BUFFALO, NY - It's an amazing week to save if you stay clear of the traditional deals.
This is a week where GPS unit mark downs are lame (as I mentioned they'd be at the start of this month) and HDTV prices are even worse.
Here's an eclectic mix of items marked down to make great gifts. It's rare to find any substantial discounts on items that are so in-demand, but this list does deliver... on time.
Please note that gift number nine will not be delivered in time, but everything else will get there instantly or in time for Father's Day if you follow these links and instructions.
Many thanks to Ways 2 Save confidant and contributor Roger Munford for his insider information and his continued support of this savings franchise that has become my life.
1) Omaha Steaks -- Up to 61 percent off for Father's Day, plus 50 percent off shipping
There's the Father's Day Grill Pack -- normally $178, but now $69.99 (61 percent off). Then the Dad's Dinner Deal, usually $102, but now just $49.99.
Not only that, but there's 50 percent off shipping this week. You'll find a man's heart through his stomach and looking at these mouth watering steaks, I cannot find it in my heart to disagree.
2) Advance Auto Parts -- 51 percent off gear wrench ratcheting wrench set
A great gift for a son to get for Dad and it won't break the piggy bank.
Just $14.99, down from $30.89 -- a savings of $15.90. Just so you know, the current price of shipping for this week on this site is free for any order over $75. You'll also save another $20 if you spend over $100, or save $30 if you spend over $150. Just type the code JN20 in the shopping cart for those extra discounts. Expires on June 18, 2011.
3) A Nook or Kindle for the e-reading dad
a) Amazon -- 20 percent off any Amazon Kindle cover with Kindle purchase
Purchase a Kindle e-Reader, select a cover and as you're checking out, they'll apply the 20 percent discount. If you select the two-day shipping option, the Kindle and cover will ship for free. Offer expires at midnight on June 13, 2011.
b) Barnes & Noble -- 1st generation Wi-Fi Nook for $119, plus discounts up to 80 percent off on a nice selection of cases
c) Barnes & Noble -- Free expedited shipping on the new Nook
The brilliant new e-reader has the best battery life on the market. Offer expires June 16, 2011.
4) Restaurant.com -- 60 percent off
Enter coupon code FLAG at checkout.
Get your dad a $25 gift certificate to his favorite local restaurant for $4. Get a certificate for $100 and it will only cost you $16.
The savings are incredible and other than some basic terms and conditions (which are clearly spelled out), this is the best dining gift certificate program in the country. I can't even begin to tell you how many local dinners I've been able to enjoy thanks to this program.
5) Golfsmith -- gift cards for golfing dads
You can get a traditional gift card mailed to dad, but there's also an option to have an e-card (basically an email confirming the gift card) sent to you instantly.
If Dad likes golf, this is one of the best sites around. There's a huge Father's Day sale going on through Father's Day and there's also a "$10 off when you spend $50," "$20 off when you spend $100," "$50 off when you spend $250" and "$100 off when you spend $500" deal.
Use the coupon code WEB124SAV in the shopping cart to get these additional savings.
6) Home Depot -- 50 percent off Hitachi metal connector nailer
This one is a little more pricey, but it's solid. Although $199.50 might be a bit steep for dad, the discount takes it down from the original price of $399, which is a significant markdown. Expires on June 18, 2011.
7) Lowe's -- Up to 62 percent off select tools
"Up to" is the key part because many of the deals are not a massive mark down, but at least some of the prices are the best you will see this time of the year on some in-demand items. There are some great discounts here in all kinds of categories -- including compressors, circular saws, shop vacs and cordless drills.
Lowe's has free in-store pickup. Expires on June 30, 2011.
8) Kmart -- $59 TNT 3-gallon air compressor combo (down from $80)
This is definitely a lower-end compressor, but perfect for the backyard mechanic -- and by all reviews we could see, a popular choice.
Great bargain price and this deal expires on June 17, 2011.
9) JustDeals -- Hercules 6-piece food and beverage container set for $12.77
This is the best price I could find on a useful gift for under $15.
I ordered this gift in advance so I could check it out and it's VERY sturdy, practical, the largest containers I could find that are practically portable and something I would definitely use.
This item will not ship in time for Father's Day, but you can always wrap a photo in a card and tell your dad Hercules is on the way. Offer expires at midnight.
10) Sears -- extra 5 percent to 20 percent off at the one-day sale and extra $10 off $75 purchases
This is a one-day sale for tomorrow onward. Sears has some of the best prices on tools, men's clothes and other electronics. We're talking discounts of up to 20 percent. You can also get an extra $10 off the top when you spend more than $75, but one day only means you'll want to do your shopping online right now. Obviously, offer expires at midnight.
11) Manpacks!
It's essentially the Netflix of underwear, as previously featured on Ways 2 Save. Great subscription service that gets your dad or the man in your life his essentials in a fun, unique way. This works all year round.
12) Best Buy -- Get select Blu-ray Movies for $5.99
I know that the price of Blu-ray discs has gone down a lot in the last couple of years, but $5.99 is still pretty unbeatable.
The selection is not huge by any means, but you'll probably be able to find something. Paired with a nice card, this is at least a gift that can be enjoyed on more than one viewing occasion.