We all want to freeze certain moments and live in it forever. Recollecting the echoes of shrieks, giggles, and peals of laughter that we want to relish perpetually.
That’s probably why I’m in love with photographs, even when I live in the age of video and moving pictures. It’s still enchanting. A slice of time captured, preserved. Holding stories that you can recall instantly, without having to finish watching from beginning to end.
Don’t just take, give
Throughout the years, Fujifilm has consistently delivered instant cameras and instant film printers with its instax line. I usually bring my instax Mini 9 to important occasions where I have the liberty to choose a moment for us to remember. But on the occasion that I don’t, I always have my smartphone to capture memories.
In 2019, Fujifilm unveiled the mini Link which prints your favorite photos from your phone. This year, the mini Link had a successor called the mini Link 2 — which I had for quite a while now. It’s still a smartphone printer, but there’s so much more.
I brought the mini Link 2 to my recent travels such as my birthday weekend in Calatagan and my trip to Bangkok. In between, I finally learned what it’s like to share my favorite moments.
Tiny changes
The mini Link 2 looks fairly like its predecessor with only scanty changes. It still has that stripe pattern on its exterior, but instax’s logo — which serves as the power button — looks bigger and rounder.
The charging port is still inconspicuous, and the design of the film door hasn’t changed. FYI: If you’re new to instax cameras, once you insert your film pack, don’t open the film door again lest you waste your remaining films.
On another note, the most notable differences are the appearance of a button on the side of the printer’s mouth, and an LED panel for augmented reality (AR) function.
Other than that, the unit I have this year comes in Space Blue. I was gunning for the Clay White since I had the Ash White in 2019, but the navy colorway matches most of my accessories so I’m settling with it.
There’s fun in printing
The mini Link 2, like its predecessor, is reasonably easy to use. One press on its big power button, and the printer will turn on. It also connects seamlessly with my iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, so there’s no such thing as Android vs iPhone here.
To connect, you must link your smartphone and the printer via the dedicated app, which you can download on the App Store and Play Store. (That’s why it’s called instax mini Link.)
The interface is easy to understand. From the get-go, you have an overview of the device connection, how many films are left, and how much is the current battery capacity of the mini Link 2.
Through the app, you can find two modes: Print Mode and Fun Mode. You can switch modes by clicking your desired mode, or adjusting the position of the printer. If it’s standing up, it will go to fun mode. If it’s lying down, it will go to print mode.
Print Mode
Via Print Mode, you can do a “Simple Print” where you pick a photo from your gallery, and print it using the mini Link 2. This is the easiest way to share your memories.
Of course, there are candid moments that we want to freeze but are instead captured by video. Fret not, the app has “Video Print” where you can select the video you want and choose the frame you’d love to print.
For those who are always ready to take unplanned captures, the instax Camera feature allows you to use your device’s camera to take a photo right away, so you can print it immediately. Personally, this is the feature I used the least. I mean, why should I?
Fun Mode
The second iteration of the instax mini Link puts more focus on Fun Mode. Now, it has “Frame Print” that lets you select various frames you can work with for your photos. Think: your aunties and uncles with their framed profile photos on Facebook.
For those who want to fit so much with the little space an instax film has, there’s a “Collage Print“. You can have fun splitting images, if you’re up for it. Not me, though. It’s a waste of film.
“Match Test“, which was previously a feature to see your compatibility with someone through your photo, has just got an upgrade. It still has the same “Match Test” and “Quick Diagnosis” from before, but with an extra addition called “Go With Your Instinct“.
The feature uses a different quiz that determines if you’re compatible with your friend. The effect will show a gradient frame which can indicate if you’re compatible or not.
Make more personalized prints!
Now, the mini Link 2 offers two features that basically let you draw.
Let’s start with “Sketch, Edit, and Print“. First, you draw your design on paper, scan it with your phone, and it will extract the sketch or text — whatever you put on the paper.
You can adjust the color and size, and you can apply it anywhere in the photo. You can take a new photo so it matches your sketch, or you can find a photo that already works. Then, you print it!
Draw in the air
What’s really new is the instaxAIR option, which basically lets you print around in the air which you can put onto your image. You can use your finger to draw directly on your smartphone, or you can use the instax’s LED light to draw in the air.
