Sure, you could give your dad a gift card for Father’s Day, but why not make this year’s present a little more personal? Fortunately, it’s possible to give a thoughtful gift that’s also affordable, says shopping expert Trae Bodge.
“A great way to give Dad an affordable gift he’ll love—and use—is by making it a companion item for something he already has,” says Bodge. In other words, think about what your dad already likes to do and build on that. Here are some options for all types of dads.
Bonus: Want to give Dad a handmade gift? We’ve got some great ideas at the bottom of this article!
Griller Dad
“Buy him a set of grilling tools,” says Bodge. “Or see what he already has and invest in one tool that’s most in need of replacement.” Want a no-cost gift? Clean the grill for him (it takes only a few minutes!).
Music-Lover Dad
“If Dad listens to music digitally, a Bluetooth speaker or new pair of headphones will give him new ways to enjoy his tunes,” says Bodge. If he likes his tunes analog, pick up original LPs at thrift stores and specialty record shops.
World-Traveler Dad
Get him a new travel pillow or toiletry kit to make him feel more at home when he’s on the road, says Bodge. Other on-the-go ideas? Buy him an organizer for his cords and chargers, a monogrammed luggage tag or a refillable water bottle.
DIY Dad
“Is he handy?” asks Bodge. “Take a look at his stash of tools and see what he might be missing.” (Here’s how to build an easy tool kit.) Or consider a new set of drill bits or a compact wet/dry shop vac that’ll clean the garage and the car. Another option: Organize his workbench for him—it won’t cost you a thing.
Stylish Dad
Find a cool pocket square or pair of colorful socks that he can wear with his favorite suit, Bodge suggests. A lightweight scarf can be a sharp (and useful) accessory.
Tech-Obsessed Dad
For the dad who always has the latest gadget, consider a portable charger or a home multi-USB hub that can charge several devices at one time. (And share our story with him about how to create a cutting-edge, connected living room.)
Chef Dad
If he loves to cook, he probably already owns a heavy-duty stand mixer—but he may not have all of the accessories. A meat grinder, pasta maker or vegetable slicer and shredder are all cool add-ons. Or have his knives professionally sharpened.
Gardener Dad
He probably has all of the basic gardening equipment, so look for something specialized, like a pruner for his rose bushes or sturdy new cages for his tomato plants. Gardening shoes, gloves, a hat and sunscreen are perennial favorites.
Sporty Dad
“If he’s a runner or a gym rat, a holder for his smartphone or a moisture-wicking towel will help make his workout more comfortable and efficient,” says Bodge. Or get him a gym bag with a set of refillable bottles for his shampoo and other products.
Road Warrior Dad
If he spends a lot of time commuting—or loves to take trips in the car—Dad might like a new insulated travel mug that keeps liquids hot or cold, or an audiobook to listen to while he drives. And he’ll likely appreciate a first-aid kit or other emergency essentials for his car.
Bookish Dad
Instead of the obvious—another book—gift him something that’ll make reading more enjoyable, like a clip-on book light or a fun new pair of new reading glasses. You could also wrap up an oversized magnifier to help him to read books and magazines more easily, or get him a subscription (print or digital) to his favorite magazine.
Golfer Dad
Find an accessory he doesn’t have or something that needs a refresh. Maybe it’s a comfortable glove with a good grip, or a sun visor—anything to improve his game. And to help him stand out on the green, order some personalized, monogrammed golf balls.
Outdoorsy Dad
Maybe he could use a new headlamp, to guide him to and from the campfire at night or light the way on trails before dawn. When the sun comes up, he’ll need a lightweight day pack with side holsters for water bottles. And you can also never go wrong with a multi-tool pocketknife, good for opening bottles or slicing into a steak.
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By Ellise Pierce
Bonus: Handmade Father’s Day Gifts
Brought to you by Playfull
PERSONALIZED KEYCHAIN
● Print a personal image.
● Trace image onto the shiny part of the shrink paper, then decorate!
● Cut out a shape of your choice from shrink paper.
● Punch a hole for key ring BEFORE baking.
● Bake shrink film for 2–3 minutes at 350ºF.
● Attach the keychain ring, and you’re done!
PHOTO MAGNETS
● Cut out circles of your favorite photos.
● Glue photo circles onto wooden craft discs with decoupage glue.
● Add a second layer of decoupage glue over the entire face of the disc.
● Let dry.
● Spray with acrylic sealer.
● Hot-glue magnets onto the back.
CRATE COASTERS
● Take 9 popsicle sticks and divide them into 3 piles of 3.
● Hot-glue the first 3 popsicle sticks together and repeat with the other two sets.
● Set one stack aside.
● Align two popsicle stacks vertically and glue on 9 popsicle sticks horizontally.
● Flip the popsicle crate and glue on the final popsicle stack in the middle.
GIFT BAG
● Grab a brown paper bag and some colorful construction paper.
● Make 1.5” horizontal slits into the bag about 1” down from the top.
● Fold slits down and tape together, making a “collar” shape.
● Cut out tie shape from construction paper and tape it underneath the collar.
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