Father’s Day Gifts Under $50

posted in: Gift Guides

Is it just me or are Father’s Day gifts getting better? My inaugural Father’s Day gift guide was in 2010, and I had to dig deep to find things beyond socks and “#1 Dad” tees. Those traditional gifts are still around but I am blown away by all the available options today. Things like unique personalized gifts, cool tools, and innovative games are making gift-giving fun this year. Here are my top picks for Father’s Day gifts on a budget.

PERSONALIZED

M&M’s Father’s Day Gift Jar ($29.99)

Personalized M&M’s? I’m in! I was able to test the service for my husband and it was easy and fun. You can choose your own colors, add a word and/or image of your choice – including a photo or clip art – and the customized candies come in a reusable jar.  They also make a candy dispenser with personalized M&M’s for $54.99 if you have a bigger budget. 

CVS Photo Bamboo Photo Panel ($39.99 and up) 

This photo gift looks and feels very substantial, especially for a gift that can be ordered and picked up at your local CVS! The photo that I submitted looks gorgeous beneath the clear panel and the bamboo base is very stylish. This gift can stand on a desk or tabletop or hung on the wall. It comes with keyhole hangers for hanging. If you’re in a rush, this gift is available for same-day pickup.

GiftCardGranny Build-a-Card (various)*

One of the biggest money-wasters is buying someone the wrong gift! But you can’t go wrong with a gift card, and sending a personalized Visa or Mastercard is such a fun way to do that! You can personalize Dad’s gift card with a photo and a brief message. Plastic cards ship within 1-2 days and virtual cards can be delivered via email whenever you like. 

FUN & GAMES

LottoLove Basic Needs 2-Ticket Gift ($23)

If Dad really means it when he says he doesn’t need anything, this is the ideal Father’s Day gift! The gift from a woman-owned and environmentally-friendly company includes two LottoLove scratch-off tickets, and as he scratches the gold circles, he will “win” a donation to a non-profit that helps people in need. This way, you’re not overloading him with stuff he doesn’t need and he’s giving back in the process!  Each gift comes with a greeting card of your choice from available designs, an envelope, and an information card. 

GENSMAK! ($29.99. Use code “backinmyday” for 20 percent off)

A lot of the new games I’ve tested are confusing, badly designed, or not well-thought-out, but the GENSMAK! trivia game is a winner.  It’s simple to play and the questions, which include trivia about TV shows, music, notable people, and more, are surprisingly clever. The cards are divided by generations so everyone in the fam can enjoy the game. Even if Dad is hopeless at trivia, he will crush this game, thanks to hilarious hints written by comedians.

Galison Frank Lloyd Wright Backgammon Set ($39.99, currently on sale for $12!) 

The chicest backgammon set ever, this foil-stamped set features Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs and patterns in a mix of brown, orange, and gold with painted wooden playing pieces.  

HOMEBODY

Open Spaces Nesting Trays in Black ($48)

If Dad’s desk or dresser is a jumble, this 3-piece nesting tray set will provide a place for all his tiny things, like his watch, coins, phone cufflinks, etc. The trays are lightweight with an elegant, minimal style in natural wood, white and black.  

Hammer Fist ($19.99)

Every guy could use this handy, sturdy tool.  It performs several functions, including a hammer, mallet, nail puller, bottle opener, 90-degree square, and more, all in a 14 oz. body with an ambidextrous grip.

Jokari Unique Grill Tool ($39.99)

Another multifunctional winner is this 6-in-1, dishwasher-safe tool that includes tongs, a spatula, a bottle opener, a flashlight, a knife edge, and more!

ON THE GO

Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller ($24.99) 

Is Dad a bug magnet? This personal repeller will protect a 15-foot area for hours, no smelly bug spray required. It is battery and cord-free and includes one 12-hour fuel cartridge and 3 4-hour repellant mats, which can all be replaced once used.  Available in 4 colors. 

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Maker ($39.95 on Amazon

If Dad’s a coffee-lover, he probably likes his coffee just so. This easy-to-use, lightweight, portable coffee maker ensures that he can make the perfect cup of joe anytime, anywhere, from the office to the campsite.  

GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug ($12.95)

This incredibly light, insulated mug is perfect for the campsite, trail, sports games, etc. The sip-through lid can be sealed to maintain temperature and protect his beverage from bugs and dirt. The mug is made from BPA-free polypropylene and has measurements for cooking by the fire. The insulated sleeve is made of recycled plastic cloth and can be compressed for easy packing. It also has a handle for clipping onto a backpack or bike. 