There are paintbrushes for you to consider, so select wisely. Personally, I love using Neon as compared to Spray paint.
You can also take a video of your drawing, which can be accessed through a QR code. When you print it and someone scans the QR code, they can have a playback of the video recording on their smartphone.
On learning how to share
As I have mentioned, I was having back-to-back trips to Calatagan and Bangkok during my birthday month. What I’ve learned in my trips is how memories are worth reminiscing if it’s shared.
With the instax mini Link 2, I can re-print all the photos I just printed so my loved ones can have a copy, too. I can simply rotate the device and press the big button, or I can go back to the print history to check which photos are worth re-printing.
In a way, the film prints became a souvenir. It’s perfect for making your favorite moments tangible. Something you want to hold onto in the years to come. After all, photographs have a knack for making us feel differently.
A single snap; a frozen still and slice in time. Who knows what stories and emotions can be unearthed with just a single photograph?
I think that’s the beauty of these film prints. Memories may be fleeting. Life may be ephemeral. But these photographs can preserve a memory that will be with us throughout the years. It’s magical.
Is the instax mini Link 2 your GadgetMatch?
There are plenty of use cases for the instax mini Link 2. But for those who are sentimental and want to turn their memories into something tangible, the instax mini Link 2 can easily be a GadgetMatch.
It’s ideal for every occasion you want to cherish. With a compact design and easy-to-use functionalities, it’s no doubt it can be your travel companion, too.
The instax mini Link 2 is available in three colorways: Soft Pink, Clay White, and Space Blue. It retails for PhP 7,299, and will be available for purchase in authorized Fujifilm instax dealers nationwide, as well as official online flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee.
SEE ALSO: The art of printing moments that you can hold onto | Sights and sounds of summer in the Upper East Side | Why the instax mini Link is the best accessory for any occasion
Accessories
Father’s Day gift guide: Gadgets for every kind of dad
Dad deserves a gift that won’t collect dust after Father’s Day
As we get older, Father’s Day shopping gets a lot easier when you stop thinking about the typical dad gifts. Especially since it’s not always your dad you’re shopping for anymore. It could be your grandfather who insists he doesn’t need anything. Maybe it’s your brother who just became a dad and is running on three hours of sleep. Maybe it’s your father-in-law.
Whoever it is, here are some of my favorite picks to give them this year. Spoiler alert: there are no “World’s Best Dad” mugs included in this list.
For the dad who wants a smarter home
Some of the best tech is the kind you stop noticing because it just runs in the background. The Baseus X1 Pro dual security camera is one of those. It combines a dual-lens design with a wide 210-degree field of view and 300-degree motion tracking, allowing it to cover areas that would normally require multiple cameras.
What makes it stand out is its ability to track two subjects at the same time. Unlike traditional security cameras that can lose sight of one person while following another, the X1 Pro’s dual-lens system can independently follow both, creating a more complete picture of what’s happening around his home.
Its dual 3K cameras capture plenty of detail during the day, while color night vision and 8x zoom make it easier to identify visitors, vehicles, and other activity after dark.
The included solar panel means less maintenance for dad. As little as 20 minutes of direct sunlight can provide enough power for a full day of operation. It’s also got local storage with no monthly subscription fees.
You can get the Baseus X1 Pro for as low as US$119.99 using the code X1PROPRNO1 until June 30th.
And then there’s the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini, which solves one of the most ignored chores in any home: cleaning windows. Dad can attach it, let it run, and something everyone’s been avoiding for months just disappears from their mental checklist.
From large glass panels to smaller apartment windows, the compact robot cleaner uses intelligent WIN-SLAM 4.0 navigation to map out the most efficient cleaning path and avoid missed spots. Multiple cleaning modes let you choose between a quick refresh, deep cleaning, edge cleaning, or targeted spot cleaning depending on what the glass needs.
Hard-to-reach windows become less intimidating for dad to clean. Whether it’s a second-story window, a glass door, or a large mirror, the Winbot stays securely attached while it works, turning a tedious chore into a hands-free task.
You can get the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini for just under US$240.
For the dad who’s always in the kitchen
Every family has someone who treats grocery shopping like strategy. If that sounds like your dad, then the FEPPO compact food vacuum sealer is a great addition to the family.
It keeps food fresher longer, makes bulk buying from Costco more practical, and turns freezer storage a lot more organized.
