Best Father's Day Gifts for Dad: Splurge vs. Steal

You may think you can’t get dad what he really wants — say a Maserati, a trip around the world or early retirement — but you can get pretty darn close. How many men can say no to a better hairline or a major improvement in their golf game? While it can be hard to put a budget on pampering one of the most important men in your life (if not the most important), we all have to come to terms with our financials. Luckily, you can have major impact (we’re talking smiles for days!) with very little credit card damage. Whether he grills, likes to lounge around, is a social media fanatic or is always on the go, here’s a look at some of the best splurge and steal options to spoil dad with this Father’s Day.

Splurge vs. Steal: Father's Day Edition

Media Splurge: Cinemood

Cinemood, $399 at Cinemood

Dad can turn any wall into his very own 12-foot cinema with this absolutely noiseless, 3-inch ultra light stand-alone projector. You can even use it outside or on the back of a plane seat and there's no connection to a computer, phone or wall outlet needed (you can connect to Wi-Fi to stream from your personal Netflix or YouTube account). It's a particularly great buy for new dads because it comes preloaded with kid-friendly content, including 65 hours of stories and videos from Disney.
Media Save: Casetify

Casetify, prices vary at Casetify

We all use our phones more than we care to admit, so make something dad can smile at every time he uses it. Casetify lets you easily print your Instagram photos (or any photo) on an iPhone case and the cases come in ready-to-gift boxes.
Golf Splurge: Cobra

King F8 Irons, $799 at Cobra

This is the ultimate set for any golf enthusiast. Not only is it designed to optimize your shots, it's the first electronically enabled set of irons — connect to Cobra's app and you can track your distance, accuracy and improvements round to round. Want brownie points? Spring for this bag.
Golf Save: Olive & Cocoa

Greenside Golf Crate, $98 at Olive & Cocoa

Beautifully packaged in a ready-to-gift crate, this box comes with three pro-quality golf balls and a clipable leather caddy holding an 8-ounce stainless steel flask, two ball markers (with optional monogramming), a divot repair tool and four wooden tees.
Wine Splurge: HelloFresh

Wine Plan, $89/month at HelloFresh

If dad likes his wine on the daily, sign him up for one of HelloFresh's wine plans. It's a great way to discover new wines since you get six red, white or mixed bottles a month (no commitment required) and they come with tasting notes and pairing tips.
Wine Save: FitVine

Chardonnay, $15.99 at FitVine

FitVine's wines have no additives, less sugar, fewer calories, carbs and sulfites than most traditional wines so dad can enjoy his vino and hit the gym the next day (or at least mitigate the damage on his waistline).
Cooking Splurge: Le Creuset

Signature Skillet, $170 at Le Creuset

Whether he's cooking up exotic coconut shrimp or frying up eggs and bacon, Le Creuset's skillet is an essential. It's not only durable, it heats quickly and cleans insanely easily (no residue, even if dad is lazy or majorly burned dinner).
Cooking Save: Bella

Copper Titanium Fry Pan, $19.99 at Macy's

Lightweight, nonstick and dishwasher-safe, this is the perfect pick for a dad who likes to get cooking in the kitchen. Just remind him to be careful not to scratch it!
New Parent Splurge: TruMedic

IS-2000 InstaShiatsu+ Neck and Back Massager With Heat, $109.97 at TruMedic

Every dad deserves a massage, but particularly new dads. While he may not have time to hit a spa, this gadget will provide the next best thing — a deep-kneading shiatsu massage with heat. The rechargeable massager can also work on calves, thighs or his lower back.
New Parent Save: Baby Change-N-Go

Baby Change-N-Go, $80 at Baby Change-N-Go

Oftentimes moms get stuck changing diapers for logistical reasons since it's a lot easier to find a changing surface in the ladies' restroom. This is where this nifty buy comes in. Created by two moms of twins, Baby Change-N-Go is a portable changing table that creates a safe, clean (you don't even want to know what bacteria is lurking on public changing tables!) and private space to change baby's diaper. It can hold up to 40 pounds, but was tested for 10 times that weight.
Wellness Splurge: Vitamix

E310, $349.95 at Vitamix

Nothing is more precious than our loved ones' health and this Vitamix makes it easier than ever for dad to whip up healthy recipes. It's also super intuitive to use, even if you're gadget averse and comes with a bunch of recipe options. It's also self-cleaning and can make enough for mom, too.
Wellness Save: The Dollar Brush

