Birthday Bargain Shopping for Man in Their 70s?

Jimothy's post almost got me across the line in the hunt for a birthday present for my 73-year-old dad. But a pen? Even a really nice one? It's close, but he'd have reasonable ones by the score.

I've pored over Amazon and eBay but the best I've come up with is an Apple Air Tag - practical, not very personal, and suggests he's losing his mind.

A couple of years ago he bought a decent mouse (still sub$100 but decent, I think) after using comes-with-the-system basics for years. He still loves it. Any ideas of where buying a slightly nicer version (or being given one) of a regular-use product can make your life better? And a bargain (or at least seemingly a bargain), it goes without saying.

Note: He's not into tech, hobbies, cooking, gardening… It needs to be something just part of daily life, if you know what I mean.

Thanks

Comments

  • +2

    If budget allows I bloody love leatherman pocket knives. You can sometimes get a sick bargain on catch or try and stack a coupon on eBay.

    My personal fave is the Wave. (I have two, I love them that much)

    If he’s into gardening, does he already have a set of electric tools? I recently got 18v electric whipper snipper, and a blower and boy howdy sure it’s not as powerful as petrol but soooo much lighter and less fuss.

    • Note: He's not into tech, hobbies, cooking, gardening … It needs to be something just part of daily life, if you know what I mean.

      • +1

        Note: He's not into tech, hobbies, cooking, gardening

        Sorry I read that as he's not into tech. Hobbies (as in the hobbies he has, is gardening and cooking) lol

    • Thanks for the suggestion. Very top of the budget, but not him. He is in his 70s. Think, something you can use in the car, on the couch, walking to the shop for a newspaper … I know I'm outsourcing my problem, but grateful for ideas

      • a watch?

    • What's a good price for the wave, ~$100 it seems looking at past posts? Or the Wave+ seems like it has a few improvements…

      • +1

        I paid $150 for first one and $160 for the other

        $130-140 I think is prob achievable with some eBay discount and creative cashback stacking. Any cheaper is even better. Worth the dosh imo. I use mine everyday

        • Oh, didn't know this was Ozreasonable :p

          I'll setup an alert for myself cheers

          • @John Kimble: haha this is one thing I am more than happy to not obsessively watch and monitor for price drops. Its a very nice bit of kit.

            I will also report dealing with warranty where my non-plus plier bit broke, they fixed it up for me no problems

  • +1

    It needs to be something just part of daily life, if you know what I mean.

    Here's a good deal from Dymocks…

    • I'm confused. Is it a book about Viagra tablets or a packet of them? From Dymocks? And it's 0.01 inches long. How is that going to help either way?

      • +1

        And it's 0.01 inches long.

        Definitely needs it then…

  • +1

    If he lives in an area that gets cold enough in winter - cashmere scarf and/or beanie. Old people seem to feel the cold more.

  • +1

    Get him one of these.
    I gave my dad one, its his pride and joy, chuckles to himself.
    https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/815612895/havent-lost-all-my…

  • But an airtag and a fancy mouse are tech?

  • +2

    A nice puffy jacket for Winter, or even something like a waxed jacket like Barbour. Old people get cold too you know.

  • Chromecast with google tv/firestick? My parents use my account anyway but it's easier for them to start it now instead of having to cast from their phone

  • An experience? We took my father to 2001: A Space Odyssey (one of his all time favourites) when it was with the Qld Symphony. He also loved doing one of those i-fly things (parachute simulator), a segway tour as well as a couple of those 'Brisbane Greeter' things. Have also taken him on a food tour.

    Enjoyed both the experiences and the time with family.

  • Without knowing whether he’s single or partnered, what he already has or your budget:

    More expensive (sounds like above your budget but consider for future years):
    Robot vacuum or stick vacuum
    Comfy chair/recliner
    iPad

    Moderately expensive:
    Streaming subscription
    Airfryer (sure he’s not into cooking but presumably he’s into eating)
    Decent Wireless headphones

    Budget:
    Phone tripod/holder
    Webcam/microphone/speaker upgrade if he has a computer as well as a phone
    Digital photo frame/clock (upload photos and set up for him so it doesn’t just sit around unused).

    Most importantly your time. This is what most parents want. If you’re not the kind of family that sits around talking together, do some jobs together or for him. Find out what needs fixing around his house and if it’s DIYable do it. Mow the lawn. Clean the windows. Digitise old family photos and put them on a device. Cook a meal for him. Go on a bush or beach walk together.

    • +1

      Thanks for the thought you put into this, Morse. There'll be time spent, and I very much agree this is the most important. Never seem to find enough of it though.
      I think the speaker upgrade is the shot. His hearing's a bit meh. I bought myself some cheapish ($60 ish) powered edifiers a few months ago. Might try to track down the same. It's a good idea - something he uses but better will make a difference.
      Thanks for other suggestions as well.

    • Thoughtful answer.
      I also think a hard cover photo book is a good idea.
      I've made a few on the Big W Photos website and they are always loved by family members.
      I upload lots of digital shots that never get printed otherwise!
      A nice meal with Dad also. He will really enjoy that.

  • -1

    (Joke) Buy him a 12 pack of condoms, will last him a lifetime

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