Unlike traditional countertop vacuum sealers, the FEPPO is compact, cordless, and rechargeable, making it easy to store when not in use. Despite its size, it delivers strong suction and can seal food in just a few seconds with a single button press.
The included kit comes with 10 reusable BPA-free vacuum bags and three storage containers. The bags and containers are washable and reusable, s not only are you saving space in the fridge or freezer, you’re also helping reduce waste.
I also like that FEPPO designed it with a detachable water tank that collects excess moisture during the sealing process, making cleanup simpler and helping keep the machine running smoothly over time.
It doesn’t look exciting on paper, but once it’s part of dad’s kitchen routine, they’ll wonder how they managed without it, and thank you later.
Get the FEPPO Compact Vacuum Sealer for Food for under US$70.
For the dad who needs any excuse to be outdoors
Some dads are indoors dads. Others will take any excuse to be outside. The OGERY F11 camping fan is one of those small upgrades that makes outdoor time noticeably more comfortable—not just for them but for the whole family. Whether it’s camping trips, backyard BBQs, RV adventures, or just surviving peak summer heat, it’s a gift dad would surely appreciate.
What makes it stand out is its versatility. The adjustable tripod lets it work as either a floor fan or desktop fan, while the massive 30,000mAh battery can keep air moving for days on lower settings. It also doubles as an LED lantern and emergency power bank, perfect for camping camping and even power outages.
Dad will love the wide-angle oscillation and the included remote control so he can sit back and relax while cooling down.
The OGERY F11 Camping Fan is available for US$89.99.
The SJCAM C400 action camera is for the dad who is always doing something worth remembering: biking, fishing, hiking, skiing, traveling, or just being the unofficial family photographer.
It captures 4K video through a wide 154-degree lens, making it easy to record everything from scenic landscapes to fast-moving action. Built-in 6-axis image stabilization helps keep footage smooth even when the camera is mounted to a bike, helmet, or backpack. Its battery life is rated to last up to seven hours so his adventures get documented before needing a top up.
The C400 also supports features like slow motion, time-lapse, and wireless app control, making it equally useful for adventure loving dads or one who simply wants a hands-free way to capture family memories.
Get the SJCAM C400 Action Camera for US$179.99.
And the Kiwibit smart bird feeder turns into something unexpectedly addictive. It’s the perfect gift for the dad who enjoys slowing down and appreciating the little things.
The built-in camera captures 4K video and 8MP photos through a wide-angle lens, allowing you to watch visiting birds up close and even check in after dark with infrared night vision. Two-way audio also lets you listen in on the activity happening outside.
For dads who enjoy learning, Kiwibit’s AI can identify more than 10,000 bird species and send alerts whenever a new visitor arrives. The companion app automatically creates galleries and summaries, making it easy to keep track of backyard regulars.
The feeder itself is thoughtfully designed, too, with a solar-powered roof, removable battery, and a dual-compartment seed hopper that can attract a wider variety of birds. It’s the kind of gift that would keep delivering small moments of joy long after Father’s Day is over.
For the dad who treats his car like a second home
Cars collect everything. The FEPPO cordless vacuum handles the everyday mess: crumbs, dust, snack debris, pet hair, and whatever else somehow finds its way into the car. Powered by a brushless motor, it delivers strong suction while remaining cordless and easy to maneuver around tight spaces like dad’s car.
What makes it particularly useful for busy households is its thoughtful design. The anti-tangle brush helps prevent hair from wrapping around the roller, while a multi-stage HEPA filtration system captures fine dust and allergens before recirculating cleaner air.
Long battery life means it’s ready for quick cleanups without constantly needing a recharge. The different attachments make it easy to clean around the house or car.
The best part is you can get the FEPPO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for under US$200.
The STATIK TireHero tire inflator is the tool you never think about until you reallyy need. It lives in the glove box until the exact moment it saves you from a low-pressure warning, a road trip delay, or a late-night stop at a gas station air pump.
Beyond inflating car tires, it can also handle bike tires, sports balls, paddleboards, air mattresses, and other inflatables, making it surprisingly versatile for road trips, camping, and family outings. It even doubles as a portable power bank for charging a phone in an emergency and includes a built-in flashlight for nighttime use.
