gifts for men

10 Father’s Day Gifts Dads Actually Want for Under $100

Mikey Rox — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:00:07 +0000

When I was a kid, shopping for Father's day was very hard. What do you get a man who has everything, wants nothing, and never wears a tie? Oh, the agony.

But nowadays, it's much easier to surprise dad with a gift he'll not only like but also enjoy. To help narrow your choices, I've picked 10 items — many with exclusive discounts just for you — that will leave your pops feeling elated and appreciated. (See also: 8 Gifts the Man in Your Life Really Wants)

1. Grace Digital Audio Eco Extreme ($49.99)

If your poppa bear gets all Bear Grylls when he’s out with his buddies, the Eco Extreme from Grace Digital Audio — an all-terrain waterproof speaker case — is the perfect present to keep his gadgets safe while he moves to the groove. The dirt- and water-resistant design protects mobile phones, MP3 players, and personal items (like credit cards, a driver’s license, and cash) from whatever nature throws his way. And so dad doesn’t lose it — like he’s known to do — the Eco Extreme includes a two-inch detachable carabineer to clip to his belt loop or backpack. Wise Bread readers can save 25% off and receive free shipping with discount code BEST25 at Grace Digital Audio.

2. PowerSkin ($49.99-$79.99)

When dad’s battery is dead by quittin’ time, he’ll tell you it’s because of his all-day conference calls. But you know better; he went on an Angry Birds bender, and he’s embarrassed to admit it. Give the guy a break with PowerSkin, a lightweight, flexible case that extends talk (and play) time from four-and-a-half to eight hours on many available smartphones, including the iPhone 4, BlackBerrys, and Droid X.

3. Scosche goBATII ($79.99)

Modern dads have a lot of devices — phones, laptops, tablet PCs — and they all require power. The Scosche goBATII — a dual-USB portable charger and backup battery — will add extra juice whenever he needs it with an internal 5000 maH rechargeable lithium-ion pack that, when fully energized, can revive to capacity a drained iPhone 4 more than two-and-a-half times. It also includes a 10 watt port that’s just right for charging Kindles, iPads, and virtually any other USB powered handheld toy. Wise Bread readers can save 15% with code WISEBREAD until June 19 at Scosche.

4. Bonobos Washed Chinos ($88)

For more than 40 years, cotton has been the fabric of our lives (at least that’s how long that catchy marketing campaign has been around), but it’s never looked as good as it does when it's reincarnated as Bonobos Washed Chinos. Because not only are these khakis ultra stylish with names like Graham Slackers and Grey Dogs and outfitted with preppy plaid liners, they’re made with a curved waistband, medium rise, and tailored thighs to combat the baggy, saggy American cut that makes dad look dumpy. Bonobos Washed Chinos are available in boot cut and straight leg in British khaki, olive green, light grey, and navy blue. First-time customers can save $50 on a purchase of $100 or more — plus free shipping — at Bonobos.

5. Coby High-Def Camcorder ($119.99)

Flip Video may have called it quits, but the Coby HD Camcorder is still workin’ hard for your money. This handheld wonder allows users to record high-def video in 1280x720 resolution on a 2” TFT-LCD color display with 4X digital zoom and comes equipped with 128MB of built-in memory. Also included is a carrying case, hand strap (so dad doesn’t drop it in the lake), a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, software, and an owner’s manual. At press time, the camcorder was on sale at Best Buy for $54.14 plus free shipping.

6. Sprayground Backpack ($48)

Founded by street-artist DBD, Sprayground recently launched a line of backpacks that have all the style young dads want combined with the functionality they need. The bags — which have been featured on Gizmodo, MTV.com, and Time Out New York, among other popular blogs and magazines — feature a plush velour-lined notebook compartment that fits up to a 17” laptop as well as an interior slip pocket for an iPad/tablet PC, while the main compartment includes inner slip pockets and zippers for organization and other media, like MP3 players and mobile phones. Receive 20% off your Sprayground purchase with code JUNE until June 15.

