Father's Day Buyer's Guide 2016 – $25 and Under

Mother’s Day is fast approaching – it’s this Sunday, May 8, in case you didn’t know – and if you’re still struggling to find that perfect momma’s day gift for the moto-riding mom in your life, Tom’s got you hooked up with 10 gift ideas.

Of course you can’t leave dad out, but since his day is a little later, June 19, you have a little more time to think this one through. Here we’ve put together 10 items for the moto-riding dad in your life, and since some of you reading this may be strapped for cash (or downright cheapskates), we’ve capped the items on this list at $25. But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

Let’s face it: car drivers never see motorcyclists, and sometimes we need to get their attention. Many stock horns on today’s motorcycles are too quiet, and older motorcycles may not have functioning horns at all. The old-timey OOOGA from this Harbor Freight air horn wails at 110 dB and will surely attract attention. Say what you will about Harbor Freight, but for $10.99, it’s hard to go wrong.

Eye protection is crucial when riding a motorcycle, especially if the dad in your life doesn’t wear a full-face helmet. Get him some shades to protect his eyeballs from wind and debris. There are numerous styles out there with an equally long number of features, but at $21.97 these Eliminator G-Tech Red goggles come in within our price cap and have some nice features. The lenses are polycarbonate and claim to be shatterproof, while also offering UV400 protection. Soft foam padding feels nice against dad’s face, the adjustable strap offers a comfortable fit, and the vented frame helps prevent the goggles from fogging. If the red lenses aren’t your style, other lenses are also available.

For the curmudgeony-type dads out there (you know, the ones who shake sticks at the kids playing on the lawn), this shirt says it all. Hopefully you are one of the three people dad also likes, otherwise this whole gift giving thing could go horribly wrong. In that case, just have your sister give him the shirt. He’ll probably come around to you after he reads the message. You can get it on Amazon for $15 – $20 depending on size.

For the dad who likes to perform basic maintenance on his motorcycle, this $22 wheel roller is a nifty gift. Plop the rear wheel on the roller, put the bike in neutral, and spin the wheel to your heart’s content. Meanwhile, dad can clean/lube the chain or, if the bike doesn’t have a chain, dad can clean the wheels instead. The aluminum roller features a ramp to make it easy to guide the wheels on to the roller, and it’s rated to withstand up to 500 lbs. It also features six non-slip rubber feet.

Dad probably has his “spot” marked in the garage. You know, the area where his motorcycle goes and nothing else. Be a good kid, spend $9, and get him one of these 8-inch x 12-inch signs to make the parking spot official. Each sign is made from PVC plastic with vinyl graphics, rounded corners and two pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The seller, SignMission, even says the signs are durable enough to last about five years outdoors. No worries if dad isn’t a sportbike rider – SignMission has you covered no matter what dad rides.

This is the last of the Harbor Freight items, promise, but any dad who likes working on his own stuff will appreciate a magnetic pickup tool like this one. If he doesn’t have one already, he’ll wish he did the moment a nut or bolt slips from his hands and gets lodged in a hard-to-reach place. There are also spring-loaded claws at the end to help latch on to non-ferrous objects. For $2.99, splurge a little and buy dad two. You never know when it might come in handy.

That’s right – soap. Dad may enjoy riding the open roads, but once he gets back home he’s probably a little smelly. That’s where CityGirlSoapShop comes in with these vegan glycerin soap bars. Each one is 3.5 ounces, the same as a normal bar of soap, and comes with a patina many wish for on their actual motorcycles! It’s also scented with what the seller calls “Smoke and Mirrors” fragrance oil, whatever that means. One reviewer called the scent more like burnt rubber, which, if you ask me, is pretty awesome. Also awesome is the price: $4.50 for one bar.

Did your dad teach you how to ride? Is there a picture of the two of you with motorcycles that you really cherish? Well, now might be the time to turn that photo from a digital file on your computer to something dad can pin to his wall at work. There are a number of photo printing services out there – Snapfish just one of many examples – that can turn your image into a single print (for pennies), or churn out a photo book for under $20 if you have a whole folder of files. Canvas prints, coffee mugs, and magnets are other inexpensive options, too.

I presume Ryan Burns here enjoyed his ride aboard some fine Honda motorcycles with his dad JB in tow and isn’t just faking it for dad’s camera. How could he not? It’s nearly impossible not to have fun on two wheels, and spending some quality father-son (or father-daughter) time is good for the soul. If you don’t think the above nine items will stir any kind of emotion in your old man, then opt for this one. You’ll create long-lasting memories, and best of all – it’s basically free.