Top Ten Father's Day Gifts for Under $50

When I was a kid , dad got a tie, after shave or an ashtray from art class. Well, times of course have changed. And the gifts we give dad need to reflect those changes. It's important in these days of higher costs, to be more careful with our cash. And we also need to be mindful of what dad really wants for Father's Day.

There are a questions to consider before choosing a gift. What does dad like? What are his hobbies? Does he play sports? What books or magazines interest him? Because a Father's Day gift needs to be essentially a gift focused on relaxation and rest.

Choose gifts that are useful, personal and not too work related. Don't waste money on silly gimmicks or expensive cards. That only indicates that you hurried to the store at the last minute and grabbed the first thing you saw. If you shop around, watch sales and ads and consider carefully, you can find dad a very nice gift at a reasonable price.

Here is a list of the top ten gifts for under $50 that will please dads, husbands, grandpas or any man on Father's Day. They are in random order.

1) Tickets/Fare to an event he enjoys. Plan an outing for him based upon what he needs (a date with the wife, an outing with the family, or some alone time). Most any dad needs to get out more and have some fun! They need a break from work. Check websites for local venues for game schedules if he's a sports fan or concerts, movies or plays for the arts enthusiast. I am hiring a charter fishing boat for my husband and kids to go out on Lake Michigan.

2) A hammock: You can purchase a free standing model inexpensively. Look for one with an awning or cover for shade.

3) A complete dinner. We splurge every year and get dad all his favorite treats. Good steaks, scallops, onion rings and we turn our kitchen into a buffet. He never seems to get full or have time to enjoy his meal. We prepare it for him while he lounges. This is a meal we set out to make memorable.

4) A wheeled cooler: This useful item can go anywhere with Dad and it's much more portable with a long-handle to pull with. Use it for fishing trips, kids games, outdoor concerts, picnics, the beach, to the stadium, etc. If you shop around, you can get a reasonably priced one and a stadium chair or canvas folding chair so dad is all set for fun.

5) A state and county park vehicle sticker: These are purchased from the DNR at any state park for $25. They can be used for parking and camping in any state park in the Union. Get dad a county park sticker which can be used at any county park in your state also. These cost about $15 each. This is a great investment that can be enjoyed by the family all year long! Check out www.statelocalgov.net for more information.

6) Camping Equipment: Walmart carries tents for $49.95. We bought a tent last year for dad. It is large enough for 4-5 people. Be sure that the tent you choose has rain flaps which act as umbrellas. If you don't have time to go camping, set it up in your backyard. This is a win-win plan. All the fun of camping with no cost and bathrooms right inside! We had ours up all summer and used it very often. Or choose a nice sleeping bag. Get one that's rated for cold temperatures. For under $50, you can get a nice bag, inflatable air mattress and pump. We like the Wenzel brand. A Coleman camp stove and lantern are a must for any camper also.

7) Portable fire pit: You can have to fun of a campfire with no need to dig a fire pit. We live in the city and our ordinances allow a small controlled fire in the back yard. Bring marshmallows, hotdogs and a guitar for old-fashioned fun!

8) Small refrigerator: This is useful for dad for the garage or basement.

9) Mp3 player: We found under $50 models by Sandisk and GFM that hold about 60 songs. People often think of these only in connection with kids or teens but dads really enjoy for use in the workshop, yard work and on the road. Check out www.limewire.com or www.bearshare.com for free music downloads.

10) Sports or Hobby equipment: fishing pole and tackle box, a good baseball and glove, rollerblades, driveway hockey set, free standing hoop and basketball, protective gear, BB gun, paintball gun, bow and arrows, poker table, raft, snowboard, etc.

These are some ideas to get you thinking. The best idea is to find out what dad would like. Be sure to get good quality items that will last.