Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Cheap Christmas Gifts For Dad

Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Dad

A lot of times it’s just hard to shop for your dad. He works hard and he probably has just about everything he could possibly want. He certainly doesn’t need another tie.
This really hit home to me as I became a dad myself and started receiving really kind of bland, no-thought-involved type gifts. Did I really get my dad those kinds of gifts while growing up? Sure the homemade gifts are great, but a golf tee picked up from a yard sale? Dad doesn't even golf!
Some of the best gifts are ones where you think outside of the (Christmas) box and you have some fun with it. Not necessarily gag gifts, although those are fun too. Just think of things that guys like. And not all guys are the same, so you really do need to do some thinking on this one. But even so, most guys share the same kind of “guy” DNA.
This list will help you start thinking a bit and will give you a few ideas on what to start with. Ultimately every dad is different, but with just a touch of imagination and a love for your dad, you can find the big guy the perfect gift this Christmas and Holiday season.

Grilling Supplies

Even if it’s the dead of winter, grilling supplies will go over great as a gift for dad. Dads love to grill. It’s in their blood. Get him some gloves or an apron. Get him a pack of grill seasonings. Tongs and other assorted tools are sure to get him excited about grilling some fresh meat. The only problem you may have is getting him not to come home with a fresh deer or elk and start grilling in the frosty atmosphere of late December!
The important thing is that he will love the gift, and even if he has to wait to use it, that will make him more excited about it as the days countdown to Spring and then Summer. He will be all smiles until then.

A Few More Gift Ideas For Dad

Definitely becoming a dad has helped me to appreciate the thought process that goes into what I choose for my dad. And most of these things I would like to receive as well. The “man” DNA thing again.
Besides grilling supplies or a beer holster, here are some other things your dad may like to get this Christmas:
  • An Old Navy Frost Free Vest. I got one of these a while back and would have loved it as a gift, especially in the colder days of December. It’s not as cumbersome as a big coat, and you can wear a warm sweater underneath for the sleeves. But it does protect from the cold and is pretty stylish to boot. Win-win.
  • Skybar whiskey chill cubes. I know, not all dads drink, but he can use them in his drink of choice, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. I just think they’re cool to use and look at, and they do the job they’re meant to do. Plus, they’re pretty cheap. You can see the picture above for more info on this.
  • A subscription to a men’s magazine I’m not talking about adult magazines here, so chill out. I mean something like a Men’s Health or whatever along those lines. Guys love to have fitness info even if they’re never going to work out a single day. Plus it gives us reading material for the bathroom, a guy’s favorite place to read. Too much information? Dad doesn’t think so.
  • A gift card to a restaurant. Guy’s love eating out. And if your mom has him on a diet, he can sneak out and grab a nice burger some night. You will be his hero. Trust me on this.
There are lots more ideas but truthfully you will do just fine if you think outside the box and use some creativity. Your dad will appreciate it.

Dad Matters

You only get one dad in life. Unless you have step-dads or father-in-laws, then you have many. But the idea is the same. Treat these good dudes in your life to something eclectic without breaking the bank and they will think that you are just an awesome kid. Of course nothing beats some time spent with them, so do that too. They won’t be here forever.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Cheap Christmas Gifts For Dad

Choosing a gift for your dad shouldn’t be the nightmare that it usually is. Dads are surprisingly hard to shop for unless they have very specific tastes or follow a certain sport team religiously. But most dads – mine included – seem like they already have everything that they already need. There are a few things that you may not have thought of when shopping for dear ol’ dad. Sometimes it just requires thinking outside of the box.

And also, let’s face it, just because we love the guy doesn’t mean we wanna break the bank to get him something cool. If you have kids then you don’t have a lot left for the other people in your life anyway! And who wants to stand in line at a retail store with pushing, shoving and just generally rude people anyway? Shopping online will save time and money and will lead to some great finds.

If you really want to get your dad that special gift that is both cool AND cheap, this list should give you a few suggestions on what your dad might like this Christmas and Holiday season. Also, all the gifts on this list are around $30 or less at the time last checked on Amazon.

Remember, the best gifts are from the heart and are truly original.

The Ultimate Man’s Survival Guide

This is a book that will be at home on any father’s bookshelf or nightstand. Okay, let’s be real, it will probably end up in the bathroom because many dads love to read in there. That’s a fact.

What’s also fact is that this book is full of manly things from long ago, the way men were when guys like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood were still young and full of machismo.



This book contains things like survival skills, being athletic, being a hero, being a gentleman and philosopher from way back, and many more manly traits and virtues. It’s actually a really cool book and is illustrated beautifully and is incredibly entertaining.

The book even finishes up with a list of the top 100 manliest movies that dad must watch before he dies. (Tip: use the movies list in the back as ideas for other holidays such as birthday and Father’s Day DVD type gifts.)

J&D's Bacon Salt

What dad doesn’t love the taste of bacon? Bacon is so good. So what if you could flavor everything in the kitchen with the taste of lovely bacon. If you get this for your dad, he will be able to. That is the definition of a cool Christmas gift.

This is a 4 pack of different (but still amazing) bacon flavors. It comes in natural bacon, Peppered, Original and Hickory flavors. But don’t worry; this stuff is not as bad as it sounds health-wise. Zero calories and fat, low-sodium, vegetarian and kosher. Check it out and see how much your daddy-o loves it.

The Art of Shaving: The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave - Starter Kit

Unless your dad is super cool and has a massive manly beard, he probably needs to shave. And if you’re going to shave, this stuff is pretty awesome for a close shave free of razor burn and bumps.

This shaving set is really good for the price; it comes with cream, oil, balm and a brush. It’s for the Pops with sensitive skin, made of botanical ingredients and is free of dyes, alcohol and synthetic fragrances. If he’s got to shave, this stuff might just become his favorite brand.

iPhone Wallet

Every dad has an iPhone. It must be some unwritten law. If your dad is like mine, he’s rough on stuff like that. He drops his iPhone two or three times a day, usually with a few choice words. This iPhone wallet can definitely take care of that. And, ingenious as it sounds, he can also carry his money and cards in it. Score!

You don’t have to open it to check texts or see what time it is. And it looks professional enough so that it works whether your Pa is a businessman or a lumberjack. Quality is high on these things and will last him for quite a while. At least until he drops the whole thing in the toilet, money and all.

Dewalt Heavy Duty Bucket Organizer

Dads love tools, and yours probably has a ton of them lying around all unorganized and scattered all over the place. This organizer looks all rugged and tough and will help keep everything sorted so he can find a tool easily.



 It’s got 25 pockets going all around the inside, 46 pockets on the outside, sleeves, pockets and places for small items like screws and bolts. It’s a manly organizer for a manly guy.



Being a father is a tough job. Showing dad how much you care at Christmastime with a cool gift he wasn’t expecting is an awesome thing to do. The time we get with our parents is shorter than we think. Let your old man know how much you care this season with a cool, cheap gift and some time spent with the guy. He will definitely appreciate it.