This Valentine's Day, Don't Forget the Dads!

One Dollar Valentines for Dads

Simple, Thoughtful, and Thrifty Gift Ideas
 

Valentine's Day is less than a month away, so it's the perfect time to start planning some gifts for your loved ones. Today's post is the first in a new series: $1 Valentine's Day Gifts. The focus of this first post? Well, it's the oft overlooked (but well deserving) dads in your life.


Whether you want to show you own dad you're thinking of him, or you want to help your little one's plan something for your hubby, these five gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and best of all, won't break the bank.

I traveled to one of my favorite dollar stores to pick out these quick and easy ideas. From that point, I just jazzed them up a little, as you'll see below. First, I'll give you a shot of the "raw materials," and from there, you'll see how easy it is to work some creative magic and get these $1 notions in gift-worthy condition.

Dad's Gift #1: Measuring Tape 
It seems like, in our house, we can never seem to find a measuring tape when we need it... so that leads me believe that you can never have too many of them! For this practical dad's gift, all you need is a $1 measuring tape from the dollar store, some scrapbook paper, and a cheesy personalized message--print it out, glue it on, and you're done! FYI-I attached the scrapbook paper to some cardboard (I cut up a cereal box) to support the weight of the tape.

Dad's Gift #2: Microfiber Car Sponge
In our house, we all know Dad likes to make sure his automobile is taken care of. So how's this for an idea: have the kiddos leave him a special Valentine's surprise in his car? And no, I don't mean the usual half-eaten, sticky lollipop stuck to the seat... this is actually a useful gift! With one of these Microfiber Sponges, he can keep his car shiny and clean all year long... well, until the next ride with the kiddos, at least ;)

 

Dad's Gift #3: Set of Carabiners
Carabiners are always useful to have around. For this idea, just grab a set from the dollar store, dress them up with some pretty paper and a cheesy message, and BAM! you've got a cute {yet still manly} gift. Although, let's be honest, I'd be a bit discriminating about how I actually use dollar store carabiners... I mean, they won't be packed for my next rock climbing excursion, but they're totally suitable for household purposes! Oh, and I backed this paper with some cereal-box cardboard for support, just like Gift #1.

Dad's Gift #4: Magnetic Picture Frame
This one doesn't need much explanation (or much work, for that matter). Grab a frame, pop in a photo, and you're good-to-go. I happened to get lucky by finding a "dad-themed" frame, but there were dozens of other nice options on the same shelf. Doesn't get much easier than that... and no extra "crafting" required ;)

Dad's Gift #5: LED USB Light
Got a gadget guy in your house? Here's a fun idea! This is a bendy LED flashlight that works when plugged it into a USB port. Print out a corny message, wrap it around the neck of the light, and you've got yourself another bright gift idea (get it, BRIGHT idea?).

And there you have it--some easy, inexpensive Valentine's gifts for dads.

Check out these other posts in the $1 Valentine's Day Gift Series:

Are we connected yet? If not, find me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Google+, and Bloglovin so we can start sharing ideas together!



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