Dear Bobbie,
Do not feel down about not having any money. Lots of ideas are free. Have the kids make him cards from paper, pencils, crayon, paint, markers and so forth. The cards can be any size and can use most any material. Try scratch paper, cardboard from boxes or cereal boxes, paper out of shoe boxes, one sided paper from old printer use. Let them use their imaginations.
Other items to make could be ribbons or chains. They can be made from ribbon, paper, tissue paper, even toilet paper. The kids could make a banner and put up outside or inside. Look for glitter or even colored candy sprinkles. (just do not use quite so much glue if you use sprinkles as they will melt).
Plan a BBQ or a picnic and of course use what you have. The children could help prepare the meal and maybe make some kind of dessert. Even homemade pops using koolaide frozen in ice trays is a yummy dessert during the summer.
For a gift you could make a coupon book. Just make individual coupons and decorated them. Secure them together by stapling, a ribbon or yarn tie or tape. Some examples could be: Free car wash, free meal of your choice, take the dog for a walk, 1 free hug anytime, 1 hour of peace and quiet, 1 chore of your choice, 1 family-time game of your choice. Be creative and allow the kids to come up with some of their own. It does not matter if any of the coupons are the same as the book is good indefinitely. Tell everyone involved that they must pay up when the coupon is presented...no arguing or whining allowed.
Most of all stay full of smiles and have a good time.
Lilly :)