Gift Ideas Under $200 for the Dad Who Deserves a Vacation

There are plenty of dads who seem incapable of taking a break, even if you were to drop them off at the beach. We’ve put together a list of gift ideas that will hopefully give them a much-needed reason to take a breath and indulge in that long-awaited trip or vacation.

To Capture

1. FUJIFILM instax WIDE 400 Instant Film Camera

Appeal to nostalgia with FujiFilm’s fresh take on instant film with the instax WIDE 400, which expands the plane of opportunities to an even wider frame. The photos are twice the size of the instax mini film so 86mm x 54mm becomes 86mm x 108mm. This means the shots can finally do a landscape justice or fit the whole family in the frame.

Dad can properly show off the car next to the camping spot, or the winning catch of the fishing trip, and share the windows of the world he most appreciates, which will undoubtedly be full of surprises. Instant film turns memories into keepsakes. It’s a gift that creates gifts. The camera comes with batteries, but make sure to pick up some film.

2. Xtra Edge Action Camera

If you’ve got a dad who champions his element—whether that’s biking, climbing, or swimming—without the POV to back it up, consider getting him an action camera. We recommend the next best thing to the DJI Osmo Action series: the Xtra Edge. Advanced stabilization will ensure that the footage doesn’t run too wild, accommodating his need for speed. Timelapse mode will record his latest project from start to finish. And of course, it’s waterproof up to 52.5 feet, or 180 feet with Xtra’s waterproof case. Customize your gift with numerous mounts to suit Dad’s hobbies. Just make sure to get a microSDXC card.

3. Snaptain P30 GPS Drone with Remote Controller

Awaken the inner child with this one. If your dad’s not afraid of heights (or even if he is), invite him into a whole new perspective with a drone that can soar up to 2600 feet away. Snaptain’s P30 GPS drone is a lightweight machine that remerges backyards with imagination. You can appreciate the scale of the environment and you can bond over learning to fly together. Challenge him and inspire him, like you always do.

To Power

1. Anker A1259 Nano USB-C Power Bank (10,000mAh)

This Nano Power Bank from Anker is carbon fiber, IPX5 water-resistant, and ultra lightweight, making it one of the slimmest, most stylish power banks currently out there. Give Dad something sleek and reliable, from an innovative company that has won many design awards and has tactical gear in use by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Even better, it comes with an integrated USB cable to complete the package.

2. IDX System Technology UC-PD1 Pocket Travel Power Supply

The UC-PD1 Pocket Travel Fast Charger will charge not only a phone, but a laptop, a camera, and even higher capacity batteries at high speed. IDX System Tech, which has been around since the eighties manufacturing batteries for broadcast video, provides a 20 VDC at 3A max power output, is 47 inches long, and comes with a limited 3-year manufacturer warranty.

3. Jackery Explorer 300D Portable Power Station

Need even more power? Look to the easy-to-pack Explorer 300D Portable Power Station from Jackery. Conservation-dedicated Jackery fits their cutting-edge technology into this small station that can power up to five devices at once. Your dad will travel with peace of mind, knowing he can support his own tools, but those of his friends and family too.

To Pack

1. Pelican AEGIS 22” Carry-On Rolling Hybrid Duffel

You can’t go wrong with any of the selections from Pelican’s AEGIS series of bags, especially this 22” Carry-On Rolling Hybrid Duffel. Naturally the number one choice for highly protective cases with a variety of sizes, colors, and interior organization systems. They also offer more low-profile, 500D cordura and polycarbonate material. This one’s got wheels, three different sizes, and comes in black, charcoal, and sand. Alternatively, consider the Check-In Rolling Duffel, the Travel Backpack, the Double Modpak AV Case, the Sx5 Access Sling, or the classic Duffel Pack.

2. WANDRD ROGUE Sling

The ROGUE sling from WANDRD is made of water-resistant nylon material that is both practical and good-looking, and comes in a bunch of iconic, tasteful colors. You can gift dad all the pockets he could ever want, at the perfect size, whether he needs to carry a 16-inch laptop (the 9L size sling) or strap a travel tripod or water bottle to the bottom. I encourage you to also check out their other bags including the the ROGUE V2 Sling Bag, the PRVKE Backpack, or the CARRYALL Duffel.

3. Peak Design Everyday Sling

Peak Design is another company that’s dedicated to innovative designs and processes, focusing on their customers and employees with care, and giving a percentage of their gains to environmental nonprofits. Their bags are sleek and simple, water-resistant nylon, with a quality that lasts a lifetime.

You have the Everyday Sling, but there’s also the new Travel Crossbody Bag, and the spacious Travel Duffel. A nice addition to any Peak Design purchase is probably their most popular best seller, the Peak Design Capture Camera Clip v3, for the dads that need a better spot to holster their camera while their hands are busy.

4. Sakk Gear Sakk Camera Saddle

Speaking of camera support, if your dad is packing a camera and lens combo that’s slowly destroying his posture and elbows, make the decision for him and gift him a camera saddle like this one from Sakk gear. This mode of stabilization is made for longevity, and the things that are made for sparing our bodies from excessive heavy lifting are not just for the aging population.

5. ORCA DSLR Umbrella/Small Production Umbrella

Lastly in camera support, an ORCA-exclusive invention. It may look strange, but trust us, the DSLR Umbrella (or Small Production Umbrella if you need something bigger) is sturdy, and just the thing for game days, or hikes in the rainforest.

6. Hazard 4 Cargo Hammock

While it’s not exactly the hammock that sways gently in the breeze between two palm trees, this one by Hazard 4 will amplify the storage capabilities of Dad’s pickup, jeep, or SUV.

It’s made of high-strength tarpaulin, nylon webbing, and secures into the trunk with steel carabiners, supporting up to 50 lb of gear or luggage. And when not in use, it folds flat to store neatly. Plus, it has a secret lockable zippered compartment for valuables. With this hammock, Dad can organize himself for whatever hunting trip, sports outing, film shoot, or hands-on project supply run.

We hope this list will give you some ideas for Father’s Day, but all gifts and budgets aside, the best thing you can do is give dad a call. That, he will appreciate the most.