Christmas gift ideas -

Maybe a flashing strobe for his bike that is highly visible to drivers approaching from the rear. Or if you want to put some bucks out consider a GPS computer if he doesn't already have one.
A cyslist can always use more jerseys.

Nashbar has their high visibility vests on sale now:

nashbar.comCatalogSearchResultViewOpen ↗

I don't have one myself so I don't know what the quality is like, but it seems like a good price.

I agree with Jhuskey, cyclists can always use more attire, from jerseys to shorts to cycling specific socks but none of those is a safety issue. For what you are looking for, lights would be the best bet IMO. You can get them in a pack that has a headlight that attaches onto the handlebar or helmet or both plus one that mounts onto the seat post (under the seat) and faces the rear for oncoming vehicles to see from behind.

As mentioed by others above combo lights would make a great gift for a commuter. Check this out it uses a USB port to recharge. nashbar.comProduct 10053 10052 504104 1 201529 10000 200398Open ↗

You did not mention your budget and how many gifts you wanted to get for said budget.

Hi, Patrick!

What a nice guy, to be looking for gifts for Dad other than ties or socks or underwear, lol.

I gather some people scoff at their effectiveness and say they look funny, but Dear Hubby has a rear-view mirror on his bike that has saved his life twice in the past year by allowing him to see non-attentive drivers drifting toward him. Those who don't like them say that by the time you can tell the car is too close, it's too late to react, but that wasn't the case for my husband.

His mirror is on his helmet (and I think that DOES look funny, lol). I have one that I'm planning to put on my bike itself. I hope I never need it -- and that your father doesn't, either.

Happy shopping!

Sierra

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by MMMhills [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

You did not mention your budget and how many gifts you wanted to get for said budget.

Well, the budget is not unlimited but I am prepared to here any suggestions really. Although in reality I am unlikely to go over $100

If anybody runs across a good deal on a Louis Viutton saddle my wife would like one.[IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/biggrin.gif[/IMG]

Good suggestion Sierra. There is a mirror and I think that this was brought up on this site a while back, that fits into the actual bar end of the bike so no protruding funny metal bars from the handlebar or the helmet (which could be unsafe in a wreck), it's literally just a little mirror that fits directly into the bar end, where the plug goes that keeps the bar tape tucked in.l I think it's something like $20. Perhaps the link to the old thread will pop up.