Creative Father’s Day Gifts Ideas From Kids He’ll Never Forget
As a mom of two little ones I know firsthand how special Father’s Day can be. It’s not about big, expensive gifts. It’s about watching your kids light up as they make something just for Dad. The scribbled cards. The messy glue. The tiny hands so proud of what they’ve created.
That’s the heart of this blog: real, joyful fathers day gifts ideas from kids that come straight from love. Whether you’ve got a toddler who wants to paint everything or a kindergartener who’s bursting with ideas, this guide is full of fun, heartwarming inspiration. My favorite: What I Love about Dad Fill-In Book
These aren’t your average gifts — they’re memory-makers. Let’s dive in and find the perfect surprise that will make Dad smile from ear to ear.
Fathers Day Gifts Ideas From Kids
There’s something truly heart-melting about a Father’s Day gift coming straight from a child’s heart. Whether it’s handmade, handpicked, or just handed over with sticky fingers and a giant grin — these fathers day gifts ideas from kids are full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Below are gift ideas that work for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids too — simple enough to create together, and meaningful enough to treasure forever.
1. “Reasons I Love Dad” Jar
This one’s a keeper. Fill a mason jar with little notes from your child — each sharing a reason they love their dad. For example: “You give the best piggyback rides” or “You are really good at bedtime stories.” Write them on colorful cardstock or mini wooden hearts for a keepsake that lasts.
2. Dad Coupon Book
Make a homemade coupon book with sweet promises like “1 big hug,” “Help with yard work,” or “Movie night with popcorn.” Let your child decorate it using washable markers and add finishing touches with kid-friendly stamps.
3. Personalized Storybook Featuring Dad
Let your child help create a custom Father’s Day storybook where Dad is the star of the show. Many books allow you to personalize characters with names and appearances — making storytime extra special.
4. Matching Dad & Kid T-Shirts
Cute, clever, and perfect for photos! Try matching T-shirts that say “Pizza” and “Slice” or “The Legend” and “The Legacy.” These make the moment even more Instagram-worthy.
5. Photo Frame Decorated with Love
Print a sweet photo and grab a blank wooden frame for your child to decorate. Add finger paints, buttons, glitter, or stickers. It’s easy, fun, and turns into a memory Dad can keep on his desk.
6. “All About My Dad” Printable
Kids say the funniest things. Use a printable where your child fills in sentences like “My dad is as strong as…” or “He always says…” Then read it out loud on Father’s Day — giggles guaranteed.
7. DIY BBQ Spice Mix
Have an older child help you mix up a custom BBQ spice blend in a small jar. Add a label that says “Dad’s Secret Grill Rub.” It’s thoughtful and practical — perfect for dads who love to cook.
Father’s Day Crafts For Kids (From Toddlers to Tweens!)
Crafts are where the magic happens — glue on their fingers, sparkle in their eyes, and a proud smile when they hand Dad their masterpiece. Whether you’ve got a toddler who just discovered paint or a tween who loves to DIY, these Father’s Day crafts for kids are joyful, age-friendly, and bursting with love.
For Toddlers (1–3 Years Old)
8. Handprint Heart Art
Press those tiny hands in paint and shape them into a heart on blank canvas boards or thick paper. Add “Love you, Daddy!” underneath and let it dry. Simple, sensory fun.
9. Scribble Art Card
Give your toddler crayons, a folded sheet of cardstock, and let their creativity run wild. Write a sweet note inside for Dad — even better if your toddler “signs” it with a handprint or sticker.
10. Paper Tie Necklace
Cut out a paper tie shape, let your toddler decorate it, then hole-punch the top and string it with yarn. Dad gets to wear his “tie” with pride all day long.
For Preschoolers (3–5 Years Old)
11. “Dad, You Rock” Painted Stones
Find smooth stones and paint them with cute faces, words, or silly characters. Add a tag that says “Dad, you rock!” Use non-toxic paint pens for easy handling.
12. Popsicle Stick Frame
Glue together popsicle sticks, paint them, and decorate with gems, pom-poms, or foam stickers. Insert a photo of your child with Dad for a colorful keepsake.
13. Superdad Mask
Cut out a superhero mask from foam sheets, decorate with glitter glue, and add an elastic band. Dad can wear it while saving the world (or just making pancakes).
For Elementary Kids (6–9 Years Old)
14. Toolbox Card with “Tools” of Love
Make a card shaped like a toolbox and fill it with paper cut-outs of “tools,” each labeled with something Dad does — like “fixes broken toys” or “builds awesome forts.”
15. Father’s Day Trophy
Craft a paper cup into a golden “Best Dad” trophy. Paint the cup gold, add handles from construction paper, and let your child write a message on the base.
