Whether you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift or just a little something to show appreciation for the dad in your life, it can be tough to figure out not only what he’ll find interesting and cool, but what he’ll actually use. And if you’d like that item to have a health bent, it can be even more difficult. Does he really crave a year’s supply of workout socks or yet another water bottle?

Not to worry: We’ve done the work for you. Read on for six nifty items you’ll enjoy giving…and he’ll love using.

1. Smartwatch
   Having transcended far beyond the ability to simply track steps, today’s smartwatches offer a range of features to help keep the wearer healthy. From stress-measurement and stress-management features, to sleep tracking, blood-oxygenation measurement and heart-rate monitoring, these devices have proven their worth when it comes to health and wellness. Most smartwatches can remind the wearer to stand up during extended sedentary periods, and some even work with electrocardiogram apps, warn users of excessively loud environments and auto-dial 911 if they sense that the wearer has collapsed.¹
   
   
2. Standing Desk
   If the dad in your life is looking at a future of working from home either full or part time (thanks, COVID!), why not consider getting him a stand-up desk? With some experts stating that “sitting is the new smoking,”² working at such a desk may be one of the simplest things he can do to improve his health.
   
   

   The concern is over the ever-increasing amount of time Americans spend seated. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, research has shown a strong correlation between sedentary behavior and a number of health conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure.³ Meanwhile, Harvard Health reports that using a standing desk brings potential benefits, including a faster return to normal blood-sugar levels after meals and a reduced risk of shoulder and back pain.⁴ So while working this way may take some adjustment, it just might be one of the best gifts you can give him for his long-term health.
   
   

3. Online Class Subscription
   Whether he wants to improve his tennis skills, delve into the art of Texas BBQ, or explore the realm of meditation and mindfulness, online master classes are all the rage. And for good reason: Learning something new allows for self-exploration and self-improvement and can even make your brain stronger.⁵ Plus, some companies offer courses taught by top experts in their field — and who wouldn’t want to learn from the likes of Tony Hawk, Natalie Portman, or Neil deGrasse Tyson?
   
   
4. Sessions with a Personal Trainer
   If he pats his belly and jokes about having put on the “COVID 19,” now might be the time for him to head back to the gym. Why not help him out by getting him some time with a personal trainer? Such an expert can offer extra motivation and workout tips, design a workout regimen just for him, and help him avoid injuries.
   
   
5. Body Massage Gun
   Sure, a day at the spa might be a great perk for some men, but if the guy in your life isn’t one for such pampering, how about getting him a body massage gun? Not only are these so-called percussive massage treatment devices good for muscle fatigue — not to mention that they just feel so darned good! — but research has shown that they can help improve range of motion. In fact, the authors of a 2020 study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine recommend using such a device as part of a warm-up routine to help increase flexibility.⁶

    

6. Bicycle
   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults aim to get a total of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity).⁷ Riding a bike can help him meet this recommendation in a fun, low-impact way while allowing for a healthy dose of stress-reducing, energizing fresh air.^{8, 9} If he’s got young kids in the house, consider adding a child seat — what a great way to stay in shape and connected to family!

Fathers’ roles have evolved so much over the decades, and luckily, the evolution of gadgets and products has kept pace. No longer relegated to the sole role of breadwinner, with ubiquitous gifts of neckties and ashtrays, fathers play an active part in the rearing of the family…and they deserve gifts that reflect that. Cheers to dads!