It’s a practical gadget that may not feel exciting when dad unwraps it, but becomes invaluable the first time he actually needs it.
The STATIK TireHero is available for US$59.99.
For the dad who brings people together
Some of the best gifts will keep on giving. The XGIMI MoGo 4 portable projector turns any blank wall into a movie screen. Dad can set up backyard movie nights, World Cup watch parties, or casual weekend hangouts without needing a dedicated entertainment room.
What makes the MoGo 4 special is how portable it is. About the size of a tumbler, it’s easy to toss into a bag for camping trips, vacations, or visits with family. The built-in battery provides up to 2.5 hours of viewing time so you can enjoy a movie without needing to plug it in. It’s also got a 360-degree adjustable stand and automatic image correction to make setup almost effortless.
Despite its compact size, it delivers Full HD 1080p visuals, built-in Harman Kardon speakers, and Google TV with licensed Netflix support.
The XGIMI MoGo 4 is now US$469.
The Liiton American Peaks whiskey decanter set is for dads who have had a stressful year. It helps them slow down, unwind, and appreciate the ritual of pouring a drink at the end of a long day.
Inspired by some of the most iconic mountain ranges in the US, the set includes a crystal decanter and four whiskey glasses featuring detailed 3D mountain impressions molded into the base. Beyond looking beautiful on a bar cart, the mountain design helps chill and aerate the drink. Place the glass in the freezer and in just 18 seconds he gets a drink that stays cold until the last sip, thanks to its proprietary X1 Crystalline Chill Charge System.
Made from heavy lead-free crystal with a weighted base, the glasses feel substantial in the hand and elevate everything from bourbon to tequila. The included gift-ready presentation box also makes it feel like a truly special Father’s Day gift.
And because the set includes four glasses, it’s just as much about sharing a drink with friends and family as it is enjoying a quiet moment alone.
The American Peaks Whiskey Decanter Set is available for under US$130.
For the dad who likes to express himself
The INKWON TAG is probably the most unexpected product in this entire list. This pocket-sized printer can create stickers, temporary tattoos, iron-on transfers, and photos directly from a smartphone. Paired with the INKWON app, it can turn almost any image into something physical within minutes.
That’s where it gets fun. One day it might be custom stickers for a water bottle. Another day it’s temporary tattoos for his kids. It can even be used to create personalized shirts, tote bags, and keepsakes. For dads who enjoy making things, it’s the kind of gadget that sparks creativity long after Father’s Day is over.
The INKWON TAG starts at US$199.
Not every gift needs to change someone’s routine. Some just make it slightly better.
The Baseus MC2 open-ear earbuds are for dads who always have something playing in the background. Unlike traditional earbuds, the open-ear design lets them enjoy music, podcasts, or audiobooks while staying aware of traffic, conversations, and everything happening around them.
They’re lightweight enough to wear for hours, offer impressive battery life, and deliver surprisingly rich audio despite their compact clip-on design.
The Baseus MC2 open-ear earbuds are currently on sale for US$59.99.
Then there’s the Posh Tech Hunt distressed leather Apple Watch band, which transforms one of the most common pieces of tech into something with a little more character.
Made from genuine distressed leather, it develops a worn-in look over time that feels more personal. It’s a simple upgrade, but one that can make an Apple Watch feel less like a gadget and more like an everyday accessory. It’s available for US$35.
For the dad who’s focused on staying well
The Merach NovaRow R50 rowing machine is one of the best examples of low-impact fitness that can stick. It’s a full-body workout that engages his legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms, all while being easier on his joints than running or other high-impact exercises.
What makes it work isn’t intensity; it’s consistency. The movement is smooth, the setup is simple, and the Merach app adds guided workouts, performance tracking, and scenic rowing routes that make it easier to show up again tomorrow.
With 10 levels of air resistance, it can grow alongside dad’s fitness journey, whether he’s just getting started or looking for a more challenging workout. It also folds for easier storage, making it a practical option for apartments and home gyms alike.
The Amazfit Balance 2 is one I gave to my dad, who’s almost 70. He’s not training for anything nor is he tracking performance. What the smartwatch has done is he is paying a little more attention to himself.
He checks how much he’s moved. He looks at his heart rate. He notices patterns he wouldn’t have thought about before.
