#he will be available at my next con as both a sticker and small button!!

[paiislley]

Here he is!! The world’s littlest guy!! 💛

[josephlrushing]

Gear Diary’s Father’s Day 2020 Gift Guide and Giveaway

June 21st is Father’s Day. Let that sink in for a moment; we are already halfway through 2020. While it may seem like this has been the longest year ever, there are still six more months just waiting to spring their surprises on us — which is all the more reason to take a minute, slow down, and celebrate the fathers in our lives.

We’ve got some great gift suggestions if you’re stumped on what to give Dad this year. We’ve also got some fab prizes to give away, so be sure to check out our giveaway at the end of this guide.

Pitaka Air Tray

If your dad always forgets where he left his daily-carry items like keys, wallet, or phone, then he needs a tray where he can keep his things organized. But not just any tray. The $129 Pitaka Air Tray, available in Crystal Silver or Obsidian Black, is an elegant catch-all for the contents of Dad’s pockets. There’s room in its microfiber-lined well to hold a combination of small items; even better, there’s a three-coil aramid pad on the left that can charge any Qi-enabled mobile device with up to 10W fast wireless charging. The tray measures approximately 9.4″ long by 6.75″ wide by 0.5″ deep, so it should fit on a bedside table or a table near the front door. You can get 15% off Pitaka items sitewide with the code SUPERDAD.

Lenovo Ecco Pro Backpack

If your favorite father is eco-minded, then he will appreciate the new $81 Lenovo Eco Pro Backpack. Made with the equivalent of 34 plastic water bottles, the Eco Pro Backpack was is a limited edition designed in honor of Earth Day 2020. The backpack has plenty of pockets and compartments for Dad’s laptop, water bottles, and extra gear. It has a hidden pocket on the breathable mesh back to keep his valuables safe, and there’s an integrated luggage strap for sliding the backpack onto the handle of his carry-on, once it’s safe for Dad to start traveling again.

DaVinci IQ2 Vaporizer

Okay, so a vaporizer might seem like an odd gift for dad. But, depending on where dad lives or what medical conditions he might have, this just could be the best gift you’ve ever given him. The $295 DaVinci IQ2 Vaporizer has a refined metal shell that looks and feels like something that came out of Apple’s creative minds. And it’s packed with technology. Dad will be able to customize his cannabis experience through precision temperature and adjustable airflow, and he’ll also be able to track and report his dose per draw and per session.

Yale Assure Lock SL

The Yale Assure Lock SL is a deadbolt-replacing smart lock with a built-in keypad. If you add a Connected by August module, Dad can enjoy remote control and third-party integrations through the August app, or he can set temporary codes through the keypad for when you and your family come to visit. You can bundle the Assure Lock SL with a matching Yale Navis Paddle for $199, which enables contactless access for Dad by allowing push or pull entry with his hip or elbow.

OnePlus 8 Series Phones

On the left is the OnePlus 8 in Interstellar Glow (it’s hard to photograph!), and on the right is the OnePlus 8 Pro in matte Glacial Green.

If Dad hasn’t upgraded his phone in some time, you might want to test his reception to moving on to something more current and powerful. The OnePlus 8 series Includes two 5G-ready models, the OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 8 Pro. If Dad has always wanted an ultra-premium flagship phone with all of the bells and whistles — including a larger display with a fast refresh rate, a top of the line processor, water and dust resistance, long-lasting battery life, and an excellent camera — then he’s a perfect candidate for the OnePlus 8 Pro. On the other hand, the OnePlus 8 would be perfect for Dad if he’s expressed interest in a compact premium smartphone that won’t make him trade the flagship features he wants for pocketability. The OnePlus 8 starts at $699, and the OnePlus 8 Pro starts at $899. Also, Dad can get three months of Google One with 100GB storage for free with the purchase of a OnePlus 8 Series phone. Check out the offer here.

ZAGG Messenger Folio (for 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 10.2-inch iPad, iPad Air 3)

For under $60, the ZAGG Messenger Folio keyboard case will finally help Dad realize that iPads aren’t just consumption devices; with the right keyboard case, Apple’s tablets become powerful productivity tools. This offering from ZAGG lets dad get to work without breaking the bank, and it even has a spot for his Apple Pencil.

