Father’s Day is coming up, and you’re thinking, “What can I do to make my dad feel awesome?” First of all… great thinking! Dads do so much for their families and even if they don’t always say it, they love little things that show how much you appreciate them. Father’s Day is the perfect time to appreciate him with the perfect gifts ideas from kids.
A little can go a long way. Something thoughtful and homemade coming from a child will mean more than anything bought in the store. From a DIY Father’s Day gift, a handmade Dad DIY gift kids will love making, or even a DIY birthday gift for Dad made by kids, the meaning behind it matters most.
I love gifts that are fun, thoughtful, creative, and one-of-a-kind….something that will keep Dad smiling every time he sees it. The sweetest part is that these meaningful gifts don’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity, even simple finds from the dollar store can be turned into something truly special to give to Dad on Father’s Day or even as DIY Dad birthday gifts from kids if his birthday is close!
What do you think Dad might need that would be truly thoughtful? Is he always searching for something….like his keys? Then maybe he could use a key organizer. Is his work desk always cluttered? A valet tray or a simple desk organizer might be just what he needs. Offer plenty of ideas based on what Dad could really use, and let the kids choose what they’d love to create There are lots of birthday DIY gifts from kids for Dad, a classic Dad birthday gift idea DIY-style.
Thoughtful and Easy DIY Ideas Kids Can Actually Make
Even something as simple as a Father’s Day sign or a small gesture can make a big impact. Some kids may not have the time or interest for hands-on crafts, and that’s okay too. A candy stash jar with a funny note just for Dad can be just as sweet. It’s all about DIY birthday gifts for Dad and homemade gifts for Dad’s special day that come from the heart.
So, I’ve put together 29 father’s day gifts ideas from kids and they can actually make themselves! Or just a little guide from a grown-up with what you need, and how to do it. Ready? Let’s go!
FUN AND CREATIVE FATHER’S DAY GIFTS IDEAS FROM KIDS
1. Hand-Painted T-Shirts with Kid Art
It’s like giving your dad a hug he can wear!
Get a plain white t-shirt, you can find them at the dollar store or a craft store and some fabric paint. Then, paint whatever reminds you of your dad! Maybe his favorite sport, your handprints, or just a big “#1 DAD” with cool colors.
He’ll wear it with pride, even if there’s a big green blob right in the middle! It’s the love behind it that counts. This idea makes a perfect preschool Father’s Day gift because it’s simple, colorful, and heartfelt.
2. Decorated “Best Dad Ever” Certificate
You’re officially awarding your dad for being an amazing father.
On a piece of nice paper or even cardboard, write “Certificate of Awesomeness” or “Best Dad Ever Award.” Then write why you think he’s the best.
Maybe he’s the best pancake flipper, video game buddy, or story reader. Draw little icons or decorations around it. Frame it if you want! Perfect for ECE activities or preschool classrooms.
3. “Just for Dad” Trail Mix Jar
He gets snacks he loves AND a cute jar that says you made it just for him.
Grab a clean jar and fill it with his favorite mix…. maybe peanuts, M&Ms, pretzels, raisins. You decide! Decorate the jar with markers, washi tape, or a tag that says something funny like, “Dad Fuel” or “Power Mix for Super Dad.” Snack time = sorted!
4. DIY Wooden or Leather Valet Tray
What’s that? It’s a small tray where Dad can drop his keys, wallet, or watch so he doesn’t lose them. This kind of gift is one of those thoughtful homemade gifts he’ll actually use.
If Dad keeps losing his keys, wallet, or coins, this is perfect! You can shape a simple faux leather one (grownups can help). Add a message inside like “Keep your treasures here, Dad.” Or buy an unfinished wooden tray at the craft store or use a small box lid. Paint it or decorate it with cool designs or messages like “Dad’s Stuff Only!”
5. Dad-Themed LEGO Key Organizer
It’s a cool mix of fun and useful, especially for LEGO-loving dads! A cool craft for Father’s Day toddlers or older kids who love LEGO too!
Glue a LEGO baseplate onto a piece of wood or cardboard. Then, attach some LEGO bricks with holes to your keyrings and snap them onto the board. Boom! A LEGO key rack that looks awesome by the front door.
6. Fruit Slice Cork Coasters
Coasters protect surfaces from drinks, and they look fun too. Fun to make as a Father’s Day craft for toddlers easy project.
Use cork coasters from a dollar store or craft shop and paint them to look like fruit slices…. think orange, kiwi, or watermelon. These are cute AND practical for his coffee or soda. Dad can use them on his work desk or by the couch. Cute and handy, huh?
7. DIY Picture Magnets
Grab small wooden blocks or thick cardboard, paint them, stick magnets on the back, and add tiny photos on the front. Stick them on the fridge or a metal cabinet at work!
Every time he sees the fridge, he’ll see you and your memories together. Kids love this because it feels like a Father’s Day preschool craft that turns into a keepsake.
8. Pen Holder Craft
No more missing pens! Perfect for his work desk. Great for Father’s Day gifts ideas from kids school projects.
