Reattaching your rearview mirror is one of those repairs that is one of the SIMPLEST DIY repairs you can do. And cheap too.

There are a ton of different rearview mirror adhesives and epoxies and glues but I only have experience with one (pictured below). Permatex Rearview Mirror Professional Strength Adhesive. NO, this is not a sponsored post, YES, that is an amazon affiliate link.

ANYWAY, I’ve used it twice before, once in my old Mini Cooper, and once in my Austin Healey. Believe it or not, those dinky little mirrors pop off pretty easily after 30 years. but I digress.

What you’ll need to begin:

• Razor blade
• Rearview mirror adhesive
• Rubbing alcohol and applicator of your choice.

Step 1 (not pictured): remove the mounting button (mirror mounting plate) from the arm of the mirror.

Some slide off  (with considerable force because you have no leverage). Some have a set screw. Examine yours and figure out how to get the two apart. It’s not mandatory but it’s less awkward to work with if it’s removed.

Step 2: Make a Mark.

You’ll see where the old mirror was attached by the glue that was left behind. On the outside of the window make a mark of some kind to know where to re-glue the mirror. I didn’t have to with this car since the windshield was already idiot-proofed and had an area for mirror mounting.

Step 3: Prep the surfaces.

Scrape off any old adhesive from the window surface and the mounting button. I also swab with alcohol as well to get it squeaky clean. (Then maybe use a cloth to remove the alcohol residue.)

Step 4: Prepare the window for adhesive (again)

This time you’re going to use the cleaner/activator that came with the kit. wipe up the window really well and DON’T TOUCH IT. Let it dry for a couple minutes or so.

Step 5: Cut the cap off and make a drop.

Not much to describe here. AFTER the cleaner/activator has dried use the razor to cut the end off the adhesive tube and plop one drop on the mirror mounting button (mirror mounting plate). IMMEDIATELY put it on the window RIGHT SIDE UP.

Step 6: Place the mounting button (mirror mounting plate) on the windshield.

As soon as you plop the drop on the back of the mounting plate, push it onto the window right side up (we should have mentioned you need to just double check which way is up) and hold it for a couple of minutes.

Step 7: Wait 15 minutes.

Step 8: Put the mirror back on.

Boom, that’s it. After 15 minutes ( I wait longer than that, it makes me feel better), pop your mirror back on. You’re done. You did it.

That’s really the whole trick. You just reattached your own rearview mirror in a matter of minutes. The kit costs like $5 at an auto parts store. I don’t know how much a repair shop would charge you for doing this, but you probably just saved 20 or 30 bucks? No idea, really.

Now go knock your mirror off and try it for yourself.

Maclaren contacted Dadand to be one of the first sites in the US to have their new BMW stroller and put it through the paces, so we did. We don’t have a stroller test track at the Dadand HQ so all we could think was, where’s a better place to put a stroller to the test and beat the crap out of it than the streets of New York City? Nowhere, that’s where. So we took it there.

It’s got everything you’d expect a Maclaren BMW stroller to have–the lightweight frame, adjustable seat positions, carrying strap–and more:

• 4-wheel suspension
• Reflective accents
• 5-point harness
• BMW bucket-inspired seat with a bonus seat liner insert
• Detachable hood
• Rain shield

At just 12.4 pounds (5.7kg) it’s not a difficult task to carry it around in it’s folded up position (we carried it folded up from Brooklyn through the subway and into mid-town Manhattan, which was just about as long as the bean was willing to walk). The stroller is suitable for infants older than 6-months old and children up to 55 pounds, and my 6-year old found it very comfortable for sightseeing and touring. And I found it comfortable for pushing her around all day, plus it has a large storage area in the bottom for carrying purses, jackets, etc.

We’re quite manly, if you haven’t caught on, and it takes a lot for a stroller to meet up to the badass-ness that we demand from the other vehicles in our lives, so Bravo to Maclaren for producing a ride that we can be excited to roll around town. Ours is Medieval Blue, but it also comes in classic BMW colors Silver and Black.

