When it comes to Father’s Day gifts, you might be tempted to present your dad with the classic tie, power tool or tech item. Avoid that temptation. The rush from receiving material gifts quickly fades, but fond memories from experiences last a lifetime.
In fact, psychological research has demonstrated that experiences bring more happiness than material gifts. So, when scheming up a gift for Father’s Day this year, skip material gifts in favor of a more meaningful, enduring experience. For inspiration, check out these eight experience gift ideas for Father’s Day.
[See: 12 Habits of Phenomenally Frugal Families.]
1. Woodworking class
Average cost: $75 to $150
With a bit of digging, you may be able to find a variety of adult education opportunities in your area. For Father’s Day, look up a course on a subject matter that will pique your pop’s interest. Your local community college and community center may be good places to start. You can also check out sites such as Groupon.com or Dabble.co, which feature unique classes and experiences in major cities. For the dad who loves working with his hands, try booking a woodworking class. Woodworking courses are often hosted by local hobby shops and community colleges. They typically include basic instruction on techniques and tool operations, plus a take-home project.
2. Guided fishing trip
Average cost: $150 for two
Guided fishing trips can be appreciated by seasoned fishers and first-timers alike. Enroll your pops in a daylong or half-day fishing charter directed by an expert captain. Look for a course that includes equipment and instruction. Daily deal sites such as Groupon.com are a good place to start.
[See: 10 Fun, Frugal Ways to Spend Your Free Time.]
3. Museum membership
Average cost: $60 to $150
Consider giving your dad a membership to his favorite museum or an annual pass to a local zoo, aquarium, movie house, theater, botanical garden or gallery. You can buy your father an individual membership or opt for a family pass to facilitate whole-family outings.
4. Butchery class
Average cost: $150 to $200
For the conscientious carnivore, consider a butchery course. Butchery 101 workshops and classes, led by gourmet chefs and professional butchers, are becoming increasingly popular. During your typical course, your dad can learn the basics of breaking and transforming meat into ribs, roasts, chops and more.
5. Tickets
Average cost: $10 to $200
Purchase tickets for your dad, and you’ll be able to hand over an awesome experience tucked into an envelope on Father’s Day. Depending on your dad’s interests, look for tickets to sports games, concerts, symphonies, comedy shows, lectures or festivals.
6. Racing experience
Average cost: $150 to $300 for three to five laps
Transform your dad into a race car driver for a day with a racing experience package. Speedways and racing schools around the country may offer race car experiences, where visitors take a few high-speed laps around the track in professional race cars. Most packages include an orientation course with the basics of vehicle operation and safety rules.
7. Brewery or winery tour
Average cost: Free to $80
Take your dad on a tour of a local brewery or winery, then top off the experience with a growler or bottle of his libation of choice. If you live in an area with a high concentration of breweries or wineries, you may be able to find an all-inclusive tour that takes you to multiple locations, so you can sip to your heart’s content.
[See: 12 Ways to Be a More Mindful Spender.]
8. Spa day
Average cost: $45 to $200
Long gone are the days of spa treatments limited to ladies. Modern spas offer a variety of rejuvenating and relaxing services geared toward gentlemen. Send your father to a local spot for a specialty spa treatment, such as a sports massage, scalp treatment, sports pedicure, facial, or manicure and pedicure. Many spas promote special Father’s Day packages at this time of year, wooing dads with extras such as craft beer and bourbon cocktails.
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8 Out-of-the-Box Gifts for Father’s Day originally appeared on usnews.com
