Father’s Day comes around once a year, inspiring us to show the dads in our lives just how much they mean to us. While we’re all for grand gestures and over-the-top gifts, we also appreciate the value of an incredible gift that sticks to a reasonable budget. To help you wow Dad with an amazing – and budget-friendly! – gift this Father’s Day, we’ve put together this gift-giving cheat sheet – where you’ll be able to find 50 unique gift ideas, each for less than $50!
Create an Adventure Bucket List
If you’re feeling crafty this Father’s Day, creating a customized adventure bucket list for Dad is the way to put it to use! Begin with a list of challenges you know Dad will appreciate – whether that’s visiting certain locations or trying new things – and then arrange your selected objectives alongside check boxes. We recommend using Canva for its simple and free design interface!
You can bring a 20x30in poster to life for just $27.29.
Design a Personalized Project Tracker
Our photo book builder makes it simple to create books that have purpose – meaning you can craft a project journal for Dad with ease! Start from scratch or select one of our journal templates. Then just build your book around whatever project Dad is tackling at the moment – whether that be training for a marathon or remodeling part of the house.
You can create a 20-page hardcover journal for $45.99!
Create a Set of Coasters
Being a dad means having a lot to cheers to! Add memories to Dad’s celebratory moments with a set of custom coaster prints.
You can print 4 unique photo coasters for $23.99.
Customize a Stainless-Steel Thermos
If the dad in your life has a strong sense of adventure, a stainless-steel thermos is the perfect way to stay by his side on each of his adventures. Take this gift to the next level by pairing it with plans to go on a family camping trip!
You can customize a stainless-steel thermos for $45.00.
Compile Old Prints into a Book
If your dad has boxes and boxes of old photographs somewhere in the house, Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to turn them into a gorgeous book. Begin by digging your favorite photos out of the archives. Then, scan your selections onto a computer and arrange them in a Printique photo book.
You can create a 20-page hardcover memory book for $45.99!
Print His Favorite Artworks
Are you gift shopping for an art fanatic? You can bring your dad’s favorite art to life for an amazingly low cost by finding his favorite artwork in the public domain. You can browse some of our own featured printables here, and find more information on uncovering gems in the public domain here!
Print Photos of His Four-Legged Friends
Does your dad have a pet he holds close to his heart? Turn their favorite photos together into meaningful displays. Photos with his best pal are sure to warm Dad’s heart, whether you bring it to life on acrylic, metal, canvas, or silver halide photo paper.
Add Notes to Little Memories
Don’t overlook the power of a small gesture! Printing a few dozen photographs as classic prints and writing heartfelt notes on the backs of them is an incredible way to communicate your love to Dad this Father’s Day. Simply upload your favorite pictures with Dad – or photos from adventures you shared together – to a Printique gallery and print!
You can bring 50 photo prints to life for just $15.50.
Create an ‘Open Me When’ Set
If your dad is a sentimentalist, he will absolutely adore a thoughtful “Open me when” set of letters. Write titles like “Open me when you’re feeling homesick,” “Open me when you’re feeling uninspired,” or “Open me when you need a laugh” on the front of envelopes. Then, fill these envelopes with anything that relates to that envelope’s respective title! Include photo prints from meaningful memories to make this gift all the more memorable.
Help Dad Redesign a Meaningful Space
Does Dad have a room or area he’s been meaning to organize or decorate for a while? Help him get the ball rolling this Father’s Day! Dedicate time to cleaning and rearranging the space in an intentional way, and add a handful of custom decor pieces as the finishing touch.
Invest in His Business
If your dad is passionate about photography, investing in his business is one of the best gifts you can give him this Father’s Day. A Printique Pro Service membership costs only $14.95 a month, which means you can subscribe Dad to three months of Pro Service for less than $45. This will give him access to free priority processing, free white labeling, a free digital gallery store, and 10% off on every order.
Create a Book of Letters from His Friends
Collecting letters from your dad’s friends is an awesome way to surprise him on Father’s Day. Either have his friends send letters over as PDF’s that you can directly upload to printique.com, or scan handwritten letters into your computer. Once made digital, you can easily drag and drop these letters into a customized photo book.
