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Best Father's Day Gift Ideas That Won't Break The Bank

Father’s Day is the bane of my existence! 

No I'm kidding. 

Father’s Day is the third Sunday in June every year. Father’s Day 2024 is held on June 16th. 

And as a daughter and a wife— this is the most difficult gift I buy every year. But I believe I’ve worked it down to a science. 

Here are my best budget-friendly Father's Day gift ideas. 

What do dads spend money on?

Dads are practical spenders, they spend the most on hobbies. 

Men are simple. Well mostly… For example, my husband and my father both are supremely one-track-minded. My dad is big into the outdoors. On his off days he loves to work on his truck, do yard work, and work on odd jobs around the house.

My husband is big on golf. He spends his time watching golf, golfing at the club, and watching videos on how to golf better. 

Now the difficulty is buying a gift that fits them without getting too specific. 

Why not get specific? 

Specification is great— if you know what you’re doing. But I couldn’t tell you the exact specific golf club or tool my husband or father uses. Buying the wrong one ehhh it’s a pain for everyone. Instead, I buy something that can be applied in that general direction. 

What to Get Dad for Father’s Day on a Budget?

Men are inherently expensive. They can't help it but still.

Their clothes, shoes, hobbies, feeding them. It’s like they come with a built-in feature that makes their necessities just a tad more costly.

 Men = money pit.

All jokes aside, some decent gifts don’t require you to break the bank or take out a second mortgage. Father’s Day is about showing appreciation, not about how much you spend. So, let’s navigate the tricky waters of finding that perfect Father’s Day gift on a budget. 

From homemade treasures to thoughtful purchases, there are countless ways to say “I love you, Dad” without uttering a single word about the cost.

Cheap Father’s Day Gifts You Can Make

Cheap sounds—well, cheap.

I like to think of them as affordable. Budget-friendly. Wallet-wise.

 Here are five affordable Father’s Day gifts that are sure to bring a smile to Dad’s face without making your wallet weep (don't worry the other 40 are at the bottom of this post):

1. Personalized Keychain - Craft a keychain with a special date, name, or message. Many online shops offer customizable options at low costs. It’s a small but meaningful gift that Dad can carry with him everywhere.
2. Handwritten Letter - In the age of digital communication, a handwritten letter can be a rare and treasured gift. Share your favorite memories, tell him what he means to you, or simply recount a funny story. It’s personal, heartfelt, and essentially free.
3. DIY Coupon Book - Create a booklet of “coupons” for things like a car wash, lawn mowing, a movie night of his choice, or a home-cooked meal. It’s a fun and unique way to give gifts that keep on giving throughout the year.
4. Photo Album or Frame - Collect some of your favorite family photos or moments shared with Dad and put them together in an album or a nice frame. It’s a visual reminder of the love and memories you share.
5. Cook His Favorite Meal - They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Whip up his favorite meal or bake his favorite dessert. It’s a personal touch that’s sure to be appreciated more than any store-bought gift.

Remember, the best gifts come from the heart, not the wallet. This Father’s Day, it’s all about showing Dad how much he means to you in the most thoughtful way possible—without stressing about the price tag.

How Much Does the Average Person Spend on Father’s Day?

Average spend ranges between $100 to $200, depending on who you ask and where you look. 

Various surveys and studies suggest that spending on Father’s Day gifts has been steadily increasing over the years. 

This upward trend is indicative of not just inflation, but also of the growing variety of gifts available and the increasing importance of celebrating dads in style. While some may splurge on high-ticket items, many find creative and heartfelt ways to show their love without going over budget.

 Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the amount spent.

What to Make for Father’s Day DIY?

I loooovvveee homemade. But I’m a sucker for that stuff. 

And some men are too, but some aren’t. If you’re going the DIY route think about your strengths. 

Are you crafty? Can you cook? Are you good with words? 

There’s something incredibly special about receiving a gift that someone has put their time, effort, and love into making. Whether it’s a handcrafted piece of art, a home-cooked meal, or a beautifully written letter, the key is to personalize it. Tailor your DIY project to Dad’s interests and your own talents for a truly memorable Father’s Day gift.

What is the Most Gifted Father’s Day Gift?

The most gifted Father’s Day gift is often something practical or experiential.

 Tools, gadgets, and watches are perennial favorites, as they serve a practical purpose and can be treasured for years to come. 

Experiences like concert tickets, sports events, or a day out fishing also rank high because they offer memorable moments that strengthen bonds.

The least gifted Father’s Day gift is probably something overly generic or impersonal—think generic socks or a necktie. While these can be great when thoughtfully chosen to suit Dad’s style, they can also fall flat if it feels like a last-minute grab from the department store.

Is a Gift Card a Good Father’s Day Gift?

Yes, of course, but gift cards are finicky. 

You don’t use all of the credit and you’re wasting money. On the other hand, a gift card can be the perfect present if it’s for a store or experience you know Dad loves but you’re not exactly sure what to pick out. It gives him the freedom to choose what he really wants or needs. 

The trick to making a gift card feel personal is to pair it with a small, thoughtful gift or a heartfelt note explaining why you chose that particular store or service. This way, you give the gift of choice while still showing that you’ve put thought into his interests and preferences.

List of Father's Day Gifts

I'm going to segment these starting with Expensive, Medium, Affordable, and (my favorite) Free.

Expensive

1. High-end smartwatch
2. Designer leather wallet
3. Luxury shaving kit
4. Gourmet steak grill set
5. Premium noise-cancelling headphones
6. Top-tier golf clubs
7. High-performance drone
8. Bespoke suits or tailor-made shirts
9. Fine whiskey or wine collection
10. High-quality leather briefcase

Medium

11. Quality wireless earbuds
12. Branded sports merchandise
13. Smart home devices (e.g., smart speakers)
14. Craft beer brewing kit
15. Personalized watch box
16. Mid-range fishing rod and reel
17. Outdoor camping gear
18. Subscription boxes (coffee, books, etc.)
19. Decanter and glassware set
20. Engraved cufflinks

Affordable

21. DIY photo album of family memories
22. Customized mug or pint glass
23. Leather-bound journal
24. Cooking or grilling tools
25. Board games or puzzle sets
26. Movie night gift basket
27. Personalized keychain
28. Handmade soap or beard care set
29. Gardening tool set
30. Craft cocktail recipe book

Free

31. Homemade dinner or breakfast in bed
32. A day of chores, done by you
33. Personalized video messages from family and friends
34. DIY car wash and detailing
35. A scenic hike or bike ride together
36. Handwritten letter or poem
37. Family game night, with Dad’s favorite games
38. Coupon book for favors/tasks (e.g., lawn mowing, car maintenance)
39. Digital photo collage
40. An afternoon of teaching each other new skills or hobbies