Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap.
Father’s Day is coming — but step away from the tie rack.
The world of online shopping can offer you tons of creative and affordable Father’s Day gift ideas that are not the cliche necktie. Whether you need to pick up a cheap and easy dad gift that’s still thoughtful, or have a little more cash to spend on some of his favorite things, we’ve got you covered.
Read on for some ideas about affordable Father’s Day gifts that Dad is sure to love.
New gadgets
If you’re always hearing about the latest and greatest advances in tech and tools from Dad, gadget gifts may suit him just fine.
Keep in mind that by gadgets we don’t necessarily mean pricey technology. We’re talking about handy tools and gizmos your father wouldn’t think to buy himself, like a multi-tool on a keychain or waterproof cases for his favorite electronics.
Handy dads may appreciate any of these budget-friendly gadget gifts.
Fishing lures
Dads who are happiest when they’re “gone fishin'” will love these fishing lure keychains — minus the actual hooks because that could be painful when he puts his keys in his pocket.
Or, get him the real deal with this impressive and varied set of fishing lures.
If fishing is Dad’s passion, you can find plenty of inexpensive gifts that proclaim his love for his hobby or useful items for his fishing and boating adventures.
Sports massage
Does Dad bowl or play golf or tennis? A sports massage can improve flexibility and help soothe muscular aches and pains.
Massages don’t come cheap, but you can find deals to make your Father’s Day gift more affordable. Start by checking Groupon’s massage deals. You can save 50% on massages, sometimes more. Or, purchase a gift certificate for Massage Envy, which offers lower-priced massages compared with fancy spas, and has hundreds of locations nationwide.
Culinary gifts
For dads who love their grills, gifts from Omaha Steaks, the nation’s largest direct marketer of steaks, are likely to please. Their Father’s Day combo and Father’s Day dinner deals are perfect for getting a great meal (and some quality time at the grill) for less.
To go along with those steaks, Wine Country Gift Baskets offers two red wines plus snacks for $64.95 with free shipping. Blakemore merlot and fruity cabernet arrive with several sweet and savory Wine Country favorites including Sonoma Jacks garlic and herb cheese spread, olives, vanilla fudge with sea salt, spicy honey crunch snack mix and more.
If Dad’s culinary preference runs to succulent Maine lobster, The Lobster Guy can ship a four-pack of live lobsters, with cooking instructions, overnight.
From Harry & David, you can send Dad a box of luscious pears and cherries — or a decadent tasting of chocolate-covered strawberries.
Experiences
It’s really all about the memories when it comes to Father’s Day. So give Dad an experience he won’t forget.
You could treat him to a custom experience gift, like these options on Tinggly. Spend the day on the lake, or plan a picnic at his favorite park.
Does Dad’s face take on a wistful expression when he watches the Indy 500? You could make his speed demon fantasy come true if you live near one of the 270 Great American Days locations. Here you can choose from 266 adrenaline-pumping experiences: for example, a stock car ride-along at the Mobile International Speedway or an Indy Car ride-along at the Kentucky Speedway.
For the adrenaline junkie, consider indoor skydiving like the offerings at iFly. Their gift vouchers are loaded with a fully-funded iFly experience, meaning Dad can choose when he wants to visit. You can get a two-flight voucher with one-on-one flight instruction and flight gear rental included for $84.99.
Gift cards
Is your dad an eBay junkie? An eBay gift card gives him the opportunity to shop on this addictive site for anything from baseball cards to tools to sports equipment. He might be excited to buy something you never would have thought to purchase for him.
Similarly, an Amazon gift card (which comes in an attractive greeting card) lets him choose whatever he wants, but without the thrill of the chase. You can choose the amount you can afford to spend.
A recent survey showed that dads prefer two kinds of gifts: gift cards, so they can choose what they like, or time with their kids. Why not give him both?
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