dot with clock: Best for multitaskers

Best for multitaskers
Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th Gen)

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The Amazon Echo Dot with clock combines Alexa voice controls with a handy clock, making it an excellent option for Dad's nightstand, home office, or garage workbench. It's especially useful because he can play music or ask Alexa for the info to help with his latest projects. Dad can even take it a step further by linking Alexa to his favorite smart home devices for easy hands-free control.

We especially like that smart speakers are convenient for setting timers—a huge help during school projects with the kids. The voice controls mean he doesn't have to touch the Echo Dot with messy hands when setting reminders to continue working after the glue sets.

Whatever Dad uses his Echo Dot for is up to him, but it will definitely up his multitasking game.

To help Dad learn more about Amazon's Alexa, send him over to our ultimate guide to Amazon Alexa and the Echo family.

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Google Nest Mini is a solid alternative

We understand that not every dad is a fan of Alexa, so we recommend checking out the Google Nest Mini (around $49) as a possible alternative. While it doesn't have a built-in clock, it can do essentially everything else Alexa can do.

2. Garmin Forerunner 55: Best for fitness junkies

Best for fitness junkies

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Whether it's a morning run or a competitive game of flag football, your dad is sure to appreciate the Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch. This rugged smartwatch and fitness tracker comes with a suite of sensors to help him get the most from his exercise routine.

The best feature of this smartwatch is its built-in GPS, which tracks detailed information about runs—perfect for Dad’s fitness milestones. There's also a coaching feature and the option to track other kinds of exercises like yoga and treadmill running. When he's not exercising, Dad can use it like a regular smartwatch to get notifications and control music.

At rest or on the go, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a stylish tech gift idea for practically every fitness-junkie dad.

Bell
For hikers

If you have an outdoorsy dad, think about chipping in for the Garmin fēnix 7 (about $700). This beast of a GPS smartwatch has full-color topographic maps to show him the way while off the beaten path. It also uses wireless payment technology for when he comes back to town.

3. Traeger Pro Series 575 pellet grill: Best for grillers

Best for grillers
Traeger Pro 575

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The Traeger Pro Series 575 pellet grill offers a level of control that Dad can use for any kind of grilling. Not only can he set the perfect temperature using the built-in control panel, but there's also a Wi-Fi connection and mobile app. These allow him to look after the grill while prepping side dishes or find the best recipe for a given type of meat.

Because this grill is so flexible, Dad can cook delicious burgers and steaks in minutes, or spend a few hours on roasts and ribs. Traeger sells over a dozen varieties of wood pellets—like mesquite and hickory—so Dad can share his favorite wood-fired flavor with the whole family.

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Smart grilling without an app

Check out the ThermoPro TP20 (about $70) for a wireless grill thermometer that tracks food temperatures on Dad's existing grill (or even the oven in the kitchen). This cool gift doesn't have a smartphone app, but the wireless monitor works just as well to achieve the perfect level of doneness.

4. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

Best for climate controllers
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

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For the dad who always has something to say about the temperature, there's the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. Not only will he be able to control the temperature in the house, but the kit's extra sensor can tip him off to issues like frozen pipes in the basement. 

The newest smart thermostat from Ecobee sports a ton of smart features too like Alexa and Spotify built-in and HomeKit compatibility. With all the money he'll save on his energy costs he may even buy one for downstairs.  

Thumbs Up
Watch your doorstep from your thermostat

You heard us correctly!

The newest Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is compatible with Ecobee's wired doorbell camera. You can use the touchscreen on the thermostat to check in and speak through your wired doorbell right on your front porch. Dad's going to love that! 

5. Rachio 3: Best for gardeners

Best for gardeners
Rachio 3
Rachio 3
$229.99

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Whether Dad wants a lush green lawn, a productive vegetable garden, or both, the Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller can help him cultivate his hot peppers while saving water. It connects an existing sprinkler system to the internet to promote smart water usage.

Your dad can customize schedules, track weather, and control the sprinklers using the Rachio mobile app. If it rains, Dad can delay or skip a watering cycle to save on his water bill. The Rachio 3 also helps prevent frozen pipes and situations where the sprinklers water the driveway more than the lawn by tracking other weather conditions like snow and wind.

Checklist
No sprinkler system, no problem

Dad doesn't need a sprinkler system to use a smart sprinkler controller like the B-hyve Smart Hose Faucet Timer (around $128). This small gadget hooks directly to an ordinary faucet and garden hose for easy app control of less sophisticated sprinklers.

6. Philips Hue: Best for gamers

Best for gamers
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance

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Most rumpus rooms are an expression of personality and the things that make gamer dads (and other dads too) happy. We think the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance kit is one of those cool tech gifts that fits the bill. This colorful smart lighting works with tons of smart home platforms, including voice assistants from Amazon and Google.

