Father's Day Gift Ideas for a Tight Budget: King for a Day - Father's Day Surprises

Father's Day is close at hand. For many people out there this can be the "tie" season, however, if you're one of the predictable types that always get dad the same thing, why not do something new and creative for him? These ideas are fun, kid-friendly and sure to make dad feel like a king, while letting the family get creative!

Zen Garden

I'm sure you've seen Zen gardens that can cost quite a bit of money. These are great for taking to the office or even putting on dad's desk at home. For those unfamiliar with what a Zen Garden is, it's basically a box of sand, some stones and a creative fork line that can be changed as frequently as the positioning of the rocks. Making these is insanely easy, too.

All you need is a box, for starters. Candy boxes, old fancy cigar boxes or even buying one of those tiny boxes that craft stores sell for jewelry boxes. All you need to do is take it apart and use the shallow end of the box! Next, get some sand. Any color works, to be honest, but most people opt for a whiter sand than purple, for example, but, a very fine gravel works if it's all you are able to locate. Just fill the box halfway full of sand and spread it evenly. Now comes the fun part. Using a plastic fork (best for multiple lines that make a zen garden zen-y), make some squiggle lines with the fork, making sure there's an interesting pattern in the bottom that dad will love!

The last bit are the rocks, although you can use plants too if you want. I've even used miniature statues, too, for a more Japanese feel. All you do is place the rocks (river rocks work well, make sure they're not tiny or insanely large!) around the box how you like it and voila! You have created a home-made zen garden for Father's Day!

Picture Frames

Since dad can't likely take the family with him to work, why not have the kids and mom create a family picture frame (or several!) for Dad to take to work with him? This one is fun for everyone and can be done with as many or as few items as you can think of. Markers, fabric, glue, glitter and even gemstones can be placed on a generic picture frame to create something awesome for father's day! The best bet for finding cheaper picture frames are dollar stores, which often sell plain, wooden frames that are un-finished for only one dollar. Most other items you'd need for this project can be located in the same stores. This idea is perfect for those who don't have much money to spend this Father's Day. Plus, every time he looks at the pictures he'll see just how loved and appreciated he truly is.

Kingly Crown

This idea is fun not only for Father's Day, but, can be a great project any time of year. There are two main ways you can make a crown for Dad. One is by paper and one is by using foam craft crowns that are pre-cut in kingly shapes.

First, we'll go over the paper crown. This one may require mom's help since she would know better what size dad's head is. She may also have to cut out the construction paper crown if there are little ones that can not quite use scissors safely just yet. Once mom has it cut out, let the kids go crazy decorating with stickers, markers, glitter glues and even mini pictures of them if you have any. Once done, mom or one of the kids can glue the crown together and all that's left is to let it dry. Give at least 24 hours for everything to dry otherwise glitters or glue can get on everything the crown touches.

The foam crowns, as I mentioned, are pre-cut and perfect for younger children. No scissors required at all. With these pre-cut, all that is needed are decorations. Craft stores often sell foam adhesive stickers that go great with this kind of project. They require peeling paper off the back and sticking on the crown. You can have children decorate the crown as they desire and even use glitter glue to write Dad upon it if they desire. How these appear are only limited to the imagination. As with paper crowns, let the glue set for 24 hours and then simply attach the crown slot into the crown slit! Dad will have a marvelous crown for Father's Day that will mean more than a crown with rubies and diamonds ever could.

Father's Day isn't about who can get dad the most expensive surprise. It's about love, respect and admiration for what a dad is. Remember to thank the fathers in your life this Father's day because you never know when they may be gone.