Aukey Car Mounts

My Jeep Wrangler has a near-vertical windshield, which never seems to play well with windshield mounts. What I like most about these two Aukey mounts, in particular, is that they can attach to the top of the dash rather than the windshield, ensuring that they will work in just about any vehicle. Both of these mounts securely attach to a car’s dashboard via sticky-pad or with the included sticker base.

Aukey Magnetic Car Mount

If your dad’s phone is kept in a case that has embedded metal plates (so that it will work with magnetic mounts), he’s going to love the $21.99 Aukey Magnetic Car Mount. The mount’s arm is adjustable, and it can rotate 360º; a ball-joint allows for easy tilt adjustment so Dad can set his phone where it best serves him while driving. The padded circular mount has four strong magnets embedded in it to hold Dad’s phone securely. If he needs to charge his phone while driving, Dad can easily attach a cable. Also included with the dash mount are two metal plates, a small one and a larger one, that can be affixed to the back of Dad’s phone (or inside his case). That way, his phone will work with the mount if he doesn’t already have a magnetic mount compatible phone case.

Aukey Arm Car Mount

If Dad’s not the only one who drives “his” car, a dash mount that works with every phone — no matter its case — would be a great gift, and the $19.99 Aukey Arm Car Mount fits the bill. The mount uses a grippy silicon sticker to attach to the dashboard, but if Dad’s dash is uneven or he finds the mount isn’t holding securely, he can also use the included sticker to make it stay in place. Rather than magnets to secure Dad’s phone, this mount uses a quick-release grippy holster to hold smartphones that are up to 3.8″ wide (including their case). Dad can swivel the arm up or down, and the holster 360º, to get a personalized viewing angle.

Lenovo Smart Display 7 with Google Assistant

As perfect for the top of Dad’s desk as it is on a kitchen counter, the $99.99 Lenovo Smart Display 7 is a compact device that combines the power of Google Assistant with a 7″ screen. It’s perfect for watching recipe videos when Dad’s making his latest batch of sourdough bread. He can also use it to stream music, to listen to audiobooks, to control his smart home devices, as a digital photo frame, to keep up with the family’s schedule, or when Dad simply wants a quick answer to a random question. Give Dad the convenience of Google Assistant coupled with a 7″ touchscreen; he can even use it to make video calls with Google Duo. Even better, if Dad is concerned about his privacy, there are built-in security features, including the TrueBlock Privacy Shutter for the camera and a mute microphone button.

Anker Powerline II 3′ Long USB-C to USB-C Cable

If Dad needs an extra charging cable for his laptop or tablet, the 19.99 Anker Powerline II 3′ Long USB-C to USB-C Cable is an excellent option. This cable is rated for up to 10Gbps speeds during data transfer; it can also handle audio, a 4K video signal, and it has an E-marker chip so that it can safely deliver up to 100W (5A) of power. The Powerline II is USB-IF certified, and it’s built to last with a rubber coating and an integrated velcro cable tie. Anker is so confident that this cable will work well and hold up with Dad’s use that they’ve given it a hassle-free lifetime warranty. Get Dad two!

Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light

If Dad is struggling to find a good sleep routine, he’s in good company these days. But if you want to help him get things back one track, the $219.95 Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light can help. You can help Dad find his perfect sleeping and waking environment. A built-in AmbiTrack sensor will measure and keep track of Dad’s bedroom’s temperature, noise, light, and humidity levels, and it will give him recommendations for better sleep. He’ll be able to customize alarms, lights, sounds, with new colored sunrise and sunset themes through the SleepMapper App. The SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light also has an FM radio, power back up, USB mobile phone charging, an AUX dock with a quality speaker, a full dim clock, and a smart touch display.

Moshi USB-C to HDMI Adapter 

If you like to provide your dad with solutions that will make his life more efficient, then the $44.95 moshi USB-C to HDMI adapter with charging is going to be of interest. This adapter connects to any USB-C laptop, mobile phone, or tablet; an HDMI cable can then link between his phone and a nearby television, monitor, or projector. So whether Dad is trying to connect his phone to the HDTV to show you his latest TikTok video in 4K (60fps) HDR, or he’s using his phone to beam a PowerPoint presentation through a projector at his next art club meeting, Dad’s going to love finding all the ways this adapter will come in handy. Best of all, he can keep his device’s battery topped off by plugging in a USB-C power cable into the adapter. Good stuff!

