Editor’s Note: This is the third of three articles in this series. Each article has a maximum price ($125.00 or less, $75.00 or less and $25.00 or less). We have listed retailers that have these items in stock at time of publication. Have a Happy Father’s Day! *Images courtesy of manufacturers.
- Part 1: Five Father’s Day Gifts Under $125
- Part 2: Five Father’s Day Gifts Under $75
- Part 3: Five Father’s Day Gifts Under $25
Father’s Day can be difficult for a number of reasons. Believe it or not, you may have a loved one in your life who is not completely in tune with the latest piece of kit you’ve been craving. Or perhaps they feel like everything you really want you’ve already bought yourself. There’s also a common misconception that the only good Father’s Day gift is an extremely expensive gun or piece of high-tech gear. In an effort to help these loved ones, I’ve written this series of three articles that set out to provide an easy list of great gifts that you’ll love in their price range.
When I began compiling these gift ideas I had a few requirements in mind. First and foremost: no junk! I wanted everything to be quality. I also decided to only include products that I could, would, or have used myself. Finally, every item must be available for retail or online shopping; in other words, I’m not going to suggest something that is essentially unobtainable.
So guys, when you get asked that question: “Dad?” (or “Honey?”) “What would you like for Father’s Day?” just forward them this list of great gifts under $25.
Caldwell E-MAX Electronic Earmuffs
Back in the day, quality electronic hearing protection couldn’t be had without spending several hundred dollars. These days, there’s no excuse for lacking a good pair of electronic earmuffs to protect your hearing, and if you have friends that you take to the range there’s nothing better than being able to hear each other talk while shooting. The Caldwell Low-Profile E-Max Electronic Earmuffs combine great circuitry with a low-profile ear cup. The two microphones in the E-Max amplify sounds below 85 decibels, which includes normal communication, range commands, and environmental sounds. Above 85 decibels, the microphones shut off for a split second to protect the shooter’s hearing. Retail: $24.99.
MagLula Ltd. M16/AR-15 Mag Loader
The MagLula M16/AR-15 Lula magazine loader is a must-have for anyone who owns an AR 15. It makes loading and unloading magazines quick and easy. It’s so simple to use, and keeps your hands and fingers from soreness and cuts. It really works great, and I would not go to the range without it. We are fudging a bit on the $25 maximum on this one, but I think it is worth it. Retail: $25.99.
Onion Survival Para-Saw
Ken Onion designed the Onion Survival Para-Saw—eight feet of nylon paracord braided into a bracelet form, with a plastic-encased, tungsten carbide-coated wire saw woven into the braided cord. It can be worn every day as an accessory, while secretly providing the means to build a shelter should the need arise. This makes for a perfect addition to dad’s EDC kit, and I guarantee that if he doesn’t already have one, he wants one. Retail: $24.99.
Surefire EarLocks
There are several models of Surefire’s EarLocks available that fit most circular earphones, including both styles of the Apple earbuds. The retention rings lock into your ear, holding the earbuds securely without being irritating or annoying. Earbuds will no longer fall out constantly! I actually wear these under my earmuffs so that I can listen to music while shooting, and receive phone calls and notifications. Retail: $9.99.
Hornady Ballistic Band (2-Pk)
I was particularly impressed with the Hornady Ballistic Band. It’s a 1-inch-wide rubber wrap that slips right onto your rifle and can be written on. Use it to track your shooting dope right there on your rifle, and the next time you go to the range you won’t have to wonder what your adjustments for distance are! This is something that all shooters will appreciate. Try as we might, we just can’t remember what the dope was on that rifle, what load we were using, etc. The Ballistic Band is an elegantly simple solution to a timeless problem for shooters. Retail: $5.16.