When you’re just getting started in life and on your own or maybe you are still in college and just don’t have a lot of funds, getting a gift for your dad can be a challenge. The good news is that dads are easy to please and always have low expectations when it comes to Christmas.
Honestly, most dads are probably like me, they enjoy giving gifts and seeing their kids be happy around the holidays more than they enjoy receiving gifts. But when they get a gift that wasn’t bought in a store, it does something special for their heart.
Looking for some low (or no) cost Christmas gift ideas for your dad? Here are some that almost anyone can pull off, even if they have little extra time, and will be sure to put a smile on your dad’s face.
Garage Clean-Up Date
Most dads love having a clean, organized garage or workshop. But life and kids and jobs all get in the way, and sometimes those spaces just become cluttered and messy over the year. Take the initiative and find a weekend to work with your dad and help them clean the garage.
But don’t make it all about work. Ask him questions to increase your connection.
What’s your favorite project?
If you could have any car in the world, what would it be?
Ask him something that you don’t know about your dad but would always want to know. Not only will you gain a deep understanding of your dad, but you’re sure to put a smile on his face because in the end, it is just your time that he wants.
Christmas Breakfast (or Brunch)
Christmas morning is typically all about opening presents, and then everyone seems to go their separate ways to engross themselves in the gifts that they received. But instead, make breakfast with your dad. Raid the fridge and put together whatever you can, but make it a partnership of cooking. Also, ask him some personal questions to increase the bond.
What’s your favorite breakfast restaurant?
If you could be any breakfast food, what would you be and why?
When you were young, what did your mom and dad fix you for breakfast?
If he loves to drink coffee make him a fresh cup and enjoy being in the moment. No phones and no distractions.
No-Phone Zone Walk
Dads enjoy peace and quiet. One of my favorite activities is hiking. You walk and enjoy nature, and enjoy the silence. Ask your dad to go for a walk, no phones, no pictures, just a short walk, or maybe find a short hiking trail nearby that you can hike with him if the weather permits. Some questions you can ask while you are walking:
What’s your proudest dad moment?
If you could hike anywhere in the world, where would you hike?
This requires little to no effort and could be the breather your dad needs for the holidays. You take a little stress off his plate, and you win quality time with your dad.
Story Jar Surprise
Have you ever had questions that you just forgot to ask your dad. Well with this Christmas gift you will get it in writing. What you need is some scrap pieces of paper, a jar, and a notebook. Write some questions that you have burning for your dad, then write them down on each small piece of paper and put them in the jar.
Then, around Christmas, ask your dad to pull one piece of paper each day and write down his response. Here are some ideas for questions:
Best fishing trip ever?
Life lesson #1?
If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be and why?
Not only do you get some cool information, but you can also take those answers and save them for a time when maybe he can’t remember. Perhaps you can start answering those same questions for your kids!
Starry Blanket Chat
This one might be more difficult to do around Christmas, but if the weather allows can work really well. Grab an old blanket and ask your dad to lie out and look at the stars with you.
If your dad taught you about constellations, then point some out and impress him. Or maybe just have conversations about dreams past or present. Whatever comes to mind to deepen your bond with your dad.
Recipe Root Revival
Is there one recipe that your dad always makes but you have never made it with him? Ask him how to make it first, get the ingredient list and directions, then show up one day and surprise him by asking him to make it with you. While you are making it ask questions like these:
Why did you enjoy this recipe so much?
Did your dad (or mom) ever teach you a special recipe that you love?
Your dad will value your time and hopefully value that you want to continue something that he enjoys making, and hopefully will start a new tradition for you.
Project Partner
If your dad is like me, he probably has a few (hundred) projects that are unfinished around the house. Maybe a spot in the yard that needs to be tidied up, or a junk closet that needs to be cleaned out. Offer to stop by and help him finish that project together.
Your dad gets his project done and he also gets to do it with someone. It’s a win for you and your dad.
Snack Run
Growing up, did your dad have a favorite snack he would always get at the gas station when you went on trips? Mine was always corn nuts or a candy called burnt peanuts. Go to the gas station and get loads of his favorite snacks and maybe a favorite special drink and just drop it off for him with a simple heartfelt note.
This idea will bring back memories of good road trips and nostalgia of you when you were a kid. Grab your favorite snack, sit down, and share it with him while you talk about life or plan a road trip for the two of you.
Nap Permission Slip
How busy is your dad on Christmas Day? Does he feel like he needs to be up and going or doing things? Write out a simple Nap Permission Slip. Give your dad the afternoon off. Maybe there are still younger siblings in the house that prevent him from napping, so take them out and do something with them. Just make sure dad gets a nap.
A Phone Call
This one you can do multiple times. How many times do you talk to your dad just to talk about life and not deliver bad news or ask for something? I was the worst at doing this and just picking up the phone and calling my dad to talk. Most of the time I would just call him on his birthday or Father’s Day.
Why not call him a few times around the holidays and let him know how life is going. Good or bad your dad will enjoy just having a conversation and not expecting anything in return.
Just Come Home
Do you live a ways away from your dad? Try to make it home for the holidays. Traveling can be expensive and life gets busy but just try and find a way to make it home for Christmas. You cannot even understand the feeling of joy I have when my kids are all home for the holidays. To see them come together and play games and laugh and be noisy. It’s actually one of the few times I don’t mind all the noise in my house.
At the end of the day, the best gift you can give your dad doesn’t come with a price tag. It comes with your presence. Dads don’t need the latest gadget or an expensive watch. They need you—your time, your attention, and your willingness to just be there.
So this Christmas, don’t stress about what you can’t afford. Focus on what you can give freely. Show up. Ask questions. Listen. Make memories.
Because one day, those moments will be the gifts you’re both most thankful for.
If you would share with us if you have any ideas for low or no cost Christmas gift ideas for dads. Let us know on Facebook or TikTok
