Tech / Technology

57 unique gift ideas for dads in 2023

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Browse our favorite dad gift ideas for the holiday season. Try to think outside the gift card this year.
Collage of product photos from BrüMate, Harry's, Amazon, and Therabody.

We all know the pain and frustration that comes with picking out gifts for dad. It’s just one of the facts of life. We all have to pay taxes, groceries cost way too much, and dads are hard to shop for.

Whatever the occasion that has you looking for dad gifts (Father’s Day, for example), stay far away from clichés like whiskey stones and pocket knives and try to think outside the box. Unless your dad is an avid tie collector and seriously *lives* for ties, then avoid this played-out gift. Instead, get him something that says, “I see your hobbies and I respect them.” Failing that, our favorite unique gifts for dad at least say, “Hey, I tried, old man.”

SEE ALSO:

Unique gifts for men: Fun ideas for the eclectic guy in your life

Even if your dad says he doesn’t need anything, he deserves something cool and special, like a new gadget, a subscription box, or something that will keep him looking ageless for years to come. That’s why we’ve rounded up plenty of ideas for all types of dads, whether he has a green thumb, an affinity for craft beer, a massive music collection, or a deep appreciation for learning new skills and hobbies.

Remember that a gift doesn’t have to fit some sort of arbitrary dad stereotype for it to be a good fit for your dad. Consider his particular (and maybe even peculiar!) interests and let them guide you toward a gift that he’ll really love — and that will show your deep appreciation for all that he’s done for you.

To get you started ahead of the holiday shopping season, here are some of the Mashable team’s favorite dad gift ideas.

Tech / Technology

Learn Python with this boot camp online bundle for just $17

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Save on the Complete Python Certification Boot Camp Bundle at the Mashable Shop.
two women talking and coding on computer

TL;DR: If you or someone you know wants to learn to code with Python, this Python certification boot camp bundle is on sale for just $16.97 (reg. $84) through October 31.

Computer programming isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Python has emerged as a versatile programming language, empowering individuals and professionals to create, innovate, and solve complex problems. If you’re looking to advance your career or begin a new one, this Python online learning bundle could be a great place to start. It’s on sale for just $16.97 (reg. $84) through October 31.

Look to the future with this Python training bundle. Courses made for beginners like PCEP: Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Certification Preparation Course taught by Chris Mall help prepare you for the PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Certification Exam. It will walk you through how to program correctly and create programs using logic and data structures.

Once you’re comfortable as a beginner, you can move on to other courses like Python Foundations, which helps provide you with the foundations needed to get started with this general-purpose, versatile language and enables you to begin making your own projects. Or the Python Hands-On course that includes 46 hours of content featuring 210 exercises, five projects, five assignments, and two exams to give you hands-on experience with the language.

Other courses include The Complete Web3 Python Automation Masterclass and The Complete Python Course: Learn Python by Doing in 2023. You’ll learn all about coding with Python Turtle, building a security camera using Raspberry Pi, and much more.

All in all, you get 12 multi-lesson courses totaling 130 hours to get you on your way. And one of the big benefits is that you get to learn on your own timeline from the comfort of your own home. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Boot Camp Bundle will allow you — or someone on your holiday shopping list — to explore the possibilities of this versatile language.

Don’t miss the low price of just $16.97 (reg. $84) for this Python certification boot camp bundle until October 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Prices subject to change.


Python boot camp bundle logo overlaying coding on computer screen

Credit: Shutterstock


The Complete Python Certification Boot Camp Bundle

$16.97 at the Mashable Shop

Tech / Technology

This 8-piece gift-boxed Japanese knife set is $130

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Save on an eight-piece Japanese knife set from Seido at the Mashable Shop.
Seido knife set laying on orange background with chopped veggies

TL;DR: Through October 31, you can snag the Seido Japanese Master Chef’s 8-piece knife set for only $129.97 instead of $429 — that’s a 69% discount for a limited time.

In the culinary world, what you use to prepare meals can make all the difference. If you’re passionate about cooking and strive for excellence in the kitchen, or if you just like your tools to be precise and well-made, this set of knives could be a good fit. It can also be for the home cook on your shopping list, because this Seido Japanese 8-piece knife set comes with a gift box and is available at a steep discount through October 31.

These knives are made with strong, high-carbon stainless steel and feature a razor-sharp 15° angle blade for a more acute cutting area. This beautiful set features handmade Japanese craftsmanship with a Damascus-etched blade and an ergonomic Pakka wood handle.

This eight-piece set is a complete culinary toolkit. It includes essential knives for various cooking tasks, from slicing and dicing to chopping and carving. Here’s what you get, all in a tidy box ready to gift:

  • 8-inch chef’s knife

  • 8-inch slicing knife

  • 8-inch bread knife

  • 7-inch cleaver

  • 7-inch and 5-inch Santoku knives

  • 6-inch boning knife

  • 3.5-inch paring knife

While the holiday season is about being with the ones you love most, food is almost always involved. Grab a set of these knives for an easier prep for your holiday feasts. Or take advantage of the included gift box and reduced price and gift it to the foodie in your life.