Here we are pretending to point at something off in the distance. Just kidding, we were actually doing this when Emily snapped our pic, but we do look alike a couple of catalog models posing. I look like a regular David Gandy.

The suspension makes the ride down the boardwalk back at home a little more comfortable for the little ones (I assume). I was too heavy and just bottomed out the suspension so there’s no way to really know. I also felt like the handles were offset enough to where I didn’t feel like I was leaning over to push it and kicking the back of the stroller with every step.

Since it’s lightweight and compact you can cram it just about anywhere in the car, not just the boot.

They also sent us a baby-friendly steering wheel accessory to have my daughter hold during the ride, but she was more enamored with the idea of joining the racing team and popped my helmet on for size. She makes quite a convincing Stig if I do say so myself.

Thank you for the rad stroller, Maclaren.

Learn more about Maclaren and interact with them on their Facebook page.

Needless to say, to make the thing last a year until I inevitably receive my next one, I need to make some repairs. This was the perfect opportunity to test out the ProBond Advanced™ Glue that Elmer’s sent to me to try.

The fix is no mystery.

Pry off the “aluma-shell” with a putty knife or something thin that will slide in there to work it loose. Just be careful not to tweak it too hard and crease the aluma-shield. Then straighten out all the bends and curves as best you can.

Scrape and clean the gooey glue substance the best you can. I usually resort to Goo-gone although I hate the citrus smell.

I made a bunch of scores and scrapes on both surfaces to try and give everything something to grip onto. (I made way more than in the photo, I just took the photo a little prematurely.)

I put even coats of the ProBond Advanced inside each clamshell and clamped the crap out of it. (Yes, I smeared it all over, just another premature photo.)

Some might say I used too many clamps. I say the more clamps the better. I clamped this beast for 24 hours to make sure it was was nice and dry before subjecting the glue to daily rump sittage.

SPLOOSH! The Alumawallet is almost as good as new. I say almost because it’s still dented to hell. It’s just not bendy and conformed to the shape of my butt anymore.

Thanks to Elmer’s for giving us the glue to try. They obviously read my “addicted to glue” post and wanted to feed my addiction.

Here are a few details I jacked from their site.

ProBond Advanced™ is strongest, safest multi-surface glue yet! Whether you are gluing metal to wood, or ceramics to concrete, ProBond Advanced will do the job! Bonds metal, glass, ceramics, stone, wood, concrete and more! Light color for a translucent finished that can be easily painted. 100% weatherproof and performance guaranteed! Clean up: soap & water when glue is wet; scrape & sand when glue is dry. Set time: 20-30 minutes Stainable: No

Something they don’t even mention in the above description is that it’s non-expanding, which means it won’t foam up and ooze out all over the place while drying. A nice feature.

Go get some.

Never mind the fact that Marty and his kids roam around Florida in shorts from February-November, in New York we’re still bundling our kids up like the Blizzard of ’77 is going to rear it’s ugly head. We know quality snow pants. Our offspring have multiple pairs of snow boots and high-density wool socks. And you know that I always have an extra pair of gloves on me at any time. Layering is considered an art. And somehow, we’re still cold.

When 7 A.M. Enfant contacted us to give their stylish products a whirl, I couldn’t turn it down. I have a kid. And I know kids–both babies and toddlers–whose parents undoubtedly struggle with drafty strollers and car seats and those little boots that just wiggle off infant feet like repelling magnets. It’s those people who are going to really appreciate the products because from the Pookie Poncho to the Booties your kid is going to stay warm and secure.

I don’t even know if I should get into the fact that Jessica Alba’s and SJP’s kids rock this stuff, they were born dressing better than me, but it’s a definite plus if you’re tapping for status.

I only know this from walking through The Gap at Christmastime, but neon is in, and the colors offered by 7 A.M. Enfant are fun and vibrant for boys and girls (especially hipster babies, you know who you are). And utility is key, and the designers seem to have that nailed (fitting in manly tool references where ever I can).

