On a budget, and not sure what to get dad this Father’s Day? Look no further – Jackie Makes Cents has you covered with our Top Ten Budget-Friendly Gift List.
In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. Which means, most Americans are searching for last-minute Father’s Day gifts on the third Saturday of June!
Having been there before, I’ve pulled together a list of ten budget-friendly Father’s Day gifts for all of the dads and father figures in your life – whoever they may be, and whatever their interests are. It can sometimes be difficult to get creative if you feel like your father is interested in only one or two things. It can be even harder to find a unique and meaningful present when you’re on a budget!
With that said, let’s take a look at my top ten affordable Father’s Day gifts:
#1 For the Grill Master: DIY Spice Blends (Estimate: $22)
This one is by far the most universal Father’s Day gift – who doesn’t love a good barbecue?! Great dry rubs and marinades can be sold ready-made, but often come with a not-so-great price tag. If you’re on a budget, consider creating some DIY BBQ rubs: all you need is some spices from your pantry or local grocery store, and a few glass or plastic containers (which you can pick up at Target, Michael’s, or Amazon). If your dad loves to grill up something specific, like ribs or burgers, then try looking up some rub recipes for those types of foods!
One of my favorites lately is an adaptation of the Blue Apron Weeknight Hero Blend, which works great on chicken and pork!
- 2 Parts Garlic Powder
- 2 Parts Onion Powder
- 2 Parts Smoked Paprika
- 1 Part Whole Dried Parsley
#2 For the Golfer: Round of Mini-Golf (Estimate: $7.50/person)
Practice makes perfect, and golf is no exception. Every good golfer needs to practice his putting game, so what better way to do so than on an obstacle course? A round of miniature golf or putt-putt with dad is sure to put a smile on his face. You can even make a Father’s Day bet: the golfer with the highest score has to buy ice cream!
#3 For the Boss Man: Homemade Pen Holder (Estimate: $5 for supplies)
This one is a real winner, because it is not only cheap and easy to make, but very personal. When I was really little (we’re talking 3 or 4 years old here!), my mom and I made pen holders for my aunts and uncles using macaroni, colored gel pens, and construction paper. Some of them are still in use today! This personalized, handmade pen holders will surely be displayed proudly on your dad’s desk at the office.
To make this pen holder, all you need is:
- 1 clean, empty metal can (soup can or vegetable cans work best)
- Construction paper (or wrapping paper, or plain white paper)
- Markers
- Glue
- Optional decorations include: dry macaroni, gel pens, stickers, pompoms, colorful ribbon, etc.
Simply wash and dry the can, and cut the construction paper to fit around the can. Then, you can decorate the paper, and once it is dry and ready, glue it onto the can. Alternatively, you can wrap and glue the paper around the can, and start decorating directly on the pen holder. Super easy!
#4 For the Outdoorsman: Local Hike (Estimate: $10 – parking & bug spray)
Another cheap idea is to find a local hiking spot (bonus points if it has a waterfall!), and pack his favorite lunch or snack. You can use an app or website such as AllTrails to help find a day hike nearby, or even check out your state park’s website to see if there are any historical trails to check out. Of course, this is often a weather-dependent activity, so if Father’s Day is rainy, consider taking a raincheck. Don’t forget the bug spray!
#5 For the Whiskey / Beer Aficionado: Sampling Flight (Estimate: $17)
You must be over 21 for this Father’s Day gift! If your dad loves his whiskey or a good beer, this is a simple way to experience a tasting without having to trek all the way to a distillery or brewery. If he is a whiskey drinker, head over to your local liquor store and pick out a few miniature bottles (50 mL) for him to try. Alternatively, the beer lovers out there might be better suited if you head to your local grocer’s beer cave. Many grocers and specialty stores feature a mix-and-match option, which allows you to build your own six-pack. This is a fun way for your dad to sample beers he might not try otherwise.
#6 For the Beachgoer: Personalized Beach Kit (Estimate: $30)
Sun’s out, guns out! Time to hit the beach! If your dad loves heading to the beach, lake, or any other body of water on a hot summer day, then consider building him a personalized beach kit! This “Dad Bod/Beach Bod” can come in a box or even a drawstring bag, and could include things like:
- Croakies
- Sunscreen
- Towel from T.J. Maxx or other discount retailer
- Water volleyball
- Flip flops (check out Old Navy, Target, or Wal-Mart for cheap options!)
- Visor or baseball cap
- Mini sweat towel
#7 For the Bookworm or Historian: Bespoke Book Club (Estimate: $16/book)
If your dad is a big history buff or loves to read, then why not join him? For this last-minute gift idea, find a classic novel or a book about a topic you think he’d enjoy, and buy two copies. You can then read it together, and talk about the book! If you’re unsure about what book or topic he might be interested in reading, you could even take him on a trip to a local bookstore to pick the book out. Grab coffee while you’re there, and give him an extra heaping of quality time.
#8 For the Sports Fan: Baseball Game (Estimate: $18/ticket)
Take me out to the ballgame! Even if your dad isn’t the biggest fan of America’s pastime, it is certainly fun to try something different and experience summertime baseball. Try to find a weekday MLB game where the opponents aren’t in the top slots: these tend to be cheaper games, and much cooler since they will take place at night. Another alternative is to check out a local minor league game: these end up being a lot of fun, because there is typically more than just baseball going on!
#9 For the Chef, with a Green Thumb: Herb Garden (Estimate: $15-35)
If your dad is big on cooking or grilling, this is right up his alley. Head over to your local nursery or hardware store and check out what herbs they might have. You can either buy some herbs pre-grown, or buy seed packets and soil along with a nice-sized pot. Don’t be afraid to ask the gardener or nursery owner for help: you can build your father his own Grilling Garden, Pizza Garden, Salsa Garden, etc.!
#10 For the Guy Who Everything: Personalized Coupon Book (Estimate: $0!)
The personal coupon book has to be the cheapest and easiest Father’s Day gift option, because it is completely free! All you need is some paper, crayons or markers, and a stapler. The coupon book is a great way to show your dad you love him and appreciate all the things he does. You can also make it very personal by creating coupons especially for him! A good place to start is creating a list of chores he doesn’t like to do (like taking out the trash), or a list of special treats he might enjoy (such as breakfast in bed). Need some inspiration? Using the list below, start with, “This coupon is valid for…”
- One Free Car Wash
- Breakfast in Bed
- Doing the Dishes
- Taking Out the Trash
- Mowing the Lawn
- One Viewing of Your Movie of Choice
- A Game of Catch in the Backyard
- A Hike at Your Favorite Spot
- One Hour of Quiet Time
Bonus: When All Else Fails…
If you REALLY can’t think of anything, or you are reading this and it is Father’s Day, then your best bet for a last-minute Father’s Day gift is…drumroll, please…Fudgie the Whale! An ice cream cake might not be the cheapest option on the list, but it sure is the tastiest. It is a classic on a hot summer day, can stay frozen for a while (assuming he doesn’t eat it all in one go!), and you can write a personalized message with icing. Plus, it is made entirely of ice cream. Need I say more?!
I hope this last-minute gift guide helps you choose a gift this Father’s Day! No matter what your budget is, the best gift we can give the father figures in our lives is quality time. Our time, money, and energy are all limited, so make sure you spend them wisely with dad this weekend! What Father’s Day gifts or activities do you have planned for this weekend? Share your ideas below!
