Hey everyone! Father’s Day is creeping up faster than my Dad can finish a crossword puzzle 😅. And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably staring blankly at your screen, wondering what to get the guy who seemingly has everything (or just says he does!).
Forget the usual suspects – ties that never get worn, socks that disappear into the laundry abyss, and another BBQ spatula he probably already owns five of. This year, let’s get Dad something he’ll actually use: awesome apps! 📱
I’ve hand-picked 7 gems from Google Play that are guaranteed to make Dad’s life a little easier, a lot more fun, or just plain better.
So, ditch the predictable and give Dad the gift of convenience, entertainment, or maybe even a little bit of zen. Let’s get started! 👇
- What it is: Libby is like a magical portal to your local library’s ebook and audiobook collection – all on his phone!
- Why Dad will love it: If your Dad’s a bookworm, this app is a total game-changer. No more trekking to the library in the rain, no more overdue fees looming over his head. He can browse, borrow, and listen to audiobooks on his commute, while mowing the lawn, or just chilling in his favorite armchair. It’s pure convenience!
- Why we recommend it: It’s a fantastic way to fuel his reading habit, it’s FREE (with a library card, duh!), and it’s so easy to use, even my tech-challenged uncle figured it out. 😉
- What it is: A personalized news feed that curates stories from all over the web, tailored to Dad’s interests.
- Why Dad will love it: No more endless scrolling through a million different news sites! Google News learns what Dad likes to read and serves up a custom feed of articles, videos, and podcasts. He can follow specific topics, publications, and even get local news updates. It’s like having a personal news assistant!
- Why we recommend it: It’s comprehensive, customizable, and FREE! Plus, it helps filter out the clickbait and focus on the stuff that actually matters to him.
- What it is: A meditation and mindfulness app with guided meditations, sleep stories, relaxing music, and breathing exercises. Basically, a chill pill in app form.
- Why Dad will love it: Let’s be real, being a Dad is stressful! 🤯 Calm provides tools to help Dad unwind, reduce anxiety, and get a better night’s sleep. Even a few minutes of meditation a day can make a huge difference. The sleep stories are seriously addictive (in a good way!).
- Why we recommend it: It’s beautifully designed, packed with content, and perfect for Dads who are new to meditation or want to deepen their practice. Give Dad the gift of inner peace! 😌
- What it is: The ultimate video library, filled with tutorials, how-to guides, and inspiration for every project under the sun.
- Why Dad will love it: Is Dad always tinkering in the garage or tackling home improvement projects? YouTube is his new best friend. He can find videos on everything from fixing a leaky faucet to building a custom bookshelf. It’s a visual learning tool that’s incredibly helpful (and often hilarious!).
- Why we recommend it: It’s FREE, it’s HUGE, and it’s constantly updated with new content. Just be prepared for him to start a new project every weekend! 😅
- What it is: A music streaming service with millions of songs, podcasts, and audiobooks. Basically, all the music he could ever want, in one place.
- Why Dad will love it: Whether he’s into classic rock, jazz, or the latest indie hits, Spotify has something for every musical taste. He can create playlists, discover new artists, and listen to his favorite tunes on demand. Perfect for jamming out in the car, relaxing at home, or even getting pumped up at the gym.
- Why we recommend it: It’s a convenient and affordable way to access a massive music library. The free version is ad-supported, but the premium version is ad-free and lets him download music for offline listening.
- What it is: A simple and powerful calendar app that helps Dad manage his schedule, appointments, and reminders.
- Why Dad will love it: Keep Dad on track with Google Calendar! He can schedule appointments, set reminders, share calendars with the family, and even integrate it with other apps like Google Meet. It’s a lifesaver for busy Dads who are juggling work, family, and everything in between.
- Why we recommend it: It’s FREE, it’s easy to use, and it syncs across all his devices. Plus, the shared calendar feature is a game-changer for family scheduling. No more “I didn’t know about that!” excuses. 😉
- What it is: A recipe app with gorgeous photos, step-by-step instructions, and video tutorials.
- Why Dad will love it: If Dad’s a whiz in the kitchen (or wants to be!), Kitchen Stories will inspire him to try new recipes and level up his cooking game. The app features a wide variety of recipes, from quick weeknight meals to impressive dinner party dishes. The step-by-step instructions and videos make it easy to follow along, even for beginner cooks.
- Why we recommend it: It’s visually stunning, super user-friendly, and packed with delicious recipes. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend quality time together in the kitchen. Maybe he’ll even cook you dinner for a change! 😉
Okay, this isn’t an app, but it’s just as valuable (if not more!). Offer to spend some time with Dad helping him set up these apps, showing him the ropes, and answering any tech questions he might have. Trust me, tech support from a loved one is the ultimate gift! Plus, it’s a great way to bond and make some memories. ❤️
This Father’s Day, let’s ditch the boring gifts and give Dad something he’ll actually use and enjoy. These apps are all available on Google Play, have a solid reputation, and are genuinely helpful. So, download a few, show Dad how they work, and get ready to see that Dad smile! Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome Dads out there! 🎉
Disclaimer: We’re not affiliated with any of the app developers mentioned in this article. All opinions are our own (and hopefully helpful!).