20 Father's Day Crafts that Will Make Dad Smile
Kids grow up very fast, so you have to take every minute to create memories while you can.
Father's Day is a great chance to bond with your toddler while giving Dad something that puts a smile on his face.
Getting something from Amazon or the mall can be impressive, but a DIY gift is even better. These gifts are personal, and he'll appreciate the effort.
We researched the best Father’s Day crafts and made one comprehensive list to inspire project ideas you can do with kids of all ages.
Here are 20 Father's Day crafts that will make Dad smile:
1. We Are Nuts About You Photo Frame!
This photo frame idea was inspired by Happiness is Homemade. A bad “dad joke” and a sweet picture make this the perfect gift for Dad. You can put the photo frame in the living room or a work desk.
What you'll need:
Assorted nuts (different shapes and sizes)
Chalk paint or acrylic craft paint
Alphabet stickers or vinyl decals
MDF photo frame or unfinished wood
Glue
Instructions:
1. Paint the frame with dad's favorite color and allow it to dry.
2. Apply the vinyl decals or alphabet stickers to the frame.
3. Apply glue in different frame spots to create a pattern and stick the nuts.
4. Give the glue time to ensure it dries completely.
5. Add your favorite family photo
2. World's Best Dad Mug Cupcake
If Dad is a foodie, this mug cupcake will be the perfect breakfast for Father’s day. Inspired by Brit+Co, this cupcake idea is an excellent last-minute DIY gift.
What you’ll need:
White fondant
Toothpick
Chocolate cupcakes
Chocolate frosting
Knife
Black edible food coloring marker
Instructions:
1. Bake or buy the cupcakes and remove the cupcake liner.
2. Slice off the top of the cupcakes.
3. Use chocolate frosting to join the two cupcakes to get a cake tier.
4. Apply the chocolate frosting to the outside of the cake.
5. Cut a long fondant strip and fit it around the cake.
6. Use the color black edible food coloring marker to write "World's Best dad" on your mug cupcake.
7. Roll a fondant handle and stick it to the mug using toothpicks.
3. Father's Day Fish Card
This is a simple, funny, and sweet Father's Day craft idea. Kids will enjoy all the paper cutting. This idea was inspired by Hello Wonderful, and it’s brilliant. We couldn't wait to get the right audience for it.
What you'll need:
Scissors
Pencil
Black marker
Yellow, green, blue and light blue, and green cardstock
Glue stick
Instructions:
1. Download and print the fish template.
2. Trace the shapes on the respective cardstock papers and cut out the kelp and two fish shapes.
3. Fold the fish shapes and cut the end into six small strips. Cross the two middle strips and glue them together. Do the same with the other strips.
4. Draw the eyes using a black marker.
5. Fold the light blue paper into half and glue the kelp and fish on it. Write your message inside the paper and in front as well. Hello, Wonderful suggested, "Dad, You're Fin-tastic," but you can write a different message.
6. Glue kelp inside the card.
4. Printable Photo Calendar
We are in the middle of the year, but six months is still a long time to have a boring calendar. This tutorial from The Merry Thought is the easiest we found, and even preschoolers can do it by themselves under supervision.
Extra tip: If you still have time before the big day, snap some pics of Dad and use the new photos for the calendar. You can also add a quote from Dad for every month.
What you'll need:
12 photos
Paper cutter
Matter of paper or quality card stock
Printable Calendar PDF
Glue
Instructions:
1. Print calendar pages.
2. Cut the photos (3″ x 4.25″)
3. Glue the photos into the calendar
5. Papa Pasta Face Planters
These pasta face planters from Handmade Charlotte will put a smile on papa's face, and later, you can use them to plant some succulents. As a bonus, kids will really enjoy crafting funny face shapes.
What you'll need:
Terra cotta pots
Hot glue gun or tacky glue
Apple barrel acrylic paint set
Paintbrushes
Pasta (assorted shapes)
Instructions:
1. Paint the outside of your pots and a few inches inside (to the level the soil would cover). Allow the pots to dry completely.
2. Gather all the pasta shapes you can get in the house. You can get some in your local grocery shop if you don't have enough in the house. Radiatore makes a fantastic mustache, while farfalle makes cute bow ties.
