Father's Day Gift Guide For All Budgets
Father's Day is fast approaching, and the variety of possible gifts might seem overwhelming. Don't fret; CBS Local has done the shopping (or at least the browsing) for you. Whether you're looking for a humorous gag gift or a useful investment, we've got you (and Dad) covered, at any budget. You save time, and Dad gets something he wants but doesn't have to pay for. Everybody wins.
It's the Thought (Under $25)
Keep the Father's Day mood light with Spoon Sisters' Work Less Play More notepad. This pad's sheets of paper crumple up into various sports ball shapes. He'll enjoy taking a break from work for a quick game of trashcan basketball.
Although most dads wouldn't think to request candles as gifts, this flammable trinket is the perfect relaxation aid for Mr. Over-Stressed and Under-Appreciated. Dad can light Uncommon Goods' Porcelain Campfire and decompress from a long day; a malted beverage is optional. The whimsical "campfire" shape adds a manly spin what some might see as a less than manly gift.
Think back to pictures of your dad growing up: the jean shorts, the huge glasses, the oh-so-white sneakers. Face it… dads are the original hipsters. And Fred Flare recognizes this. Its book Dads Are The Original Hipsters comes complete with silly photos and commentary from the blog of the same name. Leaf through pages of dads in knit hats and Chukka boots with your own dad. You're guaranteed a laugh. Bonus points if he busts out his own hipster pics from back in the day.
Work Less Play More Ball Paper Notepad – Spoon Sisters ($8.95)
Porcelain Campfire – Uncommon Goods ($20.00; $11.99 on sale)
Dads Are The Original Hipsters – Fred Flare ($13.95)
Spend A Little More (Under $100)
With summer here, grilling season is upon us. Help your dad prepare for the onslaught of charred meat with this Barbeque Master 4-Piece Set from Personalization Mall. The set includes a spatula, fork, tongs and basting brush – all of which can be personalized to your liking – for $44.95. Add other amenities, like a cutting board, to enhance the grilling experience.
Tech gift options abound for the active father, although many are expensive. GPS watches, heart monitors or exercise equipment can run your bill into the hundreds. For a cheaper option, consider Uncommon Goods' iPhone Bike Mount for $40.00. The mount clips easily onto all bike handles, and includes an exclusive dashboard app for the iPhone used. Dad can display his speed and distance traveled, and record a video of his riding.
A money clip is an old-fashioned way to look professional and put together. Coach gives this classic a modern spin. The Basic Coach Money Clip has a sleek, minimalistic design, and is priced at a reasonable $48. And the small Coach imprint adds just the right amount of swank.
Barbeque Master 4-Piece Set – Personalization Mall ($44.00; $33.70 on sale)
iPhone Bike Mount – Uncommon Goods ($40.00)
Basic Money Clip – Coach ($48.00)
Sky's The Limit ($100 and up)
To give a Father's Day gift that also does good, head to Same Sky. The company showcases jewelry collections made by Same Sky-employed, HIV-positive women in Africa. These Silver, Onyx or Indigo Cuff Links are just $100, and help empower women to support themselves and avoid poverty. These cuff links in particular are handmade by female artisans from Rwanda.
Go on the Father's Day adventure of a lifetime.
If Dad still listens to CDs and uses a flip phone (a distinct possibility), he may need a technology push into modern times. Do him a favor with Amazon's Kindle Fire for $199.00. This easy-to-use digital reader is more like a tablet: it comes with a color touchscreen, streaming for movies and TV shows, built-in Wi-Fi and games or apps. Plus, of course, he'll now have the ability to read books digitally.
Save Dad from some shopping pains by investing in a Burberry trench coat for him. This Diamond Quilted Warmer Raincoat is a traditional, timeless piece that fits into any man's closet. It's easy to throw over an outfit – professional or casual – and lasts forever. Lightweight enough for summer showers, with a button-in quilted warmer for colder evenings, this trench is perfect all year 'round. Pick black or khaki for $795.00.
Silver, Onyx or Indigo Cuff Links – Same Sky ($100.00)
Kindle Fire – Amazon ($199.00)
Diamond Quilted Warmer Raincoat – Burberry ($795.00)
Adrienne Smith is an Associate Producer for CBS Local. She loves all things 'cheesy,' and has made a pizza app for that. Follow her on Twitter here.