Father’s day is just around the corner. It is time to start thinking about what to get Dad (even though he said he doesn’t want anything). It can be hard to find that one gift to show Dad, you care, all while staying in budget.
I have put together a list of frugal gift ideas for Father’s Day, that are more meaningful than another wrench set.
We start off with the typical, can’t go wrong gift ideas, the little tokens of appreciation, followed by the gifts that involve some crafting and finishing off with gifts that let Dad get out of the house.
Make your father feel like a King for the day by choosing a few ideas from the list, to help you celebrate him this Father’s day.
Can’t Go Wrong With:
The following are the go-to-things to do for Dad on Father’s day.
You can’t go wrong with them, and they can become a yearly tradition.
I have also included frugal ways to keep these go-to-ideas within your budget.
Breakfast in Bed
What a way to start off the day!
Who wouldn’t want to be brought their favourite breakfast foods, while still tucked into bed?
Have the kids help out where they can.
Depending on their age, you may want to help deliver the food to the bed to avoid a mess.
Going To a Restaurant
Treat your father to a nice meal, that he doesn’t have to cook. Whether it is your favourite grill or to a fancy restaurant, Dad will enjoy not having to think about what’s for dinner.
Instead of waiting in a long line at a crowded restaurant (along with everyone else and their father) you can do this instead:
- Opt to cook a nice thoughtful meal at home (will also save you some money as well)
- Choose to celebrate a different day
- Utilize gift cards and meal specials
- Choose takeout instead (can always serve it plated on a nice table setting, to make it feel more special)
Flowers
Flowers are not just for women. Men like flowers too. But usually men do not receive flowers except on weddings, or if someone passes.
Plus many flowers come in all different colours. Choose some bright flowers in your dad’s favourite colour.
Flower prices are usually inflated around Mother’s day, so they should have come back down by now.
To save more, opt for:
- Daisies
- Carnations
- Purchasing at the grocery store instead
- Picking flowers from your garden
- Check out a local Farmer’s market (they usually let you build your own bouquet)
- More greenery than blooms
- Wildflowers can usually be picked free from a park or field
- Potted plant – Lasts longer, will grow for years (hopefully)
Tools
Tools, one of the first things you think to buy when thinking of Dad.
In reality he probably has a whole garage full. But if there is a tool that needs replacing or on his wish list you can go ahead and buy it.
If on a strict budget or not sure what power tool he has his eyes on, then pick up a gift card for his favourite hardware store.
It’s The Little Things
It’s the little things that Dad will cherish the most.
The following are not expensive gifts, but rather tokens of appreciation, that will show him how much you care.
If your father is anything like mine, he doesn’t expect anything fancy, and prefers something more sentimental anyways.
Car Wash
Treat Dad to a car wash. Whether done by the kids, or taken to a detailing place, everyone appreciates a clean car. One less thing off his to do list.
Quality Time
Probably the easiest and most meaningful gift on this list, the gift of time, your time.
So spend some quality time with your father this Father’s day and show him how much he means to you, that’s all he really wants.
Ways to spend quality time with Dad:
- Movie night (Bring his favourite snacks)
- Participate in Dad’s favourite hobbies (Golf, fishing, video games)
- Sit and listen (to all his Dad jokes, and stories)
Let Him Sleep In
Does he want to sleep in? Let him!
Surely you can hold down the fort till then, take the litle kids to a park while Dad sleeps in.
Once you become a parent, your days of sleeping in are few and far between.
So let Dad enjoy some extra z’s. 😴
Bed Early
Staying on the topic of sleep, allow Dad the chance to sneak off to bed early if he wishes. That means chores are done and the kids are put to bed without his help.
Time Alone
Being a Dad is hard. It is a 24 hour job.
Give him a chance to recharge kid-free, and even spouse-free if that’s what he wants.
Chore Free Day
Help Dad out with his daily chores, or his to-do list. Better yet, do it without asking what needs to be done.
This is a very thoughtful gift and requires no money, just a little bit of elbow-grease.
✨ Pro tip: Just don’t vacuum while he is sleeping in. 🙂
Treat Him to Treats
Does Dad have a sweet tooth?