Grab this Seido Japanese master chef’s 8-piece knife set with a gift box ahead of the holiday hustle while they are on sale for $129.97 (reg. $429) until October 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Prices subject to change.


Seido knife set in gift box

Credit: Seido Knives


Seido Japanese Master Chef’s 8-Piece Knife Set

$129.97 at the Mashable Shop

Tech / Technology

Best wireless earbuds in 2023 (UK)

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The best wireless earbuds from top brands like Apple and Sony.
Man with earbuds in

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

We all know the pain of untangling your headphones. It’s like some ludicrous puzzle that we must solve every single day. It’s the curse of owning wired headphones — so infuriating that someone once did a scientific study into why it happens.

Perhaps that’s why the top audio brands have largely ditched the classic headphone jack and moved towards almost exclusive wireless listening. Well, that and the ever-evolving technology. Unsurprisingly, wireless earbuds have risen in popularity and become a must-have bit of tech for busy and active lifestyles.

What are wireless earbuds?

Just like a pair of standard wired buds, these little guys fit snugly inside your ear’s concha (that’s the shell-shaped cavity right next to the entrance of your ear canal). But instead of sending digital audio signals through a cord, they transmit them via a wireless connection.

What is true wireless?

True wireless is a term you’ll come across a lot when researching and shopping for earbuds. Technically, earbuds fall into several categories. For instance, “wireless” earbuds connect to each other via a cord, while “true wireless” have no cord whatsoever — they are completely independent of each other and your device. True wireless headphones can use different types of wireless technology to transmit the sound into your ears. The most common form is Bluetooth.

With brands and listeners favouring true wireless, we’ve followed suit — all the earbuds in this roundup are true wireless.

Are earbuds better than headphones?

If portability and a lower price point appeals to you, you’ll probably prefer wireless earbuds over the on-ear counterpart (wireless headphones). And luckily for you, Apple is no longer the only major brand cranking them out. From Bose to Beats, almost every audio brand has got a couple of wireless earbud offerings on the market nowadays.

Headphones are generally considered the go-to option for serious audiophiles. But there are earbuds geared towards high-quality sound that can match up to over-ear headphones at the same price point. Wireless sound quality is affected by factors such as distance and obstructions between your headphones and device, and the codec software that your headphones support.

What are Bluetooth codecs?

Codecs are algorithms that encode and decode digital audio signals. Look out for earbuds with low latency (this is the time it takes for the sound to hit your ears) and support for Qaulcomm’s aptX codecs. These are the best, most up-to-date codecs — particularly for streaming video content and keeping the image and audio in sync. This is important if you’re a Netflix nerd or have a passion for Prime.

What is noise cancellation?

Noise cancellation is another important feature in tech-savvy headphones. There are two kinds of noise cancellation — passive and active noise cancelling. Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the design of the headphones, which may physically block out noise. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses a system of small microphones which pick up external sounds and create anti-noise sound waves to cancel them out.

Earbuds tend to offer some level of passive noise cancellation because of their in-ear design. But some also have specific ANC modes, such as “transparency mode” which allow select ambient sounds to seep in. A transparency mode is especially useful when listening out for announcements at the train station or talking to colleagues — all without having to stop your music every 30 seconds.

What are the best wireless earbuds?

All of these options can make for a tricky decision when it comes to finding the right pair of wireless earbuds in terms of fit, style, and intended use. That’s why we’ve done the research to bring you the best wireless earbuds featuring the latest Bluetooth technology. There should be something for everyone at every budget on this list, including popular models from top brands. All you need to do is pick a favourite pair.

These are the best wireless earbuds in 2023.

Tech / Technology

Best headphones for under £50

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The best cheap headphones from top brands like Sony and Corsair.
Back of man's head listening to headphones

A good set of headphones are an absolute necessity in this increasingly noisy world. There are few greater pleasures than sticking on a set of headphones and losing yourself in great-sounding tunes. Now helped by the endless playlist on your phone.

Not only is this a tried and tested method of relaxing, it’s also pretty effective at blocking out everything that’s going on around you.

The prospect of living in your own little sound bubble is pretty appealing, and it needn’t cost a fortune. You don’t need to be loaded to get access to the best tech. There are lots of great budget headphones available. If you need some help choosing a pair, here’s some useful information to get you started.

What are the best headphone brands?

You can pick and choose from a wide selection of devices and a lengthy list of brands. You’ve almost certainly heard of Bose, Sony, and Apple, but there are lots of lesser known brands to consider as well.

Sticking to the top brands definitely has its advantages. You’re taking less of a risk by investing in one of the bigger names, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the way to go. You can often find much better value by looking at some of the smaller brands, and you don’t need to sacrifice comfort, style, or sound quality.

What features should you consider when shopping for headphones?

You might be surprised at all the features included with modern headphones — even at a budget price point. Here are some key things to consider:

  • Bluetooth — This allows you to connect to your phone or music-playing device wirelessly. It’s fairly standard with up-to-date headphones but usually for convenience rather than sound quality. Wired headphones are still the best for audio aficionados.

