The Ten Best Spots in Denver for Father's Day Gifts That Won't Break the Bank

Plain and simple: Dad's the best. When your “too-good-to-be-true” Denver apartment reaches 98 degrees before June 1 because it lacks central AC and a ceiling fan, your old man is ready with a YouTube video showing you how to make a DIY air conditioner out of a foam cooler for $8. Going camping? Before you can even google REI's hours, Dad is there, loading up the trunk of your car with a tent and folding chairs while explaining that you need a mat underneath your sleeping bag.

This Father’s Day, show him a little more appreciation than the Home Depot gift card you get him every year. Here are ten spots (in alphabetical order) where you can get gifts for Dad that won't break the bank. After all, there’s nothing tackier than calling up your dad and asking him to Squarecash you a few bucks for his own gift.

10. Bigfoot Yowie & Yeti
2346 South Colorado Boulevard
303-284-6322
Fund Sasquatch research with your Father’s Day gift! Bigfoot Yowie & Yeti is the storefront operated by Sasquatch Investigations of the Rockies, and inside you’ll find everything from photos taken during Bigfoot hunts to fun T-shirts. Sign Dad up for an overnight trip with SIR while you’re shopping here.

9. Bowman’s Vinyl and Lounge
1312 South Broadway
303-927-6205
For fathers with ever-expanding record collections, don't miss Bowman’s Vinyl and Lounge. The small record selection at this bar is full of affordable, unique items. Peruse the “$1 Hauler” baskets and then raise a drink to your old man while Johnny Cash plays through the speakers.

8. The Brew Hut
15120 East Hampden Avenue
303-680-8898
If your dad has turned the garage into his own personal brewery, head to the Brew Hut. This is the go-to home-brew shop run by the experts at Dry Dock Brewing Company, so they won't steer you wrong. Too tough to make a decision? Pick up a gift certificate from the Brew Hut, print out some recipes from its website, and head next door for a growler of beer from Dry Dock. This gift basket will send Dad over the moon.

7. Colorado Rockies
Coors Field
866-800-1275
Relive that Field of Dreams moment with your dad at a Rockies game. Sure, nothing can quite compete with “having a catch” with your old man, but enjoying a game with a beer in hand comes pretty close. Take advantage of the Blake Street Steal, where tickets start as low as $14 for a lower-level seat.

6. Denver Tool Library
555 Santa Fe Drive
720-943-4385
If your go-to Father’s Day present was always a gift card to Home Depot or Lowe’s, ditch that idea for a membership to the Denver Tool Library. While on the pricier end of this list at $80, it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving for up to a full year. While one power tool could cost you hundreds of bucks, a Denver Tool Library membership gives Dad his pick from hundreds of tools he can borrow, try, then return for more. 

Keep reading for five more of the best Father's Day gift destinations that won't break the budget. 

5. Discount Fishing Tackle
2645 South Santa Fe Drive
303-696-2550
For the fishing father, Discount Fishing Tackle is a safe bet. The store has a huge selection of equipment and live bait, plus a name that says it all: discount. You might not be as river-savvy as the old man, but the staff at Discount Fishing Tackle will help you pick out an economical yet thoughtful gift for Dad.

4. Ink Lounge
29 South Fox Street
303-321-7101
You know what dads like? Drinking beer. It may not be scientifically proven that beer tastes better in a pint glass and that you look cool when you use a koozie, but that's no reason not to give both to Dad. Ink Lounge, Stu Adlen’s screenprinting studio, has a variety of cool items — including ManCraftival pint glasses.

3. Tap Dat Canvass
Various Locations
Sure, Canvas and Cocktails is something that Mom loves to do on a ladies' night, but Dad might enjoy cracking open a beer and getting a little artsy, too. Tap Dat Canvass heads out to local breweries and bars to combine an evening of painting with unique beer, wine and whiskey. Classes are taught by professional artists who can adapt to any student's skill level. After a few local craft beers, Dad will feel like the next Picasso.

2. Tymkovich Meats
6911 Washington Street
303-288-8655
Headed to Dad's to celebrate Father’s Day? Stop by Tymkovich Meats and pick up some items he can throw on the grill.  The old-fashioned butcher shop has all kinds of items at affordable prices, whether you’re in the market for sirloin or elk jerky.

1. Waterworks Car Wash
276 Broadway
303-733-5349
Remember when you got your driver’s license? Your dad probably threw you the keys to his car after you promised to bring it back washed and with at least a half-tank of gas. Go old-school this Father’s Day with a package to Waterworks Car Wash. For less than $50, you can get Dad five full-service car washes, and if you run out of time before Sunday, you can always purchase the ticket book or gift certificate online.