Fathers everywhere will be suffering from a horrible disease next month. It's called Tie-itis. Yes, it's when poor, hardworking men everywhere are given a lame yellow polka-dotted tie for Father's Day. But worry not. For this disease is curable. And I beg of you to join me in the fight to wipe out Tie-itis once and for all. Shop early and shop for something cool that dad will actually enjoy!
To help, I've compiled a handy dandy list for you of neat, fun, different gifts that dear ol' dad will get all weepy eyed over. And even better, every single one of these items costs less than $20. Fun and cheap? Yes, dad will be proud.
Top 10 Father's Day Gifts Under $20
1. 
Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker: Father's Day Pals
Entertainment Earth, $9.99
Sure, it's just a cheap two-pack containing nifty Luke and Vader Star Wars action figures from Hasbro, but what makes this an acceptable gift is the fact it comes in a nifty Father's Day-themed box, complete with a Father's Day card. Hopefully your dad won't cut your hand off and let you plummet to your doom after receiving this one...
2. 
Tools/Tackle Box Chocolates
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates, $9.25 each
Yes, chocolates are God's gift to women. Us guys know that and that's why you ladies should be regularly showered with boxes of them. But you know what? Chocolate tastes pretty darn good. Even to us guys! So go ahead and get some fun-shaped chocolate at least, so we'll feel a little more manly, opening a box of the sweet stuff.
3. 
ESPN Magazine Subscription
Best Deal Magazines, $14.97 for 1 year (plus save 15% with coupons)
If your dad's a big sports nut (whether it's baseball, basketball, hockey or football), help him stay on top of the latest trends, scandals and stats with a 26-issue subscription to ESPN magazine. Sure, I'd rather get Sports Illustrated myself, but good luck finding a sub for under $20 for that one! ESPN's a great second-choice, unless your dad only likes "sports" like bowling, golf or darts. None of which count as sports. Sorry.
4. 
Titanium Spork
Think Geek, $8.99
I can't tell you how many times I used to be at my desk in the office, I'd open up a container of yogurt (stop laughing), reach into my desk and pull out... a fork. So I'd walk way back into the kitchen area and play the "find the spoon" game, which could take upwards of 15 minutes. If I only had one of these awesome titanium sporks, I'd never fear eating yogurt again. Plus, we only know how easy it is to break a plastic spork, so it's definitely worth the minor aggravation of having to wash it regularly.
5. 
Guitar Hero Game key chain
Hot Topic, $19.99
If you can afford it, buy your dad the full-fledge Guitar Hero video game for the Xbox 360, PS3 or yeah, even the Wii. It rocks. Literally. But if your dad already has it or you can't afford it, then get him this funky key chain game, that's a mini version of the real thing. Just picture how rad he'll look playing this thing on the subway commute into work each morning...
6. 
Watchmen graphic novel
Barnes & Noble, $15.99 (plus save up to 25% with coupons)
Iron Man's a monster hit at the movies right now (and if you haven't seen it, go see it! Now!) The next Batman movie hits theaters later this summer. But if your dad really wants to be ahead of the comic movie curve, you'll get him Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon's masterpiece comic series Watchmen. Arguably one of the best comics ever written (trust me, it is), this realistic look at superheroes-series is getting the blockbuster movie treatment and is due to hit theaters March 6, 2009 . And its director? Zack Synder... the guy who brought you the recent smash-hits Sin City and 300 films.
7. 
Pittsburgh Steelers Tape Measure
NFLShop.com, $19.99
How do you cure an NFL-addicted father who's suffering from some severe football-withdrawl this summer? Easy. Get him something cool with his favorite team's logo on it. Even better, get him something cool that he can use, like a tape measure. Who can't use one? Or an extra one if they already have one? And I picked the Steelers here, solely because this is one big hint of an item. Ahem. Moving on to number 6...
8. 
Beer Mug with Bell
Target, $16.99
Speaking of football, what's a game of pigskin without it's national drink: the beer? This ingenious device available from Target not only safely houses that sweet sweet nectar, but when you finish chugging, just ring the attached bell and your lovely house waitress will race to your side with a refill. (NOTE: Lovely house waitress not included.)
9. 
Ghostbusters Boxer Shorts
80sTees.com, $9.99
Every guy needs a goofy pair of boxer shorts. And what guy wouldn't love wearing Slimer from the classic '80s film Ghosbusters on their undies? Granted, I'd rahter have those sweet Rocky Balboa American Flag boxers, but they were $20. A penny too much for this list.
10. 
Hot Dog Toaster
FreshFinds.com, $19.99
I love hot dogs. I could probably eat them every day for lunch and never tire of them. Roasted over a campfire is best. Sizzled on a grill is next. Nuked in the microwave is... well, pretty gross. So if your dad's a hot dog fiend, then check out this funky fresh toaster that toasts up two dogs and buns at the same time. We're talking like minutes. If your dad can make toast (and ys, that could be a big if), then he can cook himself up two scrumptious hot dogs.
3 Responses to “10 Father's Day Gifts Under $20”
Great list you've put together, Andrew! And a happy early Father's Day to you!
I think I just might buy that hot dog toaster for myself! That's just the coolest thing ever!
@Tish - Thanks for the kind words and the early wishes! And yeah, while I'd rather have hot dogs cooked on a grill, I sooo want that toaster too!