Some dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, which can make Father’s Day stressful for their children. We want our gifts to show Dad how special he is in our lives. When budgets are limited, that can be a real trick, especially when dads are of an age where they really don’t need anything.
Solve both problems by skipping the store and making your own Father’s Day gifts. DIY presents are cheaper and more meaningful than anything you can find shopping online. Here are some ideas for DIY and crafty gifts that are sure to please, no matter your crafting skill level.
Photo: Deposit Photos
DIY Father’s Day gifts requiring no special skills
Photos: Dads will always treasure sweet photos of his little ones, and pictures with creative poses are especially fun. Take photos of the kids holding up signs that spell out “Best Dad” or “I love Dad.” Or, steal an idea from Crafty Texas Girls and take a picture of your kids lying on the driveway next to a Happy Father’s Day message written in sidewalk chalk. All you need is a camera — your cellphone will do.
Print the pictures using photo paper on your home printer or at your local drugstore photo kiosk. You can purchase inexpensive frames at Michaels using an in-store coupon.
Coupon books: Real men use coupons so the Father’s Day coupon book never gets old. Give coupons good for help with yard work, quiet time, control of the remote and more. Make sure the coupons never expire. Sometimes these Father’s Day coupon books are unearthed from storage years later, and the fun continues when fathers present the coupons to their grown kids, demanding car washes or lawn care.
Little kids can help cut out the coupons, color them in and also come up with ideas for new ones to add. If you want something really memorable, help the kids make this toolbox coupon book, from iHeartNaptime.
- Wish the great dads in your life a very happy Father's Day with a pack of cards for all the wonderful guys who deserve to be celebrated.
- Card pack contains 16 cards in four designs (4 of each design). Covers feature tools, mountains, modern greenery, and colorful stripes.
- Inside of each card contains a unique sentiment.
- A CARD THAT SHINES FOR THE MAIN MAN - These 5x7in Fathers Day card pack features colorful foil accents and dynamic artwork that stands out. For the king of the grill, the main man, or a one-of-a-kind dad, this Father's Day card pack brings the wow.
- FOIL, FLAIR & READY TO SHARE - Mix and match your favorites! This set includes 16 Fathers Day cards pack in 8 foil designs, 16 envelopes with printed linings and easy-seal gum closures in 4 designs, plus 18 matching stickers in 8 playful designs.
- HEARTFELT WORDS JUST FOR DAD - The Fathers Day card set features a warm, thoughtful message to celebrate dads of all kinds. Whether you’re expressing gratitude or admiration, this vibrant Fathers Day cards pack helps you send your message with heart.
- Celebrate all the dads in your life with this set of 6 Father's Day greeting cards
- Pack of cards includes 6 cards, 3 each of 2 designs: "Happy Father's Day" / "Wishing a really great day to a really great guy!" and "Today is yours to enjoy!" / "Hope you get a chance to relax, unwind and have a very happy Father's Day."
- Greeting card assortment is great to have on hand for celebrating dads, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, friends, coworkers and other great dads
- EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP - Celebrate Father's Day with a 5x8in Happy Fathers Day cards, crafted with laser-cut wood and engraved symbols that every dad will appreciate. It features a rich blue background, a gold foil greeting, & a crown on the front.
- PERSONALIZED TOUCH - Discover a heartfelt greeting inside this Fathers Day card for grandpa to express your affection & gratitude to your dad. The interior of this Father's Day greeting card exudes warmth and is crafted from 300gsm sturdy cardstock.
- COMPLETE WITH ENVELOPE & STICKERS - Each wooden Fathers Day cards for son includes a gold foil-accented envelope featuring a pre-water soluble gum closure & elegant inner lining. These Father Day card dad come with 19 stickers for personalization.
DIY collar stays: Even the littlest tots can give mighty gifts. Help them make these super easy collar stays for the button-down Dad using that pile of used cards. Have them write messages to Dad on the stays. No father could resist using a collar stay that says, “I love you, Daddy.”
Crafty Father’s Day gifts for experienced hands only
Handmade tie: You can always go the traditional route and get your dad a tie — with a twist, of course. A handmade tie is both unique and meaningful. Here is a tutorial for a bowtie; just pick out a fabric that will make your special guy smile. Or pull out the knitting needles and create a knitted necktie. Yarn costs can be as little or as much as you want to spend, depending on the quality of fiber you select.
Crafts using recycled clothing: Does dad have a beloved t-shirt or sweatshirt that has seen better days? Use this Better Homes & Gardens pattern and turn it into a unique throw pillow.
Father’s Day gifts for craft lovers who aren’t crafty
So you love the idea of a handmade, personal gift, but when it comes to being creative … let’s just say the cat has more talent than you do. Thankfully, Etsy can solve that problem for those of us who are all thumbs. You can purchase the fruits of other people’s creative labor, and have Etsy artists personalize your gift for you. A variety of gifts can be found on the site at almost any price range.
DIY Father’s Day cards
For do-it-yourself advice on handmade cards, see this story we ran for Mother’s Day. For inspiration on what to write, try this list from Making Greeting Cards or these ideas from Hallmark. Even a simple “I love you” in a hand-drawn card can make Father’s Day special.
We searched for more websites offering customizable, free printable cards for Father’s Day (and many other special occasions). A few sites also offer printable awards, certificates and coloring pages for even more ways to honor Dad on his special day. These greeting cards are great way for children to do something very personal to honor their father, beyond a gift that Mom actually buys.
Find free printable cards and more at these sites:
Activity Village Father’s Day free activities include printable cards, poems and story papers for fun and unique ways to let Dad know how much you appreciate all he does.
Artsy Fartsy Mama: Print these and wrap up Dad’s favorite candy bar for a sweet gift.
Blue Mountain Father’s Day cards offers an outstanding selection of printable Father’s Day cards sure to put a smile on any father’s face.
DLTK Father’s Day Printables include awards, certificates and coloring pages for Dad.
Mr. Printables: Make Dad his own pop-up toolbox card using these instructions.
Tried and True: Tried and True has these adorable hipster cards available for printing.
For more great gift ideas:
- Homemade food gifts
- Thoughtful gifts that keep on giving
- Gifts for the gardener
- Affordable gifts for the crafter
- Photo gifts for less than $20
- Make your own holiday gift bags
