10 Unique Gift Ideas for Father's Day that Won't Break the Bank

Sometimes buying a quality present for your father without spending a ton of money can feel impossible. Things on his to-buy list such as electronics, grill equipment, and outdoor furniture can get very pricey- but getting another tie or watch year after year can get pretty boring (for both of you!). But don’t get discouraged! There are cool gifts out there that will make your dad feel special without making you broke, they just may involve a little more thought and time- but isn’t Dad worth the effort? Luckily, we did some research and got some suggestions from other fathers to make starting out a little easier on you.

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

1. A nice bottle of wine

Moms aren’t the only people who can appreciate a good bottle of wine! Ask around and find out what kind of wine he prefers (white or red, dry or sweet) and then pick up a high quality bottle he will love but wouldn’t necessarily buy for himself. 

2. A cell phone case

This gift is not as boring as it sounds! Phones are so breakable now, and all look pretty much the same that it is important to have a good quality case to not only protect your phone, but make it stand out too. Depending on his personality, you could pick out a really high tech case, a funny one, or if he is as clumsy as me maybe a LifeProof. 

3. A beer of the month subscription 

Is your dad a beer lover? Surprise him with this gift that keeps on giving- with a new beer delivered to his doorstep each month. 

4. A personalized six-pack

If your dad has specific tastes or is passionate about locally brewed beer, surprise him with a six pack of all his favorite and most unique beers.

5. A Nintendo 64 or GameCube 

If your dad loves video games and also likes to collect vintage stuff, surf Ebay for a gently used Nintendo 64 or GameCube gaming system with a couple of old school games like Mario Kart. Now that is a gift that the whole family can get into. 

6. A grill cook book and some (not too expensive) grilling equipment 

This isn’t exactly a new or unique idea, but it is the start of summer after all and that means grilling season. My dad is always looking for new dinner ideas and any excuse to pull out his beloved grill, so this gift is sure to please no matter what.

7. Tile Key Finder

Is your dad slightly disorganized or lose things easily? If so, then the Tile finder is a fantastic gift for him. At a reduced price of $20 you can attach the little white tile to anything, such as keys, and find it with your phone. That sounds like something I need!

8. Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses

This is the perfect gift for any dad who appreciates a good summertime margarita or loves his tequila. The fancy and festive glasses are made from sea salt to give each shot of tequila the salty addition they need. 

9. Make Your Own Hot Sauce kit

My dad loves his hot sauce, and if yours does too then look no further! Allow your dad to make his own hot sauce exactly the way he likes it with this cool DIY set. 

10. Beard Pack

If your dad sports a beard, keep him from looking like a grizzly lumberjack with an all-natural facial hair care set. Your mom will thank you. 

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

15 Gift Ideas for Mother's Day That Are Better Than Flowers

You’ve been getting your mom the same flowers and scented candle every year since you were 8, and every year she smiles, acts surprised, and tells you how much she loves her gift. I’m positive she isn’t lying, most moms love any gift from their children and truly believe it is the thought that counts- but wouldn’t it be nice to do something different this year? This year Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th, giving you just over a month to find the perfect gift to make her feel really special and show her how much you love her. However, sometimes finding a gift that she really loves, doesn’t already have and also doesn’t break the bank can feel impossible. But, it is never too early to start planning and listed below are 15 ideas to help you get started.

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

 1. Starbucks “Recharge and Renew” Gift Set

For the coffee lover, reward her with a fancy and delicious gift set from Starbucks. 

2. Lavender wreath

Instead of getting her another Yankee candle this year, mix it up with a beautiful, scented wreath that doubles as a “candle” and a decoration. 

3. Personalized wall art

If your mom loves to decorate and fill up all the blank wall space in her home, wall art personalized to her style or family will be sure to make her very happy this Mother’s Day.

 4. Customized mug  

If your mom drinks coffee as much as mine, this gift will surely get plenty of use. Make her smile each morning (even more than the coffee itself does) when she drinks her cup of coffee in a funny or sweet customized mug.

