33 Cheap and Meaningful Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is the perfect chance to remind the dad or dad-like figure in your life that you love them. While some Father’s Day gift guides recommend expensive gadgets and gift sets, you know your dad would prefer you don’t break the bank — so we’ve rounded up the best cheap Father’s Day gifts to fit a variety of small budgets.

Free Father’s Day Gift Ideas

1. Do yard work -  Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, clean out the gutters and rake up any leftover winter debris.

2. Provide tech support.  Help to organize his electronics. Update passwords and organize them in one secure location, set up a refreshed outgoing voicemail message, and assist with any TV and computer logins and setups.

3. Play handyman.  Touch up wall paint, WD-40 squeaky doors and help clean up and organize open spaces like countertops and desks.

4. Clean the car.  Give your dad’s beloved car a little TLC this Father’s Day. Vacuum the inside and give the outside a good old-fashioned scrub. 

5. Go fish.  If your dad is a fan of reeling in a big one, schedule a fishing trip to a local lake or pond. Bonus: Spending quality time together is a gift that transcends any price tag.

6. Make a playlist.  Is your dad a music lover? Make him a playlist on Spotify or Amazon Music — maybe a fun combination of childhood classics and current favorites.

7. Write a letter. Take a few minutes to write a heartfelt note. If you need a few suggestions, this helpful how-to article will get you started on an unforgettable Father’s Day message.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas Under $10

8. Pocket knife.  Your dad will appreciate having this handy tool when working around the house or in the yard.

9. Framed family photo.  Use a printing service like Shutterfly to get inexpensive prints made of your family’s most recent snaps, then grab a frame from the dollar store or Ikea to make it fancy.

10. Homemade barbeque sauce.  Perfect your own BBQ sauce recipe, then bottle it as a complement to your dad’s grilling prowess.

11. Books.  Did you get your love of reading from dad? Pop into a used bookstore and browse the racks until you find the perfect new book for him.

12. Dad joke gifts.  Pick up a fun dad joke book or mug to tickle your dad’s funny bone.

13. Customizable coupons.  Give your dad coupons for things like help around the house or a his-choice movie night. Check out Etsy for cheap printable options or design your own using a free graphic design tool like Canva.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas Under $25

14. Baseball tickets.  Scope out bleacher seats at an upcoming MLB game or check out Minor League (MiLB) tickets for your dad to enjoy.

15. Swim trunks.  Dads tend to hang on to clothing items for a near-eternity. Pick out a new pair of swim trunks so he’ll be styling at the pool this summer.

16. Meat claws.  If your dad is the king of barbeque, he needs a set of meat claws for premium shredding.

17. Work gloves.  Get your dad a set of washable, heavy-duty to make yard work a more enjoyable task. He might also need a new rake or heavy-duty broom to update his garage tools.

18. Cocktail ice cube mold.  For a classy addition to any nightcap, your dad will love a set of ice molds to chill his beverage of choice.

19. Drink cooler.  Get dad a lowball Yeti or an insulated can koozie to keep his drinks cool. If he’s more of a bottle guy, Brumate has you covered for under $20.

20. Dress socks.  Is your dad heading back into the office after a year of working from home in slippers? A really nice pair of socks can make getting dressed up every day seem like a treat.

21. Camping chair.  A comfortable chair — complete with beverage holders for your dad’s morning coffee or evening drink — is an undeniable classic for sporting events to camping and everything in between.

22. Fancy beef jerky.  If your dad is a lover of jerky, he’ll think this gift box is the best thing ever.

23. “New dad” gift.  Shopping for someone’s first Father’s Day? A small picture frame, baby shoes or even a cute “New Dad” coffee mug will bring a smile to his face for years to come.

24. Breakfast tools.  He’ll love creating mini waffles, donuts and egg sandwiches the next time you’re all together for breakfast.   

25. Personalized golf balls.  Add text or photos for an extra laugh — his face or yours! Throw in a bag of Best Dad Ever golf tees to make sure he’ll smile every time he tees up.

26. Game night.  Order him a set of playing cards personalized with a favorite family photo. Add in some dice and a leather dice cup to round out the theme. 

27. Beard kit.  You can also go the subscription route with Dollar Shave Club or Harry’s for a fun twist on male grooming. 

28. Portable phone charger.  Pick out a power pack to charge his phone on the go. Grab a set of high-speed phone charger cords while you’re at it. 

29. Make a donation.  If your dad is the kind of guy who doesn’t want a gift, consider making a small donation to an organization near and dear to his heart. Use a vetted organization like Charity Navigator to find the perfect place to honor your dad.

30. Gift card.  If your dad has his eye on something beyond your budget — like a new grill — get him a gift card to put toward the cost. Or get something complementary like a set of grill tools or a Grill Master apron.

DIY Father’s Day Gift Ideas

31. Snack box.  Check out these tutorials for sweet and salty trail mix, trail mix and candy jar with cute and clever DIY containers.

32. Grooming aids.  If your dad pride in his looks, make him a lovely beard oil, shaving cream or hair pomade — or make a set out of all three.

33. Keepsake.  For the new dad in your life, a keepsake like this hand-print baseball or fingerprint mug will remind of this precious time for years to come.

Give from the heart, not the wallet

Showing appreciation for the father or father-figure in your life doesn’t need to spell doom for your bank account. An inexpensive Father’s Day gift that comes from the heart will let him know how much he means to you. Instead of money, spend your time, creativity, and enthusiasm — all great gifts your dad will appreciate.