Father's Day Gift Ideas for a Tight Budget: King for a Day - Father's Day Surprises

Father's Day is close at hand. For many people out there this can be the "tie" season, however, if you're one of the predictable types that always get dad the same thing, why not do something new and creative for him? These ideas are fun, kid-friendly and sure to make dad feel like a king, while letting the family get creative!

Zen Garden

I'm sure you've seen Zen gardens that can cost quite a bit of money. These are great for taking to the office or even putting on dad's desk at home. For those unfamiliar with what a Zen Garden is, it's basically a box of sand, some stones and a creative fork line that can be changed as frequently as the positioning of the rocks. Making these is insanely easy, too.

All you need is a box, for starters. Candy boxes, old fancy cigar boxes or even buying one of those tiny boxes that craft stores sell for jewelry boxes. All you need to do is take it apart and use the shallow end of the box! Next, get some sand. Any color works, to be honest, but most people opt for a whiter sand than purple, for example, but, a very fine gravel works if it's all you are able to locate. Just fill the box halfway full of sand and spread it evenly. Now comes the fun part. Using a plastic fork (best for multiple lines that make a zen garden zen-y), make some squiggle lines with the fork, making sure there's an interesting pattern in the bottom that dad will love!

The last bit are the rocks, although you can use plants too if you want. I've even used miniature statues, too, for a more Japanese feel. All you do is place the rocks (river rocks work well, make sure they're not tiny or insanely large!) around the box how you like it and voila! You have created a home-made zen garden for Father's Day!

Picture Frames