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This past year has been about stepping up the parenting game, and it is now time to celebrate those dads on Father’s Day who went above and beyond!
But instead of making this Father’s Day about purchasing that perfect gift for dad, let it be a celebration of the messy — and sometimes chaotic — fun that echoes the year we just had. Make Father’s Day crafts with your toddler. Open those drawers and cabinets in your home that store paper, paints and scissors, and have your toddler craft a meaningful and easy Father’s Day gift for Dad.
Here are nine easy and inexpensive Father’s Day crafts for toddlers to make for — and with — Dad.
Easy Father’s Day crafts for toddlers to make for Dad
In her article “The Importance of Art in Child Development.” Grace Hwang Lynch of PBS Kids wrote that crafting is “…essential to the growth of fine motor skills in young children.” And as we just learned through this pandemic, we get double parenting points when fun activities coincide with learning opportunities.
1. Make a card in the shape of dad’s favorite item
If Dad loves books, shoes, records, or sports, make a card that resembles that object. Cut out the shape of the item and have your toddler decorate it with their favorite non toxic colored markers or paints. “The only thing better than seeing my boys have fun drawing pictures for their dad is his reaction when he sees them.,” mom of two Kristen Johnston told Mom.com. Have your camera ready as your toddler presents this thoughtful Father’s Day gift to Dad.
2. Make a picture frame for Dad
A “You rock” frame will win the heart of any father. For this gift, step outside and gather rocks from your yard and have your toddler help you glue them onto a frame. This easy and inexpensive craft will be a perfect gift for Father’s Day.
3. Make a memories jar for Dad
This Father’s Day craft idea is a sentimental one. Grab some of those legos or building blocks that are always scattered about your floor and ask your toddler to share their favorite activities that they do with Dad. Write those activities on the blocks and start filling up the jar with memories. Check out The Seasoned Mom to read more on this activity.
Easy Father’s Day crafts for toddlers to make with their Dad
Ok, you’ll probably have to set up the materials, but on Father’s Day, have your toddler and Dad spend some quality time together while making easy Father’s Day crafts.
4. Make a “DAD” sign
With inexpensive craft supplies, have Dad and your toddler make an official “Dad” sign for his workplace. The only materials they will need are paper, masking or painter’s tape, and paint. The final result will warm up his office space.
5. Make a Father’s Day paper roll craft
Have a little fun with toilet paper rolls, and transform them into adorable dad paper dolls. The Father’s Day paper roll craft is a fun one to make and perfect for Dad and your toddler to create together.
6. Make a “Following in my Daddy’s Shoes” print
Before this craft gets started, remind Dad to clean his shoes! Be ready to capture this Kodak moment for this Father’s Day craft, as Dad and toddler’s shoes and feet are stamped onto paper to create a “Following in my Daddy’s Shoes” print.
Inexpensive craft ideas for Father’s Day
7. Make a bow tie card
This Father’s Day kid craft idea is a cute one, and all you need is a handful of bowtie pasta and paint to create this displayable card. See Mom.com’s Kelly Ladd Sanchez’s article for the instructions on how to make it.
8. Make a coupon mug
Have your kid show his love for his father by putting together a coupon mug. Check out what Joanna Misitie calls the “fastest Father’s Day gift ever” in her Mom.com article.
9. Make a catch-all dish
Make a catch-all dish with oven-bake clay. This inexpensive and easy Father’s Day craft will be the gift that Dad sees every day as it will provide him with that much needed designated spot for his keys and wallet.
In the end, no matter what your toddler makes for this Father’s Day it will be special, so go with the flow and enjoy the moment.
