Deals for Dad: 20 Cool Gifts for Father’s Day

Getting a good deal on your Father's Day gift doesn't make you a bad person. In fact, it's probably genetic.

If your dad is anything like mine, “cheap” is a badge worn with honor. In fact, if we got a deal on a gift for Dad, it usually resulted in a double celebration and a trip to Dairy Queen.

Unfortunately, some offspring (hint, hint) use the guise of frugality to justify questionable gifts including generic golf balls and Homer Simpson bottle openers. (Actually, the opener is kinda cool).

With this in mind, I’ve selected 20 relatively cool gifts (especially when compared to golf balls) for your Dad. Note that many of these items are on sale with no guarantees they’ll last, and some are merely the lowest price found. Feel free to suggest your own cool deals/wants in our comments section.

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Deal #1 - All Blu-ray Players - $100 Off
Yep, that’s right. ALL Blu-ray players including the PS3 and, even better, the new Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 bundle. Simply enter your zip into Wal-Marts “Advertised Values” page and you’ll be presented with an online circular of their advertised deals. Page one (may differ in your region) shows both an stand alone Blu-ray player (a Panasonic) and a PlayStation 3, both with a $100 Gift Card included. The opposing page lists 12 Blu-ray titles priced at $15 a pop. Heck, dad will be so distracted you could probably keep the $100 for yourself! Buy now: www.walmart.com

Deal #2 - Sony Noise Canceling Headphones - $32.99
If ever a product was made for dads… Sony’s MDR-NC6 over-the ear headphones can reduce “perceived” outside noise by more than 70 percent (up to 10 dB at 300 Hz). The concept is the same as the more expensive versions, a circuit senses outside noise via the built-in microphones and sends an equal-but-opposite canceling signal to the speaker. Light, foldable, and now even cheaper, these make a great commuter accessory. Powered by one AAA battery, they will do their job for approximately 30 hours. This year, give dad what he’s been asking for, some %&$#@ peace and quiet. Buy now: www.compusa.com

Deal #3 - Lawnbott Robotic Lawn Mower - $2,749.00
What dad wouldn’t love passing the weed whacking to someone (anyone) else. And let’s face it, if it’s not the robot, it’ll probably be you out there in the 90 degree plus temps. Lawnbott’s Evolution Model LB3200 is packed with Adaptive Programming Technology, meaning its learning computer actually reprograms itself to adapt to the cutting requirements of your yard. What could possibly go wrong with that? The Advanced Spiral Cut programming also allows the Evolution to concentrate, by spiraling outwards, from any area where it senses higher grass. Check out the video. Buy now: www.atrendyhome.com

Deal #4 - Cambridge SoundWorks i765 Entertainment System - $299.99
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Cambridge Soundworks radios are the definition of “bang for buck”. And just in time for Father’s Day, their top-o-the-line model, the i765 is now $200 off list. Dad can put one in his office, bedroom, or even basement workshop and enjoy great sound and video via the built in radio, cd, dvd player and built-in ipod dock. It also has an aux port if he wants to stream other sources (think networked pc/mac). The unit includes a sleek remote and video out ports for his tv. Dad may never leave the basement again. Buy now: www.cambridgesoundworks.com

Deal #5 - Bushnell Night VisionScope w/ Boom Microphone - $239.94
Let’s not dwell on why dad would want night vision, but just assume it would be used for good (gopher hunting, hilarious pranks, neighborhood “crime watch”). The scope uses 2 AA batteries and sports a 2.5x42 (magnification x objective) lens with a range of up to 600 feet. It also has a directional microphone with a state of the art noise reduction system and recording capability. To be honest, I would think through the ramifications of giving something like this to dad if dating is something you enjoy. Buy now: www.opticsplanet.net

Deal #6 - Grace Digital Aqua Sounder Wireless Speaker System - $135.15
If you have a pool (or huge jacuzzi) this deal will make a splash - literally. Toss a Grace Aqua Speaker into the water, plop your iPod into the docking station and enjoy hours of skin-wrinkling fun. Better yet, expand the system to up to 10 speakers and hit every nook and cranny of your backyard. The dock/transmitter has a range of 150 feet and each speaker has two LED “mood lights” for added night time ambiance. The system uses the 900Mhz spectrum, so you may want to check your cordless phones before buying. Buy now: www.ctsproducts.com