So that’s that, boys and girls. I put my stamp of approval on this gear.

Let me start off by telling you there are like three basic installation styles:

1. Unscrew type: this is where the bulb itself turns and clicks into the headlight housing (this is what I have and what I’ll be showing).
2. Clip type: this is if your car has a retaining clip holding the bulb into the housing.
3. Retaining ring type: this is where the bulb is held into the headlight housing by a separate ring that unscrews or unclips.

What you might need:

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• A clean rag or napkin or paper towel.

You only need this stuff if there are other parts of the car in the way. The 2010 Subaru Impreza only has a couple things in the way so I needed the screwdrivers.

Get the right bulb for your car.

There are plenty of online headlight product finders around. Every car parts place has a product finder and there’s a Sylvania specific product finder on their site as well (links at the bottom). There are also different bulbs for high-beam and low-beam in most cars, so get the right one. They have different sockets so you can’t really put the wrong one in the wrong place.

Now the easy part. Changing the bulbs.

Just make it easy on yourself and open the package of bulbs first. Cut them along the bottom or cut the whole plastic thing off so they can sit like a little cradle on your engine somewhere within reach. Some people will tell you to wear gloves but I don’t really have a bunch of disposal surgical gloves lying around like Dexter or something so I just have a napkin around (then I use it to wipe the dipstick when I check the oil…might as well since you’re under there anyway).

Examine

OK, now examine the headlight area. Look for what you might have to remove or unscrew and move out of the way. For my 2010 Subaru Impreza Sport, I had the washer fluid bottle neck in the way on one side and an air scoop in the way on the other side. Now look and figure out how to remove that crap and get it out of the way. It’s usually a clip or a plastic rivet or something.

Once I got that bottle neck out of the way I can see the headlight protective housing cap. Those usually come off with like a 1/4 turn of 1/2 turn to the left.

LOOK. There’s an arrow that indicates the top. Good for putting it on later.

As soon as that comes off you’ll see the back of the bulb socket. That also comes off with probably less than a 1/4 turn. Make sure no little rubber gaskets or anything stay behind and stick to the housing (like mine did) or you’ll be frustrated as hell trying to figure out why you can’t put the new bulb back in.

Next just pinch whatever type of release your car has and the bulb will unplug. Grab your new bulb with a napkin (or if you’re a freak and have gloves around just grab your bulb) and plug it back in.

Now just get the bulb back into the housing by starting it turned to the left to fit the little metal dog ear things on the bulbs into the slots on the housing and pushing it in while turning to the right. Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out. Replace the protective housing cap (the thing with the arrow on it) and you’re done with that side.

The other side was slightly trickier because there were TWO plastic screws to remove and the air intake manifold scoop. On the Impreza, after you loosen the plastic screws you have to work the whole thing out. It has a little neck that is just shoved into the air filter housing. It pulls out pretty easily. Putting it back in is a little bit or a wrestling match but no big deal.

Do the same steps as you did on the other side, get the scoop back on, and BLAM, you’re done. Hopefully you’re significant other will be impressed and compliment you on your manliness, or womanliness if you’re a woman. Now, while you finish your coffee (or beer) you can tinker around under the hood checking fluids, topping things off, getting all the tree helicopter things out of the crevices.

Comparison

The night before I made the switch I took a picture of my headlights with the stock headlamps (photo on top). The night after I made the switch I took a second picture. I can honestly say I saw a difference. The light was much whiter and covered more area. The below pictures have no filter or alterations. Judge for yourself.

So that’s it really. You just changed your bulbs in 10 minutes.

Overview of all Sylvania Automotive products here.

Read more about the Sylvania SilverStar ULTRA here.

OH YEAH, they called the storm “Nemo”. Oh, and when did we start naming blizzards? Did northerners complain that hurricanes were getting too much coverage with their fancy named storms? The only blizzard I remember being close to having a name was the Blizzard of ’77. It was so big they made a board game out of it. Not a great board game, but a board game nonetheless. (Image courtesy of http://aboardgameaday.blogspot.com/)

But I digress.

