How to Save Money on Father's Day Gifts

When Father's Day is approaching, you'll want to buy your father the perfect gift to show him how much you care. Finding the right Father's Day gift at the last minute, though, could end up forcing you to go beyond your budget. With advance planning, you can save money on the Father's Day gift that you plan to buy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Commit to staying within a sensible budget for your Father's Day present. Your father will appreciate any Father's Day gift that you put thought into. Spending more than you can afford on his gift, however, may cause you both to worry about your finances.
2. Peruse the discounts that are available at the stores where you might buy your Father's Day present. Some stores send out coupons to their customers through the mail and through email. You can also find substantial discounts online at sites such as DealCatcher and FatWallet (see Resources below).
3. Compare the price of the Father's Day gifts that you are considering buying. Your father likely has many interests, each of which can give you many ideas for Father's Day gifts. By considering different gifts, you can choose one that your father will appreciate and let you save money.
4. Search both local and online stores for the Father's Day gift that you plan to buy. Some stores will also match the advertised price from their competitors or even refund you more than 100 percent of the price difference.
5. Browse online auctions to see whether you can find the same gift at a lower price. While online auctions used to be primarily for used items, some businesses now sell new items through online auctions at lower prices than mall stores. Using online auctions, you may be able to save money and avoid long lines in the stores.

Tips & Warnings

• If you start searching for Father's Day gifts far enough in advance, you will have a longer period of time during which to find a lower price and save money. You may want to buy your gift at a store that offers a price match or return policy in the event you find a better price.
• If you are considering buying your Father's Day gift online to save money, be sure to look at the shipping costs. When you include the shipping costs, buying online may be more costly than buying in a local store, even if the item is on sale.