Deal #7 - Sony Handycam High Def DV Camcorder - $764.99
Dell Small Business is offering the Sony Handycam HDR-TG1 Memory Stick DV Camcorder for almost $100 off the next lowest price. The miniscule HD camera is housed in titanium and features a 2.7” touchscreen LCD, Carl Zeiss lens with 10x optical zoom, 4-megapixel still images, USB 2.0 connectivity, Memory Stick PRO Duo slot, Face Detection technology, and more. Small enough to slide into any pocket, this relatively new offering shoots video in full 1920x1080 resolution and easily hooks up to any (modern) TV or computer. The only downside is the Memory Stick PRO Duo media, which tends to cost more than the SD cards and such. Regardless, Dad will never miss a “kodak” moment again. Buy now: www.dell.com

Deal #8 - Deluxe Inflatable Outdoor Movie Screen - $198.00
Back on sale, WallyWorld once again has the ultimate summer entertainment accessory. This deal popped up (sorry) earlier this year and had a lot of people talking, and I suspect buying. At 144” diagonal (12’ wide, 12’ tall) the inflatable screen is perfect for 16:9 shows and comes with an integrated pump, stakes, tethers, storage bag and even an extra fuse in case the kids try it out in the pool (our lawyers are gonna love that line). The frame is made from weatherproof/fade-resistant nylon and weighs about 25lbs in all. Setup and breakdown time is minimal and storing the entire screen is at most one shelf in your garage. I can’t imagine a better way to spend a night in your own backyard. Buy now: www.walmart.com

Deal #9 - Audioengine A5 Powered Speaker System - $325.00
Not your ordinary set of bookshelf speakers, Audioengine’s A5s bring a whole new set of options and versatility to the genre. A quick look to the back of the cabinets will be your first clue with ports for a subwoofer and aux power being the most obvious. Drop a pair of these in your library, add an Airport Express (juiced from the aux port) and you’re streaming music. Reviews are thumbs up with many claiming the speakers to be of audiophile quality. Other niceties include 2 audio inputs, built-in power amplifier, front panel volume control, Kevlar woofers, Silk dome tweeters, and magnetic shielding to protect your other electronics. Buy now: www.onecall.com

Deal #10 - zBoost Cell Phone Signal Booster - $205.98
If dad has issues (don’t they/we all) with his cellphone coverage, adding an extender/booster like the YX500-CEL may be the ticket to better calls and lower blood pressure. The zBoost takes an existing signal, even if slight, and both strengthens and expands it, often increasing the bars by 2-3 depending on environment. You will need to mount the booster somewhere high, like the attic, but with a little tweaking, the payoff is worth it. This model is designed for the 824 - 894 MHz range, which is Cingular, Verizon and Alltel cellular wireless phones. Other versions are available at similar prices. Buy now: www.amazon.com

Deal #11 - Logitech Harmony 550 Remote Control - $49.99
If ever a product was made for a dad, it would be the remote control - or, as we call it in our house, the “scepter of power”. The Harmony line of universal remotes appeared several years ago with much applause and has since morphed with Logitech. The newest designs are sleek, extremely powerful and, best of all, easy to program. Sure, Logitech has a couple of bigger and flashier versions, but the 550 remains the king of great deals coming in at a third of what it initially cost. Simple activity buttons allow you to push once and watch as your equipment comes alive and to the specified settings. Best of all, Harmony’s A/V Control Database is updated daily with all the new receivers, TVs, Blu-ray players, and all the other devices you want to control so this remote will never be out of date. You’ll need a PC or Mac and Internet access for initial setup and maintenance, but once setup, dad may never get off the couch again. Buy now: www.tigerdirect.com

Deal #12 - Mr.Beer® Premium Edition Beer Kit - $39.96
I think this one goes without explanation. If you’ve never dabbled in brewing your own beer, this kit is a great way to get a taste (couldn’t resist). The Mr.Beer Premium Kit comes complete with the keg and tap assembly, 8 1-liter reusable bottles with caps and labels, a brew pack of ingredients, and an instruction booklet that a real dad will immediately throw away. The best part? You get the final word on alcohol content which is determined by the amount of malt and sugars added to the mix. The kit comes with everything you need to get cooking, as it were. Homer bottle opener not included. Buy now: www.mrbeer.com

Deal #13 - Verizon FiOS Internet - $42.99 to $139.95/mo. with first month free
On planet dad faster is always better, and when it comes to ISPs, FiOS is the current champion of speed. With plans ranging from a respectable 5 Mbps/2 Mbps to screaming 30 Mbps/15 Mbps, Verizon is attracting a lot of new customers, assuming you’re in their coverage. The current deal is one month free, though I have been able to squeak out a second month and other freebies if you talk a smooth game. Your milage may vary. Another nice perk of this deal is that once the hardware is installed and the fiber run, your are ready for their TV package when it too becomes available in your area. Buy now: www.verizon.com

