Say “aye” if you too have been racking your brain for hours trying to think of a gift for Dad - a gift even more awesome than the barbecue spatula you gave him last year.
Most dads seem to possess either an extremely vague set of interests or a love for so many things that it is appears nearly impossible to give them something both meaningful AND affordable. Throwing in work, summer classes, and summer plans, most would reluctantly admit that Father’s Day adds an unwanted amount of stress to their schedule... and wallet. But do not fret my friends! I have spent some quality time with “The Google” (as some dads may call it), sifting through the many corny, hilarious, and “help-me-I’m-broke” gift ideas.
I will save you from countless hours of YouTube tutorials narrated by 13 year olds, for I have for you a collection of DIY projects that are inexpensive, easy to make, and easily adjustable to your Pops’ preferences. So without further ado let’s get to work and create something that will show your Dad just how much he is loved and appreciated…rather than how broke you are!
A Personalized Coupon Booklet:
Whether its breakfast in bed, a little one-on-one time, yard work, homemade cookies, or bear hugs-on-call, remember to give dad the best discounts and deals!
Materials:
- Empty notebook or coupon booklet
- Writing Utensil
- Optional: colourful markers/additional decorating material
Get drawing!
The Man Basket:
If there are certain things you know your dad will eventually buy himself (like his favourite snacks, shaving cream, or socks), then you can beat him to it with a simple man basket. Just be aware that this gift has the potential to be slightly more expensive than some of the other option on the list.
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| Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/eichelj/gift-ideas/ |
- Basket/box/bucket/large container
- Old newspaper
- Sheet of tissue paper (Pops’ favourite color)
- Goodies to fill the basket
Steps:
1. Loosely crumple up the newspaper and place it on the bottom of the container to add cushion and volume
2. Lay the piece of tissue paper over the top of the newspaper and tuck it in around the edges of the crumpled newspaper for a neater appearance
3. Fill the basket with items that Dad needs and enjoys! For example, I would put a pack of Wrigley’s Double Min chewing gum in for my Dad. And while you’re at it, why not visit the University Bookstore and throw in a keychain, water bottle, or even a fancy pen!
Mug Décor:
Add a personal touch to a tool that your dad is likely to use everyday…
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| Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/saposyprincesas/dia-del-padre/ |
Materials:
- Porcelain mug
- Sharpie
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Optional: Stencil (for those who are terrified of free-hand). These can easily be made by tracing images and cutting them out or printing stencils from the internet (for example, a moustache stencil)
Steps:
1. Clean the face of the mug with the rubbing alcohol and let it dry
2. DRAW!! Be careful not to smudge
3. Bake in the oven at 350F (let the mug sit in the oven while it is pre-heating otherwise the sudden temperature increase will crack it)
4. Bake for 30 minutes after the oven has reached 350F
5. Remove mug and allow it to cool completely
“You’re the Bomb” Dynamite:
This gift would perfect for the dads with a sweet tooth. It is kind of random, but great!
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| Photo Credit: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/18/3a/f4/183af463a27d827baa2ab8bc7be78c2e.jpg |
Materials:
- 3-8 Packets of chocolate or candy (preferably in cylindrical packaging, for example Rolos or Mentos)
- Red wrapping/construction paper
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
- Kitchen Twine
- 1 sheet of Brown construction paper
- Foil (may be needed depending on the candy you choose)
- Black marker
Steps:
1. Refer to image. Individually wrap each packet with red wrapping/construction paper, leaving the ends of the packet sticking out (If the candy it not already wrapped in foil, cover it with foil before using the red wrapping paper)
2. For extra detail, you can tape a piece of twine (about 12 cm) to the middle of one of the packets and leave about 6 cm hanging loose. This will serve as the "fuse."
3. Use the kitchen twine to fasten the packets together so that they look like a bundle of dynamite sticks tied together. Make sure that the packet with the fuse taped to it is in the center of the bundle so that the taped part of the string is hidden.
4. Use the brown construction paper and scissors to cut out a label and write the words “You’re the Bomb” (or anything of your choosing) on the label with a black marker.
5. Attach the label to the twine holding the bundle together. You should end up with something that looks similar to the above image
A Candy Board:
This project calls for a bit of creativity. You are basically writing Dad a message using the names of different candies as words in your sentences. Don’t worry if the message sounds disorganized or random in places because that will only add to the silliness of the card. Assembling this card is pretty self explanatory, but thinking of a message and what candies to use may be challenging.
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| Photo Credit: http://www.frugalfanatic.com/fathers-day-card-candy-poster/ |
Materials:
- Sturdy poster board
- Several packets of candy (Dad’s favourites)
- Tape
- Sharpie
- Optional: colourful markers and anything else you would like to decorate with
The Humorous but Heartfelt Card:
Note: To be included with any gift
Out of all the things you could possibly give, words from the heart are what will make anyone feel loved and treasured. Make Dad a card and tell him why he means so much to you and how no amount of money could ever buy a gift comparable to how special he is!
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| Photo Credit: http://indulgy.com/post/10NqXehNN1/you-are-my-father-fathers-day-card |
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there! Lets hope that none of you are reading this article…
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About the Author
Niabi
Niabi is a third year student who is just starting a BA in English with a Spanish Minor. She’s a relentless optimist, hazardously curious, and tends to laugh a lot (her friends would say that she has a juvenile sense of humour). When not spending money she doesn’t have on clothes, or jamming out to Reggaeton, you can find her in a movie theatre, reading a book that involves sword fighting and dragons, or serving herself “eyes-are-to-big-for-your-stomach” helpings. She is thrilled to be a part of the YouAlberta team this year and plans to spread the excitement!
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