2016 Father’s Day Gift Guide: Gear

Guys are pretty easy to shop for. Most of the time, you can just get stuff you’d buy for yourself. Here’s a grab bag of Father’s Day gift ideas geared towards looking good and improving your daily life. And for more great suggestions, be sure to check out the other categories in our annual gift guide.

Burley D’Lite Bike Trailer

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Just because you have kids doesn’t mean that you still can’t enjoy the great outdoors, and with the Burley D’Lite bike trailer, your little ones will be begging you to take them wherever you go. The company’s top-of-the-line model is loaded with premium features to maximize comfort, performance and safety, including a full internal aluminum roll cage, seating for one or two children (up to 100 lbs.), adjustable suspension for different terrains, and Spring Integrated Technology seating to prevent tangled and limp straps. The D’Lite also features a water resistant cover and zippers, UV protection windows, an adjustable sunshade, interior pockets for things like snacks and toys, and a spacious rear cargo area for bigger items. This is the Cadillac of child bike trailers, and that’s before even mentioning its ability to convert into a one- or two-wheel stroller, jogger or sled. More importantly, the D’Lite provides a smooth ride that distributes passenger weight remarkably well and easily breaks down for storage and transportation. Though Burley has an excellent range of bike trailers that fit most budgets, this is one of those rare instances where splurging for the high-end model is totally worth it.

Husqvarna 136LiL Trimmer

Yard work doesn’t have to be fun, but it can at least be a little less miserable with the right tools from Husqvarna. We reviewed their AWD lawn mower a few years ago and were very impressed with the quality and performance, so it’s no surprise that this battery-powered trimmer continues the company’s tradition of delivering first-rate products at reasonable prices. Lightweight and easy to use thanks to its intuitive keypad, the 136LiL is powered by a 36-volt lithium-ion battery that is interchangeable between all Husqvarna handhelds (like chainsaws and leaf blowers) and features an eco mode called savE that extends battery life during less demanding projects. It’s also one of the quietest trimmers we’ve ever used, and it does so without surrendering performance. In fact, it boasts 25% higher efficiency than a standard brush motor, all while reducing the vibrations caused by a gas-powered trimmer. To say that the Husqvarna 136LiL is a massive improvement over our current trimmer is an understatement, but buyer beware, because once you own one Husqvarna product, you’re going to want to replace everything else in your garden shed as well.

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VARIDESK Laptop 30 Standing Desk

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If you know anyone who works from home or just spends a lot of time in front of the computer, a standing desk can be a great investment. Not only does it help those with neck and back problems, but recent studies have also proven that it can improve cognitive skills and productivity as well as reduce the risk of obesity. You don’t have to worry about replacing your current workspace, either, because VARIDESK offers a series of compact options that sit on top of your existing desk. The Laptop 30 is perfect for notebook users who don’t need a ton of room; it’s fairly compact (measuring 25” x 30”) and features two work surfaces – an upper display table and a sliding base tray – that can be utilized whether in the lowered sitting position or lifted standing position. What surprised us most about the Laptop 30, however, is just how well-made it is. It’s incredibly sturdy at any height and features a patented two-handle, spring-assisted lifting mechanism that makes moving the desk up and down very easy and safe. We’ve only been using the VARIDESK for a couple weeks now, but already, we can’t imagine working without one ever again.

Under Armour Alter Ego Gear

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For guys who lead active lifestyles but still want to let their geek flags fly, Under Armour has created a special collection called Alter Ego that features licensed products from Marvel, DC Comics and Star Wars. The company’s popular compression shirts are available in a variety of different character designs – like Batman, Superman, Captain America, Darth Vader and more – and are made of their patented HeatGear fabric, which allows for greater mobility and wicks moisture from the skin all day long. Additionally, the shirts feature an anti-odor technology that prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes, as well as UPF 30+ ultraviolet protection. Other products in the Alter Ego line include t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, football gloves and cleats, but nothing is as cool as their compression shirts, which have been Under Armour’s bread and butter since they first emerged 20 years ago, and for good reason.

Hi-Tec Flash Collection Hiking Boots and Shoes

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Hiking boots and shoes are excellent gift options for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors, such as the newest hiking footwear from Hi-Tec’s Flash collection. The V-Lite Flash Force Low i WP hiking shoes pictured above offer impressive comfort, great arch support and more; you can walk all day in these shoes and still feel great. The synthetic uppers fit nicely around your foot and provide i-shield water proofing protection, while the sockliner has really comfortable cushioning. The shoe is very light and well-constructed for hiking, but if you don’t like this particular style, there are plenty of other Hi-Tec shoes and boots to choose from as well.

Daniel Wellington Watches

This new line of simple and classic watches offers some beautiful styles that will appeal to men with a wide variety of tastes. The stainless steel watch with the striped nylon band pictured here is one of many elegant styles you can choose from. These DW watches are affordable with a classy, minimalist style. Options with brown and black leather bands are also available. Browse the selections on Amazon and you may end up buying one for yourself as well.

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M.Gemi Belts and Shoes

Have you tried buying a nice belt recently? So many of them are made in China with fake leather and they fall apart after limited use. Check out M.Gemi for beautiful Italian belts or shoes and you’ll find well-crafted, high-end Italian-made products without astronomical luxury price tags. The prices aren’t cheap, but they’re fair given the level of design and quality. Dad will appreciate something as simple as a well-made belt or classy leather shoes.