With Father’s Day and graduation season around the corner, the pressure is on to find gifts that are more than just thoughtful—they should be useful, durable, and preferably, something the recipient will actually use. I’ve spent the past few months testing out a range of gadgets and gear, and I’ve put together a list of products that I not only recommend—I rely on them myself. Whether you’re shopping for your dad, your favorite grad, or maybe even yourself (no judgment), this list has something for every type of adventure.
KeySmart iPro: Smarter Keys That Never Get Lost
Let’s be honest: keys are easy to lose. That’s where a device like the KeySmart iPro comes in. It’s a sleek, compact organizer that eliminates the jangling mess most of us carry—and it syncs with Apple Find My. It can make keys easier to carry, and provide peace of mind knowing you can locate it from your phone. It’s a great gift idea for grads who are just getting their own place or for dads who appreciate well-designed gear—assuming they have a lot of keys.
Admittedly, I don’t actually use this on a day-to-day basis because I literally do not have any keys. I have a fob for my car, and that is it. Yes, I can attach the fob to this device, but I actually prefer to use the UAG Monarch AirTag case covered below as my keychain.
Nomad Tracking Card: Wallet-Friendly Peace of Mind
I’ve tried a handful of wallet trackers, but the Nomad Tracking Card stands out. It’s razor-thin—barely thicker than a credit card—and integrates seamlessly with Apple Find My. Whether I’m hopping between airports or running errands, I always know where my wallet is. If your dad or grad is always on the go (or just prone to losing things), this is a quiet game changer. You do need to remember to periodically charge it, but it charges wirelessly and gets to max charge pretty quick.
UAG Monarch Pro Kevlar Case: Bulletproof (Almost) Protection
Phones are investments, and protecting them shouldn’t mean compromising on style. The Monarch Pro Kevlar from Urban Armor Gear has become my go-to. It’s made with Kevlar, has MagSafe compatibility, and looks sharp enough for the office while being rugged enough for hikes or travel. This is the kind of gift that says, “I care about your phone as much as you do.”
This is another one that I recommend if it’s your vibe—but I would actually prefer to use no case at all, and I definitely do not want to use something that turns my iPhone into a tank. My preferred case for years has been the Ultra-Slim case from Pitaka.
Nomad 65W AC Adapter (Apple Watch Edition): One Brick to Rule Them All
I can’t overstate how convenient the Nomad 65W AC Adapter is. It charges my laptop, iPhone, and Apple Watch—all from one plug. When I’m traveling, it’s the only charger I need. For dads who pack light or grads who need to keep multiple devices powered without cluttering up a dorm room, this one’s a winner.
Statik SmartCharge: One Cable, Every Device
The Statik SmartCharge is in my car, my carry-on, and my daily backpack. It’s a 3-in-1 charging cable with Lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB—so whatever device I’m using, I’ve got the right connection. It’s sturdy and surprisingly fast. If you’re tired of playing the “who took my charger” game, this cable puts an end to it.
Statik TireHero Wireless Air Pump: Road Trip Ready
I was skeptical about the TireHero at first—but now it lives in my trunk. It’s a cordless air pump that’s powerful enough to top off car tires or bike wheels, but small enough to stash easily. I’ve used it to inflate soccer balls, bike tires, and even a flat tire in a pinch. For new drivers or road-tripping dads, this one’s a practical lifesaver.
UAG Metropolis Wallet Case: Slim Down Without Sacrifice
I’ve been testing the brand-new Metropolis Wallet Case from UAG, and it’s quickly become a favorite. It protects my phone while holding my essential cards, meaning one less thing in my pocket. Whether I’m heading to the airport or just running errands, I love the convenience—and I bet your dad or grad will too.
Nomad Sport Band: Built to Move
The Nomad Sport Band is waterproof, breathable, and tough. I wear mine at the gym, on hikes, and through all-day Zoom marathons. It’s comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing it and strong enough to keep up with whatever you’re doing. Great for anyone building new habits or staying active this summer.
I actually have an array of bands for my Apple Watch from Nomad and others, and swap them depending on the occasion or my mood. I love that you can switch up the look of the Apple Watch in under a minute by swapping the band and changing the watch face.
UAG Monarch AirTag Case: Track Anything, Anywhere
Finally, the UAG Monarch AirTag Case is a small but mighty gift. I use it on my travel backpack and my spare keys. It’s rugged and secure, so you don’t have to worry about it popping off mid-trip. A great gift for the frequent flyer—or the perpetually forgetful.
Final Thoughts
Every item on this list is something I’ve personally used, tested, and come to depend on. They’re not gimmicks or short-lived tech fads. They’re practical, well-built, and make everyday life just a little easier—and that’s what makes a gift truly great. Whether you’re shopping for a dad who’s hard to buy for or a grad who’s starting fresh, you can’t go wrong with gear that’s built for the journey.
And hey, if you end up grabbing some gear for yourself while you’re at it, I won’t tell.