Deal #14 - Samsung 52” 1080p HDTV - $1,689.00 + free s/h
Frys is offering up the Samsung 52” 1080p Widescreen LCD HD Television, model no. LN-52A530, for just $1,689 + free shipping. FYI, that’s $491 less than any deal out there on this beautiful set. The TV features a native resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, ATSC (HD) and Clear QAM tuners, and a 5ms response time. Ports include 3 HDMI, 2 Component, 1 S-video, 2 composite and 1 PC. Hard to go wrong giving any dad a big screen TV. Buy now: www.frys.com

Deal #15 - Maverick ET-901 Redi-Chek Voice Alert - $44.99
As cliche as it is, you really couldn’t make a list of Father’s Day gifts without including something grill related. The Maverick programmable remote thermometer will monitor your steaks/burgers/chicken or what-have-you and send up an alert when dinner is ready. The thermometer itself is on a 36-inch line and attached to the rain resistant transmitter which in turn has a wireless range of 100ft - I guess your meal gets a little charred if you venture beyond. If your dad is constantly running out to the deck (losing precious cool AC) or sweating over the grill poking and prodding, this little device is sure to please. Buy now: www.partshelf.com

Deal #16 - Sangean H201 AM/FM Shower Radio - $59.99
If your dad fancies himself a shampoo rock star, why not encourage his dream (delusion?) and get him a quality shower radio. Sangean is a familiar name in the portable scene and their H201 has all the features you’d expect - digital tuning, 10 station presets, auto seek, a modern design and a water resistant casing built to marine standards. Powered by 2 ‘D’ batteries or an AC power adapter (think that through) the unit comes with a wall mount bracket and a carrying strap. Buy now: www.newegg.com

Deal #17 - Piles of Blu-ray Movies - 20% off
Get 20% off Casino Royale, Blood Diamond, Cloverfield, all the Terminators, the ultimate Father’s Day movie Big Fish, and every other Blu-ray movie at DeepDiscount.com when you use the code “DEALNEWS” at checkout (pre-releases not eligible). This is a great chance to fill out dad’s Blu-ray collection with a few of his favorite flicks. What’s that? Dad doesn’t have a Blu-ray player? Check out Deal #1. Buy now: www.deepdiscount.com

Deal #18 - Extreme Home Arcade - $599.88
Even if you don’t, your dad probably remembers the day when quarters meant something and studyhall was spent at a suspiciously convenient gas station turned arcade. Help him relive those glorydays with his very own 50-games-in-one standup arcade console. Packed with all the hits including Asteroids, Battle Zone, Berzerk, Centipede, Jungle Hunt, Lunar Landing, Space Invaders, Tempest, the full sized arcade cabinet houses a 19 inch hi-res monitor and those same classic joysticks and buttons his wrists are still recovering from. No coins necessary. Available for store pickup. Buy now: www.sears.com

Deal #19 - Amazon Xbox 360 Game Sale - $13.53 and up
Is dad a gamer? Check out Amazon’s Xbox 360 blowout sale featuring games like BioShock, Assassin’s Creed, Gears of War, and Mass Effect. Prices start at $13.53 for some of the older titles like Call of Duty 2 and creep to $39.99 for the titles he’s probably really Jonesin’ for like Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2. Alas, no Grand Theft Auto IV deal but odds are he probably already has it. Buy now: www.amazon.com

Deal #20 - Garmin NUVI 260 GPS - $219.99
Like most men, your dad probably has directional issues, as in refusing to ask for them. If he hasn’t already picked one up for himself, NewEgg.com has a great deal on the nüvi 260 model from Garmin. It’s not their top of the line model, but if getting from point A to B is the task, this’ll do the trick without getting complicated. It comes pre-loaded with maps for the North America and a pre-loaded database of points of interest so you can hit the world’s second largest ball of twine and such. Buy now: www.newegg.com

Bonus Deal - Sonos BU130 ZP80/ZP100/CR100 System Bundle - $898.00
Why confine dad’s collection of 70’s metal music to just his den (don’t answer that) when Sonos can stream it house-wide. Use the ZonePlayer 80 with the home theater and the ZonePlayer 100 to amplify a pair of living room speakers. The Controller 100 will tell which to play what, or sync them up for some party action. Not only does this system support compressed MP3, WMA (including purchased Windows Media downloads), AAC (MPEG4), Ogg Vorbis, Audible (format 4), Apple Lossless and Flac (lossless) music files, it also streams Internet radio stations using streaming MP3 and WMA formats. The ZonePlayer 100 even comes preprogrammed with more than 300 radio stations for instant access to all of your, I mean his favorite music, metal and non-metal. Buy now: www.6ave.com (apply code “AFLSOS898” during checkout.)