Hands down, the best gift you could give Dad for Father’s Day is quality family time, complete with a few Father’s Day activities. But if the kids want to go the extra mile for Dad, there’s nothing better than a handmade creation. Here are a few DIY Father’ Day gift ideas perfect for kids of any and all ages, from the littlest makers to tweens who have their crafting skills down pat.
The only hard decision is to figure out which craft to make. The ideas here celebrate his love of movies, his favorite superheroes, his grilling skills or even his record collection. Handprint crafts are always popular, so Dad can see how big his kids are getting. (Maybe include a pack of tissues with the gift, if that’s the case.) Then there are the useful crafts, which can be enjoyed long after Father’s Day is over, such as picture frames, magnets, pencil holders and cup cozies. Or maybe he just wants something that tells the truth, and calls him the World’s Greatest Dad. Whichever route you choose, remember to add a sweet note in a Father’s Day card, and he’ll be so touched!
Record Coasters
For the audiophile dads out there, this craft lets him know he’s a hit! Plus, they’re functional, doubling as coasters.
Tin Can Pencil Holder
You can upcycle an old tin can (make sure there are no sharp edges!), paint it and personalize it with a photo. Then Dad can use it for pencils, flowers or anything else he might need to store.
Dad Rocks Paperweights
Dad rocks — literally. Collect rocks on your next walk, and re-create the members of your family for Dad to keep on his desk.
Jars with Decals
This is a bit advanced, since it requires a Cricut. But if you’ve got one, you can make personalized jars for all his favorite sauces and spices.
Father’s Day Trophy
These trophies let kids totally unleash their creativity. Let them loose in the art-supply bin and have them go wild!
Hanprint Keychain
It’s a handprint craft — but shrunk down so Dad can keep it with him always. If you make it a yearly tradition, you can have fun comparing how much they’ve grown.
Salt Dough Magnets
This craft looks like something you picked up at a cute gift shop — but it’s really from homemade salt dough. Deck them out in Dad’s favorite colors
LolliPOP Prize Ribbon
He’s so sweet, so give him a sweet! These prizes are colorful and easy to assemble, and you can write your messages on the ribbons.
Paper Roll Dad
For a one-of-a-kind dad, you need a one-of-a-kind gift — like a paper tube roll dressed up to look just like him. You can even make his favorite outfit!
Rock Picture Frame
It’s a card, craft and gift in one! Make sure you take a Father’s Day picture together so he has a new photo to put in this frame.
Yoda Card
Dad is wise like Yoda. Your kids are cute like Grogu. It just makes sense that they’d give him a card that says, “Yoda best.”
Popcorn Card
If Dad is a movie buff, this card will bring him good cinema memories without all the sticky butter. Pom-poms transform into popcorn kernels with just a little creativity.
Stick Roll-Up Card
He could hang this card up in his office so all his coworkers know the coolest things about him.
Daddy & Daughter Scrabble Frame
With just a picture frame, Scrabble letters, a hot glue gun and some craft paint, you’ll have a picture-perfect present for dad in under 15 minutes.
Handmade Superhero Craft Card
It’s the cutest way for the young superhero fan to show their love for the big superhero in her life.
Swedish Fish Box
Perfect for dads who love to fish, or love to eat Swedish fish! Make this cute craft into a hands-on learning experience by having kids sort the fish by color into different boxes.
Cup Holder
Now, Dad will always know just which coffee cup is his. You need a Polaroid Play 3D Pen to pull this one off, but Dad is worth it!
LEGO Building Memories Jar
Jot down a favorite activity of his on each LEGO, then pick them out of a mason jar when you need a fun weekend activity. When you’re done with a few ideas, stack the legos on top of on another to represent the memories “built.”
I Love You This Much Hand Card
This one’s definitely one of the easier crafts on this list! Kids trace their hands, and you help them cut out of a strip of paper to fold in accordion style. Add some letter stickers and you’re done!
Shirt and Tie Card
If he wears ties every day, it’s only fitting he gets a card with his staple style. Real tie not included.
Father Bobble Head
A mini version of him with a cutout of his face is sure to bring the whole family a few laughs and giggles.
Homemade Monster Mix
Even the littlest monsters can help construct this healthy snack for dad. The blogger includes a printable to decorate the jar perfectly for the holiday.
Hands Down Best Dad Ever Frame
This one already comes with a printable, so all you have to do is grab some blue tempera paint and get your kids to start stamping their hands.
Dad Typography Glasses
Simply print the template onto some sturdy cardboard in his favorite color. Make sure to help the little one when using the craft knife or scissors.
Handprint Baseball
If Dad loves throwing the ball around with the kids, grab one from the toy basket and ink a handprint on top. Done!
Best Dad Award Ribbon
This gift idea doesn’t require complicated skills to show dad that he’s #1. When you’re done with it, stick a safety pin on the back so he can wear it all day Father’s Day!
Salt Dough Dad Frame
Here’s one that multiple kids can work on together — “Dad” is the perfect word for a picture frame with two (or three!) photos.
Scribble Mug Craft
Here’s a craft that’s pretty forgiving when it comes to kids that love to scribble! Simply apply decorative stickers on a blank, ceramic mug, then let your child scribble away in various colors.
Love You to Pieces Picture Frame
Building the frame is easy: All you need is some cardboard, a few spare puzzle pieces, and some popsicle sticks. The hard part will be choosing which picture to frame.
Following in Dad’s Footsteps Card
Grab one of dad’s shoes (preferably an old and unused one) and dip it into some paint to make a shoe print. Follow the same process with baby’s footprint, and you have an adorable card he’ll hold on to for years to come.
