20 Father’s Day Crafts You Can Make in One Day
Updated: Apr. 08, 2022There are all kinds of dads. Some are crack-ups, others are bookworms, and some want nothing more than to watch the game with their kiddos on the sofa. But no matter what kind of dad yours (or your kid's) is, he'll definitely appreciate getting a hand-made Father's Day craft for his special day.
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Memories in the making
Many years from now, an attic or garage search may uncover your father’s fondest gifts. Store-bought ties and uninspired book titles will not be in the dusty boxes you’ll find. Instead, temporarily hidden from view but never forgotten, will be those homemade Father’s Day gifts and the scribbled-on Father’s Day cards. Once uncovered, these loving mementos will bring Dad and the entire family renewed joy, memories, and laughter, plus the irreplaceable memories—so get started planning those Father’s Day activities! As you’re making these Father’s Day crafts, read up on the complicated yet fascinating history of Father’s Day, and why we have a day to honor our favorite man in the first place.
Raise your hand for Dad
Kids love to have their hands traced, and Dad will love looking back and remembering how little his kiddo’s hands were. This Father’s Day Handprint craft features the individualized palm print of Dad’s biggest fan, and comes from Kim over at The Best Ideas for Kids®. Your first step will be to download Kim’s free PDF template for the mustache and bowtie. You’ll need colored cardstock, a black marker, acrylic paint, and the all-important googly eyes that make this adorable craft come alive. Use Dad’s favorite color or pattern on the bowtie, and you’ll have a personalized Father’s Day card craft he’ll never forget.
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Not that he’s old or anything
Another adorable hand craft that relies on outlining your child’s palm is this dinosaur handprint card from Shikha at The Joy of Sharing. Download the template for a friendly, smiling dinosaur. Then, in addition to cardstock paper and googly eyes, don’t forget to stock up on lots of colorful pom-poms, so you can personalize your dinosaur card. You’ll also need child-friendly scissors and a black marker.
For the DIYer dad
If your dad recoils at the thought of hiring a handyman, this do-it-yourselfer, “Best Dad I Ever Saw” craft from the Preschool Crafts for Kids blog will tickle his fancy. Even if you’ve been stuck inside for ages, you probably have everything you need to make this one at home; all it takes is construction paper, a magic marker, and a sturdy paper plate. If Dad’s man cave needs a little extra decorating, turn your plate into a wall hanging with a one-hole paper punch tool and some yarn. Consider adding one of these father-son quotes to your project. They’re perfect for Father’s Day!
For the dad that rocks
There are rock ‘n’ roll dads, rocking chair dads, and dads who love nothing more than a rockin’ good time with their family. No matter what your particular dad is into, he’ll love getting this My Dad Rocks paperweight, from Our Family World. This craft is as simple as it gets. All you need is a rock, acrylic paint, glitter glue, and acrylic sealer spray. If you’re celebrating your stepdad on Father’s day, you could paint one of these stepdad quotes on the rock to show him how much you care.
The perfect card for a cool-dude dad
This too-cool-for-school, popsicle-themed Father’s Day card comes from Tara at Homeschool Preschool. You’ll start by downloading a free template for the card. Then, let your imagination be your guide. Tara recommends a variety of material alternatives to choose between, based on your child’s age and skill level. Some things you’ll need for certain are popsicle sticks, googly eyes, and liquid school glue.
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Ten things you love about Dad
This 10 Things I Love About You Popsicle Stick Gift Card from Khrista at ezebreezy – Life Simplified is a versatile gift idea you can use for all sorts of holidays and celebrations. For Father’s Day, have the kiddos get creative with jumbo-sized popsicle sticks, tempura paint, plus a paint pen or sharpie. This craft requires some hot glue gunning, so make sure you’re on site when the kids are working.
Sweet scribbles
Use your child’s adorable scribbles to decorate this Kid-Made Scribble Mug, from I Heart Arts n Crafts. You’ll need a plain white mug, some painter’s pens, and stickers, which your child will love to choose. This craft requires an oven as well as some lovin’ so make sure an adult is involved in the process.
It starts with the presentation
No matter what you put inside, the way your Father’s Day craft is wrapped sets the stage. Build the anticipation with this easy-to-make Shirt Tie Gift Box craft from Paper Crave. Easy to individualize, the box can be made out of any cardstock pattern or colors. You can also match the box to whatever special gem is nestling inside. You’ll need a printer for this one.
