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Father’s Day will be here before we know it, and sometimes the best gifts from the heart are made by little hands. Read on to discover some sweet and simple ways for kids to say “I love you” to the dads in their lives.
Flying high
If you’re lucky enough to get a warm and breezy Father’s Day, why not plan on making homemade kites like this sweet little flier featured over at Babble Dabble Do?
Created with recycled mailers, drinking straws, tape, string and tissue paper, this cool kit is easy to make, and we have no doubt that your little ones will have a blast while fabricating their new toy. Overall, this is an easy craft idea that the handy dads out there will love to get in on, and one that can potentially be used throughout the rest of the summer!
Dad rocks
Say it loud and proud with this awesome salt-dough paperweight. Amanda from Crafts by Amanda provides a detailed tutorial and some cute photos of a kid making the dough and adding the final touches with pea gravel. This is one project both kids and Dad will be proud of.
This card is a hoot!
This cute homemade card from IHeartCraftyThings contains a hidden photo that Dad will treasure.
On the blog you’ll find a printable template for the owl card and full instructions on how to make it. This is one craft that’s going to keep the kids busy and can be easily customized with different colored paper.
Dad’s special cup
Dads will treasure this adorable fingerprint mug from Crafts by Amanda, and it will no doubt be a sweet reminder of the kids every time it gets used. All you need are some enamel paints or paint pens and a white mug.
Building memories
This thoughtful idea from The Seasoned Mom makes a great gift for Father’s Day — as long your kids are okay with surrendering some of their Lego collection! Have the kids think about their favorite activities to do with their dad, then write them with a sharpie on some Lego bricks. Store all of the Lego bricks in a jar as a sweet reminder for Dad about all of the good times together.
Dad’s trail mix
This trail mix idea from Lil’ Luna is genius and easy to customize for your family. Print out the downloadable label, stick it on a pretty jar and then fill it with your dad’s favorite trail mix. The mix can be store-bought or homemade — or just a mix of all of Dad’s favorite treats to eat.
Road trippin’
A fun find for the adventurous families out there, this clever idea for making a corkboard map featured over on C.R.A.F.T. brought a smile to our faces.
With a store-bought corkboard and a little help from an adult (and their power tools), this United States–themed map is a great addition to any family room or playroom — perfect for dreaming up your next road trip, learning about the different states or “pinning” where your loved ones live.
Sail away
Get your boats afloat with this darling craft idea by Inchmark.
Dad and his crew of adventurous young sailors can create a whole fleet of speedy boats using empty juice boxes, Tyvek envelopes, wooden skewers and colorful tape. All they’ll need is a nearby pond (or kiddie pool!) and a little wind and they’ll be off to the races — though you may consider letting Dad win here and there in honor of his special day. Check out the full blog post for tips on getting started.
A handy T-shirt
All you need to make this cute T-shirt are some fabric paints, a paintbrush, a cotton T-shirt and some willing kids! Megan from Coffee Cups and Crayons has a great tutorial on her site. This simple craft couldn’t be easier, and we know that Dad will wear this special T-shirt with pride.
Gone fishing
Looking for a fun project that Dad and the kids can do together as a great outdoor activity? This crafty fishing pole project we found on Imagine Childhood is sure to keep your family entertained on Father’s Day!
The main components include a bamboo garden stake, a wine cork, eye-screws, a spool, plus a few other little metal bits. Check out the full post for great step-by-step images and construction tips. After a few practice casts, the kids will be ready to find the nearest pond to try to land a big catch!
Dad of all trades
Do you know a handy dad who always has the right tool for everything? This adorable mini toolbox by Alpha Mom is a great project for Dad and the kids to make together this Father’s Day.
Made from Altoids tins and a few nuts and bolts (you’ll also need tools such as wire cutters, which Dad will need to handle), the finished product is perfect for holding all of the little things that get lost in the bottom of junk drawers. In her tutorial, Alpha Mom Brenda even includes templates to use as labels for the different sections of the stacked boxes. What a charming addition to Dad’s workbench!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and was most recently updated in 2023. Shar Petit and Vicky McDonald contributed to this article.