If your father is anything like the men in my life, they have a love for anything sweet.
Pick up Dad’s favourite treat or bake him something sweet.
Popular choices are:
- Cake
- Chocolate covered strawberries
- Cookies
- Cupcakes
- Ice cream
‘What We Love About Dad’ List
Compile a list of everyone’s favourite things about Dad. Read them out over a meal, or add them to a card.
A few prompts to help get you started:
- His laugh
- His corny jokes 🌽
- How he comforts you
- How you can’t live without his cooking
- How he is always there when you need him
A Kitchen-Free Day
Is your Dad the cook in the house? Then this one is for him.Give him a day where the kitchen is off limits, no cooking needed.
This can include going out to eat or ordering in.
✨ Pro tip: Make sure the kitchen is cleaner than you found it.
No Fighting Please
Is the house usually filled with bickering siblings. Make a truce to keep the peace, at least for today. Dad will greatly appreciate this.
Multiple Generations
Invite your grandfather to celebrate alongside you and your father this Father’s Day.
Crafty Gifts:
Nothing says love like, homemade.
Capture his heart and some memories with the following thoughtful and frugal gift ideas.
Love Notes
Write down the many reasons you love Dad.
These thoughtful notes can then be used in a few ways:
- Make a jar full of the notes
- Add them to a calendar, as a daily/monthly surprise
- Hide them around the house for him to find
Handmade Cards
Who doesn’t love a handmade card?
Let the kids paint, draw, stamp and add stickers to spruce up a card. Help the kiddos with the wording, or print off a cute poem to add to the card. There are many cute ideas to snag from Pinterest.
✨ Mess free tip: Design a card on the computer and print it off.
Drawing or Painting of Dad
Have the kids create a picture of themselves with Dad. Sure to get a chuckle out of him, and always fun to look back on.
Handprint and Footprint Art
There are many cute ideas on Pinterest to transform little hands and feet into cute fish, bugs or super dads.
Use paint, ink or tracing on paper to create an adorable image.
This sentimental gift is a great way to capture the size of your little ones prints and the heart of Dad.
Fingerprint Art
Little dirty fingerprints are probably scattered throughout the house. Turn them into a work of art instead, by creating fingerprint art.
Similar to handprint art, you can use paint or ink pads to create cute images for Dad.
Coupon Book
This is another gift idea that will be a hit. Create a book by hand or on the computer with a variety of coupons that can be redeemed throughout the year.
Coupon Ideas:
- Mow the lawn
- Free Time
- A day to sleep in
- Helping with cleaning
- Dad’s t.v. all day/night
- Good for one pizza
Walk Down Memory Lane
Show the highlights of fatherhood throughout the year(s). Compile the memories and create something to cherish forever.
Take those memories and make a:
- Memory Book – Scrapbook style or bound
- A Photo Collage
- Slide Show
- Video Montage
- Then vs. Now Picture – Take an old favourite photo, dress similar with similar clothes and location and compare it to the original photo
Getting Out of The House
Give Dad a chance to step out of his role, and out of the house with the following experiences.
Go For a Walk
Take a short walk or a long hike this Father’s Day.
Let Dad recharge in nature, while exploring the great outdoors at a nearby park.
Picnic
If the weather permits this Father’s day, pack a lunch with some of his favourites and head out to a park, and enjoy a nice picnic.
This low cost option also helps you avoid the busy restaurants, and allows you to spend some quality time together.
Scavenger Hunt
A fun low cost activity, that the kids will love helping set up (and helping Dad find).
Station clues around the house or yard and have a little gift or love note waiting at each spot, or a gift at the end. Great way to get the whole family involved and show their appreciation for Dad.
Photoshoot
Tell Dad to dress up, and to take photos of the family together.
Or you could surprise him with professional photos of the kids, all cleaned up and looking cute, he will love it.
💵 Frugal tip: DIY Photoshoot
You will need:
- A camera/ phone
- Cute outfits
- Nice backdrop/scenic spot
- Smiles
Make Father’s day special this year, by choosing one or more of these thoughtful, and frugal gift ideas.
What is your go to gift idea for Dad?
If you are a Father what is the best gift you have gotten for Father’s day?
Let me know in the comments below