16. Sock Puppet Show
Decorate old socks with buttons and yarn to create a silly puppet family. Put on a “Dad’s Day Show” for the ultimate gift of laughs.
For Tweens (10+ Years Old)
17. Photo Memory Board
Use a cork board or foam board to pin printed photos, handwritten notes, and drawings. Let your child design it like a collage of favorite dad memories.
18. Wood Slice Coaster Set
Paint or wood-burn designs into unfinished wood slices to make custom coasters. Add funny quotes, handprints, or “#1 Dad” art for a rustic, useful gift.
19. Custom Keychain
Use shrink plastic sheets to draw a design, shrink it in the oven, and attach it to a keyring. It’s a practical keepsake Dad can carry everywhere.
Fathers Day Gifts Ideas DIY
There’s something extra special about a gift made with love — and glue! These fathers day gifts ideas DIY style are perfect for hands-on kids and thoughtful families. Whether you’re helping a toddler create something cute or guiding an older child through a crafty surprise, these gifts are bursting with heart.
20. DIY Photo Book of Favorite Moments
Print out photos from your phone and help your child create a mini scrapbook. Add captions, drawings, or even stickers to make it fun. Use a kid-friendly photo album or fold and tape cardstock pages together for a handmade feel.
21. Grilling Kit in a Jar
Got a BBQ-loving dad? Fill a mason jar with homemade spice rub, a mini meat thermometer, or Dad’s favorite seasoning packets. Tie a ribbon around the top and add a handwritten tag: “You’re the grill master of my heart!”
22. Painted Mug With a Message
Use porcelain paint pens to let your child draw on a plain white mug. Add sweet sayings like “Best Dad Ever” or “Love you a latte.” Bake it to set the paint and wrap it up with Dad’s favorite coffee beans.
23. DIY Bookmark for the Book-Loving Dad
Cut out a sturdy strip of cardstock, decorate it with drawings, stamps, or stickers, and laminate it with clear adhesive sheets. Add a yarn tassel or a photo strip of your child’s silly faces for an extra smile.
24. Personalized “Dad Survival Kit”
Grab a small toolbox-style caddy and fill it with fun essentials: chocolate bars for energy, gum for focus, socks for chill days, and a note that says “In case of Dad emergency, open this!”
25. Homemade Beard Balm or Lip Balm
Older kids will love this project. Mix natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil. Pour it into small metal tins, label it “Official Dad Fuel,” and gift it with a smile.
26. Movie Night Snack Box
Decorate a small box with markers or stickers and fill it with popcorn, chocolate, and Dad’s favorite candy. Add a handmade “ticket” that says “One night of Dad’s movie choice — no complaints allowed!”
27. Painted Canvas Quote Art
Have your child paint a colorful background on a canvas, then write a quote like “My dad, my hero” in the center. Use paint markers or stencil letters for a clean look. It’s art straight from the heart.
Fathers Day Gift Basket
Gift baskets are like little treasure boxes — fun to open, full of surprises, and easy to tailor to Dad’s favorite things. Whether you’re going for sweet, silly, or super useful, these Fathers Day gift basket ideas are perfect for kids to help create. You can use a gift box, reusable tote, or even a small toolbox for extra creativity.
28. The “Snack Attack” Basket
Gather Dad’s favorite snacks — salty chips, sweet treats, trail mix, and a can of his go-to drink. Add a handmade card and have your child decorate the box. Toss in a fun snack bowl or reusable cup to level it up.
29. The “BBQ Boss” Basket
Perfect for grill-loving dads. Include a bottle of BBQ sauce, spice rub, grill tools, and maybe a custom apron that says “Grill Master.” Add a card that says “You always bring the heat!”
30. The “Game Night with Dad” Basket
Fill a box with a card game, popcorn, gummy bears, and a handmade “Game Night Coupon” from your child. Great for dads who love Uno, puzzles, or a good board game session.
31. The “Just for You, Dad” Self-Care Basket
Who says dads don’t love self-care? Add beard balm, cozy socks, chocolate, and a “do not disturb” sign made by your child. Add calming tea and a card that says “You deserve a break, Dad.”
32. The “Adventure Awaits” Basket
Pack a reusable water bottle, a pocket-size notebook, snacks, and a small flashlight or compass. Perfect for outdoorsy dads — and don’t forget a child-drawn map to their next “big adventure.”
33. The “Coffee & Cuddles” Basket
Include a bag of Dad’s favorite coffee, a handmade mug, coffee-scented candles, and a sweet note promising a cozy morning together. Add a drawing that says “Let’s sip and snuggle, Dad!”
