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Best Father's Day tech gifts under $75: MagSafe chargers, projectors, and more
If you're gift shopping for Father's Day on a strict $75 and under budget, you've come to the right place. By looking back at some of our favorite products we'e tested and staying on top of the latest tech trends, we put together a thoughtfully curated list of unique tech gadgets with your budget and your dad's possible needs in mind, including wireless earbuds that'll make you question ever going back to AirPods, smart home gadgets, and an eye massager our team swears by.
Also:
- The best cheap tech gifts for under $100
- The best cheap tech gifts under $50
- The best cheap tech gifts under $25
- Price: $70
- Features: Heats to between 104-107 degrees Fahrenheit | 180-degree adjustable design | Built-in speakers with music
When ZDNET's June Wan told me about the Renpho eye massager, I knew I had to try it. With built-in heating features and speakers, the Renpho Eye Massager is just what I need after a full day of eye strain from staring at a screen or to quickly relieve sinus pressure. Gently massaging and heating your eyes, it's a great self-care gift to help any dad relax and distress, or even tame a headache.
Users can also control the intensity of the massage as well as listen to built-in relaxing music or connect it to a customized playlist via Bluetooth. Featuring a portable design, the Renpho eye massager is perfect for your dad to keep at his desk or nightstand for a quick 20-minute break.
- Price: $59
- Features: Active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes | 12.4mm drivers | 37-hour battery life
Looking to gift your dad or father figure a pair of earbuds? AirPods are great, but probably over your $75 budget, but lucky for you the $60 OnePlus Nord Buds 2 proved to ZDNET's June Wan that budget-friendly earbuds might be the way to go. Offering ANC, improved 12.4mm drivers, a decent 37-hour battery life, and an overall solid listening experience, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 don't skimp on "premium" earbud features despite the low cost. If your dad could use a solid pair of wireless earbuds, these are worth the purchase.
Review: Cheap noise-canceling earbuds are getting good. This $60 pair proves it
- Price: $70
- Features: ABS plastic material with UV-resistant coating | 10-month battery life | 37dB noise level in Silent Mode | Compatible with most home automation systems | Light sensing
For the DIYer, help your dad upgrade heisexisting blinds with the $70 SwitchBot Blind Tilt -- it's easy to install and according to ZDNET's Maria Diaz, the "easiest way to automate your blinds." The small device attaches to the vertical "twisting wand" on horizontal blinds and is controlled via your smartphone or even voice-command smart devices like Alexa or Google Home.
Review: SwitchBot Blind Tilt: The simplest way to automate existing blinds
- Price: $69
- Features: Foldable kickstand | 5 ounces | 5,000 mAh battery capacity | 7.5W | 5 volts
A dad on the go is most likely in need of a phone battery refill -- and with MagSafe technology not all portable phone chargers tote extra cords and bulky firmware. At 5 ounces, the Anker 622 MagSafe charger was easy to carry around and keep my phone alive. Plus, the device itself lasted about two full days before it also needed a charge.
This charger is also equipped with a handy kickstand, helping me to fight off the reality of most battery-draining situations like FaceTiming or streaming videos.
Review: This $59 Anker MagSafe charger offers something Apple's doesn't
- Price: $65
- Features: USB-C port | 360-degree light | 50 color themes | iOS and Android app connectivity | Google Assistant, Alexa, and IFTT smart lighting connectivity | Custom pixel theme
Smart lights are a great way to elevate pictures, videos, or space in general, and while they can be an investment, this all-in-one lamp from Moonside saves you money and room real estate. When ZDNET tested the lamp back in November, we were impressed by its compelling RGB custom accent lighting, especially for the budget-friendly price.
Review: This color-changing RGB lamp helps you set the mood for less than $70
- Price: $60
- Features: Custom layout options | available in letter (8.5x11 inches) and executive (7x9 inches) sizes | Scratch-resistant, portfolio-style vegan leather cover
The Rocketbok Pro is a completely reusable notebook that allows users to scratch their itch for handwritten notes while offering a digital storage option. Using an NFC chip, users can hold up their iOS or Android-run smartphone to scan pages to different cloud destinations. Once the notes are digitally preserved, users can wipe the page clean with a damp microfiber cloth and start fresh.
Review: The Rocketbook Pro makes a strong case for the smart notebook
- Price: $60
- Features: Two different modes | Battery operated | Touch-sensitive surface
Give your dad the gift of a good night's sleep with the Dodow Sleep Aid Device. The device works by placing it on a flat surface next to your bed, and it shines a soft blue light onto the ceiling. Follow the motion of the light with your breathing and it relaxes you into sleep mode, enabling you to fall asleep faster. The device automatically shuts off so you can fall asleep with it still on.
- Price: $69
- Features: 1-touch selfie mode | Automatic exposure | 0.65 pounds
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 camera is a fun and colorful gift, perfect if you're planning any type of gathering and perfect for your dad to collect fun, candid memories. Pulling inspiration from old Polaroids, the Instax Mini 11 is a sturdy camera with auto exposure, a selfie mode, and flash, and is able to print photos immediately after you say "Cheese."
Unlike previous mini camera models, Fujifilm opted out of the exposure control dial on this one and instead just has automatic exposure. In addition, there is a selfie mode, so you can easily turn selfies into printed photos.
Also: The best instant cameras
- Price: $54
- Features: 3 color options | More sensors | Eero built-in
The brand-new 5th Generation Echo Dot brings more powerful audio to Amazon's most popular smart speaker. While this Echo Dot is the same size as the previous generation, it features a completely redesigned internal structure for double the bass output and crisper audio, as well as a temperature sensor that can give you the room temperature or run automations through Alexa.
The Echo Dot with Clock display now goes beyond the time to show calendar events and media information, making it a helpful addition for dads looking for a sleek and compact smart speaker for their office.
Review: It sounds ridiculous but I forgot how useful digital clocks can be
- Price: $70
- Features: Projects up to 170 inches | 1080p full HD | HDMI and USB connectivity
Movie nights are so much better with this mini projector. With the PVO Mini Projector, your dad can watch movies or play games, taking advantage of its 1080p full HD display. With six total ports, including an HDMI port, a micro-USB, and an audio jack it's compatible pretty much any device.
Also: The 5 best portable projectors: Entertainment anywhere
How did we choose these cheap tech gifts?
With affordability top of our minds, we looked back at some of the products our team tested that would not only cover lots of different interests and wants, but also items that are suitable -- and budget-friendly -- as larger gifts. Our team also scoured Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers for other cheap gifts that make for great gestures, and in some cases, memories.
What is proper gift-giving etiquette?
The act of giving gifts has different protocols in cultures around the world. If you have in-laws, family, or friends who practice gift-giving in different ways than you're used to, don't be afraid to ask what you should do! You can always do some reading online for proper etiquette in various cultures.
But no matter what, as long as the gift you're giving is thoughtful, and you're genuine in the act of giving, the receiver will likely be happy with whatever you do.