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The Tea Spot Focus Fuel Tea Box Sampler ($41.99)

For the Dad who prefers tea to coffee, this beautifully-designed set of three loose tea flavors will put some pep in his step. The Focus Fuel Teas come in cylindrical tins with three popular blends: Bolder Breakfast, Climber’s High Chai, and Earl of Grey, which all taste and smell amazing.

Crew Infusion Bundle ($35.99)

This bundle makes it fun for Dad to craft a fancy, infused cocktail without requiring him to be a mixologist. The set includes the Crew signature bottle, which opens from the top and bottom, a pour spout, a pour spout cover, and your choice of Infusion. The infusions come in Spicy Margarita, Old-Fashioned, Lavender Lemonade, or Apple Berry Mojito. He adds booze to the infusion and refrigerates for 3 days after which he can add other suggested ingredients for the perfect crafty cocktail.  Through Father’s Day, receive an extra Infusion mix ($11.99 value) of your choice with a purchase of $25 or more.

Dave’s Insanity Super Hot Sauce Wooden Crate Gift Pack ($35.99 on Amazon)

For hotter-than-hot sauce fans, this 4-piece gift pack is a must-have gift. The set increases in heat from Ultimate Insanity, to Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce, to Scorpion Pepper Hot Sauce, to Insanity Hot Sauce! Free of gluten, preservatives, and artificial colors or flavors.

Castello Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio & Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva Bundle ($30.98)

This duo of Banfi’s best-selling wines includes two beautiful wines to add to his collection; a San Angelo “Holy Angel” Pinot Grigio and Chianti Classico. The wines are affordable, yet they feel indulgent.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

ARCADE A2 Stretch Belts ($34.95) 

Let’s be honest – wearing a belt for hours while you sit at your desk or on a plane is not that comfortable. This stretchy belt, which has a polished look but is incredibly forgiving, will become his favorite belt.   Available in a variety of colors. 

Tipsy Elves Stretch Swim Trunks ($29.95 and up)

His swim trunks should be as fun as he is! Not only are these trunks comfortable enough to wear all day, but they also have 4-way stretch, soft mesh lining, roomy pockets, and an adjustable waist. They come in a ton of eye-catching colors and patterns, including retro lightning bolts, flamingos, dinosaurs, and more. He’ll definitely stand out at the beach or pool.

Fits Y’All Packable Bucket Hats ($35 on Amazon)

This brand specializes in making hats to suit different head and face shapes. The Narrow Fit looks good on folks with a narrower face or shorter head and the Wide Fit is better for those with a wider face or longer head. The 100 percent nylon fabric is water and stain-resistant and the hats are easily packable, so they are great for travel.  Available in a variety of colors. 

GROOMING

A.P. CHEM Experiment Kit ($20)

If Dad is new to grooming products or likes to test products first, this kit contains TSA-approved mini sizes of a serum, eye treatment, and moisturizer, which all contain the brand’s signatureKETAmino Acid Complex which will promote an even skin tone and firmer skin.  With this gift, which includes a stylish travel pouch, Dad will receive $20 towards a purchase from the brand. 

18.21 Man Made Book of Good Grooming Gift Set Volume 11 ($38 on Amazon

This gift set is ideal for the guy who is into grooming but wants to keep it simple. The products, which are packaged in a box that appears to be a book of good grooming includes the multi-tasking Man Made Wash, which functions as a shampoo, beard, face, and body wash, and the Soft and Natural Paste for keeping his hair in place. They both smell amazing!  There are other product combinations available in similar packaging.

Van Der Hagen Premium 4 Piece Shave Gift Set ($24.99, Target)

If Dad likes to shave with a brush – or he’s always been curious about doing so – this set contains 4 products for a luxurious shave: A Boar Bristle Shave Brush and Stand, an Apothecary Bowl, and Luxury Shave Soap.

Wear SPF by Golf Pro Justin Thomas ($26)

If Dad isn’t wearing SPF every day, he should be! This collection was created by PGA Champion, Justin Thomas, after a melanoma scare. The products feel very lightweight on the skin and don’t leave a white cast, so Dad won’t mind using them to protect his skin.  The set includes an SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 sheer Sunscreen Sport Stick, and an SPF 30 Lip Balm. 

*I have a financial relationship with GiftCardGranny

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Trae Bodge is an accomplished lifestyle journalist and TV commentator who has specialized in smart shopping, personal finance, and retail for more than a decade. She has appeared on TV over 1,000 times; including Today Show, GMA3, NBC Nightly News, Inside Edition, and network affiliates nationwide. She has been named a Top Voice in Retail by LinkedIn, and her expert commentary has appeared in Forbes, USNews.com, Kiplinger, Yahoo Finance, and numerous others.

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