For dads who like to work and play
Is this the first-ever combination laptop, work and sports backpack? Apart from a dedicated section for dad to keep his clothing, the backpack has a shock-absorbing dedicated laptop and tablet compartment for screen sizes up to 15.6 inches. Think commuting professionals with active lifestyles who want to get their work/life balance right and you have the perfect gift for Father’s Day. The 27L bag has a detachable laundry bag and ventilated front compartment designed for transporting whiffy work or sports shoes. The versatility of this bag makes it perfect for busy professionals who enjoy fitness activities before or after work. The all-new Targus Work + Play Backpack also includes two compartments for water bottles and retails for $129.95.
For dads who like hiking
Is your Dad an active traveller? Does he like to pull on his hiking boots and head off into the bush? Or perhaps he plans his business trips around great hikes he can do in his downtime? If so, you will be onto a winner if you buy him Lonely Planet’s Epic Hikes of the World. From communing with pilgrims in Tibet to venturing on expeditions deep into the South American jungle, to admiring the architecture along the Thames in London, the book features some of the most invigorating hiking experiences on offer from around the planet. The book features first-person narratives involving 50 of the world’s most spectacular hikes, selected by Lonely Planet’s expert pool of travel writers – from one-day jaunts and urban trails to month-long treks, pacing through valleys and across international borders. Epic Hikes of the World (Lonely Planet, $44.99).
For dads who live the life aquatic
The Sequatix is a must-have waterproof phone case for dads who spend a lot of time in or around water. But it does more than protect your phone from a few rogue splashes of water: the case is 100 per cent waterproof to a maximum depth of 20m. The case comes with a bag that has extra space for your valuables so dads who like to travel can keep their belongings safe when in the water. The Seaquatix cases are suitable for a screen size up to 7 inches. which is suitable for phones up to an iPhone 6 Plus, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus and X and Samsung Galaxy s7 Edge, s8, s8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note Series. They also fit all other phones with a screen size up to 7 inches. From $54.95. seaquatix.com
For dads who like to Drone on
Dads who want to join the drone revolution will love the Kaiser Baas Delta Drone, a sophisticated and technically advanced quadcopter that is easy to fly. Just mount your own action camera – like a GoPro or Kaiser Baas X-Series Action Camera, and securely hard mount it to the bottom of the drone, enabling pilots to easily capture high-quality footage from the sky. It has a range of 400 metres, can hover using GPS, and has a return to home function. kaiserbaas.com
For dads who crave connectivity
The must-have travel companion for dads who go away a lot on business is the ultra-clever Bluesmart, a carry-on suitcase that connects to your smartphone. Powered by 3G connectivity and Bluetooth technology, Bluesmart operates on a remote locking system, allowing you to lock and unlock the suitcase from your smartphone. The suitcase is not just an inanimate object: it also tracks the distance your dad travels, receives smart trip notifications at his destination, and helps him avoid extra baggage fees thanks to the in-built digital scale. A built-in battery allows your dad to recharge his devices while on the go. strandbags.com.au
For competitive dads addicted to fitness
Dubbed the ultimate fitness super watch, the Fitbit Surge features real-time GPS tracking and enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, which competitive dads will love. The Surge syncs wirelessly to the user’s smartphone and computer so he can monitor and track his progress, or partake in challenges with Fitbit friends. Available in tangerine, blue, and black, Fitbit Surge offers a variety of enhanced features including a watch, pedometer, calorie counter, and heart rate monitor making it a handy, everyday device for health-conscious dads. fitbit.com
For the foodie dad
Ever heard of guy tea? Sydney’s award-winning Abode Bistro & Bar have curated a high tea for dads, but made it sound a bit blokier. If you want to treat dad to something a little different, take him along to the Parkroyal Darling Harbour restaurant for guy tea, which for $65 includes a complimentary beverage, a trio of draught beer. The menu features a delicious selection of bites including mini cheeseburgers, club sandwich sliders, fries, smoked salmon blinis, mini pork pies plus a huge assortment of tempting mini desserts – all sure to put a smile on dad’s face. From $55 per adult
For Dads who like to take notes
Renowned South African artist and designer, Carrol Boyes has fused functionality, art and design to create a range of pieces perfect for the travelling Dad. The considered design caters to the frequent flyer, the businessman and the practical traveller and therefore make the perfect gift for a man on the move.The Carrol Boyes notebook set, dubbed ‘Point of View’ is available from select David Jones stores and online at carrolboyes.com RRP $60.
