It’s Father’s Day on June 21, so get ahead with your gift buying and treat him to one of these great gadgets…
SCALEXTRIC C1329 ARC ONE SET
No one is too old for a Scalextric. So, whether he missed out on getting one as a child or is simply monopolising his children’s racer set, this could be the ideal gift for those parents who are still very much in touch with their inner child. Unlike the ones from his youth, the C1329 ARC One set will see dad’s smartphone/tablet manage and create races. Simply download the corresponding (and free) app, then using Bluetooth he can choose and monitor his race. If he’s particularly proud of his skills he can even post his race stats on social networking sites and challenge friends to beat his records. A great option if you’re splurging out on his gift. £129.99
CEWE PHOTOBOOK
Forget the traditional photo frame or photo album; instead, create a personalised snapshot of your family’s memorable moments with this interactive Cewe Photobook. After downloading the software, you upload the text and pictures on to a template (or create one from scratch) and then, once designed, it’s sent to you. There are a variety of sizes, paper types and covers to choose from. However, one option that will appeal to gadget-happy fathers is the video message facility. Upload a video message to your dad, then, when he’s looking through the book he can scan the QR code included and view his special video on his smartphone or tablet. From £5.99
GOODMANS GO DAB RADIO WITH BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
One for tech-loving dads on the go, this portable radio comes in a protective rubber coating making it a durable gadget to take out and about. With a long-lasting battery and splash-proof exterior, the radio will see him through a strenuous gardening session with ease. In addition to playing both FM and DAB radio channels, it comes with Bluetooth and NFC Tap and Pair technology so he can stream his music from his mobile. £69.99
HTC FETCH
This is the perfect gift for children who are tired of hearing their father say, “Now where did I leave my wallet/keys/phone?” This little keyring can be attached to the most frequently lost item, then, via Bluetooth, it connects to your smartphone. So if dad can’t locate his keys and it’s within 15 metres, he can use his phone to find it. With the touch of a button on your phone, the Fetch will emit a beep so you can track it and the lost item down. It works the other way around too, so if it’s your phone you can’t find, click the button on the Fetch and your phone will start to ring. £34.99
VEX ROBOTICS ANT BY HEXBUG
Forget the old-fashioned jigsaw, when your pa has some spare time on Father’s Day, he can instead construct a giant, robotic ant! With more than 150 pieces that need to be snapped together, your dad can enjoy building the plastic insect (which actually, when you’ve completed it, looks a little more lobster-like) and then play with it after. The robotic part comes with the ant’s “brain” – which is sensor-filled to respond differently to various commands. You can then use the remote control to move your creation around. It does take a few minutes to get the hang of the remote but before you know it, the ant will be spinning around and darting off in all directions. £49.99