Rachel Cruze: Ten Affordable (but Awesome) Father's Day Gift Ideas

Ten Affordable (but Awesome) Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is almost here! I look forward to this time because it often means getting together with family (usually outdoors on a gorgeous day) to celebrate a very special guy — Dad! The not-so-awesome part is that a lot of people out there feel pressured to spend big (thanks, social media). In fact, in 2024 alone, it’s estimated that people spent over $22.4 billion nationwide for Father’s Day!¹

But here’s the truth: Most dads aren’t looking for fancy gifts. They just want to spend time with the people they love. So hear me when I say, it’s okay to ditch the stress and keep it simple. Here are ten meaningful and affordable ways to celebrate Dad like the hero he is.

1. Cook Dad a Steak Dinner (or His Favorite Meal) at Home

Skip the crowded restaurants and overpriced meals (we all know most dads don’t love crowds anyway). Instead, hit up your local butcher and grab Dad’s favorite cut. Yes, the costs can add up here too, but you’ll have a lot more control over your budget and get way more bang for your buck. Plus, doesn’t every meal taste better when it’s homemade?

2. Plan a Backyard Movie Night

Is Dad into ’80s action flicks? Westerns? How about those old-school comedies he still quotes constantly? If so, an outdoor movie night could be the perfect Father’s Day treat. Set up a small screen or projector, pop some popcorn, snag an extra cozy outdoor chair and hit play on one of Dad’s all-time favorites.

3. Throw a Father’s Day Cookout

Since Father’s Day falls in late June, the weather’s usually just right (fingers crossed!) for firing up the grill and gathering family and friends to celebrate all the awesome dads in your crew. It’s the perfect chance for Dad to kick back and spend some quality time with the people he cares for most. A lot of amazing dads out there don’t get many chances to simply be with the people they love. So this Father’s Day, take the yard prep, grilling and cleanup off his plate. He’s earned it.

4. Grab a Coffee Together

It might not cost much, but grabbing a coffee with Dad can be worth more than any fancy gift. Invite him out for a quiet cup and some one-on-one time. You can even take a couple iced coffees outside and soak up the summer air. Life gets hectic — but an unhurried catch-up might mean more to him than you realize.

5. Check Out Local Father’s Day Happenings

There’s usually no shortage of local events happening around Father’s Day. Think car shows, free or cheap concerts (extra points it’s a tribute to one of Dad’s favorite bands), chili cook-offs, food festivals, history tours — you name it. The best part? Most of those events are inexpensive, donation-based or even completely free.

6. Play Catch

When’s the last time you played catch with your dad? Can’t remember? Here’s your challenge: Ask him if he’s up to toss the ball around and watch his face light up. It might seem small, but moments like this stick. So take the time, and remember it. You never know how much it’ll mean later on.

7. Go Fishing

Ah yes, a true dad classic. It’s cheap, outdoorsy and relaxing — all the makings of the perfect Father’s Day. And hey, if you’re lucky, you might even be able to cook Dad a freshly caught meal. What’s better than that?

8. Make Dad Something Cool

It’s cliché for a reason. For a dad, nothing beats a handmade gift from his kiddo. Whether it’s a card, a craft or maybe something made with the skills he taught you once upon a time (woodworking, welding, etc.), taking the time to create something just for him speaks louder than any price tag could.

9. Wash the Car (With His Blessing, of Course!)

Okay, full disclosure — some dads are very picky about how their car or truck gets cleaned. But with his blessing, giving it a wash could be a thoughtful gesture and one less thing for him to worry about. And who knows? He might even get a kick out of showing you his tried and true method for getting it just right.

10. Write Dad a Handwritten Letter

Dads rarely ask for a thank-you. Most show up simply because that’s what dads do. Whether it’s getting up in the middle of the night to help change a tire or running alongside you as you learn to ride without training wheels, the best dads are always there with rock-solid support. Sometimes, the most meaningful thing you can do is take a moment to put your gratitude into words. A heartfelt note in your own handwriting might be the most cherished gift he receives all year.

The Best Father’s Day Gift of All Is Quality Time

No matter how you choose to celebrate Dad, remember, time is the best gift you can give. Father’s Day isn’t about spending money or writing the perfect social media post. It’s about showing up for Dad the way he shows up for you — plain and simple.

If you do plan to spoil him, just make sure it fits your budget without setting back your money goals. And if you don’t have a budget yet, you can start now with EveryDollar. It’s free, easy and a game-changer once you get going!

* Rachel Cruze is a two-time #1 national bestselling author, financial expert, host of The Rachel Cruze Show and co-host of Smart Money Happy Hour. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people how to avoid debt, budget and win with money at any stage in life. She's an energetic and thought-provoking speaker and has been speaking to audiences as large as 10,000 since the age of 15 when she began making appearances with her father, Dave Ramsey. She has appeared on Good Morning America, Today, Live With Kelly and Ryan, CNN Tonight, Fox and Friends and the Rachael Ray Show and has been featured in the Woman’s Day, Success and Real Simple magazines. Rachel believes it’s possible for anyone to turn around their finances, win with money, and build a life they love. Follow Rachel on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.