Father’s Day is right around the corner. If current gas prices and the economy in general having you scrambling to come up with a gift that says what you want without breaking the bank, try one of these six frugal gift ideas for Dad.
Reading Material:
A book is a classic gift that’s easily customized to suit the recipient, reasonably priced and able to be shipped anywhere without breaking the bank. Giving the gift of reading is also achievable with magazine subscriptions, audible books or gift cards to the recipient’s favorite book store. Reading material is also a gift category that provides tremendous flexibility with regards to both topic and budget. Regardless of whether Dad is a chef, gardener, sports enthusiast or photographer, there’ll be a book out there to catch his interest at a price point that works for you.
- Happy Father’s Day
Service Coupons:
If money is too tight to stretch any further, make up some printable coupons for gifts that Mom and the kiddos can provide for free. When I do this for my husband, I print them in a size that will fit inside a small gift card envelope and place the packet on his pillow. Ideas for child-and-spouse-friendly coupons include mowing the yard, running a bubble bath, making Dad’s favorite dessert, ironing his work shirts for the week, bringing his slippers when he asks and more. The point is to use your imagination to give coupons for activities and services you know will have a big wow factor for him.
Something for the Barbecue:
If the Dad you’re purchasing a present for this Father’s Day is a fan of outdoor cooking, then one or more grilling gifts from Mom and the kids might be in order. As with the reading gifts mentioned above, a wide range of budget needs can be accommodated with this particular gifting category. Anything from tongs to a homemade Apron or DIY spice rub blend will make a suitable budget gift. Presents for outdoor grilling are also suitable for the whole family to participate in, as there can be something special and “grownup” from Mom, along with a number homemade or dollar store gifts from the kiddos that will still be appreciated by Dad. [See also 8 Money Saving Tips for BBQ]
A Money Clip:
If carrying a full wallet isn’t Dad’s style, then a nice money clip is always a stylish gift choice. Money clips are available in a wide range of prices, and come in materials from stainless steel or pewter to sterling silver and solid gold. Choose one that suits your budget for a gift he’ll use for years. For an extra touch, wrap it nicely in a gift box with padding and tissue paper and tie with a ribbon. If you have a few extra bucks kicking around, trade them in for some crisp new bills at the bank and give the clip with a bit of “mad money” tucked inside. Having it personally engraved is another elegant touch that won’t add a large amount of zeros to the price tag.
Swim Trunks:
Summer’s here after all, and girlfriends aren’t the only ones who appreciate a fresh swimsuit for summer. Whenever my husband is ready for a new suit, I shop for swim trunks that can be worn as longer, quick-dry cargo shorts. He likes the style, and because we’re prone to adventure travel, he can get by for a few weeks in Southeast Asia with his swim trunks and a pair of conversion pants as his only wardrobe bottoms. Your boo may prefer a different style choice, but the point is this is a nice gift that feels personalized to receive and allows for a bit of fun during the summer season.
A Nice Pen:
A nice engraved pen to use at work day to day is one of my favorite presents to give, and it’s more than suitable for Father’s Day. It’s a classy gift, available in the $20 – $50 range and makes the person receiving it feel special. It’s also incredibly practical and will make Dad think of you and the kids every single time he uses it. Choose a message to engrave, or go with the classic monogrammed initials for a guaranteed appreciative smile.
Shopping for Father’s Day doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With these budget-friendly Dad gifts in your shopping selection, you’ll be able to get Dad something he’ll love while keeping the family budget on track.
A lifelong money cruncher who can squeeze a nickel ‘til it cries, Myscha is a syndicated columnist, best-selling author, and founder of Trek Hound and We Be Sharin’.