66 Thoughtful DIY Gifts for Dads Who Wants for Nothing
Get the whole family involved with these crafty homemade presents.
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If there’s anyone that appreciates a little sweat equity in a present, it’s definitely going to be dad. If he’s the guy that taught you how to change a tire, operate a drill, or fix a leaky faucet, he’s also sure to smile after opening a homemade gift. And if you’re in search of DIY gifts to treat dad for Father's Day, Christmas, his birthday, or any other special occasion, then you’ve come to the right place.
If there are kids at home, and you are looking for DIY gifts that the kids can make, we’ve found fun crafts such as bottle cap fishing lures and easy-to-make air fresheners that are perfect fodder to make with a son or daughter. Prefer to spend time whipping things up in the kitchen? How about breakfast in bed with one of these breakfast recipes? Or present him with a gift of homemade snack mix to take to the office or a creative popcorn seasoning to sprinkle on during a Dad-centric movie marathon, which the whole family will surly enjoy. Short on time, but not on love? Download a printable coupon template and create a booklet filled with opportunities to do fun things together, or offer to take chores off his to-do list. And if all else fails, what could be better than a mason jar filled with all the reasons you’re grateful for his presence in your life.
DIY Checkerboard
After spending time making dad a DIY checkerboard you can sit down and challenge him to a game!
To make: Tape off a 64-square pattern on a cutting board with painter's tape (you'll need at least a 16" x 16" board to accommodate standard checkers), then paint on squares with acrylic paint.
Book Spine Bookmark
Have an old book that can't be saved? If the spine is salvageable, use it to help dad mark his place in the next novel he reads.
To make: Using a utility knife, remove the spine, then line the inside with patterned contact paper. Punch a hole at the top and thread twine through.
Chill Grill
Dad will love this seen-better-days kettle grill repurposed into a nostalgia-inducing cooler. After cleaning—consider repainting the inside if it’s rusty—cover the interior vents with foil to slow dripping.
Can-Do Luminaries
Light the way to dad-centric festivities by transforming small metal tins into lanterns.
To make: Use an electric drill to make holes all around the metal cans, and place candles in the bottoms (ut candles in glass cylinder votive holders or vases to make them last longer.). Set the tins along a path, by an entry, or on a table.
DIY Grilling Apron
The ideal gift for the dad who loves to spend time outback barbecuing a delicious meal for friends and family.
To make: Use fabric markers or fabric paint and a small paint brush to paint "grill master" and a grill on a plain canvas apron. Once dry, have kids dip their pinky fingers in orange, red, and yellow paint and press onto apron, just above grill grates, to create flames.
SHOP MARKERS
#1 Dad Pinch Bowl
Make Dad a catch-all dish where he can stash those trinkets you collect together on your outdoor adventures.
To make: Pinch and shape oven-bake clay into a small, shallow dish. Bake according to manufacturers directions. Paint as desired with acrylic paint. Once dry, seal with satin-finish Mod Podge.
DIY Koozie
Dad will be filled with joy while sipping cans of his favorite summer chiller out of this DIY drink koozie.
To make: Cut a length of craft foam that is just shorter than a can. Wrap around can and cut the length so that it just overlaps itself. Have kids draw a picture on the foam with fabric markers. Add a piece of velcro to the back to keep it closed.
DIY Air Fresheners
Help dad keep his car smelling fresh with a DIY tree-shaped air freshener. Added bonus—they are made with essential oils so no nasty chemicals involved.
To make: Trace the shape of a wooden Christmas tree ornament on a scrap of fabric twice. Cut out and glue to the front and back of the ornament. Once dry, soak the fabric with dads favorite scent of essential oil (we used cedar). Thread twine through the loop for hanging.
SHOP ORNAMENTS
PapermaidStudio Customizable Father's Day 'Coupons'
These printable Father's Day coupons are not only completely customizable; they're also perfect for a last-minute gift that doesn't feel last-minute in the slightest. Simply personalize, print, punch a few holes, then tie the bunch together with a ribbon and call it a day.
Personalized Spatula
For an easy DIY gift from the kids, let them decorate a spatula for their grill-loving dad with a sweet message.
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
Homemade Orange Bitters
For the perfect old fashioned, gift Dad these homemade orange bitters that will add a little flavor to his favorite cocktail.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Surprise Paper Airplane Box
Remind your dad of all those paper airplanes you made as a kid with this sweet garland idea.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
DIY Snack Tin
Make both the snack tin and the tasty mix that goes inside with just a few easy steps.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.
LEGO Cuff Links
Putting these adorable cuff links together with your kids will make for a thoughtful gift from the whole family.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Bottle Tags
Build a six pack of his favorite craft beers and print off these cute tags for a personalized touch.
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
DIY Canvas Tool Apron
Does your dad love to fix things and do work around the house? This tool apron is the perfect DIY gift to present him with for Father's Day.
Get the tutorial at A Merry Thought.
DIY Canvas Wine Bag
What Dad doesn't love wine? With this fun DIY, you'll be able to spruce up the classic gift with a little homemade love.
Get the tutorial at Paper and Stitch.
Tea Gift Box
Tea is the name of the game in this sophisticated gift basket. Even the basket itself is lined with a tea towel! Include a bag of pancake mix, a jar of fresh jam, ripe apples, and loose-leaf tea for a gift that's as delicious as it is nice to look at.
Get the tutorial at Camille Styles.
DIY Candy Dispenser
Does Dad have a sweet tooth? Help him satisfy his cravings with this nifty DIY candy dispenser (you can even pick and choose from his favorite candies to "personalize" it further).
Get the tutorial at The House of Wood.
DIY Agate Coasters
If your dad's into wine, beer, or plain old lemonade, he'll appreciate these gorgeous coasters, both for their utility and their beauty. Believe it or not, they're made of acrylic paint and polymer clay—that's it.
Get the tutorial at The House of Wood.
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
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