WIRED’s 2026 Father’s Day Guide Highlights Premium Grills and Tech Amid Consumer Shifts
The publication’s latest recommendations span from $12,000 charcoal ovens to compact robot mowers, reflecting a broad range of consumer budgets and lifestyle archetypes.
WIRED has released its 2026 Father’s Day gift guide, curated by senior writer Scott Gilbertson, offering recommendations across various categories including high-end grills, outdoor gear, automotive tools, and electronics. The publication targets different archetypes of fathers, such as the "Car Dad" and "Beach Dad," with items spanning multiple budget ranges. The guide highlights specific products such as the SpyraFour water gun, Mibrasa charcoal ovens, Oyster Tempo Pro coolers, and the Eufy E15 robot mower, aiming to provide practical solutions for diverse consumer needs.
The automotive sector receives significant attention in the guide, with recommendations for the Noco AX65 jump starter and inflator, the BlueDriver OBD2 scanner, and the Decked Halfrack storage system. The Noco device is described as a high-powered combination unit that can inflate a tyre from flat to 40 psi in two minutes and jump-start a regular passenger car. The BlueDriver scanner connects via Bluetooth to read and clear trouble codes without requiring a subscription, while the Decked system is noted for its gasketed, lockable design capable of withstanding heavy loads.
In the outdoor and cooking categories, the guide features the Mibrasa charcoal oven and hibachi grill, with the smallest Nano model priced just under $12,000. For those with more modest budgets, the MH 300 Plus hibachi is highlighted for its heavy-gauge steel construction and ability to reach temperatures of almost 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The Oyster Tempo Pro cooler is also recommended for its vacuum-insulated aluminium design and integrated digital thermometer, although the author notes it has not been personally tested.
Technology and hobby items include the Ricoh GR IV compact camera and the Vero x Realtree smartwatch. The Ricoh camera is praised for its improved autofocus and dust-sealing mechanism, fitting easily into a jeans pocket, though the author describes its 1080p video capabilities as "horrid." The Vero smartwatch tracks tides for 14 days and is waterproof to almost 400 feet, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. The SpyraFour water gun, recommended for users aged 14 and over, features a digital display and rapid refill capabilities.
Lifestyle and apparel recommendations include Taylor Stitch’s organic cotton California shirt, Pair of Thieves rayon boxer briefs, and Berghaus windproof jackets. The guide also suggests the Eufy E15 robot mower for lawn maintenance and the Stihl GTA 30 battery-powered pruner for garden upkeep. Gilbertson, who notes that most items were personally tested, frames the selection as a way to address the traditional difficulty of shopping for fathers, offering everything from premium gear to practical essentials.