Turn a Map into Meaningful Decor
If your dad has a particular location that he holds close to his heart, Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to turn that place into an invaluable memento. Turn a vintage map of a meaningful location into a stunning wood print that Dad will treasure forever.
You can create an 8×12 wood print for $35.99.
Create a DIY Movie Poster
Is your dad a massive fan of a particular movie franchise? Add a splash of photoshop to a picture of Dad and you’ll be able to create a customized movie poster – starring none other than Dad himself! It’s the type of gift that Dad will brag about to all his friends – and he’ll be right to do so!
Create a 20x30in poster print for $27.99.
Turn Little Moments into Mini Acrylic Blocks
If Dad’s camera roll is filled with sweet but small moments, Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to bring them to life on mini acrylic blocks.
Our 2x2in acrylic blocks cost just $11.99, meaning you can create four unique photo blocks within your $50 budget.
Send Letters from the Future
We’ve mentioned a handful of ways to make your Father’s Day gift last over time, but this one has to be our favorite! Write a handful of heartfelt notes to Dad, addressing him 1 year from now, 5 years from now, 10 years from now, and so on. Accompany each letter with photo prints that relate to what is written inside. Then, head into a local post office and request that your letters be sent on particular dates 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years from now. Not every post office will do it, but you should be able to find one that will!
When you finish giving gifts on Father’s Day, let Dad know that there’s more to come – for a very long time!
Print His Favorite Quotes on Wood
Does your dad have a go-to saying or mantra? Bring it to life on an artisanal wood print this Father’s Day. Not only will this show Dad how well you listen to his words of wisdom, but it will keep his most inspiring lines in sight day in and day out. What’s a better gift than that?
Compile Children’s Artwork into a Book
If you’re creating a gift for a dad with young children, don’t miss the opportunity to make their one-of-a-kind artistic creations part of the gift. Give the kids different prompts, like “Draw your favorite memory with Daddy,” or “Draw Daddy as a superhero,” and scan the drawings into a custom photo book!
Customize a Calendar (and fill it with surprises!)
Customizing a calendar for Dad may seem like a pretty boring and straightforward gift, but we have the perfect trick for taking it to the next level. When your calendar arrives, go through each month and fill in special occasions. Block off weekends for surprise trips or draw stars on days where you’ve planned a special date night. Not only will the dad you’re shopping for be greeted with a meaningful photo every month, but he’ll begin each month full of excited anticipation for what’s in store.
Create a Movie Bucket List
If the adventure bucket list idea we mentioned above didn’t feel quite right, consider a movie bucket list instead! List our all the movies you think should be on Dad’s list of must-sees, and arrange them along side check boxes. Get creative by adding unique icons related to each movie you listed.
Once your list is complete, have your photo printed and let Dad check off each movie as he makes his way down the list!
Write a Custom Book of Dad Jokes
Does your dad love a good Dad joke? Help him indulge in this guilty pleasure with a custom book of Dad jokes. Feature a mix of classic Dad jokes, Dad’s very own originals, and a few of your very own to make it a gift that keeps Dad laughing all year long.
Entertain His Problem Solving Side
If your dad has a soft spot for a good puzzle, look no further than a custom photo puzzle! Dad will love getting to solve a puzzle that he can’t get anywhere else, and he’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous display of a photo he holds close to his very own heart.
You can create a 520-piece custom puzzle for $35.00.
Create a Scrapbook of Life as a Dad
Highlight every moment of Dad’s life as Dad in a custom scrapbook. Incorporate everything from handwritten letters to plane tickets, photo prints, and ultrasound photographs. It’s a gift that will show Dad that you see and appreciate all the steps that made him the father he is today.
Create a Mini Book of Lessons
One of the ways to honor your dad is by compiling all of the lessons you’ve learned from her into one book. Begin by listing all of the things Mom has taught you over the years; Then, find pictures from your childhood that relate to each lesson – either directly or loosely – and arrange the lesson and the photo on the pages opposite each other. It’s a visual and meaningful way to truly show Dad the way he has shaped your life for the better.
