Dads.
They love a bad joke, forty winks, and a Sunday afternoon spent at the golf course.
But when Father’s Day rolls around and you’re in need of a last-minute present, what do you get the man who insists he “doesn’t need anything” but very obviously still expects something?
Well, what he actually means is: “Please hand me something homemade, slightly wobbly, and painted with heart-melting enthusiasm.”
We’ve rounded up some of the best Father’s Day crafts and handmade gifts for Dad that’ll make him laugh, smile, and maybe even tear up (probably blaming it on “pollen” again).
From handmade aprons to trinket-tray triumphs, these DIY gifts are perfect for dads, stepdads, grandads, or even the father-in-law who’s never met a BBQ he didn’t burn.
So this year, skip the novelty socks and step away from the “World’s Best Dad” mug. Instead, round up the kids, grab the glue sticks, and get ready to make something Dad will never forget (or at least never throw out because you’ll notice).
Let’s get crafty!
Father’s Day Crafts
Handprint Father’s Day Apron
It’s Father’s Day. The sun is shining. The grill is warming up. And Dad? He’s out there doing his best “King of the Tongs” impression in Mum’s best apron.
Well, not this year.
This year, he gets an apron that’s been lovingly decorated with little handprints, proudly declaring him the World’s Greatest Daddy. It’s cute. It’s sentimental. It’s wildly easy. And it’s the kind of gift that gets proudly worn at every barbeque until it’s more ketchup than cotton.
What You’ll Need:
- A plain white apron
- Fabric paint
- A paintbrush or sponge
- Your kid’s hands (attached)
- A permanent fabric marker
How To Make It:
1. Help the kids paint their hands and press them onto the apron.
2. Add some loving messages in fabric marker.
3. Let everything dry.
4. Gift it to Dad. Prepare for hugs, photos, and possible public apron-wearing.
Find the full tutorial here.
Bottle Cap Photo Keychain
If your Dad is showing strangers a blurry wallet photo of their kids from 2014, this craft will upgrade his proud parent game. The bottle cap photo keychain is the perfect pocket-sized brag to gift to Dad this Father’s Day. And best of all, you made it (with a bit of glue, some string, and a mildly chaotic printing experience).
Whether it hangs from the fridge or his car keys, this one’s guaranteed to bring a smile every time he reaches for it. And it won’t end up in the glovebox “for safekeeping.”
What You’ll Need:
- A printed photo (small enough to fit on a keyring)
- Cardboard or wooden shape
- Mod Podge or glue
- Keyring loop
- Hole punch
- String or ribbon
- Optional: embellishments like stickers, washi tape, or a little message written on the back
How To Make It:
1. Cut the photo to size and glue it onto your base.
2. Add decorations or write a message on the back.
3. Punch a hole, attach the keyring, and let it dry.
4. Hand it over and wait for the smile. (Or the dad-joke about “unlocking his heart.”)
Find the full tutorial here.
“Dad, You’re Ace” Clay Trinket Tray
Every dad needs a place to drop his keys and his poker face. He’s the guy who can fix a leaky tap with duct tape, tell the same joke a hundred times and still laugh, and somehow always knows where the remote is. But when it comes to keeping track of his keys, coins, and that mysterious screw he swears is important? Not so much.
But with this handmade Playing Cards Trinket Tray, he’ll have the perfect spot for all of his pocket treasures. Shaped like a playing card and emblazoned with messages of love, it’s both a practical gift and a daily reminder that he’s the king of your heart.
What You’ll Need:
- Air-dry clay
- Rolling pin
- Plastic modelling tools or a butter knife
- White, red and black acrylic paint
- Paint brushes
- Varnish
How To Make It:
1. Roll out the clay to about 0.5cm thick.
2. Cut out a rectangle to resemble a playing card. Smooth the edges.
3. Gently lift and shape the edges upward to form a shallow tray.
4. Let the clay dry completely (this may take up to 24 hours).
5. Paint the entire tray white. Once dry, add red and black details to mimic a playing card, including a lovely message like “Dad, You’re Ace!”
6. After the paint dries, apply a coat of varnish for durability and shine.
Find the full tutorial here.
"DADDY" Photo Letter Sign
A picture is worth a thousand "I love yous," and Dad has enough ties and mugs to last a lifetime. This Father’s Day, why not give him something that truly captures the essence of your love?
This Photo Letter Sign is a heartfelt collage that spells out "DADDY" using your favourite family photos. It’s a personalised piece of art that Dad can hang in his office, workshop, or man cave for a daily reminder of the moments that matter most.
And the best part? You made it!
What You’ll Need:
- 8×10 photo prints (or multiple 5×7 prints)
- Mod Podge
- Brush
- Letter printables (bold font)
- Scissors
- X-Acto knife
- Optional: wood board, wood glue, white spray paint, dowels for framing, Sharpie
How To Make It:
1. If you're making a wooden sign, assemble your MDF board and dowels using wood glue. Let it dry and spray paint it white.