The Dadand test.

I’m sure at the Toro labs they put their snowblower through stress tests and in the videos on their site they show a nice woman clearing some snow off of her porch and driveway, but I wanted to give it the SNOWPOCALYPSE TEST. I figured i’d run it til it broke or burned up or exploded.

We got about 18 inches of snow in our driveway and on our deck. It consisted of about 13 inches of heavy-ish snow and another 6-inches or so of fluffy snow. I decided to do the whole driveway, our neighbor’s driveway, the sidewalk, the deck, and a path around the backyard (because I got a little crazy).

I don’t have a ruler stuck in the snow to show how deep the snow was, but I do have this image of the path I carved through our backyard showing the depth compared to an actual 6-year old girl.

How did it do?

At first I was a little skeptical of an electric snowblower. I was worried that dragging a cord around would be, well, a drag, but it really didn’t bother me that much. I never even really came close to running it over. There were really only two issues I had, and neither were the snowblower’s fault.

1. My crappy, super-old extension cord kept coming unplugged despite the CORD-LOCK system. And that was because the female end of my cord is really loose from being plugged/unplugged a jillion times over the years. Of course that was an easy fix with some Gorilla Tape.
2. The snow was SO deep that if I turned a corner and dragged the cord into deep snow I couldn’t do the crack-the-whip cord moving technique we all know and love because the cord would burrow into the snow.

I spent a good 2 hours ragging on the thing and the Toro handled everything I threw at it like a champ. I actually found myself giggling sometimes at the crap I was putting it through. I felt bad about it because while I am supposed to be reviewing it, I really didn’t want to break the thing in case my dad wanted it or something. No matter, it passed my test with flying colors.

Pros

• The snowblower is super lightweight and easy to maneuver.
• It was pretty quiet.
• Simple to start/stop

Cons

• I did get it to bog down a couple times but that was because I was JAMMING it through 18 inches of snow deeper than the snowblower itself and I’m pretty sure if you have 18 inches of heavy snow you should be using a more “robust” snowblower.
• I kept wishing the directional control handle was a little longer so i didn’t have to lean so far to turn the chute.

Here’s a little video proof.

In a nutshell, the info on the Toro looks like this:

• 15in (38.1 cm) Clearing Width
• Up to 25ft (7.62 m) Throw Distance
• Easy to use controls make for easy operation with either hand
• Powerful 12 Amp motor moves deeper snow easily

In a giant nutshell, the Toro information stolen directly from their site, the Toro looks like this:

Features:

Specifications

I’ll tell ya, I was pretty impressed with this snowblower. It can certainly handle a good amount of snow. I’ll definitely keep it around for days I don’t feel like shoveling. Of course it’s not meant for huge jobs, there are bigger snowblowers for your 300 foot long driveway, but in a pinch this could be a big help.

Model tested: Toro® 1500 Power Curve® Electric Snowblower (38371)

MSRP: $219.99

Buy one at a local store, OR click the Amazon link below so we get Amazon affiliate money, like maybe 3 cents. Thank you.
Buy a Toro on Amazon.

Learn more on the Toro website.

KISS

I should have kept it simple because this was one of those problems I WAAAAAY overthought when the simplest answer was right in front of me. It was an issue that also proved the point that sometimes searching the web for answers can make you insane. Anytime I searched for “Sense Key = MEDIUM ERROR” or “Sense Code = 0×73, 0×03″ I came up with all kinds of false fixes and “the sky is falling” determinations from tech guys ranging from “the laser in the burner was weakening and the entire drive would have to be replaced for hundreds of dollars” to “you need to reinstall OS X” to “run disk utility” to “try to repair your permissions”. Either that, or trolls in forums telling people they are being idiots and using cheap discs and other troll-like behavior.

GARBAGE, I SAY!

