This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Father's Day Advice: Picking Out the Perfect Gift for Dad

Is Dad an adventure seeker? Is he up for the thrill of skydiving, whitewater rafting or other exciting adventures? How about golf lessons, a fishing trip, or a wilderness experience?

With Father's Day approaching, Sunday, June 15, the Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin is recommending that shoppers consider the fine print before purchasing adventure activities or gift certificates for Dad.

Ask around for recommendations. Ask friends and verify references. Be sure to check out free BBB Business Reviews atbbb.org before handing over any money. Find an Accredited Business in a particular category with our Accredited Business Directory.

Find out what's happening in Greendalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Check for additional fees and limitations before purchasing. Make sure you know if any additional fees apply for things like equipment rental, meals and transportation. Check for other limitations; some high adventure activities restrict those with certain health issues.

Make sure Dad’s schedule matches the times the activity can be done. Some outdoor thrills can only be done during a certain season or time of day; most require advanced reservations.

Find out what's happening in Greendalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Check the refund policy and expiration date. When buying expensive items or gifts, get refund, exchange, warranty and guarantee policies in writing. Make sure you know the expiration date of the offer, and if a refund is available if Dad can’t make it for any reason. Some gift certificates and discount coupons are transferable and some are not. Are there any cancellation penalties? What is considered a valid cancellation reason for the buyer or the operator? Under what conditions is a full refund available? 

Read rental agreements carefully. Make sure you have a written contract for any recreational rentals (cabins, all-terrain vehicles, campers, kayaks, motorcycles, etc.). The agreement should spell out base rental cost, daily fees, insurance, and other details such as time restrictions. If at all possible, visually inspect the rental prior to committing.

Get the details in writing. For things like tours, classes, sightseeing and lessons, make sure you get all of the costs and features in writing. What services and equipment are included? Ensure taxes, service fees and other charges are clearly disclosed. Asterisks are commonly used to indicate restrictions, such as additional charges and time requirements. Look for a "conditions" clause. Read the small print to see if it alters the original offer. Get a gift receipt and enclose it with the present.

For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org/Wisconsin and for the latest, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. For an online version of the story click here.

 
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

Patch Mayors are trusted local users who help moderate the Patch platform by promoting good local stories and flagging unwanted content. To learn more, click here.