7. G-Form Extreme iPad Sleeve ($59.95)

Dads were made to be rough and rugged. How else you gonna get that shed built out back? But being a man’s man has its disadvantages, like, for instance, his iPad is thisclose to total destruction. Enter the G-Form Extreme iPad Sleeve, made of soft, flexible, light-weight RPT technology that instantly stiffens upon impact and absorbs more than 90 percent of the energy resulting from a drop. Sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t. In fact, it’s proven to protect the device from a 12-pound bowling ball drop and a 500-feet free-fall from an airplane. You just know pops is totally gonna try that at home.

8. Native Shoes ($45)

Native Shoes may look like the evolution of the Croc, but they're so much more. Made from foam-injected molded EVA, they form to your feet for a lightweight, waterproof, washable, and odor-resistant shoe that lets dad step out in style. Inspired by classic silhouettes — such as Converse, Sperrys, and Keds — Native Shoes are uber eco-friendly, too. The manufacturing process contains low-energy emissions, is animal byproduct-free and produces zero waste — so there's no carbon footprint even when your baby daddy is kickin' it with the boys.

9. Snugli Baby Carrier ($39.99-$79.99)

It’s not just long-time men-of-the-houses who deserve a great gift on Father’s Day. New dads are equally — if not more — deserving of a little something special on that second Sunday in June. Designer Jennifer Delonge identified that wide-open space in the marketplace with Snugli, the recently released (and totally adorable!) baby carrier that will make hearts melt when your guy walks by. Available in four styles and 12 masculine patterns, Snugli features best-in-class technology such as one-handed buckles, breathable fabrics, and self-adjusting back straps.

10. RumbaTime Watch ($35)

David Beckham is a global style icon, and he earned that status by making bold fashion choices. Like sporting RumbaTime watches, a fun, fresh, and funky line of affordable wrist pieces available in a variety of styles and colors. New to the line is the Greenwich collection, a classic twist on time that references the exclusive stretch of its namesake street in Manhattan. Your man not a fan of Becks? Never fear. RumbaTime has plenty of other celeb clientele — like Steve Carrel, Kobe Bryant, Ben Affleck, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Matthew McConaughey — from whom he can take his cue.

Disclosure: The author of this post handles publicity for Sprayground but will receive no incentives for its inclusion in this gift guide.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Free Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day

Janey Osterlind — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:36:19 +0000

Although the origins of Father's Day are unclear, several stories point to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, as the unofficial founder. Dodd organized the holiday to honor fathers like her own, William Smart, who was a Civil War veteran. The holiday was unofficially celebrated around the nation until 1966, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a proclamation declaring the third Sunday in June as the day to celebrate fathers. Today, Father's Day is celebrated in over 50 countries around the world. Fortunately, this long-standing tradition doesn’t require that children buy gifts for their fathers (or father figures); spending time with yours is present enough! So how can you celebrate your own dad this year? Here are some ideas to get you started. (See also: Father's Day: What Does Dad Really Want?)

Veg Out Together

Sometimes, all a dad wants is a day off from his to-do list. Why not keep your dad company while he enjoys relaxing on the couch? You could check out movies from the local library about fathers and their children. My personal favorite is Finding Nemo, although The Incredibles comes in a close second. Other classics include Mrs. Doubtfire and Fathers' Day. Or check out The Evolution of Dad, a documentary about how fathers’ roles are changing in our society.

Create a Tradition

Honor your dad this year by creating a tradition. Write a poem or short story about how your dad has influenced your life and read it aloud every Father’s Day. Or make a small book of lessons you’ve learned from your dad over the years, and add a lesson each year. If your dad is more active, you could run a Father’s Day 5K together.

Make a Thoughtful Gift

It’s a proven fact that fathers love homemade gifts, no matter how old you get. Look through photos of you and your dad. Make an album of your favorite photos and jot down memories surrounding each photo. If you’re more tech-savvy, make a video using old homemade favorites. Of course, coupons are always acceptable currency on Dad’s day. Make some for experiences (hikes, bike rides, or visits to a museum) or for knocking out a task on his to-do list.

Enjoy the Outdoors Together

If vegging out on the couch isn’t your dad’s thing, get outdoors together. My dad’s all-time favorite activity is biking, and when his family agrees to go along for a ride, he is beyond thrilled! If your dad likes hiking, try hiking a new trail from Trails.com. You could also take a more laid-back route by simply enjoying an outdoor picnic or BBQ.

