Be smart when buying Father's Day gifts

BALTIMORE, Md. - With Mother's Day, you send flowers or buy jewelry and call it a day.  But honoring your dad can be a little bit tougher.  That's why Angie Barnett with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland advises, "Consumers need to make sure they use smart sense."

Barnett says one of the smartest moves you can make when shopping for dad is to use a credit card instead of cash or a debit card.  Experts say it's better for returns and if you get ripped off, credit cards make it easier to get your money back and contest the charges.

But Barnett says no matter how you pay, hang onto the receipt for any gift and the wrapping, especially if you purchase pricey electronics.  She explains, "Make sure when he's tearing open the gift you're preserving the integrity of that original packaging because those bar codes and information that surrounds that packaging may be required for the return purpose."

This Father's Day, many are opting for gifts that are outside the box, going with outdoor adventure gifts like kayaking trips, ATV rentals or fishing excursions.  But Barnett says you can't throw caution to the wind, "You want to know rain dates, cancelation policies and if there's any information you need to bring with you, such as a driver's license or proof of insurance."

If you opt for adrenaline fueled gifts for your father, Barnett says you need to keep a calm head when signing any contracts.  Make sure you read the entire document before you sign it.  

And if you decide on a gift card, Barnett says it's important to read the terms and conditions of the card, which are now required to be stated on the card's packaging.  If you go that route, hang onto the receipt, because if
there's a problem, you need to prove you paid to put money on the card.