CHECK THIS OUT:

All I did was stick in a simple Memorex OptiDisc CD/DVD Laser Lens Cleaner from Amazon and BLAM, problem solved for under $10. The trickiest part of this solution is that the instructions say to put it in, push play, and follow the audio instructions, but that didn’t really happen on my MacBook Pro (no, what happened is iTunes took over and when I’d push play it would play Be Near Me by ABC because that’s the first song in my playlist (don’t judge) (holy cow, did he just pull the parentheses INSIDE his parentheses move? Yes, yes he did, twice) but I digress). I put the disc in and it spun up, made some noises, and then ejected itself. I did it 3 or 4 times (maybe once would have worked) and the next thing you know I’m burning discs like a madman.

FYI, I’m willing to bet any laser lens cleaner would have fixed my particular DVD burner error.

I hope this post helps because I was very close to either buying a new burner or being content in never burning another DVD again.

Like they say, sometimes the solution is right in front of you. I have no idea who “they” are, but they seem to say a lot of things that other people quote.

Oh, by the way, YOU’RE WELCOME. (ha, remember that Jimmy Fallon SNL skit where he was Nick Burns, Your Company’s Computer Guy? Funny.)

Let’s take that franctic-osity out of your last-minute-tasticness.

We’ve compiled a few things below that come in at less than $20 but are still AWESOME. Of course you need to use your own judgement when it comes to the handiness of the person, and how accepting of these types of gifts that person is that you’re buying for, but any of the below could be great. I’d love any of these gifts, hint hint. All of the gifts below were found at Home Depot.

Gorilla Glue, Gorilla Tape, Gorilla Anything. Love it.

Anything “Gorilla” Glue, Tape, etc.

I’ll admit it, I have an addiction to glue. I love it. Well not just glue, tape too. And I find that the GORILLA line of products are some of my favorite, no doubt. Especially Gorilla Tape. It’s like duct tape but a million times stickier and stronger. It comes in duct tape size and in a mini size, like the size of a roll of electrical tape. So don’t be stingy. Get someone a tube of Gorilla Glue AND a roll of Gorilla Tape.

Shown: Gorilla Glue

Cost: around $5 for smaller bottles and $5 for a roll of tape

If you’re in no hurry, buy Gorilla Glue on Amazon.

OLFA PRO18 Utility Knife

OLFA PRO18 Utility Knife.

One time I wrote a post with a tip on how to cut expanding foam insulation and my buddy Kirk commented and professed his love for the OLFA line of Utility knives. OH man, that reminds me, did you know my buddy Kirk was in the movie Beetlejuice? Yeah, you know at the beginning when the sculpture falls and pins the mom against the house? He’s one of the guys who runs up to pull it off of her. But I digress, I had totally forgotten about these OLFA Utility Knives but they are AWESOME. And why wouldn’t you take the advice of a guy who was in one of the coolest movies ever? The blade gets dull? Snap it off to the next increment and you have a fresh blade. Plus you can retract the blades and have it in your pocket all day for when you need it.

Shown: OLFA PRO18 Utility Knife

Cost: around $10

If you’re in no hurry, buy the OLFA PRO18 Utility Knife on Amazon.

Paint brushes

Paint Brushes

Ever used a paint brush and didn’t wash it right away, or didn’t wash it properly and the brush is ruined? Well that’s a big deal for a dude who likes his brushes cleaned a certain way. So buy your significant other a set of pretty good quality paint bushes and deem them “THEIRS ONLY” and promise never to touch them again.

Shown: Generic Paint Brushes from Home Depot

Cost: around $15

If you’re in no hurry, buy your Paint Brushes on Amazon.

HUSKY 7-Piece Nut Driver Set

Nut Driver Set

I love a good nut driver. I know it sounds funny so get your snickering out of the way and listen up (well if you’re a woman you’re probably not snickering, but if you’re a guy, I know you’re snickering). Nut drivers are super handy to have around. They make a great gift because even if the person isn’t super handy they are a useful set to have around for just the right occasion  when the thing you want to loosen, or tighten, isn’t a screw but you don’t want to lug out a whole socket set. plus when they come in a set they all stay together. Hence, a SET. Splurge and get them US and Metric.

