Why is dad so hard to buy for? I’m not sure whether it’s men in general or just my dad and hubby, but buying for the men in my life has always been a challenge. If you’re frequently perplexed as to what they’d like then here are a few frugal gift ideas for dad.
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I don’t know about your dad, but whenever I ask my dad what he’d like for any gift occasion I always get the same response. “I don’t need a thing.” Sound familiar?He’s always been this way. When I was younger I’m sure he didn’t want to burden his college-aged daughter and when I was older I know he was always thinking that our responsibility was to our own kids and that he was fine.
It’s always made buying gifts for like doing detective work than shopping.
Now my mother always had a list she could hand you of stuff she’d like. So shopping for her was never a problem. And I’m sure the fact that she was also a woman and liked the kinds of things that I liked just made it even easier.
But shopping for dad – not so easy.
But that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to get him something. So what are some ideas that most men will enjoy that won’t break the bank?
Gifts to clean the exterior of his car or truck
My dad is a real car buff. He enjoys spending time washing the car, cleaning it out, and generally babying his baby (the car – not me).
1 – A car washing mitt might turn into a preferred way to wash the car while going easy on the paint job.
2 – My dad has always been partial to a chamois to wipe the car down and prevent streaks.
3 – An extendable bug scrubber/squeegee is perfect for keeping windows and the windshield clean. This one gives you added reach as well.
4 – Dad won’t have to go searching for quarters with this car wash sprayer that connects to your garden hose.
Frugal gifts to clean his car or truck’s interior
1 – This brush cleans air vents to help keep your vehicle smelling fresher.
2 – An extra long car duster allows dad to reach those hard to get to places to keep surfaces dust free and looking great.
3 – A microfiber windshield cleaner is the perfect tool to keep the inside of the windows and windshield clean.
4 – You won’t have to go lugging out the huge equipment when you have this portable car vacuum cleaner.
Gifts for the dad who loves to grill
BBQ Equipment – for the man who enjoys cooking when danger is involved. What is it about men that they find outdoor cooking and grilling to be so much fun when the same man can hardly even find the kitchen? Whatever the reason, if your dad is an outdoor cook it’s probably time to replace some tools or to introduce him to some new gadgets.
1 – No dad wants to open up the lid and find a dirty grill. This grill cleaning brush is tough enough to make easy cleaning after the barbecue is over.
2 – These grilling accessories even have their own case…no more wondering where dad’s cooking gear got stashed last time he cooked outside.
3 – A super long meat thermometer lets dad know when dinner is ready without having to get too close to the flame.
4 – Everyone will know that dad is the chef on duty when he’s wearing his chef’s hat.
Gifts to keep dad clean in the kitchen…indoors & outdoors
Would any mental picture of dad outside grilling be complete without him in his apron? I doubt it. However, finding cute – but manly – aprons for men used to be a challenge. That is until I stumbled across these.
You’re bound to find an apron to express your favorite dad’s attitude and sense of humor.
2 – Apron with extra large pockets
3 – How Can Your Help? Get Out Of My Kitchen! (I’m told this every now and then)
4 – Grillin’ & Chillin’ (I like the cell phone pocket on this one)
Handy gifts dad can always use
Pocket knives – So many varieties – so little pocket space. My dad and husband both love their pocket knives and they do have their favorites. Perhaps a knife that’s personalized with engraving would make the father in your life happy.
And I want to plug a knife company that operates right in my own area: Moore Maker has a wide variety of knives in their catalog. I know the family that operates this small business and you might want to check out what they have to offer. http://www.mooremaker.com/
Flashlights – Is there a man alive who has too many flashlights? If there is, I’ve never met him.
My own husband will admit to having a real love of flashlights and we literally have them all over the house. Having plenty to stash in drawers and in your car is actually a good idea.
Whether you live in an area where power outages are common or where storms occur this time of year, having a flashlight within easy reach can be a lifesaver. We tend to throw these in our shopping cart whenever we find the cheap ones that are bright LED lights. We frequently find them for $1 at our area Humongo-mart.
1 – These camping lanterns have lots of uses besides camping. Any time the power goes out or there’s a need to go into some place without electricity, these lanterns provide the light you need.
2 – Can you have too many flashlights? None of the dads in my family have ever thought so. This 4 pack of flashlights lets dad stash one wherever he needs.
3 – A rechargeable search light keeps dad from being left in the dark if the batteries give out.
4 – This is Jungle Jim’s favorite kind of light…a headlamp. It keeps his hands free when he’s working and no one is around to point the light where he needs it to go. Let’s just say we have a ton several of these.
No doubt your dad has his own special likes and dislikes that will help you pick out just the right thing for his special day. While I believe in a direct approach and like to just ask and be given a list, when ideas aren’t forthcoming, remember to think about his interests and his hobbies to lead you to the perfect gift.
More great gift ideas to check out:
It gets harder to know what the kids want once they’re away from home. I solved that problem by getting my daughter to get a list from her college friends so here are some Awesome Gifts For College Students straight from their wish lists.
Shopping for our older parents can be a struggle. They’ve don’t need more “stuff” but you still want to get something they’ll use and enjoy. Here are 10 Practical Gift Ideas For Older Parents.
Great Gifts For Men Who Like To Cook
These are awesome ideas!! Thank you so much for the list! Pinning!
Visiting from Over the Moon
Blessings,
Amy