As Father’s Day approaches, it’s time to turn up the dial on celebrating those beloved and leading men in our lives. Dads are the real-life superheroes who make each of our worlds a better place. And while they hopefully feel valued every day for the loving and supportive feats they do for their families, honoring Father’s Day is that chance to ensure they feel extra appreciated. There’s also nobody dad (or grandpa!) would probably rather have showering him with thanks than his adorable kiddos.
That being said, let’s face it: dads can be notoriously challenging to shop for. Whether they’re a minimalist, like to pick things out for themselves, or repeatedly say they “don’t know” or have “everything” they need when you ask them for gift ideas, finding an exciting Father’s Day gift isn’t always easy. A little lightbulb goes on, though, when you realize you can make him something. Not only is it a gift he’s guaranteed not to have already, but it will be especially memorable because his kids put some earnest love and TLC into creating it.
As you engage in your Father’s Day activities this year, and perhaps watch a Father’s Day movie or two, here are 22 DIY Father’s Day gifts that dad and/or grandpa is going to adore receiving on his special day.
1. Dad Rocks Paperweight
A dad’s support is something strong and sturdy to be able to count on. This paperweight is definitely the perfect symbol for that invaluable support.
2. ‘We’re Nuts About You’ Photo Frame
Dads are often known for being full of dad jokes and puns, so this punny frame will be right up his alley—and even more so if he’s a Mr. Fix-It type of guy.
3. Papa Bear Handprint Card
How sweet is this papa bear-themed card? It’s an easy and wonderful craft for little hands to indulge in some sensory painting time.
4. ‘All About My Dad’ Keepsake Printable Card
Sometimes it’s the little things we pay attention to about the people we love that remind them how much we cherish their presence. Have your child show dad just how much they care about him by expressing all their dad knowledge.
5. DIY Painted Father’s Day Tie
What father doesn’t want to wear his identity loud and proud? This charming tie is a lovely way to gift him something that expresses what a badge of honor it is to be a dad.
6. Bacon Bouquet
Roses are red, violets are blue, dad here’s a bouquet of bacon that’s just right for you. If you want to surprise him with the tastiest bouquet of ‘flowers’ he might ever receive, then this Father’s Day gift is absolutely the way to go.
7. Father’s Day Pop Up Card
Store bought pop-up cards can run a bit on the pricier side, so not only is this Father’s Day greeting card thrifty, but kids can make it way more poppin’ (so-to-speak!) as well.
8. Mini Tool Box for Dad
This is on the neat and practical side of DIY Father’s Day gifts, offering dad a useful little keepsake box for storing nails, screws, coins, and whatever other knickknacks he has accumulated.
9. ‘You are Suds-a Great Dad’ Printable
Greet dad with a fresh bottle of shampoo or body wash for the shower, and a punny compliment to go with it. This printout is also great for adding personalized decorations and messages to really make it flashy.
10. Handprint Trophy
Let dad know he deserves a shiny award for all his precious efforts by presenting him with his very own trophy. Maybe you can even get him to share an acceptance speech, too!
11. DIY Trophy
If you want to take trophy-making for dad to the next level, you can have kids try their hand at these cool three dimensional ones. Filled with all kinds of fun beads, shapes, and inspiration, what dad wouldn’t feel honored to receive it?
12. Fingerprint Daddy & Me Mug
Dad’s favorite beverages are going to taste even better once he has this cute mug to sip out of. Plus, in terms of DIY Father’s Day gifts, it’s literally decorated with a personal touch!
13. Father’s Day Candy Gram
Cater to dad’s sweet tooth with this epic candy gram, which gives kids a chance to come up with lots of clever connections between popular candy bars and what they love about dad.
14. BBQ Card
If dad loves to fire up the grill, then he’s going to get a kick out of this whimsical little card. Kids can use their imagination to come up with unique messages and artwork to pop out when he takes the lid off.
15. Custom Tape Measure
Dad isn’t going to find a more uplifting tape measure than this. While this project calls for engraving, you can also do a spinoff with your own cutouts and some paint or Sharpies.
16. Father’s Day Scrabble Tile Frame
This attractive and earthy frame is a versatile gift option for many a dad. Pop in one of your favorite dad moment photos, and it’s one of those DIY Father’s Day gifts sure to be a winner!
17. ‘Thanks for Helping Me Grow’ Plant
Nature-loving kids will have a blast putting together this darling plant creation that also happens to celebrate dad. While this is an arts and crafts plant, you can also opt to help your child attach small notes using mini clothespins to the leaves of an actual plant instead!
18. Painted Hammer with Monogram for Dad
If dad’s a project guy, then he’ll certainly be happy adding a personalized, one-of-a-kind hammer to his tool collection. And hey, even if he’s not, you can always tell him he’s ‘nailing it’ at being the best dad ever, and he can use it for decoration!
19. Father’s Day Magic Card
Ready to wow dad with some magic? This creative craft shows kids how to make a card that appears as a simple black-and-white drawing at first, only to reveal a colorful superhero once it’s pulled out of its frame.
20. Cereal Box Crown
Eco-friendly art meets an entertaining collage-making extravaganza with this thoughtful DIY gift. Even though he might seem like king of the house already, anoint dad with a vibrant crown that makes him feel super royal this Father’s Day.
21. Shirt & Tie Card
Surely it’ll put a smile on dad’s face to receive a festive card that gives off total dad vibes. Kids can also get creative by adding more decorations to the shirt, like a pocket, stickers, callouts, glue-ons, etc., including anything that captures his specific interests or personality.
22. Candy Tackle Box
He may enjoy going fishing, or he may have a gummy candy addiction—either way, this sugar rush of a tackle box is bound to be a hit when Dad unwraps his gifts this Father’s Day.