You can create a 40-page softcover photo book for $39.99.
Create a Sentimental Piece of Pet Art
While prints of pet photos make for an incredible gifts, there are even more sentimental ways to give a pet gift this Father’s Day. One of our favorite ways to create sentimental pet art is by taking a paw print of your pet with (safe to use) ink. Once the ink has dried, scan this print onto your computer. Upload it to Printique.com and print it as a 5×7 acrylic photo block. This will leave you with a dimensional, stunning, and everlasting display of your pet’s paw print.
You can create this gift for Dad for just $48.99.
Create a Mini Book of Things You Love
Similar to a book of lessons, a mini book of things you love prompts you to list out all the things you love about Dad. You can either write this directly to your romantic partner and father of your children, or make it a family gift that each child contributes to; Or make one of each!
No matter how you choose to approach a mini book of things you love, it’s sure to warm Dad’s heart with every word.
You can create two mini books for just $19.98.
Print his Favorite Moments of History
If your dad is a total history buff, turn his favorite historical moments into art work this Father’s Day! Spend an afternoon browsing the public domain for the perfect historical photograph. Then, bring ten of your best finds to life on 11x14in prints.
You can create this ten-piece set for just $48.20!
Create a Custom Mystery Game
If you’re looking to really challenge your creative skills, this gift idea is for you. Order sets of prints to distribute to your family for a custom-made murder mystery game that Dad will never forget! From handprints, to crime scene photos, to surveillance pictures taken by private investigators, there’s nothing you can’t do when using prints to give your players clues!
Help Him Keep in Touch with Loved Ones
Making it easy for Dad to keep in touch with his loved ones is truly a gift that keeps giving, and you can do just that with a set of custom greeting cards.
You can create 24 custom greeting cards for $41.98.
Bring his Poetry to Life
If your dad loves to write poetry or partakes in other creative forms of writing, printing his work in a professional quality book is a meaningful way to celebrate his talents. Pair his poems with photographs that capture the essence of each individual piece to make this gift extra special.
You can create an 8x6in hardcover poetry book for $45.99.
Turn his Culinary Creations into a Book
Turn Dad’s passion for cooking into a gift that can be passed through generations! Combine his favorite recipes with recipes he’s been meaning to try.
Create Something Mailable
Sometimes Dad can’t be by your side on Father’s Day, which makes mailable photo gifts all the more meaningful. Save a larger gift for when the whole family can be together; Fill your mailable gift with words of love and printed memories.
Customize Mugs for the Family
Mugs are a foolproof gift, no matter who you’re shopping for. Creating a set of matching mugs for the family is an adorable way to celebrate both Dad and the incredible family you have together.
Build Him His First Ever Photography Book
Help Dad see his photography through a new light with a professional quality photography book. Showcase his most impressive captures (and a few of your personal favorites) to show him how magnificent his photography truly is.
Hide Little Memories Everywhere
Stretch your Father’s Day celebration out over a handful of days by scattering printed memories all around the house. Slip them in coat pockets, book bags, cabinets, and clothing drawers. They will serve as sweet and never ending reminders of how important the Dad in your life is.
Compile a Little Book of Cocktails
The best gifts are full of fun, and this one certainly is! Group cocktail recipes by alcohol type – Gin, Vodka, Tequila, Rum, etc. – to create a cute and perfectly organized set of cocktail books.
You can create four mini cocktail recipe books for less than $40.
Create a “Family Yearbook”
Celebrate the last “school year” for your family in a personalized family yearbook. Feature portraits, candids, and milestone moments, and have each of your family members sign the yearbook. It’s a sentimental gift that Dad will look back on fondly for years to come!
Customize a World’s Best Dad Mug
If you’re still looking for a cute way to customize a mug, look no further than a World’s Best Dad mug. With just a simple text design and either a custom doodle or photograph, you’ll be able to create a precious mug that will remind Dad each morning just how much you care for him.
