Father’s Day Gifts: Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Under $100

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We published a list of high-tech Father’s Day gifts last week that included some items that were on the pricier side — like a $5,000 e-bike.

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Source: Black + Decker

Not everyone has that kind of cash to spend on dad, though. And with Father’s Day arriving this Sunday, time is not on your side. Even Amazon (AMZN) Same-Day delivery can’t save you if you leave things too late, so procrastinators are beginning to panic.

Fortunately, we’re here to help once again. This time, we’re presenting ten Father’s Day gift ideas that are budget-friendly.

If you get online (or visit a mall if you’re not into the online shopping thing) right now, it’s not too late to make dad’s day.

Father’s Day Gifts (Last-Minute Gift Ideas): Apple TV

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Source: Apple

It’s costlier than Google’s (GOOG) Chromecast and doesn’t play games like the Amazon Fire TV, but Apple (AAPL) has been selling the Apple TV set-top streamer for seven years now. The current generation is a sold performer (read our review here), Apple’s iTunes store offers plenty of content, and the device offers access to third part services like Netflix (NFLX), too.

If dad has an iPhone or iPad, it’s a no-brainer — he can use his iOS device as a remote and mirror content on the TV using Apple’s AirPlay feature.

The AppleTV is priced at $99, but you can buy a factory refurbished unit directly from Apple (and it comes in a nice box, so dad won’t feel like he’s getting short-changed) for $75.

You may have to shell out for express shipping, though.

Father’s Day Gifts (Last-Minute Gift Ideas): Fitbit Zip

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Source: Fitbit

Is dad trying to get in shape? Or maybe he’s just interested in this fitness tracking craze.

Fitbit is the big name when it comes to fitness trackers (despite that unfortunate Fitbit Force recall) and it offers devices for any budget.

I’m rather fond of the Fitbit Zip. It tracks the basics — steps walked and calories burned — but it’s also tiny and clips on anywhere. It’s available in many colors, it costs under $60, and the battery lasts for months. And its durable: I accidentally ran one through the washing machine and it still works fine.

Father’s Day Gifts (Last-Minute Gift Ideas): RFID Blocking Wallet

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Source: Magellen

Dads tend to worry about stuff, and identity theft is a big concern, these days.

If your dad is fretting about bad guys with RFID scanners sitting around at the mall just waiting to get their hands on his credit cards (which could very well happen), then this is one of those Father’s Day gifts that he’ll appreciate for its practicality: an RFID blocking wallet.

Basically, it’s a wallet with a protective, shielded compartment for credit cards. You can buy these just about anywhere, but the Magellan version pictured goes for less than $40.

Father’s Day Gifts (Last-Minute Gift Ideas): Tactical BBQ Gift Pack

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Source: ThinkGeek

If your dad loves to spend time at the grill and loves his gadgets, he’ll be pretty happy with ThinkGeek’s Tactical BBQ Gift Pack (currently on sale for $49.99).

Included are the tactical apron (in black with plenty of pockets) along with a laser-guided fork and pizza cutter.

Yes, laser-guided. You know … for precision grilling.

Father’s Day Gifts (Last-Minute Gift Ideas): Gerber Zip Tools

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Source: Gerber

Any father knows that he could be called upon to fix something at a moment’s notice. That’s why tools are so popular as Father’s Day gifts.

Gerber’s Zip tool sets cost just $12 each and they’re so compact that they fit on a keychain, perfect for those unexpected repair situations. Whether you need screw drivers, Allen wrenches, zip blades or just an old-fashioned flashlight, Gerber Gear has you covered.

Father’s Day Gifts (Last-Minute Gift Ideas): Ryobi TEK4 AllPlay

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Source: Brad Moon

I have a suggestion for dads who like to listen to music while they work — and it isn’t an iPod.

I have a handful of iPods, but I turn to the Ryobi TEK4 AllPlay MP3 player for tough music-listening conditions. It’s virtually indestructible, compatible with most common music formats (including MP3 and AAC) and uses a replaceable, rechargeable lithium ion power tool battery that can offer a week of solid play time.

Unfortunately, Ryobi doesn’t seem to be making these anymore, and they can be a little hard to find in stores, although Amazon, eBay (EBAY) and overstock stores often offer them for as low as $25.

The TEK4 AllPlay may not be pretty, but it’s tough and it lasts.

Father’s Day Gifts (Last-Minute Gift Ideas): Parrot Flower Power

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Source: Parrot

If your father likes to think he’s a gardener, but his green thumb could use a little work, here’s one of those Father’s Day gifts that has high tech appeal while helping dad out.

The Parrot Flower Power is a CES award-winning sensor that monitors plants and alerts dad when they need watering via an iOS app (the Android version is expected shortly).

Flower Power also tracks the amount of sunlight the plant receives and the temperature –so dad can move it to a better location if it was planted in the wrong spot.

Father’s Day Gifts (Last-Minute Gift Ideas): Slate Mobile AirDesk

If dad spends a lot of time working on a laptop — and actually positions the computer on his lap — then he’ll love the Slate Mobile AirDesk.

I reviewed it a few months ago and found the Slate Mobile AirDesk to be a great accessory.

Dad will love it because it’s made of wood for that hand-crafted look, it has plenty of workspace, it holds his smartphone or tablet upright, boasts a built-in mousepad and protects his legs from laptop burn.

You’ll love it because iSkelter has now dropped the price to $98.

Father’s Day Gifts (Last-Minute Gift Ideas): Morphie Power Reserve

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Source: Morphie

If dad carries an iPhone 5, 5s or 5c, his biggest complaint (besides the small display) is probably battery life.

The Morphie Power Reserve is a tiny rechargeable battery small enough to fit on a keychain (it looks like a keyfob).

But it hides a built-in Lightning connector and the 1350mAh capacity means a 50% boost to iPhone battery life when the commute takes longer than expected.

At $49.95, it’s a lot cheaper than upgrading to a new phone.

Father’s Day Gifts (Last-Minute Gift Ideas): Black + Decker 20V MAX Lithium Drill/Driver

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Source: Black + Decker

Black + Decker (SWK) sent me one of its new 20V MAX Lithium Drill/Drivers with Autosense Technology to test, and I have to say, if your dad is a fan of power tools, these things would make excellent Father’s Day gifts.

The 20V lithium-ion battery is long-lasting, quick-charging and it can hold that charge for up to 18 months.

The $80 drill was smaller and lighter than I’m used to, but comfortable to hold and it made short work of driving 2-inch screws into pressure-treated lumber. Auto-sensing technology automatically stops the driver when the screw head is flush with the surface.

Throw in the built-in, automatic light and you have one of the best Father’s Day gifts.

As of this writing, Brad Moon did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.

Brad Moon has been writing for InvestorPlace.com since 2012. He also writes about stocks for Kiplinger and has been a senior contributor focusing on consumer technology for Forbes since 2015.


Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2014/06/fathers-day-gift-ideas-swk/.

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