Gift for Dad | Personal Finance & Lifestyle | Yakezie Forums

Hey Everyone!

  I know this is random- but my Dad's bday is coming up and I've already done everything practical for him- gift cards, framed family pictures etc.  (I did actually take care getting his Will/Trust thing taken care of 2 years ago…long story, but it was his gift since he procrastinated so I initially tricked him into going, then managed the follow ups, lol)    The guy has *everything* he needs.  He loves to watch DVD's with the dogs, (he has hundreds of DVD's already) and isn't incredibly tech-savvy.

  I live out of state now and was thinking of having some really great snacks (popcorn, peanuts, licorice) but all of those "basket services" are so pricey!  I could always head to Target and pick up things to ship myself…. but is there anything you think a guy would like that isn't going to cost an arm and a leg?  I also have the concern of him not using it…he's one of those types that gets a new shirt and leaves it in the giftbag for months.

  So again, sorry it's random but I thought I'd ask since we all have to give gifts and I'm stumped for something creative!

Ya, Dad has a GPS device already.  He doesn't read…he really is the hardest man on earth to shop for!  

Does he like music? How about an ipod shuffle?

Hum, that's an interesting conundrum.  I know it's not the most frugal/personal finance-ish suggestion, but have you considered giving your dad some more DVDs?  If he's anything like my dad, he could have plenty of ideas for DVDs he'd like, current collection notwithstanding.  It would be fairly inexpensive, relatively easy, and could even be highly personal (know any movies he's been a fan of for a long time but never gotten?  Any new movies you'd know he'd love?  Even DVDs can send a pretty strong emotional message.)

In the same vein, you could opt for a Blu-Ray player and some discs, although that is rather expensive, although I don't know what sort of price range you're really considering, as well as further encouraging the whole notion that we need to upgrade everything we own every few years.  (But that's one of my pet peeves, and shouldn't discourage you from considering it.)

Now, I know you mentioned that he's rather non-tech-savvy, but you might also consider getting him a subscription to an online TV service like Hulu Plus or Amazon Prime.  Depending on how easily he finds it to set up and operate (as well as display on his TV, something I'll admit I haven't mastered yet), it might be a cheaper alternative to buying more DVDs (assuming, of course, that you'd want him to be watching more TV, anyway).

Other than something in that sphere, I'll admit I'm not quite sure what to suggest.  Here's hoping this helped.

What about something that makes his life easier w/ the dogs?  Whether it be a leash attachment or lead (with our massive dog we have a $50 lead that won't hurt her neck and helps stop her from pulling) or a toy where he doesn't have to bend over (we have this cheap plastic tennis ball "chucker" that makes scooping the ball up and then it just flies when "tossed") might be good.  I know my parents are around the age of 60 and the little things they don't need to deal with (pulling dog, up and down of playing catch) are a bigger deal for them now.

These are all great ideas!  Part of my dad being retired means he spends a lot of time trolling Amazon/Ebay researching dog stuff…. like seriously, my dad is THE hardest man to shop for ever.  

I think I'll go ahead and get him a snack basket for the dogs and a big one for him (favorite candy, popcorn, jerky, sunflower seeds) so they can have something to enjoy while he watches his hoards of DVDs.  Thanks everybody!

Hahah, my dad is the most sedentary man I've ever met!    I have an elliptical at the house where he lives but he doesn't use it, or do much walking.  Like seriously, the *hardest* person to shop for ever.  Everyone else I can usually come up with something good- he really doesn't do much but I love him!