Tips like these helped us pay off $127K in debt. You can read our story in Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.
Dear ‘ole dad. You want to show him how much you care, but let’s be honest he doesn’t want you to overspend. How can you give a gift that means the most while spending within your budget? There are plenty of Father’s Day ideas to help you celebrate and save money at the same time. He might even proud of you if you share just how little you spent.
Skip the Gift Bag
Your dad might be different than mine, but I’ve rarely met a father who said, “WOW! What a beautiful gift bag!” Most dads could care less about how you wrap their gift. Instead of spending $3-4 on something that will simply be thrown away, consider giving your gift in something more permanent – a tackle box, a tool box, or even an oil drip pan might be a better fit. Or wrap an item in a ribbon or even the funny papers (face his favorite comic on top of course!).
Write a Letter Instead of Buying a Card
Again, every dad has their own unique tastes; however, my husband would rather have a hand drawn portrait from our girls than a greeting card. He’s joked before that he’d take a Post-It Note with “I Love You” written along with the money I would have spent on the card instead. If your dad loves cards, then by all means, buy him one. However, you may be better off hand writing a letter on a a piece of notebook paper than purchasing a card. Cards can be tricky. Some of them cost more than $5 so if you are going to purchase one be sure you’re shopping the right section and checking the price instead of heading to the register and being shocked by the price.
Plan an Experience
What sorts of activities has your dad treasured over the years? Golf? Go Karting? Car Shows? Fishing? Grilling Out? Instead of buying a gift that will sit on a shelf plan a fun experience together as a family. Whether it’s a squirt gun fight, a game of croquet, or an afternoon at the movies, experiences make better memories and take up less space in your house. Skip the figurine or funny t-shirt and plan an intentional moment or two with your dad. But keep his preferences in mind. Don’t plan something he doesn’t love to do.
Gift Card Deals
Every dad has a favorite place to shop and eat. Maybe it might be a gift card to the home improvement store of his choice or perhaps he loves sporting goods. You can slip the gift card into the envelope with your hand written letter or choose to pair it with an item that fits the theme. A golf glove would be great with a gift card for the driving range or a coffee mug with one for his favorite coffee shop. Many restaurants will still be offering deals where you get a small gift card back when you purchase one before Father’s Day. I found offerings at Applebees, Bonefish, Carrabas, First Watch, Max & Erma’s, O’Charleys, Olive Garden, P.F. Changs, Outback, Ruby Tuesday, and TGI Fridays. I’m certain there are even more out there. If you really want to impress dear old dad with your frugal skills, search for a coupon (often you can get one by signing up for a restaurant’s eClub) and print it out to put with the gift card. He’ll be wowed for certain!
Father’s Day Freebies
Last but certainly not least, there will be FREEBIES just for Father’s next week. You can treat dad without spending much at all. Caribou Coffee is offering BOGO coffee for dad. Indianapolis area Barnes and Noble stores (pick up a copy of Slaying the Debt Dragon while you are there for your dad!) are offering a special free story time for dads and kids. Williams-Sonoma has a free Junior Chef Class for dads and kids to whip up summer time treats on June 20. Lakeshore Learning has a free craft class on June 20 for kids to create a cute gift for dad. Participating KOA Campgrounds are offering the opportunity for kids to camp free this Father’s Day Weekend. And if you want to treat your dad like King of the Castle, plan a trip to Medieval Times where his ticket will be free with the purchase of another ticket. Finally, Fogo de Chao is offering dad’s next lunch or dinner for free when you dine there on Father’s Day.
Father’s Day is a great time to show your dad just how much you care by being careful with those hard earned dollars he’s always wanted you to save anyway!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
