In what may be the most self-aware moment in gift-guide history, WIRED's resident product reviewer and new(ish) father admits he is a nightmare to shop for. He is not alone. Most of his friends have no idea what to get their dad either, and resort to brainstorming in group chats with anyone they can get their hands on - a strategy that has never once produced a good idea, but remains popular.

His favorite power bank, full stop, is the one with the built-in retractable USB-C cord. If he's traveling, going abroad, camping, or just headed to work, he takes it. The retractable cord is there when you need it and out of the way when you don't. It's small enough to pack in any bag and light enough that he barely notices it. Plus, it has an extra USB-A and USB-C port built in, so you can charge multiple devices at once. Groundbreaking stuff.

He's lost count of how many times his Apple AirTag Bluetooth tracker has saved him from looking for something. Keys: located. Luggage: tracked. Backpack: safe and sound. Sure, it's not the most exciting gift in the world, but it's the epitome of useful and practical - as long as they use an iPhone, that is. If they don't, well, enjoy the hunt.

"If you told me I could only have one bag in my life, the 26L version of the GoRuck GR1 would be my pick," says WIRED operations manager and outdoor expert Scott Gilbertson (he's also a dad). It's absolutely in buy-it-for-life territory, built with ultra-durable, water-resistant 1000D Cordura and tested by US Army Special Forces. It's technically made for rucking, but it can do basically anything you throw at it, travel included. This Huckberry version omits the exterior MOLLE webbing, giving it a sleeker look. You can read more in Gilbertson's full GoRuck GR1 review.

Finally, the best aluminum carry-on suitcase. Aluminum luggage is sleek and durable, with a shell that just looks better with little dents and dings (unlike polycarbonate luggage). Aluminum itself is recyclable and repairable, and the clamps that hold the Rimowa together won't fail or break as easily as your typical zipper. Rimowa is obviously the "it" brand for this type of luggage, but you can get similar options from Away and Level8 for well under half the price. So there's that.