Shown: HUSKY 7-Piece Nut Driver Set

Cost: around $16

If you’re in no hurry, buy nut driver sets on Amazon.

SWISS TECH Carabiner Micro Light Keychain Flashlight

Carabiner Micro Light Keychain Flashlight

I just love little gadget-y junk like this so if you’re ever wondering what to buy me, get something like this. These little babies are awesome. I love keychain lights for the normal use, which is finding the keyhole of the front door in the dark, but also it’s handy to have a flashlight with you at all times. I think I use it in the car more than for the front door. Dropped a fry between the seats? Lost a binky under the seat? Think there’s a snake slithering around the floor of the passenger side? Bust out the keychain flashlight and look for it.

Shown: Carabiner Micro Light Keychain Flashlight

Cost: around $10

If you’re in no hurry, buy the Carabiner Micro Light Keychain Flashlight on Amazon.

RYOBI Drilling and Driving Accessory Kit

Drilling and Driving Accessories

I could have 5 of these kits and still want more. One part of it is that the little bits ALWAYS snap off and I keep combining kits to make a whole kit, but also because they are – say it with me – HANDY. But also because I’m a hoarder. Joking, sort of. Anyway these kits are perfect for all kinds of jobs around the house and everything’s in one place. The larger the kit, the more handy, and more expensive, but don’t skimp.

Shown: RYOBI Drilling and Driving Accessory Kit

Cost: around $16

If you’re in no hurry, buy a Drilling and Driving Accessory Kit on Amazon.

There you have it. Another little batch of awesome gifts.

Of course feel free to ask us anything we left out. We didn’t do full reviews. We just give this stuff our stamp of approval.

Didn’t get any good ideas here? We have other gift guides. Go to the main DAD GIFTS link at the top, or check the guides from previous years: Stocking Stuffers, Stocking Stuffers II, another Holiday Gift Guide, or Father’s day gift guide (it’s still a gift).

OK, fine, DISCLAIMER, Phillips sent me this trimmer. BUT we only write about products we love and would have bought with our own hard-earned cash. We’d never give an inferior product a good review just because we got something in the mail. We have integrity, after all.

Price: $59.99

Pros:

• On-board vacuum system. It sucks in the buzzed off hairs as you go so the sink cleanup is much easier.
• The Zoomring. (This is what they call the spinny thing to adjust the cut height.)
• Digital read out of the shave height.
• 1-hour charge time
• 50-minute run time.
• It’s light.

Cons:

Photos of the Phillips Norelco Phillips Vacuum Stubble and Beard Trimmer.

Wrap-up.

I love this trimmer. Really the best little beard trimmer I’ve come across in a long time. It’s a great unit, it’s powerful, the charge lasted plenty of time, and it sucks up the hair as you buzz, what else could you ask for? I was able to buzz up and never even came close to running out of battery power. Sweet.

GIVEAWAY

Through December 17, Philips Norelco will give their Twitter followers the chance to upgrade their electric shaving experience–and holiday experience–by giving away a PowerTouch with Aquatec every day. They will also give away a weekly $1,000 and SensoTouch 3D grand prize. You can find all of the details, rules and prizes on their Twitter page @ShaveExperts.

COUPON

Here is a coupon link from Phillips themselves. (We get nothing from this so feel free to click away without thinking “I want to save money but I don’t want those guys getting affiliate cash”.) http://usa.philips.com/e/male-grooming/index.html?origin=4_us_en_mgcoupons-pr

OR click the Amazon link below so we get Amazon affiliate money, like maybe 3 cents. Thank you.
Buy on Amazon.

See more info at the Phillips site.

Let’s do it.

