For those who do want to mark the occasion with a gift, we’ve rounded up ideas to suit a range of interests and budgets
Father’s Day is fast approaching, but finding a thoughtful gift doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Whether you’re looking to spend £5, £50 or nothing at all, there are plenty of ways to make the day feel special.
In fact, many dads would happily swap expensive presents for quality time with family, whether that’s a home-cooked meal, a day out or simply spending time together.
For those who do want to mark the occasion with a gift, we’ve rounded up ideas to suit a range of interests and budgets, from foodie treats and fitness-focused finds to Star Wars-themed presents and gardening gifts.
The best Father’s Day gifts don’t always cost anything. Before heading to the shops, it’s worth remembering that some of the most appreciated Father’s Day gestures are completely free.
A family walk, breakfast in bed, a homemade card, a photo slideshow of favourite memories or even a DIY voucher promising a car wash or help around the house can mean more than a shop-bought present. For families keeping a close eye on spending, these simple ideas can make the day feel special without adding to the weekly budget.
Budget-friendly Father’s Day gifts from £5
Supermarkets are once again offering plenty of affordable Father’s Day gifts for shoppers looking to keep costs down.
Aldi’s famous middle aisle has become a destination in its own right for seasonal gifting, with this year’s Father’s Day Specialbuys including games, slippers and novelty gifts aimed at dads who enjoy a laugh. Meanwhile, personalised mugs and photo gifts from supermarkets such as Asda offer a low-cost way to create something a little more personal.
For those putting together a small gift hamper, Western Cape Snacks’ range of biltong and protein snacks starts from around £5 and could easily be paired with a favourite drink or magazine. Home cooks may also appreciate Steenbergs’ Organic Gift Bag, which contains a selection of herbs and spices and comes in at around £15.
Food and drink gifts for dads who love to eat
Food remains one of the most popular Father’s Day gift categories, particularly for dads who claim they “don’t need anything”.
Bloom & Wild’s savoury hampers start from around £35 and focus on artisan snacks and gourmet treats rather than the traditional chocolates and sweets. Similarly, Prestige Hampers’ Cheers to Dad Hamper (£36.99) combines a selection of snacks and treats designed for sharing.
For those looking to celebrate with something a little different, Wickedly Welsh’s Father’s Day Collection (£24.99) showcases a range of Welsh-made produce, while Ding Dong Dim Sum Kits, starting from around £20, bring restaurant-style dining into the home.
Beer lovers are also well catered for. Vocation Brewery’s IPA Gift Set costs around £20 and features a selection of craft beers, while Aldi’s Ambiano Beer Dispenser has become one of the supermarket’s standout Father’s Day Specialbuys this year, offering a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive home bar gadgets.
For dads who enjoy spending time in the kitchen, the Good Phats Cooking Set (around £40) and Dunelm’s Chip & Dip Bowl (around £20) both offer practical additions that are likely to be used long after Father’s Day itself.
Fitness and wellbeing gifts
For active dads, practical gifts are often the most welcome.
Whey protein gift bundles available through Amazon typically cost between £25 and £40 and can be a useful option for gym-goers, runners or anyone focused on their fitness goals.
Meanwhile, Norse Organics Muscle Rub, priced at around £40, is aimed at those looking for post-workout recovery or relief from everyday aches and pains, making it a suitable gift for sporty dads and weekend gardeners.
For the dad who loves films, gadgets and pop culture
Star Wars continues to be one of the most popular franchises among collectors and fans, meaning there are plenty of Father’s Day gift options available without breaking the £50 budget.
LEGO’s Star Wars range includes several sets priced from around £45, while CASETiFY’s Star Wars laptop case (£47) combines fandom with practicality for dads who spend plenty of time on the move or working from home. Also be sure to check out Asda for bargain priced LEGO sets and character socks from £1.50 – I spotted some fun Grogu ones in a special gift box at this price).
Gifts for dads with green fingers
Plants continue to grow in popularity as gifts, offering something longer lasting than flowers and often proving easier to buy for than clothes.
A nice idea for your gardening Dad is to buy a back of bulbs or some seeds from the supermarket and to make a voucher to promise a day of planting fun with you. This could be done for £1 and create some really lovely memories.
However, if your Pops loves being outside but isn’t quite “green-fingured” The Beards & Daisies Acer Plant, priced at around £40, could appeal and adds that splash of colour to a patio, balcony or garden space. Unlike many Father’s Day gifts, it’s something that can continue growing and developing long after the celebrations are over.
The verdict
Whether you’re spending £5, £50 or nothing at all, Father’s Day doesn’t have to be about extravagant gifts. From supermarket bargains and personalised keepsakes to foodie hampers, craft beer and Star Wars collectibles, there are plenty of ways to show appreciation without stretching your budget.
And for many families, the simplest option of all — spending time together — may still be the gift that matters most.
