Five ‘Last Minute’ Gifts for Father’s Day That Won’t Break the Budget

By Marshall Loeb

RISMEDIA, June 16, 2008-(MCT)-With Father’s Day tomorrow, there’s no need to panic about spending a lot of money on Dad. A lot of good gift ideas can be found for cheap.

From Bankrate.com’s Laura Shanahan, consider these five ideas for gifts that won’t break the bank:

- Tell Dad to take a hike– with you! Strap on those backpacks and take in the wonders of nature, whether it’s the wilds of the woods or the greenery of your city park. Cap the day by hoisting a glass or a mug– your treat, please–at a cafe or coffee shop.
- Give Father an al fresco feast. What’s more fun than a fancy meal in a four-star restaurant? Why, a picnic, of course. It doesn’t have to be a big production and you don’t have to travel far. Got a backyard? Spread out a tablecloth or even a big beach towel, bring out a batch of dad’s favorite treats and dig in.
- Be charitable. Does Dad love his four-footed friends? Consider a contribution in his name to a humane organization or to any other charity of his choosing.
- Here’s an “extra, extra” nice gift: A subscription to his hometown newspaper or to a publication dedicated to one of the passions in his life. To find some of the more obscure periodicals he may not even be familiar with, check out titles at your nearest book superstore or do some research online.
- Spend a dollar–and give him the dream. Yep, we’re talking a lottery ticket, or two. And remember, if he wins, it’s all his!