Home Improvement News Bureau

Father’s Day Spending Expected To Be Up:

What to Buy For Your “Type” of Dad

MONEY PIT NEWS BUREAU - June 7, 2006:  Spending on Father’s Day is anticipated to be up this year, reaching $9.0 billion this year compared to $8.2 billion last year, according to the NRF 2006 Father’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch.

“Most Dads will at least get a card,” says home improvement expert, co-host of the syndicated radio show The Money Pit, and dad himself, Tom Kraeutler.  “But a new survey by a leading retailer found that gift cards, tools and gadgets are at the top of Dad’s wish list this Father’s Day and the average person is expected to spend about $90 on gifts for Dad.”

 “As home improvement and home-makeover shows grow in popularity, more and more American dads are inspired to build, maintain, repair, remodel and redecorate their homes.  It allows them to be and feel like king of their ever-more impressive castle,” Kraeutler explains.  He has determined different “types” of dads – the gadget dad, the outdoor dad, the pampered dad or the indoor dad.  Drawing on his recent visit to the National Hardware Show and his knowledge of the newest products and hottest trends in the home improvement market, Kraeutler has the following gift suggestions:

THE PAMPERED DAD: The Dad who has it all.  You don’t know what to get and all he really needs is some rest and relaxation.  Moen offers a new line of shower heads, including one that is seven-inches in diameter and promises a full-body invigorating shower.  The InvigoRain™ spray redistributes the flow of water increasing the force through multiple pressurized spray channels. An invigorating shower could be to Dad what a nice relaxing bath is to Mom.  It is easy to install and clean and is available at Lowe’s and Menards.  For more information, go to www.moen.com.

THE GADGET DAD:  This Dad loves his toys – but best is something that looks good, works effectively and has multiple uses.  Practical and easy to use, a multi-purpose rotary tool like the Dremel Stylus™ is precise and can be used for a variety of applications – polishing, cutting, cleaning, carving, detailed drilling, intricate sanding and even engraving.  Dremel’s Stylus offers a contour-grip design for better control and features a speed-control dial that allows users to save the setting every time the unit is shut off.  Powered by Lithium-Ion technology, the Stylus will hold its charge for up to two years ensuring it is poised for nearly any application.  It comes with 25 accessories and is available at most home improvement centers.  See www.dremel.com.

THE OUTDOOR DAD: This Dad loves a tool that makes yard work simpler and quicker.  There are many new products for yard care and gardening that offer ergonomic benefits for keeping the body injury-free and make the job easier and more efficient.  Longer handled tools allow for less bending and stooping and Rainbird soaker hoses that connect to a spigot or sprinkler system allow for effective watering of trees, shrubs and plants – leaving more time for Dad to enjoy the fruits of his labor in his hammock or with his family.  There is even a new “washable” leather glove for gardening called Ranchworx that won’t harden or shrink after getting wet.  For info, go to www.iclad.com.

THE INDOOR DAD:  Underneath it all, this Dad loves nothing more than to make his family feel safe and comfortable in their home.  Whether installing new lighting fixtures or adding to his collection of cooking gadgets, this dad will be pleased by any indoor enhancements the family will let him get his hands on.  One suggestion makes lighting a snap – literally.  Safety Quick Light™ allows homeowners to install lighting fixtures in seconds – and safely and quickly remove and reinstall for painting, cleaning or decorating.  Retrofit kits are available at The Home Depot, along with some Hampton Bay fixtures that already have the technology built-in. One of the new stainless steel grilling tool kits is another good bet.

“These guidelines will help you find a gift that Dad can use and appreciate,” advises Kraeutler.  “Any gift you get for your Dad will be welcomed and appreciated this Father’s Day if it comes from the heart and is wrapped with a hug.”

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