Making gifts for our special male figure is a tradition for many families. It means more than a purchased item. Let’s explore some handmade gifts.
Steps
1. Cards.
Find free printable cards online, make one from a sheet of paper or start with a blank one and a sentiment that’s perfect for your dad or father figure. Make a card from scratch or personalize one you like. Be sure it conveys your feelings.
2. Handprints.
With kids, handprints are a great item to incorporate into your art project. A few ways to incorporate handprints include:
- Use handprints on a t-shirt or tie
- Plaster plaque with handprint
- Handprint on a tile
You might want to add a name, year or sentiment. Discuss this with kids. What other ideas do they come up with? Try one or more.
3. Photos.
Making dad a gift featuring a picture of his kid(s) can only be improved by giving him a picture that includes him as well! Include the picture on a card, with a magnet for a fridgie or any other way you would like to present it. Check out the Enrichment Project badge program “Photo Crafts” for ideas or search online.
4. Frame it.
Making or decorating a frame takes a photo from a “picture” to a “gift.” This can be as simple as jazzing up an acrylic frame, making one from popsicle sticks or even adding it digitally so the photo can be laminated. Explore ways to make a frame or decorate a purchased one.
5. Containers.
What kind of containers can dad use? A bowl that says “DAD” to hold his car keys? A jar for change? A mug that says “best dad ever”? Find one you think your father will use. Craft it!
6. List.
Even if you can’t find a craft that you feel is appropriate, making a list of all the great things that you appreciate about your dad can be the basis for a craft. Listing these in a card or even framing the list will allow him to enjoy it for years to come. Start the list with “What I love / like about you” and start your list.
7. Sweet.
Re-wrap a box or bag of candy with a printable that delivers a special message for your dad. Do a quick search for “custom candy wraps” and you’ll get quite a few ideas. You can also write a note to him on poster board, replacing words with candy. Look online for ideas and printables that feature candy as a material. Use one you find or make your own.
8. World’s Best.
Is your dad the best? Duh! How can you let him know that? Look through the craft ideas on this badge program or look online. This might include color sheets, painted rocks, mugs and more!
9. Draw.
Draw a special picture for your dad. Perhaps when you went fishing or camping with him. Can’t afford to buy him something? Draw it and let him know how much you love him and wanted to get him the real thing, but couldn’t afford to do so.
10. Coupons.
Make your own coupons for dad or find printable ones online. This might be so he can enjoy an afternoon off while you mow the yard or wash his car. Perhaps you can let him choose the movie you watch or the restaurant you go to. Brainstorm items you can “give” dad on coupons.
11. Decorate.
Blank kits are available for you to purchase where a t-shirt, tie, mug or other item can be decorated by the gift giver. Where we focused on hand prints in Step 2, those are normally for younger kids. My kids have stenciled, stamped, painted, bedazzled and decorated items in more ways that I can mention here. Get a blank item and go wild with your imagination to make a unique gift for your dad.
12. Themed.
Does your dad have a favorite hobby or sport? Is there an event you do every year? Kids might need help identifying things their dads like to do. Use this to create a themed card, drawing or other item for Father’s Day. For example, my daughter painted my brother a picture with his dogs and their favorite tree to stop at when they walk at a local park. While it doesn’t feature her father figure, it is a gift that means a lot to him.
13. Look back.
List the gifts dad has received over the years. Can you use one of those as a way to make a new gift? A favorite bowl for pocket items might need to be replaced or he used all his coupons and needs more!
Supplements
SUPP_FD Crafts_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2” round label printable, 12 up
SUPP_ FD Crafts_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
SUPP_Color Fun_WB Grandpa_larajla
- Color Fun: Father’s Day sheet for World’s Best Grandpa
SUPP_Color Fun_WB Dad_larajla
- Color Fun: Father’s Day sheet for World’s Best Dad
SUPP_Printable_My Grandpa_larajla
- Printable: My Grandpa frame for customized gift
SUPP_Printable_Dad_larajla
- Printable: My Dad frame for customized gift
SUPP_Printable_WB Dad Circle_larajla
- Printable: My Grandpa circle frame for customized gift
SUPP_Printable_WB Grandpa_larajla
- Printable: World’s Best Grandpa frame for customized gift
SUPP_Printable_WB Dad Circle_larajla
- Printable: My Dad circle frame for customized gift
SUPP_Printable_WB Mom_larajla
- Printable: World’s Best Father frame for customized gift
Sites to Explore
- www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/fathersday
- www.dltk-holidays.com/dad/crafts.html
- www.daniellesplace.com/html/mengifts.html
- www.parents.com/holiday/fathers-day/crafts/fathers-day-crafts-kids-can-make
- www.kidactivities.net/post/Fathers-Day-Ideas.aspx
- aboutfamilycrafts.com/edible-gifts-for-fathers-day
- ediblecraftsonline.com/fathers_day/candy_grams_for_dad.htm
- www.theidearoom.net/2011/05/fathers-day-candy-bar-wrapper-printables.html
- www.womansday.com/home/crafts-projects/g2461/fathers-day-craft-ideas
- www.pinterest.com/diamondkandace/crafts-for-father-s-day
- www.pinterest.com/mrscarpenter/father-s-day
- www.pinterest.com/jrchurchlady/father-s-day-crafts-ideas
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs