Top Ten Homeland Security Related Gifts for Dad
Dads.
Full of advice and sage counsel. Purveyors of jokes so awful they’re actually called Dad jokes. Makers of strange choices in attire. We love ’em.
Dads also seem to collect the oddest assortments of gadgets and tools known to man, seemingly on a whim (“Honey, look what I picked up at [insert home improvement store here]”), making them notoriously difficult to buy gifts for.
With Father’s Day on the horizon, we thought we’d throw out a few suggestions for the fickle father figure in your life, focusing on every Dad’s favorite pastime…obsessing about the next impending disaster. So here are a few gift ideas sure to get a passing grade from Pops:
1. Flashlights
Having a flashlight that you can grab in every room of your house can be awfully convenient. We at 5 ‘n Dime especially love gadgets that have preparedness in mind, so we are huge fans of those that incorporate multiple functionalities, like a hand crank, USB charger, and a radio. So when the power goes out, you can still have light, charge your cell phone, listen to the latest news or have a dance party, whichever floats your boat. Never ones to pass up a hurricane dance party, particularly to embarrass the kids, the Dads in our midst wholeheartedly concur.
2. Multi-tools
You just can’t go wrong with a Swiss Army knife or a Leatherman, and quite frankly, you really can’t have too many of them. Not only will it help him with his honey-dos around the house, but having virtually any tool that he might need during an emergency in his pocket will make any Dad the superhero of the moment. (Honestly, having one of these alongside all the flashlights in the house means epic preparedness for every Dad.)
3. Hurricane survival kit
With hurricane season having already started, there is no better time to help Dad be prepared! Any of these kits are a great start to ensure your family stays safe in case of an emergency. As an added bonus, most of these kits can also be used in non-hurricane circumstances. And let’s be honest here — this is just a starting point. First thing a preparedness Dad will do? Start adding to that kit until it needs a dolly and it’s own license plate.
4. Lightweight Wood Burning Stove
The key to this great gift idea is that it is both lightweight and uses wood. That way if you must evacuate quickly, it will be easy to carry and not reliant on gas, which will allow dad to cook a great meal in any emergency.
5. Money belt
This is for the Dad on the go! Not only can he use this during an emergency, but he can also use it for all his vacations. With his passport, money, credit cards, and other identification cards concealed, identity thieves will be hard pressed to become your Dad.
6. RFID Blocking Wallet
Believe it or not, people can now easily scan your credit card and driver’s license information just by walking past you. The scanners cost less than $100, and luckily the wallets that protect from such nefarious activity do as well. Remember that sage advice about an ounce of prevention? Show him you listened….
7. Classes for safety, preparedness, and survival
You could also spend time with Dad while learning important skills. Really, the sky is the limit here. You can take him to a candle making class or soap making class. You can also take him to a personal safety class. That way both you and Dad will know how to protect yourselves.
8. Scan Family Photos into the Cloud
Want something a little more personal? Scan dad’s favorite family photos and upload them into the cloud. If there is a flood, the photos will be protected. You can also do this for some of his more important documents. Bonus points: take pictures of all of his valuable things and upload them to cloud. That way, when he needs to report damaged or looted items for insurance purposes, it is all easily accessible with the power of the internet!
9. Take Dad’s Car for a Check-up
Everyone hates getting their oil checked. It is not fun to sit in the mechanic’s for hours, but it is important! Evacuations take a toll on your car, and your car needs to be ready. You can be sitting on the side of the road for hours. If you want to win kid of the year, consider following your Dad to the service station, and then taking him out to lunch. That way no one has to spend hours at the mechanic’s shop.
10. Prune Dad’s Yard and make a garden
Trees are dangerous. What grows up must fall down. People often forget that high winds can take off limbs or tear up trees. When this happens, you have a tree hurtling to the ground, your car, or your head. So help your Dad out by pruning his trees. Also, if you have the space, take some time and create a great herb or vegetable garden. You can spend time with him helping to keep it up and then enjoy delicious home cooked meals.