Easy Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts From Kids
Running short on time? No worries — you can still create something thoughtful and fun with just a few minutes (and a whole lot of heart). These last-minute Father’s Day gifts from kids are quick, easy, and guaranteed to make Dad feel special — even if you’re working with paper scraps and bedtime approaching.
34. Printable “Dad Coupons”
Grab a printable coupon book template and have your child color and fill in the blanks with promises like “One Big Hug,” “Extra Quiet Time,” or “Helping Wash the Car.” Staple it together and boom — instant smile.
35. Digital Photo Album
Upload favorite dad-and-kid moments to a digital photo frame or use a free app to create a quick slideshow. Send it to Dad’s phone or email it with a sweet message your child dictates.
36. Personalized Amazon Finds (Fast Delivery!)
Need something physical, fast? Try Dad-themed socks, engraved keychains, or personalized mugs available with 1- or 2-day shipping. Have your child pick the color or write the gift message for a personal touch.
37. Father’s Day Coloring Page
Print out a free coloring sheet with a fun “Happy Father’s Day!” message. Let your child go wild with crayons and stickers. It’s fast, free, and full of personality.
Father’s Day Photo Ideas to Capture the Moment
A gift is lovely, but a memory you can frame? That’s priceless. These Father’s Day photo ideas are fun, easy to set up, and help freeze those joyful “Dad + Kid” moments in time. Whether you’re snapping a quick shot at home or staging a silly scene in the backyard, these ideas are scroll-worthy — and frame-worthy too.
38. Matching Outfits Moment
Dress Dad and the kids in matching T-shirts, pajamas, or funny outfits and snap a few photos. Poses with crossed arms, back-to-back stances, or goofy faces make it fun and light-hearted.
39. Candid Everyday Joy
Sometimes the best photo is the one where no one’s looking at the camera. Snap a shot of Dad reading to the kids, pushing a swing, or making pancakes. Real-life moments tell the best stories.
40. “We Love You, Dad” Sign
Help your child hold a sign that says “We Love You, Dad!” or spell it out with large wooden letters or sidewalk chalk. Take the photo from above for a fun and artsy angle.
41. Handprint or Footprint Pose
Capture a sweet photo of your child’s tiny hand or foot next to Dad’s. This works especially well for babies and toddlers — and looks beautiful printed in black and white.
42. Props and Giggles
Use silly photo booth props, fake mustaches, or dress-up items to create a mini photoshoot. Let the kids choose the theme (superhero, sports, grilling) and get snapping!
43. Timed Hug
Set a timer and let the camera capture a real-time group hug, piggyback ride, or tickle session. These playful, imperfect shots often become family favorites.
Bonus Tip: Print your favorite photo and place it in a hand-decorated frame from your craft day. That way, it becomes both a memory and a gift.
What to Write in a Father’s Day Card (From Kids)
Sometimes the sweetest words are the simplest ones — especially when they come from a child. Whether your little one is still learning to speak or your tween wants to write something meaningful, these Father’s Day card message ideas from kids make it easy to add a personal, heartfelt touch to any gift.
44. Sweet and Simple (Great for Toddlers & Preschoolers)
- “I love you Daddy because you play blocks with me.”
- “You are my best friend.”
- “You make the best pancakes ever!”
Have your child draw a picture and sign their name (even if it’s just a scribble — it’s perfect).
45. Silly and Fun (Perfect for 5–8 Year Olds)
- “You’re stronger than a dinosaur!”
- “If I had to choose between candy and you… I’d pick you (but it’d be hard).”
- “You’re the coolest dad in the galaxy!”
Let your child decorate the card with stickers, funny doodles, or glitter.
46. Thoughtful and Heartfelt (Great for Tweens)
- “Thank you for always believing in me.”
- “You make hard days better just by being there.”
- “I hope one day I can be as kind and awesome as you.”
Encourage them to think of a favorite memory with Dad and include it in the message.
47. Fill-in-the-Blank Prompts (All Ages!)
- “My favorite thing to do with Dad is __________.”
- “Dad always makes me laugh when __________.”
- “Dad, you’re the best at __________.”
These can turn into hilarious keepsakes — especially when answered by little ones who say the funniest things.
Pro Tip: Save these cards in a keepsake box. Reading them years later will be just as special — if not more.
Wrapping It Up With Love
Whether your child is crafting a glitter-filled masterpiece, scribbling a heartfelt note, or picking out a goofy gift with you online — what matters most is the love behind it. These creative Father’s Day ideas from kids aren’t just gifts; they’re memories in the making.
So take a deep breath, grab the glue sticks or that last-minute printable, and let the joy flow. You’re not just helping your child say “I love you,” you’re giving Dad a moment he’ll never forget.
Happy Father’s Day — from our family to yours!
✨ P.S. Found something you love? Save this post to Pinterest so you’ll have it ready every year!