Luno Life Air Mattress

Car-camping is a thing. Whether Dad just wants to enjoy bear-country campgrounds from the safety of his locked car or he wants a fast and easy way to con mom or one of the kids into camping without all of the extra tent-management fuss, the $224.99 Luno Life Air Mattress is the perfect solution. The 4″ thick Luno Air Mattress converts the back of Dad’s SUV into a comfortable place to sleep; the adjustable air mattress is available to fit in over 1800 vehicles and is made of pet-friendly, durable fabric. The Luno Life Air Mattress takes just five minutes to set up; it can accommodate up to two people who are 6’2″ tall or shorter, and it can hold up to 600 pounds total weight. Dad and his camp-mate can tailor their side’s mattress firmness to the perfect level with the adjustment valve, and the O-Beam construction will give them stable full-body support. The kit includes both sides of the Luno Air Mattress topper, two base extenders, a 12V air pump, a repair patch, and a carrying case — everything Dad will need for a comfortable weekend (or longer) away!

Withings Steel HR

If Dad likes the idea of wearing a fitness and sleep tracker, but he doesn’t want to look like he’s wearing one, he’s going to love the Withings Steel HR. Sized at 36mm or 40mm, and with options like different case colors, glass or sapphire crystals, and beautiful bands to choose from, there is a Steel HR for everyone. It’s not only a beautiful watch, but the Steel HR series is also practical. It will help Dad keep track of his heart rate, steps taken (and distance), caloric expenditure, sleep duration and quality, and his workouts. The Steel HR works in tandem with the Withings Health Mate app to keep all of dad’s health information in one place. With the current sale, prices for the Steel HR start at $119.95 for the 36mm regular steel case, and they go up to $239.95 for the 40mm Sapphire Signature in black with a slate grey face.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

The $249 August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installs over the existing hardware on Dad’s door, which is perfect if he is living in a rental or retirement community; the Smart Lock has a sleek and compact design so it will look great installed. The August WiFi-Smart Lock can be paired with a $59 August Keypad so he can activate it with a simple PIN code.

Samson Satellite USB/iOS Broadcast Microphone

So Dad wants to be a podcaster? The first step is getting him the right tools. There are some great microphones available that won’t break the bank but, if you want one that looks cool, is simple to use, and that’s affordable, look no further than the $99 Samson Satellite USB/iOS Broadcast Microphone. The microphone is plug and play, and it will capture high-definition audio on Dad’s computer, iPhone, or iPad. It features 24-bit/96kHz audio, three selectable pickups patterns, and fold-back leg design for tabletop use, but it can also connect to a microphone stand.

Tivic Health ClearUp Sinus Pain Relief Device

If Dad suffers from sinus pain, he’s probably tried everything from nasal sprays to hot compresses trying to get the pain to stop, so that he could continue to function. Carly gave the Tivic Health ClearUp device a try last year to manage her sinus pain, and she had excellent results. The ClearUp device is non-invasive and chemical-free. You can read more about the science behind how it works here. Ordinarily, the ClearUp device costs $149; right now, Tivic Health is running a Father’s Day promo that lowers the price for one to $119 with free shipping (use code tvreliefbuy1) or for two to $223 (use code tvreliefbuy2) if you buy from their site; on Amazon, you can get two for $233 with no code necessary. When you purchase, Tivic Health will donate $5 from each purchase to the American Nurses Foundation. We have a giveaway going on until midnight CST on June 15th for one Tivic Health ClearUp device; you can enter here.

Power Banks

Whether Dad needs a way to top off his mobile phone or laptop when he’s on the go, there is an Aukey power bank that can help. These are two of my favorites.

Aukey 18W PD 20,000mAh USB-C Power Bank

  At first glance, this may look like the typical power bank, but at 7.75″ long by 3.75″ wide by 0.5″ thick, the $48.99 Aukey 18W PD 20,000mAh USB-C Power Bank is a bit longer and broader than the typical slim external battery pack. It all makes sense, though, when you realize that this power bank packs 20,000mAh! That’s enough for Dad to charge his 12.9″ iPad Pro once fully, his iPhone XS six times, his Samsung Galaxy Note9 four times, or his Google Pixel 3 more than five times. If he’s got one of the new flagship phones with a 5,000mAh battery, he can charge it up to four times. But this isn’t just a slim, high-capacity battery; The Aukey 18W PD Power Bank also has two USB Type-C Power Delivery (PD) ports and three USB Type-A ports, one of which has QuickCharge 3.0; it can output (as the name suggests) up to 18W of power. The package even includes a Type-C to Type-C cable, so Dad can PD charge his Android phone, Android tablet, or new iPad right out of the box. A low-current charging mode will make sure that low-current devices like headphones or fitness trackers never get a higher current than they can handle. Weighing in at 14.7 ounces, this power bank is an excellent option for Dad to keep in his backpack or gear bag.

