Staying Connected Best Gift of All This Father's Day; Technology Gifts from Best Buy Help Dads Balance Work and Family Life

Business Wire, June 10, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS -- A recent Father's Day survey(1) conducted by Best Buy revealed Dad would prefer satellite radio service or a digital camera over a new set of golf clubs. What's behind his preference for technology gifts? Dads are beginning to appreciate how technology helps keep them connected as they strive to achieve better work-life balance. A poll by the National Center for Fathering revealed that 56.5 percent of fathers say they spend less time with their children than their fathers did with them. But thanks to devices like cell phones and PDAs, Dad can e-mail the office from his son's soccer game or text in a vote for his daughter's favorite American Idol candidate while miles away on a business trip.

With Father's Day around the corner, Best Buy helps identify the right solutions to keep Dads connected to home while at work or on the road. "When families walk into a Best Buy this Father's Day, they know technology is high on Dad's wish list, but they don't always know where to start, and that's where our customer specialists can help," explained Paula Baldwin, Best Buy spokesperson. "We understand how technology can help Dad juggle work and family commitments by keeping him connected to both worlds. While this may be a universal struggle for Dads, we know there is no one-size-fits-all technology solution. So we work with each customer to help discover the right products and services to keep Dad connected, which are, after all, the hottest gifts this Father's Day."

Connecting Dad on the Road

Fifty percent of Dads surveyed in the Best Buy poll travel for work. For these Dads, time spent in a car, in airports and in hotels can add a touch of home with the right technology. Best Buy recommends the following gift items for the road warrior Dad:

--An MP3 player paired with a Napster 2 Go subscription so Dad can take his favorite music with him on the road - whether it's the Rolling Stones or the Wiggles.

--A satellite radio system - one with a sports package will ensure he can review the play-by-play of his hometown team with the sports fan at home while he's on the road.

--A digital camera - whether preloading a surprise 'We Miss You' photo from the family or creating a family night to review the photos from his latest trip, Dad's sure to feel more connected to home while traveling.

Connecting Dad at Work

Today's Dads want to be a present and active father figure, but the fear of being what some call "Daddy Tracked(2)" at work leaves them wondering how they can do it all. Best Buy recommends these gift items for the Dad who wants to stay connected to the office AND make it to the school play:

--Laptop computers - this might be just the right time to set up that home office, since laptops are available at prices lower than ever before.

--PDAs, handhelds and mobile phones - conducting a conference call while waiting in the carpool line is just one-way Dad can be in two or even three places at once. Teach Dad how to text message his choice of DVD for your movie night between his meetings.

--Broadband subscription - faster Internet connection will help Dad finish his work faster, giving him more time to help with homework or play catch.

Connecting Dad at Home

It's no surprise that the Best Buy Father's Day survey(1) found Dads want to spend more time with their families. Best Buy recommends the following gifts for the Dad who wants to create memories with the family:

--Home theater system - let Dad host family night. It's up to you if you let him pick the movie.

--Digital camcorders, mobile video units and DVD recorders - capturing and viewing special occasions is easier than ever.

--Hand held gaming consoles - try a head-to-head gaming night with the whole family.

Connect with Cards

Perhaps connecting Dad with the perfect gift is proving harder than originally thought? The National Retail Federation predicts 70 percent of families will give Dad a greeting card. Exceed his expectations by making that a gift card instead. Best Buy has a wide selection of gift cards, available in a wide range of designs and amounts. For the Dad who needs a little assistance taming the unruly computer or understanding the ins and outs of installing a wireless router, Geek Squad(R) Gift Cards are the perfect gift. Best Buy gift cards have no expiration dates or maintenance fees and are good toward future in-store purchases (including Geek Squad services) within the U.S.

Make the Connection Count

With so many products available for Dads, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the thousands of possibilities at your fingertips. In-store Best Buy customer specialists are trained to help you narrow down your choices and discover the best gift for your Dad. Here are some questions to get you started on the right path:

--What is your price range?

--Does he own his own business?

--What does Dad like to do in his free time?

--Is he hard to buy for?

--Does he spend a lot of time in the car?

--What was the last movie he watched or CD he purchased?

--What technology products does he already have?