3. Line up your pasta and paint them.
4. Once the past and the terra cotta pot are dry, attach the pasta shapes to the pot.
5. Wait seven hours before planting anything in the pots.
6. Seashell Candles
These seashell candles from One Little Project at a Time are unique and easy to make. You can package them and tie them up with a cute ribbon for Father's Day, or prepare Dad’s favorite dish and have a candlelight dinner as a family.
What you’ll need:
Six seashells
Crayons (any color will do)
12 votive candles
12 pan muffin tin
Essential oils (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place your candles in the muffin. Put them in the oven for at least 10 minutes or until they melt.
2. Peel two crayons (if they have a paper cover). Break them into pieces, put them in a cup and microwave them for two minutes or until they melt.
3. Mix the two melted crayons with wax from two votive melted candles using a wooden stick.
4. Add your essential oils to the mixture (optional).
5. Pour the crayon wax into the seashells.
6. Add a wick in the middle of the seashell wax before it dries (you can use the wick from the votive candles).
7. Allow the wax to dry, and your seashell candles are ready for use.
7. Lego Father's Day Picture Frame
There are two facts we like about this Lego Father's Day picture frame from Pillar Box Blue. First, kids love playing with Legos, and every dad has had an awful experience with a Lego after stepping it on barefoot. It's the perfect description of the bittersweet experience of fatherhood.
What you'll need:
Two Lego Minifigures
Blackboard paint
Spray paint (use daddy's favorite color)
Chalk marker
Lollipop stick
Glue
Instructions:
1. Disassemble the photo frame by removing the backing and the glass of the frame.
2. Spray the frame and the Lego Minifigures. Do this in an open area or a well-ventilated room.
3. Once the paint is dry, glue the Minifigures at the bottom of the photo frame and hold each in place for 45 seconds to ensure they stick.
4. Paint the lollypop stick black.
5. Once the lollypop stick is dry, write "Happy Father's Day" on one side and "Best Daddy in the World" on the other side." (You can also let kids come up with different messages).
5. Put a photo of your liking in the picture frame and place the lollipop stick on the two Lego Minifigures.
8. Reasons I Love You Father's Day Gift
We consider this craft from Bolling with 5 one of the most straightforward and thoughtful Father's Day DIY gifts on this list. This is because while we tell each other "I Love You" daily, we never have a chance to explain why. This craft gives your kids a chance to let daddy know why he's special.
Some reasons will be as small as "because you buy me ice cream," but that authenticity will make Dad smile, so don't paraphrase any of them!
What you'll need:
Paint
Hot glue
Paint brushes
11 popsicle sticks
Rope, yarn, ribbon, string, or rope
Instructions:
1. Paint all popsicles (use a different color for every popsicle). You can color the back side with one color or leave it plain.
2. Once the popsicles are dry, hot glue them together from the plain side.
3. Hot glue the rope on the plain side so you can hang the craft.
4. On the first popsicle, write "10 Reasons I Love You" and then list the reasons on the remaining popsicles.
9. Father's Day Memories Jar
Sometimes even the best daddies in the world don't get a chance to spend time with their kids. They're busy working late to support their families. The Father's Day memory jar by The Seasoned Mom gives you a chance to plan for daddy to make memories with kids.
What you'll need:
Legos
Marker pen of any color
Paper
Jar
Glue
Instructions:
1. Ask kids to come up with what they enjoy doing with daddy.
2. Write every idea in a Lego.
3. Put them in a jar.
4. Write "Father's Day Memory Jar on paper and stick it on the jar.
5. Make an effort to do one of the activities every chance you get.
10. Father's Day Coupon Book
This mini coupon book idea from Skip to My Lou is a great Father's Day gift because it gives the kids a chance to help daddy with a few chores.
What you'll need:
Paper
Black and white printer
Stapler
Scissors
Instructions:
1. Download a Father's Day coupon template. You can also customize your ideas.
2. Print out the coupon pages in different color pallets to make them colorful.
3. For sturdiness, print the book cover on cardstock.
4. Cut out the coupons and the coupon cover.
5. Fold the cover into two to get the shape of a book.
6. Place the coupons inside and staple them on the black line.
11. Colorful Mustache Mug
Whether dad has a mustache or not, this silly mug is an excellent gift for Father's Day. Kids will love watching dad drink from his mustache mug, and every dad lives for those little giggles. We found this tutorial from Crafts by Amanda and it’s very easy to follow.