Create Art Around His Favorite National Parks
If your dad loves National Parks, he’ll love custom prints that turn the parks into unique and colorful artwork! You can find free-to-print National Park posters in the Library of Congress’s travel posters collection.
Create Functional Kitchen Art Pieces
With kitchen space often at a premium, any kitchen décor you gift to Dad should be fabulous, functional, or better yet: both. Functional kitchen acrylics are helpful, aesthetic, and original; They’re sure to catch the attention and compliments of all of your dad’s guests! Think of what the most helpful information for Dad would be – whether that be the ingredients of her favorite recipe, a measurement conversion chart, or a collection of QR codes to the blogs of her favorite cooking personalities – then print it on a sleek and gorgeous acrylic block!
You can create two 5x7in acrylic blocks or one 8x10in acrylic block for $99.
Create a Custom Niche Fan Poster
Take Dad’s love for movies to the next level with a custom niche fan poster. This might mean filling in the blanks on the rules of wedding crashing (Wedding Crashers) or creating a detailed map of Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park). It’s sure to be a gift that will awaken his inner fanatic and keep him enthralled for days to come!
A DIY a Deck of Cards
If your dad loves a good card game, don’t stop at just any old deck of card! From unique takes on games like Old Maid to creative renditions of truth or dare, there’s no limit to what you can create to custom 3.5x5in prints.
You can create a 50-piece deck of custom prints for just $15.50!
Create a Personalized Journal
A custom journal is a wonderful way to help Dad reach his person, professional, and financial goals. Our One Line Everyday template supplies you with the perfect baseline for building your very own personalized journal for Dad. Include intentional prompts, questions, and outlines curated specifically for the goals you know your mom is trying to reach!
You can create a 20-page hardcover journal for $69.99 or a 40-page softcover journal for $39.79.
Create a Spotify Music Wall
A Spotify music wall is a unique and functional way to help Dad make music a bigger part of his life. See a complete how-to guide on creating scan-to-play Spotify prints here!
Get Him Started on a Scrapbook
If your dad has long been talking about building a personalized scrapbook, he’ll be more than thrilled to see you got it started for him! Small steps like buying the perfect base book or printing the first dozen photos can remove any roadblocks standing between Dad and the scrapbook of his dreams.
Get Dad started with his first 100 prints for just $31.00!
Create His Gallery Anchor Pieces
Does Dad’s passion project revolve around a gallery wall rather than a scrapbook? Kicking off his gallery with two strong anchor pieces can serve as all the inspiration he needs to continue crafting the perfect gallery.
Create two 16x24in posters for just $34.62.
Print Free-to-Use Vintage Art
If your dad is a fan of vintage art, a set of vintage art prints will make for the perfect gift. You can find dozens of incredible free-to-print vintage art in the public domain; Whether Dad loves sports, space, nature, art, automobiles, natural history, or anything in between, you’ll be able to find vintage art he’ll adore.
Create ten 11x14in vintage prints for $48.20!
Turn Sweet Family Moments into Art
The best gifts don’t have to be complicated, creative, large, or unique. Sometimes all a great gift has to do is showcase a moment that means something to the person you’re shopping for; Sweet family moments mean just that to Dad. Display your favorite family memories on museum-quality canvas prints and surprise Dad with a gallery he’ll never want to look away from.
You can create an 11x14in canvas prints for $46.99.
Print Commissioned Art
Commissioning artwork for Dad is a fun and awesome way to create a one-of-a-kind gift; Take commissioned artwork to the next level by having it printed! Depending on the style of artwork, you may prefer to have it printed as a poster, a metal print, an acrylic, or a giclee fine-art print.
Let Him Choose His Favorite Memories
If Dad prefers to call the shots, a Printique gift card is the best way to give the gift of memories this Father’s Day. With a Printique gift card, Dad can choose which memories he wants to bring to life – and exactly how he wants to do so!
You can schedule a $50 Printique gift card to arrive right on Father’s Day.