Kit, $39.99 at The Dollar Brush

Nothing fancy here, just a simple toothbrush that actually works. So many parents refuse to give up their manual toothbrush, leaving them prone to cavities. Now you can get dad an electric toothbrush and replacement heads for under $40 a year. He'll thank you when he leaves his next dentist appointment.
Loungewear Splurge: Hanro

Vincenzo Robe, $695 at Hanro

Forget underwear (getting dad underwear is weird anyway!), Hanro, a 130-year-old Swiss company, makes the most amazing bathrobes. While they're still under the radar compared to the brand's underwear offering, no matter what option dad ends up with, he'll feel like he's wrapped in butter.
Loungewear Save: Coyuchi

Unisex Organic Waffle Robe, $98 at Coyuchi

Coyuchi is known for all things bath and for its focus on organic. If dad wants a cozy robe he can spend all Sunday in, this is it.
Desk Splurge: Venus ET Fleur

Eternity Large Custom Arrangement, $399 at Venus ET Fleur

Give dad's desk a facelift with these jet black flowers that last a year, no water required!

Image: @venusetfleur
Desk Save: Sugarfina

Tito's Vodka Collection: Martini Olive Almonds, $7.50 at Sugarfina

You know what pairs better than olives with a martini? Roasted almonds dipped in white chocolate and painted to resemble martini olives. They're the perfect desk snack for dad to have on hand after one of those particularly rough days at the office because booze in a cubicle isn't the best look.
Frother/Cappuccino Splurge: Nespresso

Aeroccino4 Milk Frother, $119 at Nespresso

This is the ultimate in milk frothing gadgets. Like all Nespresso products, it's easy to use and the new update comes with options for two types of hot foam, hot milk or cold foam to top off dad's beverage just the way he likes it.
Frother/Cappuccino Save: PowerLix

MilkPro, $14.99 at Amazon

Update any coffee drink (or help dad whisk some matcha) with this easy-to-use handheld frother. It's the most convenient way to make a cappuccino or latte with minimal cleaning.
Espresso Splurge: Wacaco

Nanopresso, $64.90 at Wacaco

If dad likes his caffeine everywhere with convenience, it doesn't get any better than this 6-inch gadget weighing less than a pound. It's quick to clean up, can create a wide range of espresso styles and doesn't require much force to pump. Basically, it's the best way for him to get commercial espresso machine quality no matter where he is.
Espresso Save: Tu Café Gourmet

Whole Bean 2 LB Bag, $34.99 at Tu Café Gourmet

Dads deserve to drink good stuff! Invest in some top-notch Cuban whole beans — they'll hold their aroma for a lot longer than if you opt for ground espresso — to help dad start every morning off on the right foot.
Beauty Splurge: Reamir & Co.

Natural Boss Kit, $54.72 at Reamir & Co.

This line of men's grooming products has some serious pedigree behind it. It's run by barber Arthur Rubinoff who not only has a host of celeb clients but is fourth generation in the biz. The brand's gift set includes shaving cream, styling gel, leave-in conditioner and pre-shave oil.
Beauty Save: Hims

The Rx Hair Kit, $42/month at Hims

While the best way to mitigate hair loss is prevention, better late than never. This new startup uses proven ingredients to boost hair growth. The starter kit includes minoxidil drops (the generic name for Rogaine), salicylic acid shampoo to help prevent hair loss and dandruff, biotin gummies and finasteride (an oral prescription hair loss medicine). Among those who invested in this brand is Kirsten Green, who helped fund Dollar Shave Club and Glossier.
Travel Splurge: S'well

Night Sky Traveler, $40 at S'well

When it comes to aesthetics, you can't beat S'well. The brand has the best designs and widest assortment. Its Travelers are a relatively new addition and have the added convenience of having an extra wide top (perfect for keeping warm soups or conversely throwing in some ice cubes if you want to keep something extra cold).
Travel Save: Contigo

Couture Thermalock Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $19.99 at Contigo

Help dad be eco-friendly while keeping his water, coffee or whatever else he may be drinking pipping hot or ice cold with one of these insulated stainless steel bottles. The bottles are also easy to wash and BPA-free.