Do you have a well-deserving mom, dad or parental figure in your life? Would you like to find the perfect Christmas present for them, but you’re not really sure where to start? With the holiday season soon upon us — and supply chain challenges causing all sorts of delays — it’s a good idea to get an early start on your gift shopping this year. I’ve made a list of excellent holiday gifts for busy parents, and I’ve checked it twice. Let’s jump right into this year’s gift guide for busy parents.

For the Tech Enthusiast

Let’s be honest. Just about all of us can be categorized as “tech enthusiasts” these days. Nearly everyone wants to have the latest smartphone at the very least, right? For the tech head in your life, here are some gift ideas to get started.

Tech Gift Ideas 2021
  • Tribit FlyBuds 3 – My wife got me these wireless earbuds as a gift after I lost my Aukey True Wireless Earbuds. The FlyBuds 3 have more of a “sport” design to them, with a decidedly longer battery life. I like how I can tap on hold on either earbud to access Google Assistant too. Better still, they’re a fraction of the price of AirPods or Pixel Buds.
  • Nintendo Switch OLED Model – Somehow, my children have largely taken over the big TV in our house. This limits my ability to play proper console games. Thankfully, the Nintendo Switch is both a portable and a home console, so I can play Animal Crossing and Smash Bros. when and where it’s convenient. The new OLED version is even better.
  • DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo – I kinda want this for myself, if we’re being honest. Whether Mom or Dad want to capture those precious family moments, or they’re an aspiring TikTok, Instagram or YouTube star, the DJI Pocket 2 is compact, convenient, stable, and way higher quality than it has any right to be.

For the Outdoor Adventurer

Prior to our recent camping trips, I would’ve referred to myself as a dedicated indoorsman. While I’m not quite a rugged outdoorsman just yet, I am more open to outdoor adventures. For busy parents who want to get outside and make their own discoveries, these gift guide options are a good place to start.

outdoor adventure gift ideas 2021
  • Finnley Apparel – I had one of their toques during the recent #5DadsGoWild trip and it was perfect for keeping my noggin warm and cozy. Finnley is a local company offering high quality apparel that’s made in Canada. It’s comfortable and built to last. I’d love to find a Finnley sweatshirt under the Christmas tree.
  • Black Tusk Folding Knife – I’m partial to the lightweight and quick-release design of the Arete (similar to the one I linked here), but you’ll find several folding knife designs by Black Tusk on the House of Knives website. The Tendu is a popular choice. And, these all make excellent knives for opening boxes, even if you’re not especially inclined to outdoor adventure.
  • Roofnest Sparrow Roof Top Tent – This is probably a bit of a stretch. Having endured normal tent camping, I’d be open to trying some rooftop camping too. The struts inside the Roofnest Sparrow mean the tent pops itself up in a matter of seconds. It even comes with a ladder and a memory foam mattress. The Sparrow literally provides a next-level camping experience.

For the Bookworm

According to my Goodreads profile, I’ve read 42 books so far this year. That’s a fair bit more than the 30 or so books I’ve read for each of the previous three years. Busy parents might struggle to find enough free time to read more, but I feel reading is worth prioritizing. It’s relaxing, engaging and part of an overall self-care routine.

Book Gift Ideas 2021
  • DadLife by James R.C. Smith – Fellow dad blogger and now published author, “SocialDad” James Smith shares “a bunch of tips that may or may not be useful to new dads” in his debut book. Expect a fun, lighthearted read that, well, may or may not be useful.
  • Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography by Laurie Woolever – What can be said about Tony that hasn’t already been said? A fair bit, actually. This extensive biography, which is really just curated excerpts from dozens of interviews, is at once intriguing and heartbreaking.
  • Kindle Oasis – I enjoy physical books as much as the next bibliophile. At the same time, I also enjoy audiobooks and ebooks. The convenience of a Kindle is undeniable. And the e-ink display (now with adjustable warm light) is far easier on the eyes than a phone, tablet or computer screen. The Oasis is more of a premium product. To save a few bucks, the Paperwhite is also very good.

For the Caffeine Fiend

I feel like it almost goes without saying, as the clichéd stereotype frequently holds up to be true. Busy parents are tired parents. And many (most?) tired parents rely on some form of caffeine to get them through the day. Believe me, I get you. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience when it comes to your caffeine source of choice.

Coffee and tea gift ideas 2021
  • Keurig K-Express Essentials – Whether you grab a pack of K-Cups or you load up a My K-Cup reusable filter with your coffee of choice, this Keurig machine is affordably price and super convenient. It’s got a big reservoir, three cup sizes, and a fresh brew in a matter of seconds. I like its compact footprint too.
  • Adagio Teas ingenuiTEA Teapot – Admittedly, I haven’t used this exact model, but I’ve used many a product just like it. This is far and away the best way to brew a pot of loose leaf tea. The bottom-dispensing design means that you never get tea leaves in your mug. It’s a perfect cup every time.
  • Connected Minds Sample Pack – The great news is that Connected Minds isn’t just for people in and around Burquitlam anymore. The local custom roaster ships via their online store. What’s great is you no only choose the bean, but also the roast level (and grind if you don’t want whole bean). Can’t decide? Get the sample pack!

Busy Parents Need a Break

Real talk: What most busy parents really want is a well-deserved break. It could be an hour, a day, a few weeks… we’ll take what we can get. From a more pragmatic perspective, this could mean escaping into a good book, savoring a cup of coffee while it’s still hot, or enjoying some NES and SNES classics via Nintendo Switch Online. Or it could be a weekend retreat, if we’re really lucky.

Beyond this gift guide, what do you plan on giving to the extra special, particularly busy parents on your “nice” list?

Disclosure: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I have also worked with some of these brands on sponsored content, but I would only recommend something if I actually like it.