Father's Day is one of my favorite times to shop because I adore Dad! Yet, it can easily become one of the most exasperating experiences, because in times like these, I discover one can quickly run out of ideas, as well as money.
Therefore, Father's Day gifts on any budget might include one or any combination of the following:
1) A Gift Certificate of any amount to: Sports Authority, Best Buy, Home Depot or Loew's stores. This is a great way for the 'little ones' to tell Daddy, " I love you". And, if the budget is abit inhibiting this year because of the struggling economy, you (and the kids) can still look good without alot of brainstorming and trotting around the malls. ($25 will generally cover the cost of a dozen Titilest golfballs, a 4GB USB flashdrive, or a good hammer and nails!)
Or, if a gift certificate seems just too 'whimpy' a way out, then consider:
2) A gift from an online source themed to suit Dads' taste. For example: How about some of Bill O'Reilly's, 'The Factor' memorabilia? There are tee-shirts, coffee cups, bumper stickers,... you can even order a signed copy Mr. O's book: A Bold, Fresh Piece Of Humanity. Just make sure Dad's a political conservative! (Log onto Fox News.com. The offerings are reasonably priced and all proceeds go to charity.)
3) Visit a 'big box' store (Wal-mart, Target, K-mart) and shop the seasonal/special days section. If you are not already aware, each nationally celebrated day is specifically represented near the front of the store. Here you will discover gift ideas that are both a good value, as well as fun and easy to mix-and-match because of their diversity. Additionally, take a stroll over to the men's clothing section and add a pair of work socks; bluecollar men always need work socks. Maybe your 'movie guy' would like that latest action DVD or that 'outdoorsman' could use some new fishing tackle. Throw all these goodies in a nice big manly Father's Day gift bag, along with a rib-tickling card (found over in the stationery aisle) and you are sure to score a hit!
4) Most dads typically love to chow down! And, all Dads tend to enjoy a particular restaurant where they can get their favorite burger with all the fixin's, hot wings, or pizza! Create a very eye appealing, cool COUPON with all the information, reading something like an invitation: "Dad, you are entitled to one hot time out with your terrific kid(s) and your favorite meal at: (fill in the name of the place) to be redeemed at anytime." (In keeping with the budgetary considerations, this outing need not include the entire extended family! This is meant to be a night out to include Dad, Mom and the offspring doing the gifting ONLY.)
Lastly, ONLY if you are an adult child with a driver's license:
5) This last one will depend solely on geographics. You will need a car, truck or some means of transportation to carry you and your dear Dad.( You should drive so that he can fully relax.) The cost will depend on the price of gas alone (and the distance traveled). Set aside a convenient time the two of you can take off and enjoy each other's company without interuption for AT LEAST half a day. No cell phones, black or 'blue'berries, etc.. And, invite him (the coupon idea works great here, too) to the beach, the mountains or if that's just not possible, simply a lovely ride out in the countryside. Then, spend just time visiting! You can stop if there's an ice cream place to get a refreshing cone or hot fudge sundae. But, the rule is NO activity (i.e. fishing, golfing). You must CONVERSE together. This might not seem so easy for some. Still, you will find it well worth the effort. Remember, this whole thing is meant to be about 'him'. Let him do alot of the talking,...talking about himself. He'll feel important and you'll probably learn something you never imagined about your 'dear old Dad'.
And, it might just be the BEST (albeit the least expensive) Father's Day the two of you have ever spent.