13 Thoughtful Father’s Day Crafts That You Can Make With Your Grandkids Today

It’s Father’s Day week, which means it is time to celebrate the special dads, grandpas, and various father figures in our lives! If you have the grandkids this week, making a craft for their dad or grandpa (or both!) is an excellent way to spend time together and create a thoughtful gift that conveys their love for the special men in their lives. 

To give you a little inspiration, here are 13 easy (and thoughtful) Father’s Day crafts that you can help your grandkids make today:

1. “Best Dad” Certificate

This is a fun, homemade certificate proclaiming Dad as the “Best Dad Ever”. It’s a simple and heartfelt way to let Dad know he’s number one. (This works for grandpas, too!)

Supplies:

• Cardstock paper
• Markers
• Stickers
• Glue
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Take a piece of cardstock and cut it into a rectangle that’s approximately the size of a regular certificate.
2. Using your markers, write “Best Dad Ever” or something similar in bold letters.
3. Decorate the certificate with stickers and draw some stars or other shapes.
4. Finally, sign your name at the bottom and date it, so Dad will always remember when he received his prestigious award.

2. Father’s Day Keychain

A personalized keychain is something Dad can carry around with him every day, reminding him of the love and thoughtfulness that went into making it.

Supplies:

• Leather strip or old belt
• Keyring
• Alphabet stamps
• Hammer

Instructions:

1. Cut a strip of leather or an old belt to a suitable length for a keychain.
2. Use alphabet stamps to hammer in a message (like “Best Dad” or “Love, [your name]”).
3. Slip the strip of leather through the keyring, then secure the ends together either by sewing or using a sturdy adhesive.

3. Homemade BBQ Sauce

If Dad loves to grill, he’ll appreciate a homemade BBQ sauce, a tasty gift that shows you know what he enjoys.

Supplies:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mason jar

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
2. Allow it to cool, and then pour it into a mason jar.
3. Decorate the jar with a tag or label that says “Dad’s BBQ Sauce”.

4. Handprint T-Shirt

This is a creative and fun way to give Dad a unique piece of clothing, as well as a wonderful keepsake that includes their child’s handprint.

Supplies:

• Plain white t-shirt
• Fabric paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions:

1. Spread the t-shirt out flat on a protected surface.
2. Have the child dip their hand in fabric paint, making sure their entire hand is covered.
3. Press their hand firmly onto the t-shirt.
4. Allow it to dry fully before giving it to Dad (or Grandpa).

5. Picture Frame

A custom picture frame can be a great gift! Just add a picture of your grandchild and their dad for a gift he will cherish forever.

Supplies:

• Wooden picture frame
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Photograph

Instructions:

1. Paint the wooden frame in Dad’s favorite color and let it dry.
2. Then, paint a sweet message or design on the frame.
3. Once everything is dry, insert the photograph, and it’s ready to give!

6. Paper Plate Clock

A paper plate clock is a fun and practical gift that Dad can hang in his office or workshop.

Supplies:

• Paper plate
• Markers
• Paper numbers or stickers
• Clock mechanism kit

Instructions:

1. Write the numbers around the edge of the paper plate using markers or stickers.
2. Install the clock mechanism according to the instructions in the kit.
3. Decorate the rest of the clock with drawings or messages for Dad.

7. Rock Paperweight

Needless to say, this is a more practical and thoughtful gift that Dad can use to keep his papers in order while remembering how loved he is!

Supplies:

• Large smooth rock
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes

Instructions:

1. Clean the rock and let it dry.
2. Paint a design or message on the rock.
3. Let it dry completely before gifting.

8. Handprint Mug

A personalized mug is something Dad can use every day (and one that he will WANT to use, thanks to the added handprints).

Supplies:

• Plain white mug
• Ceramic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions:

1. Have the child dip their hand in ceramic paint and press it onto the mug.
2. You can also write a message or draw additional designs on the mug.
3. Follow the paint instructions to set it, usually by baking the mug in the oven.
4. Make sure to let it cool completely before gifting.

9. Bookmark

If your dad loves to read, a bookmark is one of the most thoughtful (and easiest) things you can gift him!

Supplies:

• Cardstock
• Markers
• Hole punch
• Ribbon

Instructions:

1. Cut the cardstock into a rectangle.
2. Decorate it with markers, and maybe write a favorite quote or a simple “I Love You, Dad”.
3. Punch a hole at the top and thread a piece of ribbon through it.

10. Memory Jar

Assemble a jar full of memories and love notes for Dad, with each note containing a memory or something that you love about him.

Supplies:

• Mason jar
• Paper
• Pens

Instructions:

1. Cut paper into small strips.
2. Write something you love about Dad or a happy memory on each strip.
3. Fold the notes and put them in the mason jar.
4. Decorate the jar with a label or ribbon.

11. DIY Coasters

Coasters, like a paperweight, are another practical albeit useful gift that Dad can use all the time.

Supplies:

• Tiles
• Mod Podge
• Photographs or printed designs
• Felt pads

Instructions:

1. Cut the photographs or designs to the size of the tiles.
2. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the tile, then lay the photograph or design on top.
3. Once it’s dry, apply another layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal it.
4. Stick felt pads on the bottom of the tile to protect surfaces.

12. Personalized Apron

Can you guess who gets the personalized apron? That’s right: It’s the foodie or gourmand Dad!

Supplies:

• Plain apron
• Fabric paint
• Paintbrushes

Instructions:

1. Use the fabric paint to write a message or create a design on the apron.
2. Let it dry completely before gifting.

13. Nuts and Bolts Picture Frame

A unique take on the picture frame, as this one is geared toward dads who are extra handy!

Supplies:

• Wooden picture frame
• Various sizes of nuts, bolts, and washers
• Strong glue
• Spray paint
• Photograph

Instructions:

1. Arrange the nuts, bolts, and washers on the wooden frame in a design you like, then glue them down.
2. Once the glue is dry, spray paint the frame in Dad’s favorite color.
3. Insert a photograph to finish the frame.

Conclusion

There you have it: 13 simple and meaningful Father’s Day gift ideas that you can easily make with your grandkids! Trust me – he is going to love and appreciate the time and thought put into anything you give him 🙂 Enjoy – and let’s talk again soon!