Aukey PB-Y24 Universal Power Bank

If Dad has been looking for an external battery pack that can charge just about anything and everything, he’ll be thrilled to get the $79.99 Aukey PB-Y24 Universal Power Bank. The PB-24 has a massive 26,800mAh capacity, and it has two USB Type-C ports that can deliver up to 65W PD, which is more than enough to power a 13″ MacBook Pro or a Google Pixelbook Go at full speed. It also has an old(er)-school Type-A USB port with QuickCharge 3.0. The power back has built-in safety-checks to protect your mobile devices from excessive current, overheating, and overcharging. This battery pack also has a low-current charging mode to safeguard your lower-current devices, and it has built-in safety features to protect Dad’s devices from excessive current, overheating, or overcharging. For what it can do, this battery is surprisingly smaller than expected; it measures approximately 6.5″ long by 3.4″ wide by 1.2″ thick, and it weighs 1 pound 4.8 ounces. The package includes a mesh storage pouch and a Type-C to Type-C cable.

ISOtunes Pro 2.0

The $99.99 ISOTUNES Pro 2.0 are wireless in-ear headphones that have a wired connection between the two earbuds; they feature at least 16 hours of battery life, IP67 dust and water resistance, and background noise-canceling for calls. They are even OSHA and NIOSH approved, and they have a SafeMax 85dB volume limit. Some people prefer true wireless headphones, but others prefer to have this cable due to the improved battery life and in-ear stability. We’re betting that Dad might prefer these.

Austere III Series Clean & Protect Kit

What does Dad use when it’s time to clean his HDTV’s screen? If you’re not sure, then a gift of the $29.99 Austere III Series Clean & Protect Kit might be in order. This kit includes a two-sided cleaning cloth as well as a 6.8-ounce bottle of Austere’s antibacterial, unscented, and ammonia-free solution which cleans streak-free and without harming electronics or their displays. Dad will be able to use it to keep his desktop computer, his laptop, his phones — pretty much any of his electronics — clean and streak-free.

Qalo Silicone Ring

If Dad has a hobby or job that makes wearing his wedding ring unsafe or uncomfortable, he might appreciate a Qalo Silicone Ring. Qalo Rings are made with comfort, safety, durability, and fashion in mind. Prices depend on the ring you choose, but even the most expensive ones are around $39.95 when they aren’t on sale. The rings come in lots of colors and styles, so there’s sure to be one that he’ll like. For Father’s Day, Qalo is giving 25% off sitewide with no need for a coupon. They’ve also got a few Father’s Day Dad Packs priced at $49.99; they include a set of three rings in his size, a travel case for the rings, and a gift box.

  Thanks to some very generous sponsors, we have one of each of the following to give away:

• Lenovo ThinkBook 13s-IWL (value $800)

• Lenovo Smart Display 7 (value $99.99)

• Austere Clean and Protect Kit (value $29.99)

• Aukey PB-Y24 Universal Power Bank ($79.99 value)

• Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light ($219.95 value)

We will choose a winner for each prize at random and in the order of the prizes shown; you can enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

• Please be sure that you have judie@geardiary.com whitelisted in your email settings.

• Our giveaway will run from 6:00 pm on June 9th to Midnight on June 16th, 2020.

• Due to shipping fees, this giveaway is open only to people with a continental USA mailing address; if your address shows as out of the country, we will be forced to pick a new winner.

• If you are chosen as the winner, you will have two weeks to respond to my email. If you do not respond, on the 15th day, we will be forced to pick a new winner.

Thank you for your understanding, and Good Luck!

from Joseph Rushing https://geardiary.com/2020/06/09/gear-diarys-fathers-day-2020-gift-guide-and-giveaway/