2. Choose photos that represent special moments with Dad.
3. Print out large letters spelling "DADDY" and cut them out to use as stencils.
4. Place the letter templates over your photos and trace them. Carefully cut out each letter.
5. Position the photo letters on your base, ensuring even spacing. Glue them down with Mod Podge.
6. Add a quote (optional): Trace or draw a meaningful message or quote with a Sharpie.
7. Apply a final coat of Mod Podge over the entire piece to seal it.
Find the full tutorial here.
Handmade Father’s Day Treat Bags
It’s got a tie. It’s got a collar. It’s got… a bag of sweets inside. Welcome to elite-level Father’s Day gifting.
This handmade gift bag looks just like Dad’s favourite shirt, tie and all, and is so quick and easy to make you’ll spend more time picking out the sweets to go inside than actually crafting it. And the kids get to design the entire outfit. Napkin tie? Done. Sharp, folded collar? You bet. Tiny drawn-on pen in the breast pocket? If you must. Move over, Savile Row — Dad’s got a new personal designer.
What You’ll Need:
- A plain paper gift bag (aka blank canvas)
- Ribbon, napkin, or another material for the “tie”
- Scissors
- A marker pen for buttons, pocket, and doodles
- A gift or sweets to go inside
- Unreasonable levels of excitement over drawing a collar
How To Make It:
1. Fold the top of the bag down twice. Cut two little slits at the sides.
2. Fold those top corners in to make a collar.
3. Tie your material underneath to make a tie.
4. Draw on some buttons. Maybe a pocket. Possibly a moustache.
5. Put the gift inside. Hand it to Dad. Prepare for applause.
Find the full tutorial here.
Upcycled Record Coasters
Let’s face it, Dad's music collection is legendary. From classic rock to smooth jazz, his vinyl records have spun countless memories. But what happens when those records are too old and scratched to play?
Upcycled Record Coasters are the crafty way to give new life to old vinyl. These coasters not only protect Dad's coffee table but also serve as a nostalgic nod to his favourite tunes.
They’re cool. They’re retro. And they say, “Yes Dad, we do respect your taste in music even if we don’t know who Steely Dan is.”
What You’ll Need:
- Old vinyl records
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Sandpaper
- Felt or cork backing
- Glue
- Optional: paint or markers for decoration
How To Make It:
1. Carefully cut the vinyl records into coaster-sized circles.
2. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
3.Glue felt or cork to the bottom of each coaster to prevent scratches.
4. Personalise the coasters with paint or markers if desired.
5. Allow the coasters to dry completely before use.
Find the full tutorial here.
“My Dad Rocks” Paperweight
What Father’s Day craft says “I love you” more than a little googly-eyed boulder in a bow tie?
It’s cute. It’s weird. It’s a paperweight. But it’s handmade with love, and doubles as a desk decoration, a source of mild office envy, and a surprisingly effective conversation starter.
Your kids will love picking the perfect rock. Dad will love the pun. And you’ll love that this takes approximately seven minutes to make and is impossible to mess up.
Unless you drop the rock on your foot. Don’t do that.
What You’ll Need:
- A smooth, chunky rock
- Washi tape or cardstock (for the tie)
- Black marker and/or paint pens
- Googly eyes (optional… but come on)
- Glue
- A child brimming with confidence
How To Make It:
1. Stick or draw a little tie or bow tie on the rock.
2. Add eyes, a mouth, and maybe a snazzy hairstyle.
3. Write “My Dad Rocks” on the front (or “Have a rockin’ Father’s Day!”, “Still rockin’ it”, “You're a chip off the old rock”, any old rock puns you can think of!)
4. Let it dry. Hand it over. Watch Dad try not to laugh.
Find the full tutorial here.
“You’re Magnet-ificent, Dad” Salt Dough Magnets
Your kid wants to make something for Father’s Day. You can’t face breaking out the glitter. And Dad? Well, he says he doesn’t want anything, but you know full well he’ll be sulking if he just gets socks again.
Try making these salt dough magnets. They’re squishy. They’re simple. You can make them with ingredients you’ve already got in your kitchen. And Dad gets something he can stick on the fridge and proudly point to every time he grabs a beer.
What You’ll Need:
- Flour, salt, and water (aka kitchen wizardry)
- Cookie cutters (or a very brave butter knife)
- Paints
- Magnets
- Glue
How To Make It:
1. Mix flour, salt, and water into a dough.
2. Shape into letters to spell DAD or cut out “dad shapes” (stars, hearts, moustaches, fish…).
3. Bake until hard (about 2 hours at 120°C).
4. Paint them and seal them.
5. Glue on magnets.
6. Stick to fridge.
Find the full tutorial here.
DIY "Nuts About You" Photo Frame
For the Dad who fixes everything, why not make your own photo frame full of bolts to prove it?
You could get Dad a gadget he’ll pretend to like. You could buy him a card and scribble something rushed inside. Or, you could glue hardware to a photo frame, slap a photo of his favourite faces in the middle, and watch him melt faster than a socket wrench in a bonfire.