If Dad's having a game night with the kids or catching up on his favorite books, he can adjust the Philips Hue lights to fit his needs. In many houses, the rumpus room and family room are probably the same room, so Dad can also set up Hue bulbs in a lamp by his favorite easy chair or project nook to create a peaceful environment to pursue his hobbies.

Read our Philips Hue review to learn more.

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A cheaper smart light alternative

Philips Hue is one of the more expensive smart lighting brands, but there are plenty of more affordable options. We like the Govee Smart LED Strip Lights (about $30) because Dad can make some creative light setups to fit his tastes.

7. Tile Pro: Best for organizers

Best for organizers
Tile Pro (2022)
Tile Pro
$34.88

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Give Pop the power to always know where his keys are with the Tile Pro. This small smart device attaches to a keychain and makes a loud noise when he pushes a button in the Tile app. Now he won't have to check the couch cushions unless there's a chime coming from within.

Tile makes a variety of versions like the Tile Sticker (about $53 for two-pack) that's great for tracking remotes and the Tile Slim (about $35), which slips inside a wallet. Best of all, each Tile device has a button that can help Dad find his phone.

While Tile works for both Android and iOS smartphones, iPhone dads will probably love the Apple AirTag (about $29) a teensy bit more. To learn more about AirTags read our Apple AirTag FAQ.

Notepad
Smart displays

If Dad likes visual reminders for his to-do list, consider getting him a smart display like the Amazon Echo Show 5 (around $90) or the Google Nest Hub (about $100). Smart displays show calendar notifications and reminders on screens, making them easier to use than audio-only smart speakers.

8. eufyCam 2C Wireless Security Camera System: Best for protectors

Best for protectors
eufyCam 2C wireless home security camera system

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For that Papa Bear always looking to protect his cubs, there's the eufyCam 2C Wireless Security Camera System. With three battery-powered eufy cameras included, Dad can set these up in any corner of the home or property to keep a lookout. 

The HomeBase local storage unit included with this kit can fit months of recorded footage locally, so Dad doesn't have to subscribe to a cloud service either. 

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Step up the security

Pair Dad's new cameras with a smart lock! The eufy Security Smart Lock C220 works with fingerprints, the eufy app, and its keypad to keep your front door safely locked. This smart lock can run on one charge for up to 8 months and works with most standard deadbolts. 

9. Bouncie: Best for car enthusiasts

Best for car enthusiasts
Bouncie GPS tracker
Bouncie
$89.99

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Some dads are road warriors that love to take road trips or just make their commutes a little easier. For these dads, we suggest something like Bouncie. This vehicle tracker allows Dad to track mileage, fuel efficiency, maintenance needs, and GPS location. It works with most cars made since 1996 by plugging into a standard diagnostic port.

We think Dad will appreciate getting so much information about his ride, especially when he lends it to his teen driver with the expectation of smart driving habits. Bouncie uses a mobile data connection ($8 a month) to send updates to the mobile app every 15 seconds so your dad always has the latest info.

Read our Bouncie review to learn more.

Bell
Smart dashcam

The Rove R2-4K Dash Cam (about $120) doesn't require a monthly fee and has the bonus of recording 4K video of your dad's trips in case of an accident, which can help him prove fault in an insurance claim. This dash cam has a mobile app, built-in GPS tracking, and a parking mode that records a quick clip when someone bumps the car in a parking lot.

10. Amazon Echo Studio: Best for party animals

Best for party animals
amazon-echo-studio

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Whether your dad's into thrash metal, cowboy pop, or any other kind of music, he'll want a smart speaker to keep up with the beat. That's why we recommend the Amazon Echo Studio. While the speaker itself is much larger than a normal Echo, it still packs all of the same voice controls and impressive smart home compatibility.

Even when Dad's not listening to music or hosting dance parties for the fam, the built-in smart home hub works with hundreds of Zigbee devices. One of our favorite features is pairing the Echo Studio with a Fire TV device for immersive audio during movies.

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Stream like a dream

If you're looking for a specific Fire TV device for Dad, we think the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (around $55) is a great gift idea. It works with Alexa voice controls, so Dad doesn't need a remote control, and it supports plenty of streaming platforms.

What tech should I get for my dad?

It's not easy to buy tech gifts for Dad since each father is so different. That's why we packed our gift guide with gadgets he'll have a lot of fun with. While the holidays are a prime time to give gifts, don't hold back if you want to celebrate your tech-savvy dad any other time of year.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

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John Carlsen
Written by
John Carlsen
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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