What you'll need:
A coffee mug
A decoArt glass paint marker or a sharpie
Instructions:
1. Draw the mustache on your coffee mug and allow it to dry for at least four hours.
2. Place your mug on a cookie sheet and put it in a cold oven.
3. Set the timer to 40 minutes and turn the temperature to 375F.
4. Allow the cups to cool before you handwash them.
12. My Dad Rocks
There are many "My Dad Rocks" crafts for Father's Day, but they all include a "rock frame" and the words "My Dad Rocks" in the middle. We were, therefore, very impressed by this unique idea from Non-Toy Gifts. The presentation makes a real difference.
What you'll need:
Craft markers or paint
Scissors
A Father's Day template
Rocks or a bag of polished stones
White cardstock
Paintbrush if you're using paint
Glue
Instructions:
1. Gather your rocks and arrange them in the shape of a person. You'll need 8 rocks: 2 big ones for the body and head, 4 long rocks for the hands and legs, and 2 tiny ones for shoes.
2. Paint your rocks.
3. Print the Father's Day Frames.
4. Glue your rocks on the cardstock.
13. DAD Salt Dough Picture Frame
Life is too short for boring picture frames, and this craft from The Soccer Blog Mom is living proof. Why have a square picture frame when you can have a DAD Picture frame? Kids will also enjoy getting messy when crafting the frame.
What you'll need:
Photographs
Metallic silver sharpie
Silicone baking mat
Food coloring gel
1 cup salt
1 cup flour
2/3 cup water
Instructions:
1. Pour your salt and flour into a large bowl. Mix the two and add water in small bits while kneading until you get a play-dough consistency. You might not need to use all the water.
2. Add the food coloring gel. 2-3 drops are enough, but you can use more or less depending on the shade your want.
3. Divide your dough into three equal balls and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Form the dough into letters and ensure they're touching to stay together. If they're apart after baking, you can always use glue. Ensure the dough has a thickness of 1/4" - 1/2".
5. Bake the dough for 3 hours at 200°F. You might have to bake it longer if it's still soft after the 3 hours. Keep checking in to make sure the letters don't burn.
6. Flip your dough and bake the bottom at 250° for 1 hour.
7. Remove the salt dough from the oven and allow it to cool.
8. Glue the photos to the bottom of the dough, so you have the kids smiley faces showing in the middle of each letter.
9. Use a sharpie to write the kids' names.
14. Rock Craft for Father's Day
This is another great My Dad Rocks idea for Father's Day from Hello Wonderful. It's excellent for huge families where every kid wants to do something for daddy. It's also budget-friendly and easy to make, even for toddlers.
What you'll need:
Rocks
Cardstock
Washi tape
Paint markers
Black marker
Glue
Instructions:
1. Cut the washi tape to form a bow tie or tie ad stick them to your rock. Alternatively, use cardstock or a wide strip of wide washi tape to cut out a patterned shirt.
2. Use different paint markers to draw various shapes and desired details on the stone.
15. Paper roll Father's Day Craft
This is another hack from the Non-Toys Gift. It's cheap, easy, and silly. You'll love this if you're looking for a last-minute Father's Day gift.
What you'll need:
Paper roll
Scissors
Glue
Buttons
Googly eyes
Black marker
Colored craft paper
Paintbrush
Craft paint
Instructions:
1. Paint the paper roll. To make the craft appealing, use at least three colors: one for the face, the second for the hair, and the third for the shirt.
2. Glue your googly eyes.
3. Add a mustache, bow tie, or tie.
4. Add at least three buttons below the tie or bow tie.
5. Use the black marker to draw a smile.
16. Star Wars Yoda Card Craft
I love this Yoda card craft idea from Simple Everyday Mom because kids are adorable like Grogu, and daddy is wise like Yoda. It's also a perfect gift for Star Wars lovers.
