10 Great Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Any Budget
Shopping for dad can be hard, but these 10 great Father’s Day gift ideas make it a whole lot easier. You are just about guaranteed to find a winner for well under a hundred bucks (as low as $20 below)… and I say that as a dad who is hard to shop for.
I also know you may be thinking carefully about your budget, especially these days, so most of these gifts are inexpensive but pack a punch. Whether it’s the practical use case or the story behind them, dad will love what you give him.
And yes, some of the items come from our shop!
Your dad may appreciate what I like about our goods. Simple high-quality materials, handmade in the USA, and supporting young entrepreneurs like my daughters. Or you’ll find something else on the list, which is great as well. Just as an FYI, the links may be affiliate links, and I will make a modest commission on the purchase. Doesn’t change my opinion about any of these products, since they are all ones I have and use!
Here’s the list…
#1: The Runner
Recently, I’ve been on a running spree as I try to hit some new PRs, and these socks are my favorites. I have long loved Swiftwick products, but I only recently grabbed their Aspire One socks.
They are lightweight with minimal fluff.
I like how easy it is to slip my feet into my running shoes with these socks, and they don’t end up soggy messes after a few miles out in the heat.
#2: Appreciates a Good Watch
Dad may have a couple of watches, but he can always use another to compliment what he’s wearing.
He probably doesn’t want you to break the bank on your acquisition.
This all-black watch from MVMT (Movement) is attractive with minimal design elements. (Sounds like our products at The Shop 13!) You can’t go wrong with its look and feel. Plus, the brand has a good reputation despite its relatively low cost. There are several other looks you can see if you don’t like the all-black version when you click on the image below.
#3: The Classic Dad
Does your dad love the simple things, like a good book, a nice whiskey, and the satisfaction of a job well done?
This medium-size catch-all tray may become a secret favorite of his.
It’s the perfect way to stash keys, a knife, wallet, and a couple of other items. Drop in the remote control and set of playing cards for its proper place in the family room or den.
The rustic modern look doesn’t overwhelm with design elements, meaning it fits in with dad’s unobtrusive aesthetic and preference for handmade in the USA goods. (Also, mom may appreciate that dad is a little more organized with a place for those small items which usually go missing.)
#4: Always Carries More Than One Knife
I’ll admit that when it comes to carrying a knife, I am firmly in the “one is none, two is one” camp. There is usually a knife tucked in a pocket and another one in a bag nearby for me.
You dad may be the same way.
The real trick is carrying knives suited for different tasks. I love having this combination pry-bar and utility knife from Gerber on me. While my main carry is sharpened regularly, I like just changing out the blade on the Gerber when it gets dull. Plus, the rope cutter slot is nice to have. Oh… then there is the pry-bar, which I use regularly use to separate the molds we use for our catch-all trays… and to pull nails… and all kinds of other tasks.
Trust me, this is inexpensive but very welcome. Grab a 10-pack of utility blades when you get it to round out the gift.
#5: He Who Loves Notebooks
Do I have too many notebooks? Yes, absolutely.
I also used to think Moleskins were the best (aside from Field Notes) until I discovered Leuchtturm1917. They created the original version of the Moleskin notebooks you are used to today.
It’s important to respect the originals, so I recently grabbed what is now my absolute favorite notebook: the softcover Medium A5 notebook from Leuchtturm1917. It’s the BEST. My preferred color is sage, but I also have the bellini edition - apparently I was in a colorful mood when I purchased them!
Let me just plug the softcover real quick. I know most of us use hardcover notebooks, but sometimes the flexibility is perfect. You may need to roll it over to hold in one hand while you jot down a note. Or you just want to pet it. You weirdo.
#6: Coffee in the Morning, Cold One in the Evening
Does dad start the day with coffee and end it with a favorite “adult beverage?”
Would everyone prefer he not put a hot mug of java directly on the coffee table? And wouldn’t it be nice to not see moisture rings pile up on the end tables next to the couch?
Even dad will get in on the coaster action with these saddle leather coasters.
Yes, saddle leather.
Get enough of these, you could sew them together and ride off on your favorite stallion.
Like the catch-all tray, these are just plain good-looking without a lot of razzle-dazzle. Dad’s not a razzle-dazzle guy, so he’s going to love how these just blend in while warming up a room with their simple design.
You can even pick the best stamp for dad, whether that’s a flag or a flower!
#7: Taking Care of the Body
Hey, remember when foam rollers were all the rage?
What happened there? They still work great… actually, they work better than those percussive machines people seem to love so much these days.
I have a TriggerPoint GRID foam roller hidden in my family room to bust out while watching a movie with the family.
No one likes dad rolling around on the ground groaning about his muscles. But if it means dad is limber into his 70s, we are all just going to live with it, okay?
Seriously, I’m a big believer in putting in the work today to benefit decades from now.
Let dad know you want him in prime health for a long time by giving him this foam roller. It’s especially helpful for the dad who works out regularly, since it can get him back in fighting form faster.
#8: The Hoodie He Will Live, Sleep, and Die In
This is my favorite hoodie. Which means my wife steals it constantly. So, you’ll do a favor for mom as well by getting dad the Banks Pullover Hoodie from Marine Layer (one of my favorite brands).
The darn thing is just so comfortable. You don’t need to wear a shirt underneath it.
It doesn’t have a ton of cotton, so it won’t shrink in the wash. The way it fits when you first give it to dad is the same way it will fit years from now. That’s nice bonus, since he’s almost never going to stop wearing it. Unless mom steals it. Then you will just have to buy him a second one!
#9: Southwestern Vibe for His Office or Living Space
Credit to my wife for finding these prints from artist Jason Smith. He sells them on Amazon, and they are fantastic. I recommend the fox one, because I am partial to foxes, but you can’t go wrong with what he creates.
Dad may not procure artwork for himself regularly, so this is a special treat.
When you give it to him, tell him where you think it should go. You can even offer to hang it up for him. Show off those project skills!
(The frame is sold separately, FYI. Don’t forget that part.)
#10: Classic Desk Mat for Visual Peace and Happiness
About a year ago, while visiting my parents, I decided to make myself a leather desk mat. It wasn’t a project I had wanted to do, but it was easy to knock out with the leatherworking tools my dad had on hand. (I inspired him to get into leathercrafting not long after I took it up!)
Turns out, it was accessory I didn’t know I needed!
The leather office desk mat defines a specific space on my desk, and it encourages me to keep the space simple.
No one wants a bunch of clutter around the keyboard and mouse. On my desk at home, I have the blue office desk mat (seen below), and it is a sacred space. My keyboard, mouse, coffee mug (on a saddle leather coaster), and phone are the only items on it. The rest of the desk can be pure chaos, but the mat stays clear. It makes me happy, which makes me productive.
This is just the left-hand side of the desk mat, but it gives you a close to see texture and the stamping!
BONUS TIP!
Whatever you give dad, make sure you write a note as well!
As a father, I can tell you it means the world to see what your kids write about you. Get a little sappy - feel free to make fun of yourself for doing so if that helps you get over the embarrassment.
Remember, we only get one trip through this life.
Sharing your love in written form today means dad can open it up again in the future. You create a little emotional anchor for him… even if he can’t admit it directly to you.