Tips to save on gifts for dads and grads this June

As summer starts to heat up, so does spending. Between vacations, holidays, and camps, savings accounts can take a hit.

Right now, budgeting for graduation gifts and Father's Day is a top priority.

7 On Your Side breaks down how to help stretch your dollar without sweating that gift-giving budget.

First, Memorial Day sales have extended, so take advantage of appliance and mattress discounts this month.

Plus, mark your calendar! National Donut Day is Friday, June 5. Favorite chains will be filled with sweet promos all day; then after the donuts, it's the dads on June 21.

Between dads and grads, it might feel like the swiping and tapping are nonstop.

A gift card is always easy, so Christian O'Hanlan is grabbing his father one for Starbucks.

"I'm shopping for my Dad and my girlfriend's Dad," O'Hanlan said.

Before paying full price, check sites like GiftCardGranny or CardCash for discounted cards, which means you can buy a card worth $25 for only $20 from someone who's selling or swapping their unwanted gift cards.

Don't get scammed! When buying gift cards, always turn them over and make sure the back is not torn, the PIN is not scratched off, and the numbers are exposed.

Scammers will wait to drain gift cards as soon as they get loaded with a balance. Register gift cards as soon as possible at checkout and get a gift receipt for the card, which will be helpful if problems arise.

A digital gift card that can be received via email is a safer way to go.

While gift cards can be easy for that hard-to-buy-for dad, an actual present is always appreciated.

With Father's Day coming in hot on June 21, retailers, like Target, are rolling out promotions on clothing, camping gear, coolers, and sports stuff. Joining their Circle Rewards will offer points and access to store discounts.

If shopping online, click on the Father's Day section on websites like Costco, Wayfair, or Target to get ideas and see what's marked down.

Maybe a nice-but affordable-meal on the town is at the top of Dad's list. Save by getting a bonus on gift cards at select restaurants, like Red Robin. When you buy $50, you can get a bonus $10. Same at Applebee's. For an extra sweet treat, Carvel is offering $5 back if you spend $25.

Looking for adventure instead? Groupon has plenty of activities marked down, like a fishing trip on the Miss Belmar down the Jersey Shore.

Is that someone special into winter sports? Keep an eye out on clearance prices for winter apparel and gear. As temperatures rise, the prices drop, big time!

Also, Amazon's Prime Day is in June. The date hasn't been announced, but that's when members get access to discounts on thousands of items. Make sure to set alerts for major price drops.

Here's another tip: when shopping in-store, always compare the price online. If it's cheaper on the website, ask the store manager for a price match.

Tight budget? Consider giving dad what he may want most.

"He really likes to spend time with us," said Margaux Salame while shopping at Target.

And that's priceless. Salame plans to make her dad breakfast for Father's Day!

Some other tips that won't cost you anything: grads can grub for free.

Show your report card! A's and B's will score you free nuggets at Chick-fil-A. Even if they don't advertise it, some places will throw students a discount, but you won't get it if you don't ask.

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