16 Jun Healthy, Inexpensive Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Registered Personal Trainer and Nutritionist in NYC

Father’s Day is fast coming, and moms are scrambling to find that “just right” gift for special dads and brothers, uncles and step-dads – for the “guy” in their kids’ lives. We all love a cute hand-made card with footprints and handprints, but why not think about giving dad something extra special this year – time and health?

Here are some healthy, inexpensive gift ideas to make this year’s Father’s Day extra-special:

• Spice up the barbecue: There’s something about guys and grilling. I think it’s the fire. Anyway, most of us can’t afford a fancy Weber. But we can afford a cool herb garden. So get your dad culinary herbs from the local nursery. Basil, parsley, rosemary, mint, cilantro, thyme, sage, chives … spice up the garden (windowsill, balcony and more) with herbs for your dad’s grill. Plant them together and voila!
• Instead of giving stuff, give memories: Build a kite or toy airplane, then head to the park for a Dad-day picnic. Dads will forget ties, but they won’t forget moments. So, instead of spending money on stuff, invest time in family.
• These boots were made for walking: Who says you have to drive away to walk away? The Appalachian Trail, Hudson Highlands State Park and more – NYC has some phenomenal nearby hiking trails, all accessible by public transportation. So take a day out in the woods and celebrate your dad by making sure he knows his health is the best gift for everybody.
• Dads need energy: So why not make some healthy trail mix for your hike out in the mountains? Raisins, peanuts, M & Ms (yes! Everybody loves a little chocolate), sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried bananas and fruits will create a phenomenal homemade  trail mix from Dad’s little monsters. Get him pumped to get walking with some healthy snacks for the trail.
• Take me out to the ballgame: The Mets and Yankees have promotional tickets for games, free t-shirt Fridays and more. Many cities have minor league teams that have reasonable tickets for the whole family. Even if you can’t get to the pros, take your dad to the ballpark – Central Park. Get a group together for a pickup game of baseball.
• Give him a Rothko or Renoir: Not only the kids’ paintings (You can buy the postcard at the gift shop!). Give Dad a trip to the museum. The Met, MOMA, Museum of Natural History are all places that most of us say, “We should go more often,” but never do. Most cities have interesting museums to explore. So be a tourist at home and see why so many people come visiting. (Don’t miss Anish Kapoor’s Descension – an installation near the Brooklyn Bridge!)
• Time for tunes: Concerts in parks, dance performances and more are available, for free or almost-free, during the year and summer. Find a venue and take Dad for some musical magic!

Father’s Day can be adventurous, inexpensive, and healthy … just by making activity the focus of the day, you can make this Sunday extra special. This Father’s Day, make some phenomenal memories!

Happy Father’s Day.