At the same time, it scales up for someone who is more active. With over 170 sport modes, recovery insights, golf mapping, scuba support, and up to 21 days of battery life, it’s a great smartwatch no matter the recipient’s fitness level.
Get the Amazfit Balance 2 for US$299.99.
And then there’s the CAVN blood pressure monitor.
Instead of being intimidating or clinical, it’s designed to be simple enough for everyday home use. It’s got a barrel-style design with one-touch operation that removes the hassle of wrapping a cuff properly. Dad can just slide his arm in, press a button, and it does the rest.
It also supports multiple users, stores readings over time, and makes it easier for families to track trends. The large display and color indicators also make it more accessible for older users, too.
The CAVN Blood Pressure Monitor is available for US$179.99.
The Blueair Mini Restful sunrise clock air purifier takes a different approach to wellness by improving the environment dad sleeps in.
It combines a medical-grade air purifier, warm evening lighting, and a sunrise-style alarm clock into a single bedside device. Blueair’s HEPASilent filtration technology removes airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke while operating quietly enough not to disturb sleep.
In the evening, the warm amber lighting helps create a more relaxing wind-down routine, while the sunrise alarm gradually brightens before wake-up time to make mornings feel less abrupt.
Thoughtful extras like soothing wake-up sounds, app controls, and a built-in USB-C charging port make it an easy addition to any nightstand. It’s an all-in-one device for cleaner air, better sleep, and calmer mornings.
The BlueAir Mini Restful is available in Coastal Beige and Midnight for US$199.99.
While smartphone manufacturers have been equipping devices with larger batteries over the past few years, power banks still remain an essential carry.
That’s especially for heavy smartphone users who have to push their device’s power to the limit — be it for gaming, content creation, and similar demanding tasks.
Or, you know, if you just suddenly ran into an unexpected long day and have to spend extra hours outdoors.
Whatever the case may be, that’s where the VOLTME MagPak 5K comes in. This small, 5,000mAh capacity magnetic power bank easily recharges your phone’s battery wirelessly.
The VOLTME MagPak 5K is chiefly meant for the iPhone 12 to 14 models, but can still pretty much refuel more modern devices, so long as they have magnetic charging capability.
It uses V-Dynamic technology and is MagSafe and 7.5W Qi compatible. With a 9N Magnetic Alignment Force, it has a stronger attachment so users can focus on the titles they play or the scenes they shoot.
Or, if you want to slow it down while recharging your handset, the power bank comes with a kickstand to help you place your device either horizontally or vertically.
Beyond the magnetic charging capability, the MagPak 5K also supports USB-C to USB-C charging to another device.
You can even simultaneously charge two devices at once, or just opt for the wired charging if that’s what your phone is using.
At just 134 grams, it’s an easy carry, and something that fits seamlessly into your pocket. There are also five colors to choose from.
For days where you feel you’ll have extended device usage, it’s best to keep a portable gadget to keep you going.
Who knows, that extra power can spell the difference between going out of battery or being able to transfer money, purchase something at a convenience store with cashless payment, or booking a trip home.
No need to worry about battery drain. Just focus on what you’re doing with your daily life.
Accessories
The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra can chill your skin in ten seconds
It has a misting function and a small water tank.
The world is heating up. While one side of the world is swelteringly humid in anticipation of a rainy season, the other side is gearing up for a scorching summer. Unfortunately, the world needs a more long-term solution. But while we wait for such a remedy, we have personal solutions. Introducing: the Aecooly Cold Air Ultra.
As you can probably see from the rest of its lineup, Aecooly means business when it comes to personal cooling. The Cold Air Ultra, in particular, does more than just move air; it chills the air instantly. The personal fan does this with a misting nozzle (and a small water tank) that delivers an ultra-fine layer of pre-cooled mist. The air itself can reach up to 25m/s. It can cool your skin’s temperature by up to 18F in only ten seconds.
It’s also packed with tech right inside. The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra comes with a full-color touchscreen panel that offers a seamless way to control the air. Besides the screen, it also has two physical buttons to control the power and the misting.
The Cold Air Ultra comes with a sizable 7000mAh battery, which promises up to 10 hours of continuous operation. Additionally, it can charge devices with a 20W two-way fast charging function.
The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra retails for only US$ 39.99. Plus, you can get 20% off with the code GMATCH20 from Amazon.
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