Father’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday, June 20, 2021, to be exact. So, if it slipped your mind, don’t worry; you still have time to grab a gift and plan something special. Whether you are preparing to host a virtual brunch or a socially distanced backyard barbeque, you can celebrate dad on a budget.
According to the U.S. National Retail Federation (NRF), 75% of our neighbours to the south plan to celebrate Father’s Day this year. Of those, 50% plan to celebrate their own dad, 26% say their husband and 11% say a son.
In total, consumers are expected to spend $20.1 billion on Father’s Day this year, with the average gift costing $174. That’s just over $25 more than last year. However, that’s $46.48 less than the average Mother’s Day gift, costing $220.48.
Gift recipients can be husbands, stepfathers, sons, grandfathers, brothers, friends, godfathers, and other relatives. This means, those with large, extended, blended, or modern families can have multiple people to honour, and that can be costly.
The most popular Father’s Day gifts include greeting cards (59%), clothing (49%), special outings (46%), gift cards (45%) and personal care items (28%).
Your rewards credit card may grant you access to exclusive events, tickets, packages or offers, which make excellent presents. You may also choose to redeem your rewards for a generous gift, like golf clubs, watches, drink coolers and other dad essentials. Here are a few inspirational gift ideas for Father’s Day.
Some credit card reward programs offer experiences like concerts and activities. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these perks have been revamped and are now available from home. For example, American Express provides virtual events via its Live From Home series, which is brought to you by Live Nation and is updated daily.
Use your grocery rewards toward ingredients and bake your dad some trendy sourdough bread, a picnic brunch, or throw some steaks on the barbeque. First-time bakers and cooks may want to have a backup plan in the event something goes awry, making the gift inedible.
Use PC Optimum points for more than just groceries. Help create a serene outdoor space with plants and landscaping necessities from participating garden centres or shop appliances and electronics at Shoppers Drug Mart or the Real Canadian Superstore.
Many credit card reward programs are flexible, allowing cardholders to choose from several redemption options, including using their points for purchases.
Pay with points for as little as $1 with BMO Rewards, use American Express Membership Rewards directly through Amazon.ca, or apply Membership Rewards® points toward any eligible purchase charged to the card using a statement credit.
Related read: American Express Membership Rewards Gets a Major Upgrade
Additionally, many credit cards offer a wide selection of merchandise through their online catalogues. For example, Scotia Rewards members can buy electronics, gift cards, housewares, and accessories. However, your dad is unlikely to get his gift on time at this point. But you could always give him an IOU.
Aeroplan is hosting its Father’s Day Event. Earn up to five points for every $1 spent through the Aeroplan eStore until June 20, 2021. Login to the eStore using your Aeroplan number or email, search your dad’s favourite brands and shop through the affiliate link to earn points on your everyday purchases.
AIR MILES also features offers for Father’s Day. Earn 2X the Miles on Etsy’s Father’s Day picks until June 16, 2021, and support small businesses. Login to airmilesshops.ca using your Collector Number and shop with AIR MILES Partners for additional offers.
Those who have AIR MILES Cash Rewards to spend may purchase items from various partners with eVouchers. The participating partners vary by region; however, gift-givers in Ontario can use their rewards toward eVouchers from Uber Eats, DoorDash and Starbucks. This option allows you to order your dad a tasty treat from near or far to enjoy together, virtually, or socially distanced.
Unfortunately, AIR MILES and the LCBO ended their partnership earlier this year, so using Miles toward a nice bottle of wine or a case of beer through the retailer is no longer an option.
Use your SCENE points to rent or buy movies new and old from Cineplex.com. If you download them to one of your devices, you could always set up a nice backyard cinematic experience paired with your dad’s favourite snacks.
Many wineries are open for tours and may also offer curbside pickup. In addition, some credit cards, like Visa Infinite cards, boast exclusive wine and food experiences, providing discounted deliveries or tastings across Ontario and parts of B.C.
Related read: Behold, the Top 3 Credit Card Perks for Wine Lovers
It is always a good idea to sign up for the email list associated with your credit card rewards. Sometimes curated gift packages with guaranteed delivery dates will show up in your inbox nearing events like Father’s Day. Typically, these bundles are offered at reduced prices, although there are usually limited quantities.
You may not be able to redeem your rewards for subscriptions to meal kits or streaming services; however, some credit cards reward you for these purchases. Plus, you can buy these services from the comfort of your own home, and you may be able to enjoy them together.
Although Father’s Day may look a little different for a second year in a row, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. From picnics to movie rentals, your rewards credit card can help you score the perfect gift for your dad. Here is your final reminder — yes, this is directed at you last-minute shoppers — Father’s Day is coming this Sunday! It’s time to start planning.
Rates, product information and reward estimates are subject to change at any time and do not constitute financial advice. This post was not sponsored. RATESDOTCA may receive a referral fee from our partners or affiliate links featured on the site; however, our editorial choices are objective and free from bias. The opinions expressed in this article are purely those of RATESDOTCA; thus, the credit card issuers and partners are not responsible for any editorials or reviews that may appear. Please visit the associated website for complete and current terms and conditions on any product or service mentioned. The information in this article is accurate as of the date of this posting, June 14, 2021. Read our full disclaimer.