7 Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts

Blog author Alex Cook's photo

By Alex Cook

If you’re reading this, there’s a chance Father’s Day is today or tomorrow. Here are some truly last-minute gift ideas — no Amazon links. This is all stuff you can get locally on your way to visiting your dad or grandpa, without waiting for the delivery truck to show. We’ve focused it on gifts under $50, with a few exceptions, and dads who are 60 and older.

1. A Gas Gift Card

If your dad owns any kind of gas-powered toy like an ATV or snowmobile, you’re golden. If he has a lawnmower, chainsaw, or other power tool this is still a passable idea. You could even pick up a gas can to go with it. It’ll totally seem like you got this ahead of time, especially if you get a matching card. Take it a step further by including a coupon for a “free lawn mow” — this will be loved even if you write it on a napkin.

Red gas can with black nozzle and green protector.
Pair a gas card with a can and it’ll totally seem like you thought of this weeks ago.

2. A Thoughtful Card & Note

The card you choose is less important than what you write. You may be in a rush right now, but even taking 60 seconds to step back and write something thoughtful could make your dad’s day, or maybe even his year.

Feeling stuck? Write about one of your favorite memories spending time with him and tell him you want to do it again this year.

3. Detail his Car or Truck

While not as easy-to-do the day-of father’s day, you might still be able to pull it off, especially if you enlist siblings or other help.

My dad is notorious for neglecting his vehicles. Growing up, my dad owned a landscape construction business. When I was a kid, he’d pay me $10 to clean out his trucks. Years later, every so often, I still clean out his truck just because it makes me feel good to know his truck is neat and tidy.

So grab your vacuum, windex, and gloves and clean out your dad’s car or truck!

1980s photo of a dad and his son in a bobcat skid steer.
Dad and I sitting in one of his skid steers. Love you Dad!

4. NanaGram Subscription

If your dad is a grandfather or great grandfather, NanaGram is an inexpensive gift that keeps on giving all year. We help you send monthly printed photos of dad’s grandkids or great grandkids in the mail. All you have to do is text or email your photos and we handle the rest.

Plans start at $6.99 per month for 5 photos and $9.99 per month for 10 photos. You can also add unlimited family to your account to send in photos with you, so if you have siblings you can co-gift NanaGram! Sign up in 60 seconds. If you’re in a huge rush, just buy a gift card and you can set up your account later.

You can take this to another level by sending 5-10 photos to print at a local Walgreens, then including them in your card with a message about his NanaGram subscription.

Older man holding up his NanaGram printed photos in an album
A Happy NanaGram dad

5. A Cooler of Meat

Go buy a brand new cooler at your local Walmart, Target, or other department store. Do not get one of those cheap gas-station styrofoam coolers. It’ll blow you cover.

Go to the grocery store. Fill the cooler with meat. Get a bag of ice.

A blue cooler with a white lid and blue handle.
BAM! Meat. Instant favorite.

6. Sports or Concert Tickets

Buy a pair of baseball, basketball, or hockey tickets — or whatever sport your dad is passionate about — and take your dad to a game. Spending a day at a ballpark or stadium is one of the best ways to get to know your dad or grandfather more, even if you’re not into sports.

When I was a kid, my grandfather (about 80 at the time) took me to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. From a young age, I was obsessed with entrepreneurship. As the hot dog guy came around, I yelled out to him. A hot dog was passed down to me by the people sitting in my row. Then the hot dog guy said, “That’ll be $5!” and I told him he was crazy and passed the hot dog back to him, saying, “Grandpa! I can buy an entire pack of hot dogs and the rolls for $5.” My grandfather loved recounting this story for years to come.

Not all dads are into sports, so as an alternative to sports tickets, take him to a show. Pro tip: Look up his favorite bands touring near you on Songkick.

Photo of a Fenway Park hot dog with ketchup on it, the field and Coca Cola sign in the background.
Take me out to the ballgame
Take me out to the crowd
Buy me some peanuts and crackerjack…

7. Spotify Subscription

Music feeds the soul. Spotify is a truly fantastic platform, with nearly every recording in existence available. If your dad has a smart phone, you’re golden. If not, many of the latest smart TV devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire support Spotify. Plus, if your dad is anything like mine, chances are you’ll also be the hero for helping him get Spotify set up! Spotify sells gift cards locally at places like Target and Walmart. You can also buy a Spotify gift card for a 1-year subscription from Amazon for $99.

Spotify gift card, $99 in green. 12 months.
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Happy Father’s Day! Don’t forget to give him a big hug.

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