Take a clean tin can or toilet paper roll, paint it, and add fun decorations like ribbon, stickers, googly eyes, or emoji faces and boom…. it becomes a happy little desk buddy for his pens.
9. DIY “Dad’s Snack Stash” Jar
Use a big jar and fill it with all his favorite treats, chips, cookies, candy…. whatever he loves! Dad’s Day gifts from kids made easy. Add a note like “Hands off! Dad’s Snack Stash Only!”
10. Hand-Painted Mug
Take a plain mug and decorate it using porcelain markers or ceramic paint. Write something silly like “Dad Juice Only” or draw a big mustache. He’ll think of you every sip.
11. Daddy Fist Pump Craft
Trace your hand and Dad’s hand on cardstock, cut them out, and stick them together in a fist bump pose. A cool choice if you’re looking for older kids Father’s Day crafts.
Add a message like “Fist Bump for the Best Dad!”
12. Toilet Paper Roll Superhero Dad
Use a toilet paper roll and decorate it with paper or paint to look like a superhero version of Dad. This falls right into the category of Father’s Day presents from kids that are super fun.
Add a cape, a “D” symbol, or even glasses if he wears them.
13. DIY Key Holder Board
This is a practical and cool, perfect DIY gifts for dad that last.
Use a small wooden board, add hooks (with a grown-up’s help), and decorate it with paint, stickers, or a message like “Dad’s Key Station.”
14. Memory Jar
Fill a jar with small notes of your favorite memories or reasons you love Dad. “Remember when we built that treehouse?” or “I love your pancake dance!”…. he’ll read one whenever he needs a smile. This one of the low-cost, heartfelt Father’s Day gifts made by preschoolers option.
15. Photo Collage Frame
Grab a cheap frame from the dollar store and fill it with a collage of your favorite photos with Dad. Decorate the border with drawings, stickers, or tiny messages.
16. Car Wash Coupons
Making a car wash coupon is the easiest and most fun easy toddler Father’s Day crafts you can do.
Make cute little “coupons” that say things like “One Free Car Wash” or “Free Hug & Dance Break.” Dad can redeem them anytime, so fun!
17. Bottle Cap Magnets
Glue magnets to the back of clean bottle caps and decorate the front with tiny drawings or words like “Cool Dad,” “LOL,” or little emojis!
18. Rock Paperweight
Find a smooth rock, paint it with bright colors or a message like “You Rock, Dad!” Great for his desk or paper pile. Great kids crafts for Father’s Day, and it keeps his papers from flying and looks cool.
19. DIY Tie Bookmark
Cut a bookmark shape like a tie out of cardboard, decorate it with fun patterns, and add a ribbon. Dad will think of you every time he reads. This is a great option for bookworm dads.
20. DIY Candle in a Jar
With help from a grown-up, melt wax and pour it into a small jar with a wick. Let kids decorate the jar and label it “Dad’s Chill Time.” This DIY Father’s Day gift brings relaxing vibes!
21. Fingerprint Art Card
Tiny prints, big heart. Great for Father’s Day crafts for toddlers.
Make a Father’s Day card using only fingerprints to form shapes like hearts, balloons, or a little family! Simple and super cute. Your fingerprints make cool patterns and shapes!
Add a message like “You leave your print on everything you do.”
22. Popsicle Stick Frame
Glue popsicle sticks into a square frame and decorate with paint, glitter, and buttons.
Add your favorite photo and you’ve got one of the cutest Fathers Day crafts for toddlers. He’ll love it because you made it and it has your photo in it!
23. “I Love You Because…” Accordion Card
Fold a long piece of paper accordion-style and write one sweet thing about Dad on each panel: “I love you because you make the best silly faces…”
He opens it and gets a surprise message! This is among the top Fathers Day gifts ideas that preschoolers can personalize.
24. DIY Sunglass Holder
Wrap felt or foam around a cardboard tube or use a small pouch, and let kids decorate it to hold Dad’s sunglasses safely.
25. Personalized Bottle Labels
Print or handwrite fun labels to stick on his water bottles, juice bottles, or soda. “Best Dad Juice,” “Fuel for Awesome Dads,” etc.
26. Mini Tool Kit Jar
Fill a mason jar with mini screwdrivers, tape, screws, or even band-aids. Add a tag: “Dad’s Fix-It Kit” or “Tiny Tools for Big Jobs.”
27. Decorated Clipboard for Notes
Take a plain clipboard and let kids paint it or glue paper designs on it. Add a message like “Important Dad Stuff Only!”
28. “World’s Best Dad” Crown
Cut a crown shape from cardboard or craft foam, decorate it like royalty, and write “King of Dads!” on the front. Perfect for Father’s Day breakfast and for fun June themes in preschool or kindergarten.
29. DIY Desk Calendar
Create a little flip calendar with photos, drawings, or quotes for each month. Dad can keep it at work or home—it’s like a daily reminder of love!
It doesn’t matter if you’re great at crafts or just starting out—whatever you make, if it comes from your heart, it’s already perfect.
So pick one or a few of these Father’s Day gifts ideas from kids, gather your supplies, and surprise Dad with something special. He’ll love it. Promise.
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