Life
Cheap-But-Great Father's Day Gift Ideas
You don't have to spend a ton of money to get your dad something that he'll actually appreciate. Besides, that $70 tie you were thinking about getting him is only going to sit in the back of his closet with all of the other ties you gave him. A man can only wear so many ties! This year, get your dad an cheap gift for Father's Day that he'll absolutely love. Yes, that's a possibility.
There are tons of non-cheesy gifts that your dad will totally appreciate, and that you'll feel good about giving him. And let's be real, your dad would rather you get him a small gift than spend a lot of money on him and make him feel guilty about it or worried about your spending habits. Dads would rather we spend our money supporting ourselves and becoming the financially responsible adults they hoped we'd become.
So this Father's Day, fake it. Pretend you're wise with your money. Pretend you're a bargain hunter. Pretend you don't order things of Amazon daily just because you like opening packages. Pretend your credit score is in the green. Pretend you have a savings account and haven't maxed out your personal health days. Do all of that, and get your dad a gift that doesn't put a dent in your wallet. Here are some of my favorite options out there right now:
The Best Pillow In The World
Down Pillow-Plush, $69, Brooklinen
If your dad is like my dad and has been using the same pillow for as long as you've been alive — change his life by getting him the fluffiest, airiest, cloud-like pillow you will ever find. And, obviously, get yourself one, too.
Jamba Juice Gift Card
Jamba Card, Any Amount, Jamba Juice
My dad is obsessed with Jamba Juice — he has it every morning for breakfast. And while I'd love to get him a blender so he can make his own, it's too expensive. So a gift certificate to his favorite smoothie joint will have to suffice.
Skin Care Discovery Set
Sample Set, $12, Alighten Natural Skin Care
You dad might not care that much about his skin. So instead of forcing a big bottle of expensive serum on him, give him a sample set and let him come to his routine on his own.
Soap Set
Ursa Major Freshly Minted Body Set, $30, Birch Box
I'm obsessed with this all natural Vermont-based company and your dad will be too. Their soaps are energizing and their natural deodorants wont leave you stinky like most.
Fitbit Zip
Fitbit Zip, $59, Amazon
Fitbits are expensive but the zip is a totally rad compromise that will inspire your dad to amp up his fitness game all the same.
Funky Memory Board
Memorable Style Frame, $35, Modcloth
Instead of getting your dad another picture frame, get him this memory board. You can fill it with pictures beforehand, or vow to fill it up together.
Artisan Chess Set
Round Hand-Painted Chess Set, $32, World Market
Giving your dad a fresh chess set is a great excuse to start playing together. Plus, this hand-painted board is a work of art.
Toiletry Bag
Dange Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag, $35, Shop Spring
If your dad has been using the same toiletry bag for the last few decades, it's time to get him a fresh one that's mod, clean, and has a place for everything.
Journal
Small Soft Linen Journal, $16, Shinola Detroit
Get your dad a high quality pocket journal. Maybe he'll use it to write about his feelings. Or maybe he'll end up using it write grocery lists or phone numbers. Either way, it will look cute on his desk.
Wireless Charger
Mophie Charge Force Wireless Charging Base, $40, Amazon
If a Mophie wireless charger has saved your life, let one save your dads, too. Or your phone's battery, whatever.
Best Dad Ever Hat
I don't know why but I think this is the cutest hat ever. At the very least it will make your dad laugh. And best case scenario, he wears it all the time!
Waterproof Phone Case
Waterproof Phone Case, $10, Target
Honestly everyone should have one of these. Especially dads who don't understand how phones work, amirite?
Plated
I used to get my dad gift certificates for his favorite restaurants, until I realized he never used them and they all expired. Order your dad a base subscription to Plated and when a perishable box of deliciously fresh ingredients show up at his door, you better believe he's going to get cooking.
Two Meals Per Week, $24, Plated
Spa Slippers
Herbal Warming Spa Slippers, $48, Uncommon Goods
Don't get your dad another pair of discount store slippers that get really sweaty and gross. Get him a pair of herbal spa slippers because, who knew that existed!?
Caramels
Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel, $23, Heifer Marketplace
When in doubt, gift candy. No one is ever disappointed to see candy. Plus, these candies come from the Heifer International Marketplace which puts proceeds toward ending hunger.
Donut Warming Mug
Donut Warming Mug, $15, Uncommon Goods
Honestly, because why not. But I might suggest gifting this mug with the donut and coffee included for full effect.
