Like Sierra LaPierre wrote in her poem, Grown Ups, “Remember when dad’s shoulders was the highest place on earth?” for younger children they don’t have remember because they are living it. For the rest of us older children, it more metaphorical. Apart from the traditional provider role, fathers are a source of inspiration, motivation, support and love. So to show appreciation for these superheroes, Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington (USA) proposed a Fathers’ Day celebration back in 1909. Today Fathers’ Day is celebrated around the world annually on the third Sunday in June.

As the world has taught us, if you value someone, you wait for that one day that they and others that share their designation are celebrated and just buy them an expensive gift. After that you can forget about them until the same time next year. However, to quote Bob Dylan, “The Times They Are A-Changin'” COVID-19 and lock down regulations have drastically diminished most people’s disposable cash. So how do you then show love to “Daddy” while living under such harsh economic trends? Fear not, for your friendly and ever reliable Penny Pincher is here to give moms and children some frugal ideas that will not only save some money but also gain your father’s appreciation and gratitude. So ladies and gentlemen, let’s put our creative caps on and engage on some out of the box thinking. 

Immortalise the Memories. As flesh and blood beings, our memories do not last forever. Age and sometimes illness degrades our recollections until they are distorted and eroded. Thanks to technology, these memories can be preserved forever. Life is filled with special memories with Dad that you wish could live on forever. Whether they be family occasions, sporting events, Sunday afternoon braais, you can collect all your favourite pics and create a bespoke picture book. Nothing speaks to the heart like a collection of good old family photos. You can even take it a step further and frame a family photo for dad’s office or work space to add to the photo album. This should cost you very little but is sure to make for a touching and eternal gift.

My Dad the Movie Star. In this the age of camera phones and video it is vital to take full advantage of the abundance of free and low-cost video editing software and apps available out there. You can take the photo album idea further by compiling all those family memories and create a mini-documentary with the family expressing how much of a role daddy plays in their lives. This makes for a brilliant gift that he will not only treasure but afford him the chance to share it and brag about how he is the subject of a documentary.

Raise Daddy’s Banner. The tradition for most thrifty people is to give a sentimental card, write a touching letter or get the kids to doodle some loving pictures. While all those are good ideas, you can raise the bar and add a little more flair to it. Borrowing from the concept of birthday banners, you take a piece of long material or paper and write attractive loving words of gratitude to your father. You can hang this cloth or paper in his bedroom, living room or office. With some heartfelt words from mom and the older kids and those cute doodles from the younger kids, this idea will cost you very little to nothing but will express your love for him in an over-the-top and eye-catching manner. 

The Way to a Man’s Heart. We all know that old adage and it still rings true today. Very few things in life warm a man’s heart and stomach more than a delicious lunch or dinner. Whether he appreciates a juicy T-bone steak, a rack of sticky spare ribs, crumbed chicken pieces or a spicy 3 Bean curry, prepare one of his favourite meals and make it special. Thanks to a plethora of online food sites and Taqa Magazine’s very own Kitchen Kraft, It has become exceedingly easy to put on 5 Star chef airs. You can go on to create an entire event around the meal and create what those in catering circles call the Meal Experience.

Do a nice table setting by adding nice flowers, fresh cloth for the table, get the whole family involved by playing waiters and restaurant performers. This is something different and clearly shows him that a great deal of effort and thought went into making his day special.

"I don't have friends. I got family." – Dom Toretto, Fast and Furious Franchise. This statement epitomises a man’s true wealth. To tap into this idea and turn it into a gift of its own, gather his siblings, friends and other family members and surprise him. While lockdown rules will restrict large family gatherings, technology can always step in with video call software like Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp, Skype or Teams instead. Organise a call with friends and family from all over the globe just to wish him a glorious Father’s Day. This is another gift that will cost you nothing but be priceless to Daddy. 

DIY Gifts.  Rather than buying gifts for Dad, encourage your children to make them themselves. With simple plain coffee the kids can express their artistic flair by drawing images or writing notes on them. In the same vein you can decorate plain photo frames with paint or coloured markers, or make "coupon jars," in which your children fill a jar with reward coupons for dad. These may be used for things like breakfast in bed, doing the garden, or giving him a foot massage.

Wearing your Hearts on His Sleeves. With the awesome advances in technology printing T-Shirts, sweaters, pants, shirts and jackets has become more than simple. With clothes design and printing companies such as Lee M Lifestyle, you can easily give your father an expertly

designed piece of apparel that won’t set you back hundreds. Whether you decide to put a touching message to warm his heart.

Take him to the movies. Select a few of his favourite family appropriate movies and have a binge session. In this the age of Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime and Google Play, this is made all more efficient. Bring the movie theatre into your living room by having one of the kids man a snack bar providing popcorn, hot dogs, chocolates and other treats. 

Though most of the so called the “Man’s Man” and “Alpha Males” try to portray a gruff and macho image they too enjoy a good pampering. For the creative wives who would like to gift their husbands an exquisite but prudent Father’s Day gift, you can look into creating a special spa experience for your husband. There is a litany of inexpensive home recipes and facilities you can roll out at home. From a mud bath, body scrubs, foot masks, steam facial, softening hand treatments and a soothing bath with aromatic bath salts, you can spoil him for the rest of the day and possibly the week. Who said Father’s Day can’t be romantic.

The best things in life are free. You knew I was going to pull that one out of the bag at some point. You don't have to spend a fortune to celebrate Father's Day. You can still celebrate Father's Day on a budget and still show Dad how much you care without breaking the bank. Making Dad feel loved and appreciated isn’t about spending money, it’s about spending quality time and sharing laughs. But then again that’s just my two cents.