As the third week in June approaches, the thoughts of many women (and some men, perhaps) turn to that most frustrating of shopping holidays, Father’s Day. Just for a reminder, Father’s Day is Sunday, June 20th in Japan, the same as in the United States. Despite the fact that Japanese stores are filled with Father’s Day ties, handkerchief sets, jimbei-style Japanese pajamas and beer-and-nut party sets, Father’s Day remains a tough holiday to successfully (and frugally) weather.
If like most ex-pats you are shopping for a father outside of Japan this Father’s Day, you will probably find your potential gift selection a bit slim. Family members tire of traditional Japanese gifts after a few years, as I’ve found to my dismay. What are some frugal gift ideas, then?
Handmade presents are always a favorite. A handmade card or photo album created out of old photographs (which can easily be digitized these days for more creative applications) is always a good idea. Ask your mother or grandmother for some photos of Dad when he was a kid and get creative with your word processor. A collection of funny or inspirational quotations can be effective, especially if written by hand in a new daily planner, sketchbook, or nicely-bound spiral notebook.
Does the Dad in your life have any quirky hobbies or collections? My father loves toothpicks and was extremely happy to recieve several packs of unique Japanese toothpicks with the ‘carved’ ends. A rare book or video about his favorite sports team can often be found on eBay or Amazon.com’s used bookstore listings, and can be delivered overseas. A several-month subscription to your father’s hometown newspaper is both nostalgic and fairly reasonably priced. These can usually be ordered over the Internet as well. For the truly frugal, nothing can top a book of handmade coupons.
Finally, the Y100 shop has yielded some treasured Father’s Day gifts. My father is also fairly frugal in his tastes, and greatly enjoys Y100 shop ties. He loves receiving complements on them, and telling people he found them at the Japanese version of the “Dollar Store.” Dad also likes the small, bound notebooks sold at the Y100 shop — they fit perfectly in his shirt pocket. These and a few pens usually round out the annual “Y100 shop sampler” part of his present.
Just remember: In the end, it’s the thought that counts. A simple card, phone call or expression of love is often enough for the man who has “too much” already.
© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.