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5 Homemade Gifts Your Kids Can Make This Father’s Day

A young girl giving her dad a present on Father's Day.
Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock

There’s nothing quite like receiving a thoughtful, homemade gift from someone you love. Make this Father’s Day extra special by getting your kids to whip up one of these heartwarming gifts.

Not only are homemade gifts usually cheaper, but they’re also more meaningful. This is especially true for all those non-materialistic dads out there. They might claim they have everything they need, but there’s always room to accept a unique, handmade gift.

Nuts About Daddy

A jar of nuts with sign that says We're Nuts about you Daddy! Happy Father's Day
Liz on Call

Got a guy who loves to chow down on nuts? This is the gift for him! Simply fill a jar or large container with Dad’s favorite nuts: cashews, peanuts, almonds, you name it!

Next, download a template from Liz on Call, print and glue it to the front, and you’re done! There are multiple designs to choose from, such as “I’m Nuts about you Daddy!” There are also special greetings for “Grandpa” or “Papa.”

Add some ribbon, string, or cover the container with stickers to give it a special touch. Then, pair it with the adorable Father’s Day card below.

Shirt and Tie Father’s Day Card

Four Father's Day cards that look like a business shirt with a fabric tie glued on.
Happy Hooligans

We think this is the best Father’s Day card for 2020! Not only is it adorable, but real fabric is used to make the tie, and it celebrates dad’s dedication to always being well-dressed and groomed (from the waist up, anyway).

Here’s what you need:

  • Cardstock: Pick out dad’s favorite colors.
  • Fabric scraps: You use these to make the tie. If you don’t have any, you can use paper, a different color of cardstock, or color something with wild patterns.
  • Scissors
  • Buttons: If you don’t have any, just draw some with a marker or add stickers—they’re the solution to everything!
  • Glue gun and some glue
  • Plain paper: To print off the free tie template.

You can read the full tutorial at Happy Hooligans.

Back Massage T-Shirt

A man lying on his stomach while two young boys push cars on the road map on the back of his T-shirt.
The Blue Basket

Imagine this: a tired, exhausted dad comes home from work, puts on this T-shirt, and then collapses on the floor. The kids grab toy cars and drive them all over the roads on the shirt, giving dad a back massage in the process. Brilliant!

Drawing the roads and buildings takes time and patience. Your child will most likely need help with this one. If you love this concept, but don’t have time to make it, though, you can buy one on Etsy.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A white T-shirt: Here’s a basic one for under $10.
  • Printer and paper: Download the map template here.
  • Fabric markers: You use these to draw the map on the T-shirt. Make sure you get a set with colors, though, unless you want to draw in black and white.
  • Toy cars: Trust us—dad will love this massage, but do be gentle.

You can read the full tutorial at the Blue Basket.

Decorate a Mug

Does Dad really need another mug? Of course! All you’ll need is a white ceramic mug and some permanent markers. Make sure you get oil-based markers, so the print will be dishwasher safe.

You can print a predesigned template, make your own, or just let your kids go wild with the markers.

For younger kids, we suggest you write out a message or dad’s name with painters tape. Then, just let your kids doodle and draw all over the mug. After everything’s dry, pull off the tape, and there’ll still be a legible message, along with your children’s unique patterns. Sweet! Don’t forget to bake Dad’s mug afterward to set the design forever.

Watch the video above for the full tutorial.

Craft Stick Photo Collage

A five-photo wall collage of a baby and his dad.
Econo Crafts

There’s nothing quite like looking at precious photos of your kiddos. This adorable photo collage is bound to bring tears to even the most stoic of dads, so keep those tissues handy!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Craft sticks
  • Liquid glue
  • Paint
  • Water
  • Kraft paper or newspaper
  • A paintbrush
  • A paper plate
  • Five adorable photos

Read the full tutorial at Econo Crafts.


Spending some time on a homemade gift is a wonderful way for your children to show their love and appreciation this Father’s Day. Plus, you’re bound to save money, and make even the pickiest of dads happy.

Looking for more craft ideas? Here are eight things you can make with stuff around the house—the perfect tutorial for quarantine life.

Jill A. Chafin Jill A. Chafin
Jill A. Chafin is a freelance writer, aerialist, dancer, food enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, and mama, based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Read Full Bio »
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