Phillips Norelco Vacuum Beard Trimmer

Philips Norelco Vacuum Beard, Stubble and Mustache Trimmer Pro

This little rechargeable shaver is awesome. It has a little onboard vacuum that sucks in the buzzed off stubble that ends up ALL OVER. You know what I’m talking about. It’s gets all over the sink, in your wife’s wicker baskets that hold tweezers and mascara, on the soap. OH, and it’s kind of impossible to clean up. It just floats and washes around the sink bowl when you try and rinse it down the drain. Anyway, it’s adjustable from 1mm up to 18mm and has a Lithium-Ion battery for quick charging. Also you can use it corded or cordless. It’s a nice little addition to my collection. Visit the PHILLIPS site for more details. We also have a review and photos here.

Shown: Philips Norelco QT4070 /41 Vacuum Beard, Stubble and Mustache Trimmer Pro
Cost: $59.99

Phillips coupon site(http://usa.philips.com/e/male-grooming/index.html?origin=4_us_en_mgcoupons-pr).

OH, also: through December 17, Philips Norelco will give their Twitter followers the chance to upgrade their electric shaving experience–and holiday experience–by giving away a PowerTouch with Aquatec every day. They will also give away a weekly $1,000 and SensoTouch 3D grand prize. You can find all of the details, rules and prizes on their Twitter page @ShaveExperts.

Buy this on Amazon.

Phillips Norelco BodygroomPro

Philips Norelco BodyGroom Pro

NO, this isn’t a Phillips sponsored post, but I just love buzzers and shavers, etc. Plus, I would never walk into a barber shop and pay money to have someone buzz my hair when I can do it myself in 5 minutes so I appreciate hand-held shavers, but I digress. This is a “body groomer” which means it’s made for manscaping. It’s waterproof and can shave all different parts of your body if you know what I’m sayin. You can read about Marty and me manscaping here OR visit the PHILLIPS site for more details.
Shown: Philips Norelco BG2040/34 BodyGroom Pro
Cost: $69.99
Buy this on Amazon.

PureGear Mobile Phone Accessories

Pure-Gear iPhone Cover

I like these cases so much I wrote an article about them here. My favorites are the manlier “utility” cases. I don’t leave them on all the time, but I do snap them on or off depending on what I’m doing. Maybe a bulkier, grippy one for when I go running. Or a studly ultimo-protecto one if I’m going riding on the ruckus and I want to jam my phone in a bag or something. The cases range from big ole G-Shock styles to slim fashion cases. OH, also, one of these cases saved Emily‘s phone when she dropped and kicked her phone at the turkey trot in Buffalo and 14,000 people trampled it until she could pick it up. Visit the PureGear site for the full line of cases and accessories.
Shown: Part of the line of PureGear iPhone Accessories
Cost: $24.99 and up
Buy this on Amazon.

TRICO Teflon Shield Wiper Blade

TRICO Teflon® SHIELD wiper blades

Ever had a set of wipers that were more like smearers, not wipers? Well no more because these TRICOs are, no joke, the best wipers I’ve ever had. Now look, I tend to let my wipers stay on the car a LITTLE past their usefulness but since I put these babies on my car I haven’t had a streak or smear or anything in a long time. I highly recommend them.
Visit the TRICO website for more details.
Shown: TRICO Teflon® SHIELD wiper blade
Cost: around $15 each (depends on stores)
Buy this on Amazon.

Toro 1500 Power Curve Electric Snowblower

TORO 1500 Power Curve Electric Snowblower

I haven’t had the pleasure of being in any snowfall yet this year, but this new electric snowblower from Toro looks pretty promising. I can see this being a good mid-range snowblower for smaller driveways. I know my parents would like this. Visit the TORO website for more details.

Shown: TORO 1500 Power Curve® (38371) Electric Snowblower
Cost: $219.99 USD
Buy this on Amazon.

Of course feel free to ask us anything we left out. We didn’t do full reviews. We just give this stuff our stamp of approval.

Didn’t get any good ideas here? We have other gift guides. Go to the main DAD GIFTS link at the top, or check the guides from previous years: Stocking Stuffers, Stocking Stuffers II, another Holiday Gift Guide, or Father’s day gift guide (it’s still a gift).