Thinking of a cool gift for dad? Whether your dad’s a fitness enthusiast or just someone who likes to keep things simple and functional, a smartwatch might be the surprise hit you didn’t know he needed. For many, it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for their fathers—but it should be. Smartwatches combine everyday convenience with thoughtful tech that helps him stay connected, active, and informed about his fitness and health goals. They monitor heart health, track workouts, while some can sync seamlessly with your phone so you can send text or shuffle your playlist.
In this gift guide, learn why smartwatches make the perfect gifts for dad. Get to know their key features, along with some of the popular smartwatches that might suit your dad.
Why smartwatches make great gifts for dads
Giving a smartwatch shows you care about his well-being and lifestyle. Whether it’s reminding him to get up for a walk, alerting him to a concerning heart rhythm, or letting him check messages quickly without reaching into his pockets, a smartwatch adds value in subtle but powerful ways. And best of all? It’s something he could use every single day.
Key features to consider in a smartwatch for your dad
Let’s break down what to look for when choosing a smartwatch for your father. Not every dad is a tech whiz, and not every smartwatch is built the same. Here’s how to make sure you find the right match.
1. Health & heart monitoring
For many dads, health is top of mind. Look for features that provide useful insights like heart rate tracking, ECG support, sleep tracking, and even blood oxygen monitoring. Some models can even detect irregular rhythms or falls—features that can offer peace of mind for both of you.
2. Battery life
Battery life matters, especially if he’s used to regular watches that run for years. Look for models that last several days or more to reduce the hassle of frequent charging.
3. Compatibility with iOS/Android
Make sure the smartwatch is compatible with dad’s phone. Apple Watches are designed for iPhones, while Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel watches pair best with Android. Some, like Fitbit and Garmin, play well with both systems.
4. Easy-to-read display
Not every dad wants to squint at a tiny screen. Choose a watch with a bright, high-contrast display and customizable text size. Bonus points if it’s easy to read in daylight.
5. Comfort & strap design
Wrist comfort matters, especially if he’ll wear it all day. Look for lightweight designs with adjustable straps to ensure a better fit and durable materials to handle daily wear and tear—whether he’s fixing things in the garage or out for a walk.
Popular smartwatches to suit your dad
Ready to shop? We’ve handpicked these smartwatch models that stand out for their health and fitness features, impressive battery life, seamless phone compatibility, and comfortable design. Whether he’s after a fitness-focused smartwatch or one loaded with smart features, there’s an amazing option for him to enjoy.
Apple Watch Series 10
If your dad has an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 10 is an excellent match. Seamless iPhone integration means he can take calls, check messages, and use Siri straight from his wrist. He can enjoy advanced health tools like ECG, blood oxygen tracking, temperature sensing, and heart rate monitoring. Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and emergency SOS add peace of mind, especially for older or active dads.
Samsung Galaxy Watch6
What makes the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 a great fit for dad? It’s classic design that blends tech with timeless style. This smartwatch that’s compatible with Android phones has top-tier fitness tracking, sleep coaching, and a bright, round display that looks more like a traditional watch. It includes health-monitoring tools like ECG and blood pressure tracking to help him stay in tune with his body.
Garmin Venu 3
From hiking to biking, golfing or just trying to hit his step goal, the Garmin Venu 3 suits your most active dad, offering a durable build and excellent outdoor visibility. With all-day activity tracking and wellness insights, he can keep tabs on his steps, calories burned, stress levels, and even energy levels through Garmin’s Body Battery feature. Plus, it works with both iOS and Android.
Google Pixel Watch 2
The Google Pixel Watch 2 brings serious smarts to the wrist. With Google Assistant, Google Maps, and tight integration with Android apps, dad will love how seamlessly this watch ties into his Google ecosystem. Fitbit-powered health features (membership may be required) includes heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, and workout recognition. Plus, the Fitbit app lets him track trends over time—whether he’s managing stress, tracking sleep, or sticking to fitness goals.
Fitbit Versa 4
The Fitbit Versa 4 suits dads who want simple, effective tracking without the learning curve. It covers all the basics—heart rate monitoring, step counting, sleep tracking, and exercise modes—without overwhelming dad with features he may never use. Battery life is one of its strongest features, lasting up to 6 days on a single charge—ideal for dads who’d rather not add “charge my watch” to the to-do list every night.
When to gift a smartwatch
Smartwatches make excellent gifts for dad year-round. Here are a few occasions when they’re especially meaningful:
- Father’s Day: A smartwatch is a standout Father’s Day gift. It says, “Let’s stay connected,” while also giving him tools to stay healthy and independent. It’s one of the few gadgets that’s both meaningful and useful, right out of the box. Find other amazing Father’s Day gift ideas.
- Birthdays: Whether he’s turning 45 or 75, there’s a smartwatch to match his lifestyle. Choose one based on how active or tech-friendly he is and include a card explaining your pick—he’ll love it.
- Retirement: Mark his next chapter with a gift that helps him enjoy his time. A smartwatch can track his golf swings, remind him to stay active, or simply help him remember appointments now that he’s not working 9 to 5.
- Holiday gifts: A smartwatch for your father is a thoughtful and practical holiday gift that feels personal. It’ll be the highlight of his stocking—or the star under the tree.
Gettng a smartwatch for yourself?
Smartwatches make it simple to manage your day without missing a beat. With practical and fitness features, you’ve got a wearable that supports both productivity and well-being. Explore how the right smartwatch can enhance your everyday routine.
Find the perfect smartwatch for your dad at Best Buy Canada
Smartwatches make awesome gifts, offering your dad more than just the time but also health insights, connectivity, and convenience, all on his wrist. Whether he’s needs a relable workout companion or just wants to stay on top of messages, there’s a watch that fits his life. From the Apple for iPhone users to Samsung, Garmin, Google, and Fitbit options for Android and beyond, there’s a model in this guide that pairs with your dad’s phone and his personality.
Ready to find the ultimate gift for dad? Explore Best Buy Canada’s smartwatch collection.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
