Affordable last minute gifts for Dad
Just a few days left. Still haven’t decided what to get your dad for Father’s Day? I have some last-minute gift ideas that you can still get in time. If dad is a technology/gadget freak (or hates ties) any one of these should bring a smile to his face.
First and foremost get him a new iPhone 3G-S. If you’re willing to wait on line (and they don’t seem so bad here in NYC) your dad will be part of the bleeding-edge contingent as one of the first with the new third-generation smartphone. As a consolation prize (or for yourself) if they’re sold out by the time you get there consider an iPhone 3G for $99. If you don’t have an iPhone – the price is right. Palm Pres and Nokia N97s are pretty good choices too.
Portable computing. First and foremost, netbooks are cheap and lots of fun. The Asus line of Eee PCs are amazing in the number of models (new ones all the time) at a wide array of low prices. Highly recommended. So are Lenovo Think Pad laptops/notebooks. I have tested and used a number of different models for the past decade and each one is better than the next. Whichever model you choose you’ll be making the right choice. If Dad is a “Mac” person – consider getting him a Mac (especially one of those new MacBook Pros). He’ll thank you for it.
Is Dad a video kinda guy? Does he have a Blu-ray disc player? Wal-Mart has a new affordable deck from Sylvania that sells for $169 to get him started. Full 1080p, HDMI out and a neat little remote. A great gift. Don’t forget to get him a few movies to watch too. Flat screen TVs are getting more affordable all the time. Check out models from Vizio. They’re big sellers for a good reason. Would he like a great, incredibly portable video camera? If so, check out the Flip HD. It’s terrific.
What about audio? Does he still listen to his “hi-fi”? Or relax in front of the “stereo”? I have a great gift idea for you. Get him a Sony XDRF1HD tuner. Even if he says he never listens to the radio he will as soon as he hears this one. This is small, little black box with just enough room for antenna and output jacks on the back and a little display on the front. It receives normal, analog, over the air, AM and FM radio stations in your area as well as the new, free digital FM music streams they broadcast – many with new, interesting programming (at least here in NY). Both AM and FM sounds pretty amazing from this device. Best part? The Sony lists for under $100 at numerous on-line retails. Sony online sells refurbished tuners for $75.
Finally, does he like his morning coffee strong? How about an espresso maker? Illy has a new line of coffee capsules and special machines that produce great coffee. Nespresso capsules and machines are pretty great too. Machine prices start at $150 or so and rise accordingly. For less than $100 check out the amazing little Bialetti “Cuor di Moka stove-top coffee machine. It a combination of high-tech meets old-fashioned Moka pot – creating some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. It sells for $80 and is worth every penny.