I have a father and a husband who are both very non-materialistic. Neither of them like receiving gifts, so it can be hard to know how to honor them for birthdays and Father’s Day. Although, I guess at a time when we can’t spend money, I’m very grateful that they are both like this! So this Father’s Day I want to be intentional with their “gifts” and make sure they don’t come across as gifts.
© Andy Dean / Dollar Photo Club
9 Ways to Celebrate Dear Ol’ Dad Without Spending Much Money
Here are several ways I’ve thought of to make Father’s Day or your dad’s birthday special without spending much money. If you do have to spend money, it will be money well spent.
Get dressed up and spend time with him
Taking a walk or just talking with your dad will do wonders for your relationship. I’ll be honest, I don’t spend as much time with my dad as I should, so Father’s Day shouldn’t be the only time I fit this activity in.
I think it would be really fun for my girls to get on some nice clothes and spend time with their dad (papi, as we call him) for an hour on Father’s Day. Sofía and Bella both are little fashionistas, and Papi just loves to see them in dresses and looking their best.
Get family pictures done
Family pictures are a special gift that Dad can enjoy for years to come. If you have some money in your budget after paying a photographer, get one of the pictures blown up and framed.
Make a photo book of memories
Gather some pictures of Dad and you (or your kids and their dad) over the year(s), and make them into a photo book. This is something I plan to do for a future Father’s Day from my children to their Papi.
Make him a coupon book
A coupon book is the gift that keeps on giving. Your dad or husband will just love the thought that went into making the book and coming up with ideas to help him or spend time with him. I even made you one so all you have to do is print it out and put it together. I filled out 4 of the coupons and left 5 of them blank for you to come up with your own ideas! Print it out by clicking here.
Make a copycat of his favorite treat
I think most dads love sweets, so if you know of a candy bar he loves or a restaurant dessert that he always orders, make it for him. It’s possible that it could cost more money than it would cost if you just bought it, but it would be fun to show him that he can have his favorite treat without running to the store or restaurant to get it!
My own dad loves Snickers, so a few years ago I made him a copycat Snickers bar. He said it was a little sweeter than the packaged kind, but he still ate them…all. The recipe made an entire pan of Snickers!
Here are some links to help you find just the right treat your dad or husband would love:
Watch sports or a favorite TV show with him
What dad doesn’t love to relax on the couch in front of the TV?? Give him some company while he’s watching baseball or re-runs of Everybody Loves Raymond and he’ll remember it for years to come. My own dad and husband are big into relaxing, so they would both thoroughly enjoy this “gift.”
Do a talent show for him
Help your child come up with a talent that he can share with his dad. It can be singing, dancing, comedy, or magic! Dad will be smiling in no time!
Make him a card
I dread buying cards because they are so expensive! If you feel the same way, use some creativity and make him a card. Check out these Creative Father’s Day Cards for inspiration.
Give him breakfast in bed
How come moms get breakfast in bed, but it’s not quite a thing for dads? Change that this year, and surprise him with something he’ll love to eat! Your kids can get involved and make it even more memorable, just don’t let them crack the eggs unless you’re supervising!
Here are some great ideas to get started:
- Omelette in a Bag
- Southwest Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet
- Breakfast Tostadas
- Oreo Pancakes (link no longer available)
- 1 Hour Cinnamon Rolls – I’ve made these and they really do only take an hour and are so delicious!
Be intentional about Father’s Day if you want to make it special. Don’t start thinking about it the day before or morning of! Your dad or husband will notice the effort you and your kids made and he’ll be happy just to have you in his life!
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It’s true that you have to be intentional about it and not last minute. That’s when you know you’ve put the time and effort into it. I’m treating my husband to a dinner out as a family. This is so rare for us so I don’t mind having dinner and spending money 🙂
Hey, that sounds like a great idea, Nina! And since it’s a rare occurence, it will be even more special, even if it does cost a little money! I know my own father and my husband would both love something like that.
These are wonderful ideas! I especially adore the one about making a copy cat favorite treat!
Thanks, Lauren! I hope you find a yummy treat to make for your dad (or husband!).