For the mountain man in your life
This adventure-themed Father’s Day craft turns your child’s footprint into a snow-capped mountain. Stacy, a military spouse and blogger at The Crazy Outdoor Mama, was inspired to create this good-for-any-age craft by the magnificent mountains of Grand Teton National Park. It’s easy to do and only requires canvas or paper, paint, and a brush—not bad for a craft destined to become a forever keepsake.
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Don’t forget the card—Part One
If you’re lovingly fashioning a DIY Father’s Day craft, you’ve got to enhance it with just the right homemade card. The Totally Promotional staff came up with a winner for their Totally Inspired blog (#6 down the page). It’s an easy-breezy take on the shirt-and-tie theme that dads always love. This one takes about five minutes to make and requires scissors, Scotch tape, cardstock, and a pencil. Need inspiration for what to write in his card? Here’s what to write in a Father’s Day card.
Don’t forget the card—Part Two
If Dad is the wise old owl in your child’s life, he’ll love this Guess Whooo Loves You Father’s Day craft, from Rachel Nipper’s iHeartCraftyThings blog. It’s owlishly adorable and sure to provide Dad with a hoot or two. Dad can use it as a wall hanging after the big reveal.
Need S’more Father’s Day gift ideas? Check this one out
Another great Father’s Day craft from MyPrintly is their Father’s Day S’mores Treats and Printable. The whole family will enjoy eating this one as well as making it. This two-part craft includes making the labels and baking the S’mores. Can you say yum? Dad sure will.
Dads like plants, too
This Father’s Day, why not make DIY plants that will last? Jennifer Refat’s blog, Craftic, features gorgeous paper succulents that will appeal to every dad’s softer side. Her paper succulents need a glue gun (and adult supervision) to make. Choose any color or patterned cardstock and get ready to melt Dad’s heart.
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Dot, dot, dash
If you’re sending out an S.O.S. for a functional Father’s Day craft, Susan, a military mom who has organized a double-digit number of homes, has got your back. Her easy Sharpie Dot Mug is a Father’s Day dream-craft-come-true. You and your kids will need some supplies for this one, including a plain white ceramic mug and glass paint or Sharpie oil-based paint markers. You’ll also need to bake the mug in a 375-degree oven which has not been preheated.
Because he lights up your life
A personalized photo candle holder makes a sentimental Father’s Day craft and a wonderful way to memorialize your favorite family photos, too. You’ll need a printer, watered-down glue, and a glass safety-candle holder. Making this craft also provides a great teaching moment for instructing your kids about candle safety. Nab instructions for this awesome craft from Red Ted Art.
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A great craft for weekend warrior moms and crafty (older) kiddos
If your favorite kind of DIY craft includes a handsaw and drill, Lowe’s has got a great Father’s Day project for you. (Older kids can participate in making this, but still need to be closely supervised by an adult.) The Tunnel of Fun Water Sprinkler is a craft that kids—and dads who are basically big kids—will love to use once it’s completed. For this craft, you’ll need 40 PVC pipes and a good amount of DIY know-how.
For the coziest dad ever
Make Dad’s day the coziest one ever, with a DIY No-Sew Body Pillow from the blog Satsuma Designs. You’ll have to steal Dad’s old flannels, plus get your hands on a bolster pillow and sewing machine. Experienced sewers will be able to whip this craft up in about ten minutes, but your child may require more time, plus adult supervision.
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Serve Dad breakfast in bed—on his very own personalized plate
From toast to tortillas, whatever you serve Dad on Father’s Day will taste ten times better if it’s on a personalized plate you made yourself. The You Are Special Today Plate, from Satsuma Designs, requires a ceramic plate, some Sharpies, an oven, and imagination. Choose from among Satsuma‘s suggested sentiments or come up with a special message all your own—like these great Father’s Day quotes.
A personalized necktie
Be forewarned that you will need an iron for this one from Kids Activities, along with a plain white necktie and some fabric crayons—but the outcome is totally worth it. The kids can color as much as their hearts desire (on clothing, no less) and their dad will get a personalized necktie for the office that will remind him of his children all day long. We can almost guarantee that he will get a ton of compliments.
For the dad who loves the aquarium
Here’s another great idea from Kim at The Best Ideas for Kids®. These fish handprint cards will swim right into Dad’s heart. She also includes an adorable poem to add to the card in her comprehensive instructions. Plus, it’s an easy way to have a keepsake of your child’s tiny handprint to hold onto these precious days as they grow older.
