Dads do so much for their families, and Father’s Day is the perfect time for kids to show how much they love and appreciate him.
A homemade or thoughtful gift from a child will always mean more than anything bought in a store.
I love finding ideas that are fun, creative, and personal…something that will make Dad smile every time he sees it.
Whether it’s a handmade keepsake, a fun activity, or a practical gift, these 19 special Father’s Day gift ideas will make Dad’s day unforgettable.
1. Handprint or Footprint Art
A handprint or footprint painting is a classic keepsake that captures a moment in time.
Use paint to create a fun design, like a handprint tree, a superhero cape, or little footprints shaped like a heart.
Frame it so Dad can keep it forever.
2. DIY “Best Dad Ever” Trophy
Kids can create a homemade trophy to celebrate how awesome their dad is.
Use cardboard, paper cups, or clay to build a trophy shape, then decorate it with stickers, paint, or glitter.
Write “World’s Best Dad” or “#1 Dad” on the front.
3. Handwritten “Why I Love Dad” Book
A handmade book filled with reasons Dad is the best is a heartwarming gift.
Help kids write or draw things they love about their dad, favorite memories, or funny moments.
Bind the pages together with string or place them in a small scrapbook.
4. DIY Personalized Keychain
A custom keychain is a great everyday gift that Dad can carry with him.
Use air-dry clay, wood, or shrink plastic to make a unique design.
Kids can add fingerprints, drawings, or Dad’s initials to personalize it.
5. “Dad & Me” Photo Collage
A collage of special moments is a sentimental and thoughtful gift.
Print out pictures of Dad and the kids together and arrange them in a scrapbook or on a poster board.
Add stickers, captions, and fun doodles to make it even more personal.
6. DIY Coupon Book
A coupon book filled with fun “Dad coupons” is a great way for kids to give their dad something meaningful.
Some fun ideas include:
- One free car wash
- Breakfast in bed
- A big bear hug
- A day of being Dad’s little helper
Let kids decorate each coupon and tie them together with a ribbon.
7. Fingerprint Mug or Plate
A hand-painted mug or plate is a gift Dad can use every day.
Let kids paint their fingerprints onto a plain white mug or plate and turn them into cute characters or heart shapes.
Bake it in the oven to set the paint.
8. DIY Superhero Cape for Dad
Turn Dad into a real-life superhero with a homemade superhero cape.
Use fabric, an old T-shirt, or a towel and decorate it with fabric paint, felt letters, or Dad’s initials.
Let kids call him Super Dad for the day!
9. Handprint or Footprint Stepping Stone
A concrete stepping stone with a child’s handprint or footprint makes a long-lasting keepsake.
Pour cement into a mold, press in the print, and decorate with pebbles, shells, or paint.
It’s a great gift for a garden-loving dad.
10. DIY Painted Rock Paperweight
A hand-painted rock makes a simple but meaningful gift for Dad’s desk.
Kids can paint a fun design, write “Dad Rocks,” or add their names to make it special.
11. DIY Handprint Apron
For dads who love to cook or grill, a handprint apron is a fun and personal gift.
Use fabric paint to stamp kids’ handprints onto a plain apron.
Write “Dad’s BBQ Crew” or “Best Chef Ever” to make it extra special.
12. Homemade Dad Joke Book
If Dad loves telling corny dad jokes, this gift will be a hit.
Help kids write down their favorite dad jokes in a homemade book.
Decorate it with fun drawings or stickers for extra laughs.
13. DIY Wooden Desk Organizer
A homemade desk organizer is a great gift for dads who work from home or love to stay organized.
Use wood, cardboard, or small containers to create a place for pens, notes, and keys.
Let kids decorate it with stickers, paint, or drawings.
14. Personalized “Dad & Me” T-Shirt
A matching T-shirt set for Dad and the kids is both fun and practical.
Use fabric markers or iron-on decals to create a cute design.
Ideas include:
- “Dad’s Mini-Me” for the child’s shirt and “Best Dad Ever” for Dad’s shirt.
- “King of the Grill” for Dad and “Grill Assistant” for the child.
15. DIY Handwritten Letter or Poem
A heartfelt letter or poem is a beautiful way for kids to express their love.
Help younger kids write simple sentences about why they love Dad.
Older kids can create a rhyming poem or a list of their favorite memories.
Frame it for a keepsake Dad can treasure forever.
16. Handprint “We Love Dad” Sign
A painted handprint sign makes a colorful and fun gift.
Use a canvas or thick paper and let kids stamp their handprints in different colors.
Write “We Love Dad” and add their names underneath.
17. DIY “Dad’s Snack Stash” Jar
Fill a jar with Dad’s favorite snacks, such as:
- Chocolate bars
- Nuts and trail mix
- Beef jerky
- Gummy candy
Decorate the jar with a fun label that says “Dad’s Snack Stash – Hands Off!”
18. DIY Key Holder or Coat Rack
A handmade key holder is a useful and thoughtful gift.
Use a small piece of wood, paint it, and attach hooks for hanging keys, hats, or jackets.
Kids can write “Dad’s Keys” or decorate it with drawings.
19. DIY Memory Jar
A memory jar filled with special notes is a gift that Dad will cherish forever.
Have kids write their favorite memories, things they love about Dad, or thank-you notes on small slips of paper.
Place them in a decorated jar labeled “Reasons We Love Dad.”
He can pull out a note anytime he needs a smile.
Final Thoughts
A Father’s Day gift from kids should be fun, meaningful, and filled with love.
Whether it’s a handmade craft, a funny keepsake, or a heartfelt letter, the thought behind the gift is what makes it special.
This year, let kids create something unique that will make Dad smile and remind him how much he’s loved.