What you'll need:
Colored card stock (pink, green, and black)
Glue stick
Yoda craft template
Black and green marker
White cardstock
Scissors
.5" circle punch (optional)
Standard hole punch
Instructions:
1. Download the Yoda craft template and cut out all the pieces.
2. Fold your green card stock into half (hot dog style). Place the Yoda's head template on the paper and trace it with a pencil. Cut the head out and leave the fold line intact.
3. To create Yoda's ears, glue the pink inner ear to the bottom of the green outer ears and cut off any excess.
4. Glue the ears to the back of the head card.
5. Assemble the eyes by gluing the standard hole punch and circle punch circle on the outer part of the eyes.
6. Glue the eyes to Yoda's face.
7. Draw Yoda's oval nose using the green marker and draw a smile using the black one.
8. Add a few wrinkles on Yoda's face using the black marker.
9 Write a special Father's Day message inside the card.
17. Fingerprint Daddy & Me Coffee Mug
A customized coffee mug is the first thing that comes to mind when discussing DIY gifts. However, this is not an ordinary “Best Daddy in the World” mug. We thought we could recommend something different this year. This project was inspired by Crafts by Amanda.
What you'll need:
Pink, red, and black enamel paints or paint pens
White coffee mugs
Toothpick or thin pointed paintbrush
Instructions:
1. Clean and dry your mug.
2. Put the kid's thumb in red enamel paint and press it on the mug to represent daddy's body.
3. Put the pointing finger in paint (pink if it's a girl and blue for a boy) and press it next to the red paint to represent the toddler's body.
4. Draw their arms and legs using a thin paintbrush. Connect their hands so they're holding hands.
5. Use the paintbrush to add their hair.
6. Use the paintbrush to write Daddy on top of the mug & me below their legs.
7. Air dry the mugs if you have time or bake them in the oven if it's last minute.
18. Tape Resist Mug or Bowl
This DIY Father's Day gift from Happy Hooligans is a great option for toddlers. You can make a bowl for a change if you've already gifted daddy a mug.
What you'll need:
Painter's tape
Paint brushes
White mug or bowl
Sealer/acrylic craft varnish
Instructions:
1. Clean and dry your mug to remove any residue.
2. Tear the painter's strip into pieces. Use the pieces to spell the words or message you want on the mug. Press it and hold it in place for at least 45 seconds.
3. Make sure you rub all air bubbles out of the tape; otherwise, the paint will seep underneath.
4. Once you're content with the tape design, paint the rest of the cup.
5. Now, peel the tape to reveal the design.
19. Father's Day Bookmarks
If Dad is an avid reader, make him these DIY bookmarks from I Heart Crafty Things. They're easy to make, but they're among the best gifts you can gift an avid reader. You can go the extra mile and buy daddy that new book they've been talking about to go with the bookmark.
What you'll need:
Fun chalk markers
Laminator
Black cardstock paper
Picture
2-inch punch circle
Fun chalk markers
Glue stick
Instructions:
1. Cut your black cardstock paper (2.5 inches by 8.5 inches).
2. Use the fun chalk markers to decorate the bookmarks. You can decorate the front and the back as long as you leave room for the picture.
3. Cut out a picture of your child's face using the 2-inch punch circle and glue it to your bookmark.
4. Laminate the bookmarks to prevent the fun chalk markers from rubbing off.
20. There's No "Butter" Pop Like You
This idea from Craft Project Ideas is the ultimate bad dad joke. It's funny, the kids will love it, and dad gets a taste of his own medicine. It’s a win for everybody.
What you'll need:
Rainbow poms
Canvas
Yellow poms
Yarn poms (yellow)
Paintbrush
Acrylic paints
Adhesive craft foam
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Hot glue/craft glue
Instructions:
1. Paint a canvas blue.
2. Sketch a popcorn box on an adhesive foam. Use a ruler to ensure it's neat.
3. Cut out your sketch and stick it on the blue canvas. Leave enough space to write your message.
4. Glue your assorted craft pom on top of the popcorn box.
5. Write the words and outline them with acrylic paint.
Time to start crafting your Father’s Day gift!
Dads are unique and deserve to be celebrated by their families. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to wow them on Father's Day!
Even with a small budget, your toddlers will be happy to help make a homemade gift for daddy.