Frugal Father’s Day Gifts

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and a lot more of us are searching for ways to gift frugally while still expressing the love and gratitude our Dads deserve.

In today’s society, which attaches emotional value to gifts (i.e. the more expensive something is, the more we love someone), it’s a difficult task to make something inexpensive carry the same emotional weight.

But fear not, my friends. I searched my brain, polled my friends on Twitter, and scouted around the blogosphere for the newest and most inventive ideas for a Father’s Day on a budget.

Here is the best of what I found:

• @fiscalgeek said “Last year, my boys and wife made me a duct tape wallet – one of the best gifts I have ever received.” Sometimes, it really is the thought that counts.
• @CarrieCheap suggested “Helping Dad with the lawn! It’s free (if he has a lawnmower of course…)” Doing chores for your Dad can be a great gift, and lets him enjoy the free time he deserves.
• @creditgoddess had a similar idea – “Give the gift of time/help, i.e. the house needed new screens, so I spent $25 for screening supplies & installed new screens…Sure it took 3 hrs of my time, but it saved hundred of dollars for the folks…Or do something you used to do when you’re a kid. For me, it was fishing w/ my dad. Show up early on Dad’s Day w/ some poles…” Great ideas! Reminiscing with your dad while doing something nostalgic can bring back some great memories.

• Counting My Pennies posted this week about thoughtful and inexpensive gifts – exactly what I’m trying to drive at. Read about her fantastic example, and why it works!
• Financial Highway posted on frugal gift ideas, such as sending your Dad a specially recorded video.
• Show Mom The Money ran a set of really cool ideas, including a singing telegram. You can’t beat that!
• Squawkfox came up with a fantastic list of 6 gift ideas (with a story).
• Sound Money Matters shared five more ideas, like having the kids wait on you (that sounds pretty nice!).

• I’ll also share one of my own favorite ideas for Dad – getting an 8×10 photo frame (the kind with multiple photo openings inside) and putting in the best photos from the past year (preferably with your Dad). You can easily make this a yearly ritual and something your Dad would look forward to.
• A lot of people see gifts as something we “give” to Dad – but it can be so much more – for example, a year-long pact to speak to Dad at least every other day can brighten his day and pay out dividends all year long in the form of a great relationship.

Father’s Day is only 3 days away! Share your best frugal gift (received or given) in the comments!

Photo by mikebaird