There's something about a homemade gift that feels more meaningful, plus dad can appreciate that his children put time and creativity into a project or craft — with another parent's supervision, of course. While there are plenty of thoughtful Father's Day gifts to shop, DIY presents are a cheaper — and sometimes quicker — alternative. To impress the dad who wants nothing this year, try your hand at making one of these easy DIY Father's Day gifts (note: some take less than five minutes).
We've rounded up ideas for every kind of dad: the guy who loves watching sports, manning the grill, tending to his houseplants, cracking open a cold one or enjoying sweet snacks. There are heartfelt projects (think picture frames) for new dads on their first Father's Day, alongside last-minute ideas that will impress anyone on your list — including gifts for step dads and gifts for grandpa. Plus, you'll find a homemade Father's Day card that can be treasured forever (hint: it isn't made from paper).
No matter if you've got babies, toddlers or older children, we've included the best ideas to get everyone involved in gift giving. Simple ideas include "Dad" paperweights and Father's Day coupons, while others are kid-crafted storybooks and homemade bath bombs. There are so many cute DIY ideas, you may want to save a few for his birthday or Christmas!
1
Sports Donuts
If he loves sports and sweets, these adorable donuts make the perfect present. Start with a bag of store-bought mini glaze donuts or have your kids help you make some from scratch.
2
Dad Rocks Paperweights
Supply the kiddos with washi tape, paint markers and a rock, then inspire them to draw their dad. Add a punny message like "Dad Rocks" or the classic "Best Dad Ever."
3
Fabric-Wrapped Planter
For dads who love houseplants, make him a fabric-wrapped pot. Hint: This one requires very few supplies.
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4
Father's Day Coupons
Dad will love receiving these Father's Day coupons, and kids will love when they redeem each one — since it means more quality time with dad. A few ideas: lunch date, free hug and breakfast in bed.
5
Salt Dough Picture Frame
Kids can be involved in every step of this simple process. Follow a salt dough recipe, shape the letters to read "DAD" and bake the cookies. Later, include family photos and write in the kids' name.
6
Kid-Crafted Storybook
Sit down with your little one and help them write a superhero story inspired by their hero (AKA, their dad). Let them draw the illustrations and encourage them to get creative.
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7
Luggage Tags
For dads who enjoy traveling, these DIY luggage tags will get a ton of use. Print out a family photo or repurpose your kids' artwork.
8
Mini Zen Garden
Help dad stay relaxed with this tabletop zen garden, which also happens to be super easy to make. You'll only need a small box, sand, air plants, rocks and a small rake. Side note: Kids will love playing with it, too.
9
Wood-Burned Card
Forget the paper card, dad can cherish this wood-burned card forever. Have your kids trace their hand, write a message or draw a picture, then carefully use a wood burning tool.
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10
Dad's Mug
Whether for beer or root beer floats, this DIY mug is really easy to make. We suggest using a stencil, but you're welcome to freehand the text if you're up for it.
11
Homemade Grilling Apron
Give kids a range of fabric markers and paints to choose from, and then watch as they turn a plain white apron into something special for your family's grill master.
Get the tutorial at Country Living »
RELATED: Best Gifts for People Who Love to Grill, According to Food Experts
12
Flower Frame With Perler Beads
Not only can kids design their flower with perler beads, they can use their imagination while painting the flower pot. Add a photo, and dad will keep it on display for years to come.
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13
Printable Bottle Tags
Print one of these punny messages on card stock and then attach them to his favorite after-work drink of choice (read: beer).
14
Braided Twine Key Chain
Dad will have an easier time keeping track of his keys, plus he'll think about the family every time he uses them. All you need is some jute, scissors, hot glue and a key ring — plus about five minutes of your time.
15
Bath Bombs
Everyone can enjoy a relaxing bath after a long day, and these colorful bath bombs take it to the next level. Added bonus: Kids will love experimenting with different colors and accents (think dried flowers or orange peels).
Get the tutorial »
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16
Kid's Artwork Koozie
You'll also rely on your kid's help for this DIY: Ask them to draw a picture of their dad on a piece of craft foam, which you'll later wrap around a beer can like a koozie.
RELATED: Best Gift Ideas for Beer Lovers
17
Homemade Salsa
Get the kids involved in the kitchen to make dad his favorite snack from scratch. Put the salsa in a mason jar and add a festive label.
18
Washi Tape Clock
Upgrade a tabletop clock with washi tape — just let your kids choose a color or pattern that reminds them of dad.
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19
Personalized Spatula
He takes so much pride in being the chosen one to man the grill, so it's only fitting that he has a custom burger, hot dog and veggie flipper. Let the kids paint a special message — #1 Dad, Best Dad Ever, you name it — on its wooden handle.
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou »
RELATED: The Best Gifts to Give Dad
20
Spice Jars
Fill tiny jars with an assortment of unique spices, which is sure to inspire dad to experiment with grilling or cooking. Use a label maker to add custom labels, and wrap it up sweet.
Amanda Garrity
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
FAQs
Here's How to Impress Dad This Father's Day: A Homemade Gift? ›
Simple ideas include "Dad" paperweights and Father's Day coupons, while others are kid-crafted storybooks and homemade bath bombs. There are so many cute DIY ideas, you may want to save a few for his birthday or Christmas!
What is the best homemade gift for Father's day? ›Paperweights are Practical Father's Day Gift Ideas. Gift your dad, stepdad, or grandpa these paperweights to keep life organized. Choose a photo that will remind him of the best times of his life, like his wedding day or a special photo of his kids. This is a gift for Dad he can use daily at work or at home.
What do most dads want for Father's day? ›- The Gift of Sleep. ...
- The Gift of No Responsibilities. ...
- The Gift of Quality Time. ...
- The Gift of a Good Meal. ...
- The Gift of Romance. ...
- The Gift of Keepsakes. It may seem overdone, but have “the baby” or the kids make him something special. ...
- 337 shares. Link copied.
- 20 Signs You're a Good Parent.
- Wash and detail his car. There is nothing men love more than their cars. ...
- Play ball! ...
- Desktop pictures of a family. ...
- Have a “Remember When.” ...
- Write him a heartfelt note. ...
- Take over his chores. ...
- Prepare a meal he'll love. ...
- Sort out his sock drawer.
There are plenty of thoughtful and creative birthday gifts ideas for fathers that won't cost a fortune but will still make your dad feel special. Consider a personalized mug or photo frame, a sentimental book or perfume, a customized cushion or mug, a wallet or a unique toolset for his favourite hobby.
What is the most popular gift on Father's Day? ›The most popular Father's Day gifts are cards, special outings, and clothing (including neckties!). There are 70.1 million dads in the United States. The average age that men become fathers is currently 25.4 in the U.S. The average age of becoming a grandfather is 54.
What to make for Father's Day last-minute? ›- Hip Toddler-Art T-Shirt. ...
- Splotchy Watercolor Mug. ...
- Necktie Glasses Case. ...
- Scrabble Picture Frame. ...
- Tiny Accessories. ...
- Sharpie Doodle Coasters. ...
- Daddy Advent.