Father’s Day is coming up soon (Sunday, June 17). I’ve been perusing gift guides, mostly because every blog, magazine, and store I get emails from is flooding my inbox with them. But you know what? It would appear that fathers have some really expensive tastes. (A $3000 speaker? Really? And this has shown up on multiple lists.) This got me thinking about the fact that these lists aren’t really for kids. Apparently, kids should DIY gifts and the other parent involved should go buy dad something nice.
Well, I don’t know about your kid, but mine has ways to earn money around the house, and she sets some aside for saving and some for spending. She loves to be generous, and the idea of using her money to buy a gift for someone is exciting for her. If your kids feel the same way, this gift guide is for them. Everything on it is $20 or less! So, here you go: Father’s Day gifts the kids can actually afford to buy.
These passports are new from letterboard company Letterfolk. They’re a neat way to remember details of your adventures, and as a gift from the kids to dad, it would be awesome to fill them out together. There are tons of fun options, but I’ll highlight Sporting Events and my personal favorite: Tacos. ($12)
These retro Polaroid-style coasters will let Dad display his favorite photos in style—and out where people can see them, instead of on his phone. Question, though: are Polaroids still retro if they’re a thing again now? ($12)
This is one of my (and my daughter’s) favorite dad-themed picture books. Dad and the Dinosaur tells the story of a boy trying to brave like his dad, and a dad who’s willing to let his son in on a secret: everybody’s afraid sometimes. Gift this book to dad, and he can share a moment with your little ones as he lets them in on the big secret, too. ($15)
I’ve recommended this line of books before for a grandparent gift, but I’m going to recommend the Dad version for Father’s Day. A great personalized gift from a child to their father, and a fun tradition to start. Imagine filling one out every year or every couple years, starting with a young child and continuing as they grow. Heart. Melting. ($10)
These adventure cards from Serenflipity are a great choice for an older child (think teens) to give dad, to spark some bonding time at home or on a family vacation. And with the card’s suggestions, that’ll be way more fun than it sounds. ($13)
I came across this Yoda bookend weeks ago and have been looking for an excuse to buy it and gift it to someone. Oh, why hello there, Father’s Day! If you know a dad who’s a Star Wars fan and loves to read, this is your chance to do the same! ($20)
Help Dad up his dad joke game with this great book. If he needs even more help, volume two is also available. ($6 each)
Is Dad always losing something—his phone, his keys, the remote, a favorite tool? Give him a Tile Mate to attach to it and, with the free Tile app, he’ll be able to find his missing item with no problem. ($20)
I love this custom printable to let Dad know how much he means. If you go to the shop page, you’ll see that the printable comes in a few different names for your special guy, and there’s even a custom word collage option. Take note that the artist does the editing and design—you take care of the printing. (varies)
While our own fathers may have had a shelf full of World’s Best Dad mugs, I think we can give that classic a millennial upgrade, eh? And this t-shirt is both way cuter and much more likely to get used.
Your kids may still need a bit of help to make these gifts happen (I know, I know there’s always taxes and shipping), but I hope they found something awesome on this list! Enjoy celebrating the dads in your lives!