Give Dad Your Time

Sometimes, the best way to make Dad feel appreciated is to let him know what’s important to him is also important to you. Take some time to learn more about your dad’s favorite hobby (if that means woodworking, so be it). Ask him why he enjoys that particular activity to better understand what his motivations are. You could also explore events in your community to do together — some communities plan special Father's Day events, and some local attractions offer free or discounted activities for dads.

Do Something Nice

Celebrate all your dad has done for you this Father’s Day by returning the favor. Make him his favorite dinner or breakfast in bed. Wash his car. Clean out the garage. I promise you, he won’t be disappointed!

How do you celebrate Father’s Day? Have you tried any of the above ideas, or do you have any to add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

This article is from Janey Osterlind of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Make an Easter Basket for a Grown Man

Mikey Rox — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:36:05 +0000

Don’t let that big, strong man in your life fool you; past that tough-guy exterior is a soft, squishy, sensitive core that’s yearning for a pack of marshmallow Peeps.

Easter baskets aren’t just for kids anymore. My husband and I have gifted them to each other in the past, and it’s nice to wake up to something special and nostalgic on a day that we wouldn’t celebrate otherwise.

Being adults, however, the contents of the baskets differ dramatically from what a child’s might be filled with. To help you do it right, here are some ideas on how to build the perfect Easter surprise for your unsuspecting sweetie. (See also: 5 Affordable, Eco-Friendly Easter Ideas)

The Basket

You can pick up any ol’ Easter basket — for cheap — this time of year, but for an adult male it should serve a purpose outside of presenting the goodies in a nice way. Think inside the box — literally. Lunch, tool, and tackle boxes are awesome alternatives to the pastel-colored wicker baskets that he’ll toss in the trash after he’s emptied his stash. Anything with open space inside will work, really. To determine the perfect basket for your guy, think about what he needs. Maybe a new cooler? Or how about a nice backpack? The options are endless.

The Grass

Do not spend your money on the traditional plastic shreds. It’s a waste — and bad for the environment. Instead, take your cue from Martha Stewart and put scraps of (preferably) colored construction or tissue paper (frugal but still festive!) through a shredder for instant bottom-of-the-basket filler.

The Contents

The basket can be filled to the brim with candy and snacks — and he wouldn’t complain — but there tons of other necessities and gifts that you can give him that he’ll appreciate more and put to better use. (See also: 8 Gifts the Man in Your Life Really Wants)

Grooming Products

When he runs out of razors, what does he do? He tells you, because he thinks you’re the Gillette fairy. This time, grant his wish by stocking the basket with his favorite blades, cream, and aftershave. Other grooming products can include cologne, deodorant, and a fresh toothbrush. Also, I swear by Burt’s Bees lip balm, so that is a must-give in my house.

Socks and Undies

Because the ones he has are holier than this holiday, have the Easter Bunny make an even trade when your honey’s not looking; he won’t whine as much when he finds out they’re gone if he’s getting new pairs in exchange. To turn up the sexy, mix in a naughty nighty for him to discover.

Scratch-Off Tickets

They’re cheap, and they’re fun. And if he wins big and you’re married, you get half. I’m totally down with gifts that have mutual benefit.

Booze

A nice bottle of his choice spirit can be the centerpiece around which the basket is built. If he’s not a liquor drinker, a six-pack of beer will suffice. And if you’re really ambitious, fill large plastic eggs with airplane bottles to give the basket an extra splash of springtime cheer.

Gift Cards

Easter’s not considered a holiday for high-dollar gifts, but I’ve always thought $10 to $20 iTunes cards are completely appropriate for this particular scenario.

Show or Activity Tickets

My husband and I love activities, movies, concerts, and outdoor excursions — and with the daily deals sites, you can score a day trip well below retail. These are great gifts for two reasons:

You get to spend quality time doing something entertaining with the one you love.
It’s consumable — which means it won’t be sitting around collecting dust when the next holiday rolls around.

Kite

There was once a kite in my basket when I was a kid, and I loved it! It might seem like a juvenile gift to give a grown man, but when’s the last time he flew a kite? People just don’t think about this item — like, ever — which makes it all the more unexpected and fun.

