What is the most useful affordable gift?
A portable charger is arguably the single most useful affordable gift. Everyone has experienced a dead phone at the worst possible time, and a good power bank eliminates that problem entirely. Modern portable chargers are small, fast charging, and last for years. A solid 10,000mAh model charges most phones two to three times and fits in a pocket. Universally useful, never returned.
Full guide: Best Budget Gifts for Dad: Practical Picks He'll Actually Use