  • Sound quality — Serious audiophiles might want to spend a bit more to get the richest, expertly engineered sound. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get great sound for a low price. Look out for reviews that credit the lows, mids, and highs (these describe the different frequencies of music). Also, look for headphones with drivers of 50mm and under. Drivers are bits of internal tech which convert electronic signals into sound.

  • Microphone — It’s the age of connectivity and most headphones will connect to your phone and allow you make calls via an internal mic, built into the headset or the cable.

  • Manual controls — Many headphones include buttons on the headset for manually controlling the volume, playback, or making calls. Sounds simple, right? Not entirely. Be sure the controls are easy to access and are easy to differentiate from each other.

  • Closed-back/open-back — Closed back headphones have completely sealed ear cups, which direct sound to your ears and keeps out ambient noise. Open-back headphones let air into the ear cup but can cause sound leakage that goes both ways — both in and out. Expensive headphones sometimes have open backs for clearer, natural sound. But closed-back are the go-to choice for commuting and noisy environments.

  • Noise cancelling — Much like it sounds, this is a feature that cancels out ambient and surrounding noise to create a completely immersive experience. Some headphones are built to physically keep out noise. Others include specific tech that further cancels it out. That’s called “active noice cancellation” (ANC).

Keep these features in mind when shopping around for your next set of headphones.

What are the most comfortable headphones?

This is down to personal preference and — of course — what best fits your head size and shape. Some headphones are designed with comfort in mind, with padded ear cups or adjustable headband for getting the fit just right. Others are made with practicality in mind, and may fold up for added portability.

What are the best headphones for under £50?

Listen up, because we’ve done all the hard work and tracked down some of the best very headphone options for under £50. This list includes some names you probably don’t know, some budget models from the biggest brands, and everything in between. There really is something for everyone in this list. Just select the set that best fits your listening and lifestyle habits. Sounds good, right?

These are the best headphones for under £50 in 2023.

Tech / Technology

Best kitchen deal: Ryori 8-inch chef knife for $90

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The Ryori 8-inch chef knife is currently on sale for for $89.99. That’s 70% off its normal price of $299.99.
The 8-inch Ryori knife laying on a cutting board while surrounded by lemons, onions, and other foods

TL;DR: As of October 28, you can get your very own Ryori™ 8-inch chef knife for $89.99 instead of $299.99 — which is a savings of 70%.

It’s never too early to start shopping for holiday gifts. Even though the holidays are still a month or two away, getting a head start gives you enough time to think of meaningful gifts to give loved ones.

If there’s someone in your life who loves cooking or meal prepping, consider getting them this Ryori™ 8-inch chef knife that’s currently $89.99, down from its retail price of $299.99.

Quality craftsmanship, precision, and culinary delight

The Ryori™ 8-inch chef knife is crafted with 37 layers of nitrogen-cooled stainless steel, increasing its strength and durability for chopping whatever is on the cutting board — thick meats, crisp vegetables, or delicate fruits and herbs. This versatility makes the knife suitable for everyday use, resulting in a practical and thoughtful gift.

You’re also gifting an overall better cooking experience. The Ryori™ knife is hand-sharpened by master chefs in Japan and has a blade edge angle of 15º. That makes for a razor-sharp knife that can make meal prep and cooking more efficient and, therefore, more enjoyable. 

A thoughtful, practical gifting option

While the Ryori™ knife is designed for long-term use, taking proper care of it can extend its lifespan significantly. Some knife care tips include hand-washing only, using only wood or plastic cutting boards, storing them properly, and giving them regular sharpening. Make your gift more meaningful by adding a sharpener, storage display, or cutting board set.

Check off shopping for someone special with this thoughtful, practical gift idea: The Ryori™ 8-inch chef knife for $89.99 (reg. $299.99).

Prices subject to change.


A close-up of the Ryori knife's details, like its handle and blade designs

Credit: Ryori


Ryori 8-inch chef knife

$89.99 at the Mashable Shop

Tech / Technology

NYT ‘Connections’ hints and answers for October 28: Tips to solve ‘Connections’ #139.

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Connections is a New York Times word game that’s all about finding the “common threads between words.” How to solve the puzzle.
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that’s captured the public’s attention. The game is all about finding the “common threads between words.” And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we’ve served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today’s puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for October 28’s Connections solution. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT‘s latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications’ Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there’s only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here’s a hint for today’s Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: The five senses

  • Green: Movie shopping montage

  • Blue: Brown-nose

  • Purple: Types of Moons

Here are today’s Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today’s connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Senses

  • Green: Appearance

  • Blue: “Agree!”

  • Purple: ___Moon

SEE ALSO:

Wordle today: Here’s the answer and hints for October 28

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today’s puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #139 is…

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Sense: SIGHT, SMELL, TASTE, TOUCH

  • Appearance: DRESS, LOOK, MANNER, STYLE

  • “Agree!”: DITTO, LIKEWISE, SAME, SECOND

  • ___Moon: BLUE, HARVEST, NEW, SAILOR

Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday’s Connections.