With Father's Day on the horizon this summer, many people are already starting to think of gifts to make the day special for their dads. However, as with Mother's Day, many people end up spending more than they'd like to in order to make the day special.
In fact, in 2021, the National Retail Federation reported Americans planned to spend on average $174 on Father's Day gifts.
Fortunately, if money is tight or you're trying to stick to a strict budget, there are plenty of Father's Day gifts and ways to celebrate that won't break the bank.
8 ways to celebrate Father's Day on a budget
1. Create a family photo
One thoughtful gift idea for dad is to create a framed family photo. Create or even design a frame and put a photo of the family in so he can enjoy it around the home or at work.
2. Cook breakfast in bed or his favorite meal
Everyone appreciates breakfast in bed, so why not whip up a giant serving of pancakes or his go-to breakfast meal and serve it to him on a tray.
Alternatively, you could cook his favorite meal in the evening. If you want to go one step further, you could even treat your dad to a personalized menu for the evening and let him pick which meals he wants.
3. Do a movie or game night
If dad is a big movie buff or a game lover, then a great way to spend the day is to host a movie or game night.
Movie fans will want to grab some popcorn and other theater-friendly snacks, dim the lights, and show dad's top flicks. Why not make a day of it and do a marathon of his favorite TV or movie franchise?
For game night, you could either bring out some old board games, try a family quiz, or maybe join him on a multiplayer video game he loves.
4. Help out in the garden
For dads who love tinkering around in the garden, lending a hand will be much appreciated. Perhaps he needs help planting a new vegetable patch or a tree that he'll be able to enjoy for years in the future. Or, consider buying a new plant or garden ornament to brighten the space.
5. Spend a day trying out his hobby
What does your dad like to do in his downtime? Maybe he loves working with cars, fishing, watching old movies, or creating or collecting something.
Whatever it is, suggest spending the day trying it out together. You might even learn a new skill or pick up a brand new hobby for yourself while you're at it.
6. Homemade treats
There's often nothing better than receiving a batch of homemade baked goods. The day before Father's Day, spend some time baking his favorite sweet treats such as cakes, brownies, cookies, or pastries.
A great way to turn this into a special gift is to put the freshly baked goods in a gift box with a personalized tag.
7. Spend a day in nature
Another great option to spend some time with dad is to suggest going out for a day in nature. You might want to try a hike in a local nature spot, a bike ride, a run, outdoor sports, or even a simple picnic in the park with the family.
Getting out and spending time in nature is a great summer activity for your dad and family to enjoy together.
8. Try a fondue night
If your dad is a fan of chocolate or cheese, hosting a fondue night is a great way for the family to gather around and enjoy some snacks. Pair melted chocolate with strawberries, cookies, or marshmallows. Or, for cheese fondue, try dipping bell peppers, crackers, or breadsticks.
Avoid overspending this Father's Day
Father's Day is not just about spending the most money to spoil your dad. It's about spending quality time with him and the rest of the family as well. That's why the best way to save money on Father's Day is to focus on experiences rather than physical gifts.
If you want to give a physical gift, a homemade one is a great option, whether it's some kind of craft, baked good, or a finger-paint art-inspired family photo frame. Dad is sure to appreciate the time and effort you put into creating thoughtful gifts and experiences.
