Okay, admit it, you’re planning on getting Dad another gift card for Christmas. I mean let’s face it he has everything he needs right? It’s just that it’s so easy to grab one of those gift cards to his favorite store – they’re everywhere now. Remember when there used to be presents under the tree? Well if you want to shake things up a little bit try shopping your local second hand store for great Christmas gift ideas. You can even drag the old dinosaur along and maybe catch him giving the eye to something you wouldn’t have thought about.

Old Tried and True Gift Ideas

Let’s talk tools! I don’t know about you but I’ve never been in a second hand store that did not have tools for sale. Even these days Dad is usually about “do it yourself.” The challenges represented by broken sprinkler lines, missing fence slats, and the proverbial 4 wheeled beast that always needs repair are too much to resist. You’ll usually find power tools, miter boxes, and miscellaneous plumbing repair parts in most second hand stores and at money saving prices. Just imagine the surprise in his eyes when he picks up a gift from under the tree and it weighs about ten pounds! Now that’s a lot of gift cards!

Something Comfortable

Now I might be a little self-serving here but I Love My Recliner! There are times when a little relaxation after a busy day is just what Dad ordered. A money saving tip is to shop your local second hand store to replace that worn out chair and get one of those chairs that reclines, heats up, and even some that will stand you up by the push of a button, now that’s a gift! There are also a good supply of couches to choose from, so if yours is getting a little too comfortable for the dog, just get down to the thrift store and see what’s there.

Speaking of comfortable, a sweater or jacket might be in order. There are sometimes those insulated coveralls that will keep Dad warm while working outside and keep his regular clothes clean from dirt and grease or oils. How about a pair of boots for working outdoors that are even already broken in! The simple fact is there are likely several things for Dad’s comfort that you might not have thought of that will make a wonderful Christmas gift.

Something for Those Dads Who Don’t DIY

There are those Dads who while being the best ever at mending little boo-boos just cannot seem to handle mechanical emergencies in the same calm manner. On several occasions even though I consider myself a pretty good do-it-yourselfer, I have provided a good deal of humor and horror to my neighbors while working on my boat or truck. If this is familiar to you, how about getting Dad some music from days past that will take him back to his glory years. Cassette tapes, vinyl albums and CDs make a wonderful gift idea that will surprise and are a truly money saving idea. If Dad collects anything, and which one of us doesn’t, you can find any collectable item in mass at your local second hand store.

So let’s give Dad a break from opening envelopes on Christmas Day and actually wrap up a nice gift to put under the tree. There are so many ways you can make this Christmas so special just by shopping a little at a thrift store and you’ll be saving money too.

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