With Father’s Day only a few weeks away, mother’s and kids all around the country will be busy searching for the perfect gift. If you’re low on funds, or would simply like to save money, it’s easy to feel as though you won’t be able to find a thoughtful gift for the fathers in your life. Luckily, there are some ideas you can use for inspiration, which will help you strike the right balance between thoughtful and meaningful.

A cookbook

There are some gifts which last the day, and some which last a lifetime. Cookbooks are one of these, where fathers all around the world can keep it on their shelf to turn to at meal times. Some high-end cookbooks can be expensive, but generally speaking, books are an affordable gift idea for any occasion. Jump on the bandwagon and buy a vegan cookbook for the environmentalist in your life, or stick to homely recipe books everyone can enjoy. To save more money and inject more heart, create your own cookbook with family recipes.

A leather wallet

The words ‘leather’ and ‘affordable’ don’t usually fit into the same sentence, but not when it comes to leather wallets. With an abundance of options to choose from that suit any budget range, it is no wonder that wallets are always a popular gift choice. The thing is that wallets can also lack a personal touch, which is why it’s best to go with an engraved leather wallet instead. Personal, classic and durable, you’ll struggle to find a gift to top this next year.

Cologne

It’s true that cologne is not a gift to skimp on, as cheap colognes can smell exactly that: cheap. Yet, if you’re looking for an affordable option, you’re in luck. Never has gift searching been as fun as this, as you can spend a few hours making an all-natural cologne from the comfort of your own home. The best thing about this is that you don’t need to be an expert to get it right. Just make sure you try out a few scents before settling, and follow some expert tips. If you don’t have the time to put into this, create a signature scent online, or head to online vendors like eBay. This is a great place to seek out expensive colognes for a fraction of the price they’d usually be in store.

A watch

There are few timeless Father’s Day gifts quite like a watch. Unfortunately, expensive brands are the most tempting, even when you can’t afford to spend much. There are two main options to help you avoid this issue, the first being to check out vintage stores. Though the watches in these stores might need a battery replacement, this is far cheaper than buying a brand new, shiny watch. It also adds a meaningful touch to the gift. If you’d prefer to buy new, stick with option number two and purchase a budget watch on Amazon.

Some speakers

Every father likes to pretend they’re a tech whizz, even if they’re not. While many tech kits or fancy equipment can cost an arm and a leg, there is one option that is easy on the ears and the budget: some speakers. Making sure you buy the right one can be a tricky task, especially if you don’t know much about tech. Luckily, countless user reviews will be your best friend in this search, but you may find yourself swaying towards a portable, Bluetooth speaker. These speakers are both cheaper and more convenient- a clear winner all round.

A stainless-steel water bottle

It is no secret that the trendiest gifts these days are those that help the environment. When you are searching for an affordable Father’s Day gift, you’ll quickly notice that it is easy to combine style and eco-friendliness by buying a stainless-steel water bottle. Steering clear of plastics, it is easy to find one of these for under $20, both in-store at local malls, or online. Even if you do end up paying a little more, you can buy knowing that it will stand the test of time.

A backpack

Everyone has an adventurer in their life. If yours just so happens to be an all-important father figure, you can’t go wrong with buying them a backpack. The only issue is that most, good quality backpacks seem to cost an arm and a leg. Instead, make the most of online retailers, where coupon codes, regular sales, and high-quality backpacks are always available. If you fear the backpack isn’t enough, add some thermal socks, backpacking knife and a flashlight to the bundle.

A photo album

Often, it is the most affordable gifts that make the most meaningful. Whether you are buying a gift for your own father, or from your kids to your partner, a photo album is bound to make an impact- and only in the best way. In the weeks leading up to Father’s Day, spend a few minutes each day collecting heart-warming images to add to the photo album. This won’t cost you a cent, but if you’d like to start from scratch, there are plenty of affordable photo printing websites you can use, many of which you can also create a personalized photo album