5. Netflix or Amazon Instant account

If your parents don’t already have a Netflix or Amazon Instant account, definitely use this holiday to change that. Once they experience Saturday nights with an Instant Movie account they will wonder how they ever went without one. 

6. Comfy robe and matching slippers

Help her relax and unwind after a long day by providing her with a super comfy robe and fuzzy slippers to wear while sipping from her customized mug or watching her favorite show on her new Netflix account. 

7. Humorous t-shirt or sweatshirt

Make her laugh with a t-shirt and sweatshirt that says something every mom can smile about and relate to.

8. Red velvet and chocolate cake pops

If she has a sweet tooth, skip the chocolate this year and let her indulge in some seriously (and dangerously) rich cake pops.

 9. A customized apron and cooking supplies

For the full time mom, part time chef, make sure she’s equipped with the best supplies when tackling a new recipe.

 10. A “Wine of the Month” subscription 

What do moms love more than chocolate? Wine. Make Mother’s Day a reoccurring event with a new wine bottle delivered to her home each month hand picked by experts based off her her taste and preferences.

 11. A few books from her favorite genre

If she likes to unwind at the end of the night with a good book, go to the bookstore and buy her a few books from her favorite genre that she hasn’t already read but you know she’ll love. 

12. Yoga pants and matching yoga mat

For the athletic mom, surprise her this Mother’s Day with a chic new workout outfit and yoga mat to match.

 13. “World’s Most Badass Mom” key chain

Admit it, your mom is pretty bad ass so this key chain is just a humorous way to let her (and the world) know you think so.

14. A handmade card

Handmade cards don’t stop being special when you get older, especially to your mom. So instead of letting Hallmark do the talking, put your feelings into your own words this year and make a card from scratch. Hearing how special she is to you or how thankful you are for her in your own words means so much to her, on this day or any other.

 15. A Kindle or Barnes and Noble Nook

If she’s a technology lover and open to trying new things, show her the world of reading on a tablet with a Kindle or Nook.

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

What Dad Really Doesn't Want This Father's Day

With Father’s Day just a few days away, Dads are eagerly awaiting their day of dedication and appreciation, and while all different methods of appreciation are, well appreciated, there are some that are getting just a little repetitive. While ties and greeting cards are still cherished because they came from his children, surprise him this holiday by getting creative. Don’t forget, a special gift doesn’t necessarily mean it came with a large price tag. 

So we asked real dads what they want most this Father’s Day- and what they would rather have a thing of the past. 

Here are their responses of what they would like to see stay in last year's father's day gift pile:

ONCEKids Publishing is run by literacy advocate and Mompreneur Eileen Wacker.  Click here to find her acclaimed books

1. An "expensive dinner out in my honor- and with my wallet."

2. A "high tech gadget that I won’t actually use."

3. Funny underwear, a t-shirt, or a tie- chances are my opportunities to wear a shirt that my son found hilarious are going to be pretty limited. 

4. Concert tickets for a band that shouldn’t be doing concerts anymore- "If they were popular when I was a teenager, I probably am not interested in seeing one of their concerts any time in this decade."

5. A gift certificate for anything spa related- "I’m not sure how this comes to a surprise to some people but being “pampered” in any way that involves driving to a salon or spa is not something I am terribly excited about." 

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6. Novelty golf balls- "any man who takes golf seriously would much prefer to pick out his own brand or type of golf balls, free from monograms or Disney characters on the front." 

7. Anything that involves a grill- "most men are proud of their grills and grill skills but that doesn’t mean that every Father’s Day he wants a meat thermometer or a grilling mitt." 

8. A greeting card that sings when you open it- "we don’t like opening cards and being startled by the sudden burst of obnoxious music nor do we find it “cute” or “amusing”, so save yourself $6 and make us a card by hand."

9. A coffee pot- "I’ve been using my good old coffee pot since college and don’t feel the need for a new, high tech one that is just going to confuse me every morning when I’m already rushing out the door."

10. A video camera- "my smart phone camera works just fine for the 2 videos I take a year, save your pennies and avoid splurging on any sort of camera."