Frugal Father’s Day

Although we should take a moment to honour dad every day, his “official” celebration is this weekend.

And if you have a family, you are tasked with the double duty of celebrating your own dad, along with your husband. And if your husband is anything like mine, he is darn near impossible to buy for. This is compounded by the fact that if he wants/needs anything, he goes out and buys it. Even the day before his birthday/Christmas/Father’s Day. I speak from experience and I know for a fact that this is not an uncommon phenomenon amongst dads everywhere.

Spontaneous shopping = budget blowout

Don’t wait until Father’s Day eve to hit the mall or the local home improvement store to spend more than you should on things that he doesn’t want or need.

You’ll be panicking, and will ignore price tags in pursuit of peace, knowing that you’re going to be able to check this errand off your list.  Plan ahead today with some brainstorming and budgeting.

And tell him he’s not allowed to go shopping for the next week.

Get the kids involved

This is their show, after all. Remember that Father’s Day is about giving kids a chance to officially celebrate all of the things that their dad does for them. That’s why homemade is not only totally acceptable, it is totally appropriate (and budget-friendly. Yay!).

Write it down

In addition to the crafts and things that the little ones create for dad (who doesn’t love their portrait done in macaroni), take some time to have the kids write (or help them write) a card or a letter to dad.  Do a fill-in-the-blank about “your favourite things about dad.”

The results are hilarious and keepsake worthy- and may even be a little embarrassing for dad (up the fun factor for all!).

If you really want to have some fun, have them draw a picture about what they think dad does all day…

Give dad the day off

Like really give him the day off. Park the lawn mower, hoses and errands. This is dad’s day to park it and watch golf, read a book, have an uninterrupted nap, or whatever he wants. The real gift is that this “me” time comes guilt-free.