With gas and food prices soaring, you've got to save a buck wherever you can. And Father's Day is no exception. While you may be inclined to go out and blow a bunch of money on the special day, it's the affordable gifts from the heart that will likely mean the most to dear old dad. Set aside some quality time to plan a proper Father's Day with your child. You'll save between three to five bucks by simply opting to do homemade cards. Gather together your markers, crayons, glitter, construction paper, scissors, and other arts and crafts supplies and help your child make a Father's Day card to remember. You can also swing by Michaels or other art supply stores and pick up a wooden picture frame. Have your child personalize and decorate the frame for the proud pop. Then pick a favorite family photo for the frame. If you're not feeling the photo frames this year, why not make Dad a fun t-shirt with your child's footprints? Purchase a plain white t-shirt, along with fabric paint and a paint brush. You'll also need a piece of cardboard and Styrofoam plates. Place the cardboard inside the shirt.

Pour paint into the plate. Have child step in the paint and then onto the t-shirt. Then write with a fabric pen (or iron on) "My Kids Walk All Over Me." If you wish, repeat on the other side once first side dries. When the big day arrives, help your child prepare a special breakfast or brunch for dad. If he's in the mood, serve it up in bed to give him some pampering. Or why not make it a Dad's day off? Let him choose what your family does from a.m. to p.m.? One gift that's fail proof is a car wash. Help your child get Dad's vehicle all spiffed up. At the end of the day, Dad will love whatever your child does to commemorate him, even if it's on a shoestring budget.