What You’ll Need:
- A plain wooden photo frame
- Acrylic paint
- Glue
- A bunch of mixed nuts and bolts (the kind from the toolbox, not the snack aisle)
- Alphabet stickers or a permanent marker for the pun
- A photo of his little ones looking adorable
How To Make It:
1. Paint the frame with your chosen colour and let it dry completely.
2. Write or apply alphabet stickers to spell out "We're Nuts About You, Dad!"
3. Dab glue around the frame and press assorted nuts into the glue. Allow to dry completely.
4. Place your favourite photo of you and Dad into the frame.
Find the full tutorial here.
Game Controller Suncatcher
Dad's gaming prowess is legendary. Whether he's conquering virtual worlds or just mastering the art of the perfect high score, he’s the ultimate player one. This Father’s Day, why not celebrate his joystick genius with a craft that shines as brightly as his leaderboard status?
This Game Controller Suncatcher is a fun and easy project that lets your little ones create a vibrant tribute to their gaming guru. It's the perfect blend of creativity and appreciation, ensuring Dad knows he's the top boss in your life.
What You’ll Need:
- Black card
- Mini tissue paper squares or sweet wrappers
- Double-sided self-adhesive sheets
- Glue stick
- Self-adhesive glitter felt letters
- Pencil
How To Make It:
1. Draw and cut out the game controller and buttons from black card.
2. Stick mini tissue paper squares onto the double-sided adhesive sheet, leaving a tacky border around the edge.
3. Attach the black card controller outline over the tissue paper layer.
4. Stick “buttons” onto the controller using a glue stick.
5. Write or spell out “Top Dad” using self-adhesive glitter felt letters.
6. Peel off the backing and stick the suncatcher to a window. Watch as the sunlight brings your creation to life!
Find the full tutorial here.
Handprint Shrink Art Keyring
Looking for a Father's Day gift that's both heartfelt and pocket-sized? This Handprint Shrink Art Keyring is the perfect blend of sentimentality and practicality. It's a fun craft that transforms your child's handprint into an adorable keepsake Dad can attach to his keys, bag, or even his rearview mirror.
What You'll Need:
- Shrink art plastic sheets
- Acrylic paint
- Black permanent marker
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Elastic cord
- Coloured beads
- Keyring clip
How To Make It:
1. Paint your child's hand and press it onto the frosted side of the shrink plastic sheet. Let it dry.
2. Use the black permanent marker to write a message like "Best Dad" on the handprint.
3. Carefully cut around the handprint and punch a hole at the top.
4. Place the handprint on a baking sheet and bake according to the shrink plastic instructions. Allow it to cool completely.
5. Thread the elastic cord through the hole, add coloured beads, and attach the keyring clip. Tie knots to secure everything in place.
Find the full tutorial here.
Painted Peg Doll Family
A personalised peg doll family that captures the essence of your household. It's a heartfelt, hands-on project that kids will love crafting and Dad will cherish forever.
Dad can carry a tiny army of his favourite people around (without needing a people carrier). It’s creative, it’s weirdly charming, and it guarantees at least one misty-eyed “Awwww” when he unwraps it.
Paint your mum. Paint yourself. Paint the family dog. Go wild. Then pop the whole gang in a box, hand it over, and watch Dad melt faster than the last ice lolly in the freezer.
Let me know if you want me to tweak the instructions or continue the next one!
What You'll Need:
- Wooden peg dolls (one for each family member)
- Acrylic paints and brushes
- Fine-tip markers
- Felt or fabric scraps
- Glue
- Optional: yarn (for hair), buttons, or other embellishments
How to Make It:
1. Start by painting each peg doll to represent a family member. Let them dry completely.
2. Use fine-tip markers to draw facial features and other small details.
3. Cut and glue felt or fabric scraps to create clothing for each doll.
4. Add yarn for hair, buttons for accessories, or any other embellishments to personalise each doll.
5. Arrange the completed dolls in a small box or on a stand, and present them to Dad as a unique keepsake.
Find the full tutorial here.
Cheers to Crafting, Not Just Craft Beer
Now, you’ve got twelve ways to absolutely smash Father’s Day without setting foot in a gift shop.
Whether it’s a hand-painted peg doll portrait, a fridge-worthy salt-dough creation, or a photo frame that’s held together with glitter glue and good intentions, these crafts prove that the best gifts don’t come from Amazon. They come from tiny hands, big imaginations, and just enough mess to leave a faint trail of sequins through the house.
So this Father’s Day, make him something he’ll treasure forever. Or at least proudly display on the windowsill until it mysteriously disappears during the next spring clean.
You’ve got the gift sorted, now how about the card that brings a tear to his eye (or at least a proud Dad grunt)? Check out these genius Father’s Day card ideas for kids; they’re easy, adorable, and 100% fridge-worthy.
Or, go full memory-maker with a Father’s Day scrapbook page that proves once and for all who the favourite is.
Sorry, siblings.