Video Games

You have a whole cabinet full of games, so one more title won’t hurt. Scour the bargain bin at your local electronics retailer to score a great deal on one you can enjoy together.

Candy

Items with purpose should take up most of the space, but what’s an Easter basket with a few pieces of candy? Place his favorite brands in every nook and cranny to fill in the holes.

Have your own ideas on what to put in an Easter basket for your man? Let me know below.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Gifts the Man in Your Life Really Wants

Paul Van Lierop — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:00:08 +0000

If you want some sure fire hits for that special man in your life, whether it be your husband, dad, boyfriend, teacher, or taekwondo instructor, you can't go wrong with the following gift choices. Some of these might not be for city dwellers, but there’s plenty to choose from here. I have either received, purchased, or used these items personally and can vouch for their awesomeness. Okay a few are on my Christmas list, but they are still awesome. (See also: 20 Gifts for the Guy Who Has Everything)

LED Headlamp

Every man needs a head lamp. Honestly I think everyone could benefit from a head lamp — not just the guys. I received the Petzl e+LITE from my good friend who works at REI, so he knows his outdoor gear. This is an impressive piece of gear. It sports 3 white LEDs that can burn out your retina in approximately 45 milliseconds. It also has a red LED to avoid enemy detection when you are in the bush. And this thing is so tiny you can wear it like a headband (or my preferred method where it clips right on to your baseball hat). Finally it runs off of CR2032 lithium batteries that have a shelf life of 10 years.

Portable Mouse

Let’s face it, when it comes to mobile computing there are times when you need much more than a trackpad. When you’re playing Call of Duty (I mean working on your Pivot Charts) the use of a full blown mouse is terribly useful. If you’ve got large hands, those tiny portable mice are a trip to the Hand Surgeon waiting to happen. Enter the Microsoft Arc Mouse. This bad boy is regular mouse size. Oh and did I mention that it folds? It folds up to hold its tiny USB adapter that you plug into your laptop for wireless mousing bliss. Perfect for all of your late night fragging (I mean number crunching). (See also: The 5 Best Computer Mice)

iPhone

I don’t think much else needs to be said about this device. It is the veritable swiss army knife of the personal gadget world. I love mine.

Air Pistol

For that man in your life who likes his Martinis shaken not stirred, give him the gift he has always wanted — a Walther CP99 Compact Air Pistol just like James Bond’s, minus the 9mm ammunition. This bad boy uses CO2 cartridges and standard .177 BBs. Slap in the 18-shot BB magazine and he’s ready to go. Look out Dr. No, he’s armed now.

Digital Clock Kit

If your guy is an electronics nut who enjoys firing up the soldering iron from time to time, you can’t go wrong with this Ice Tube Clock Kit. Harken back to the cold war with this kit that utilizes a Russian Display Tube to project your clock digits. Frankly most anything from Adafruit is awesome.

Tauntaun Sleeping Bag

What guy wouldn’t love to recreate Luke’s time on Hoth by cutting his way into his own Tauntaun Sleeping Bag for a snuggly night’s sleep? With details like a lightsaber zipper pull and printed internal intestines, your jedi in training will thank you.

Ready Wrench

I hope my wife is reading this one, as I didn’t add it to my list in time, but the folks over at Black and Decker have come up with the MSW100 Ready Wrench. In one socket wrench you get 16 of the most popular sockets combining both metric and standard in one tool. I’ve handled this in the store and it is so choice. This one should be available at most any big box hardware store for you last minute shoppers, and it’s so new there’s little chance he already has it, even if he’s a tool hog like myself.

Man’s Pocket Knife

I know you think those little swiss army knives are cute, but if you want to get him something he’ll really want you’ll score the SOG FSA-98 Flash II. This one is half serrated and half straight which is perfect for whittling, hacking through branches, or picking your teeth. I wouldn’t call it a switch blade, but it’s “assisted” so you can have it out ready to work fast. SOG makes a lot of knives for the military. They are extremely well made and should last a lifetime.

Good luck and Happy Holidays.

This article is from Paul Van Lierop of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: