With Father’s Day approaching, many teachers have students make gifts to bring home for the dads and father figures in their lives. We know every student has a different home situation, but for those who participate, these Father’s Day crafts for kids are all easy to make and don’t require expensive supplies. Whether you want to create a rustic picture frame, make a secret message for dads to decode, or create a classic handprint or footprint craft, there’s something for everyone here. You can even send this list of Father’s Day crafts home if your last day of school falls before the holiday.
1. “Best Dad” trophy
These trophies are the perfect creative Father’s Day crafts for kids because they can be embellished with anything you’ve got lying around, from pom-poms and Popsicle sticks to beads and pipe cleaners. Use an old trophy found at a consignment store, garage sale, or flea market and have kids decorate it with a “Best Dad” message. Or simply cut out a template of a trophy from card stock as your base.
2. Questionnaire poster
Turn our Father’s Day questionnaire printable, above, into a commemorative poster. Take two pictures of each child, one of them holding a big letter “D” and the other a big letter “A.” Print two copies of each “D” picture and one copy of each “A” picture. Cut out a rectangle of colored paper to mount each picture on, and mount the three pictures at the top of a piece of legal-size construction paper: D-A-D. Next, mount the questionnaire and add colors and a border if you wish. Kids will create a precious keepsake of a moment in time.
3. Building memories with Dad
This adorable jar of memories can be added to for years to come. Have kids write their memories on LEGO bricks and put them in a jar for Dad.
4. Upcycled CD coasters
We love a good upcycled project, and this one is perfect for old CDs. Begin by painting one side of a CD black. Then, trace the shape of the CD onto a piece of colored adhesive craft foam. Cut out the center of the foam, creating a smaller circle. Write a message to Dad on the small circle and adhere it to the center of the black side of the CD. Stick the larger circle on the back side of the CD to prevent your coaster from slipping around.
5. Paper roll dad
It’s easy to round up empty toilet paper rolls! Then, decorate them with craft paint and googly eyes and embellish them with paper to make this look “just like Dad.”
6. Write a Father’s Day acrostic poem
Download our free acrostic poem bundle, and have students fill in the things they love best about their dads. Easy to follow and with clear directions, this acrostic poem will be a heartwarming gift for Dad to cherish. Once the blanks are filled in, have each student personalize the paper with decorations.
7. Key chain love
This craft will give Dad a sweet collection of love notes every time he grabs his keys. All you need are a few paint chips, washi tape, and a key ring. Punch a hole in the top of a number of paint chips, then thread them onto the key ring. Apply a strip of colored washi tape on one side of each chip, then have kids write a message on each back side. To make this even more special, choose Dad’s favorite colors or maybe even his favorite sports team’s colors.
8. There’s no “butter” pop than you
Here’s a fun idea for a cute Father’s Day painting. Paint a small canvas a solid color, or use a piece of colored card stock as your base. At the top, write “There’s no butter” and at the bottom write “than you.” In the middle, draw a red popcorn bucket like the kind you get at the movies. In the center, write “POP.” Glue yellow pom-poms to the top of the red bucket for the popcorn.
9. Cereal box crown
Teach kids about recycling while creating something extra special for the father figures in their lives. Have kids bring in cereal boxes from home. Cut them into 3-inch strips, long enough to fit around an adult’s head. Then, cut along the top in a zigzag pattern to create the shape of a crown. Next, have students personalize their crowns using paint, markers, stickers, and other craft supplies you have on hand. Finally, use sturdy tape to connect the ends of the strip, creating the crown.
10. Love You to Pieces frame
Take photos of your students or ask them to bring one from home. For the frame, paint wide craft sticks and let them dry. Using the size of the photo as a guide, glue the sticks together to form a frame. Glue puzzle pieces around the frame, then attach the photo from the back side.
11. Origami art
Nothing says love like a 3D heart (or frog or cat …). Grab some origami paper and get folding! It’s easy with our origami tutorial below. Watch the videos or download written instructions. When you’re finished, attach your origami to a card and add a heartfelt message.
12. Big shoes to fill
Before getting started, sneak one of Dad’s shoes or boots, apply washable paint, and stamp the shoe’s footprint onto a sheet of card stock. Then, once it’s dry, have kids paint their own feet with a contrasting color and stamp their footprint on top of Dad’s. Finally, copy this sweet poem next to the footprints: “I’ll follow in your footsteps, and although my feet are small, I want to say that you’re the greatest father of them all. Love, xxx.”
13. Crafty cubes
This crafty cube doubles as a paperweight for Dad’s office. It is also the perfect opportunity to work in a geometry lesson about cubes. Each student needs a wooden cube (buy in bulk at craft stores or on Amazon), Mod Podge, and six decorations, one for each side of the cube. Students can customize the six sides with messages, or they can use photos to make a photo cube.
14. Candy tie
Trace the shape of a man’s tie onto a colorful piece of patterned scrapbook paper and onto a plastic sheet protector. Cut both pieces out. Have students write a message to dad on the back side of the paper. Glue the sheet protector onto the front side along the edges, keeping the top portion open. Use strips of complementary colored paper to cover the glue marks along the edge. Finally, fill the tie with small candies such as M&Ms or Skittles.
15. Candy bar superheroes
Here’s another adorable candy craft for kids’ favorite father figures. Start with a Hershey’s chocolate bar as the body of your superhero. Attach a construction paper cape and a circle for the head and face, personalized to match Dad, of course, with a glue stick. Finally, add a five-sided badge that says “Super Dad.” Add a note to the back of the superhero about why their dad is super.
16. Twig photo frame
Move over, macaroni frames: Rustic twig frames are here to stay. Bring in a bundle of twigs or have the class spend a little extra time during recess gathering them. Break the twigs into 2-inch pieces. Glue the twigs around the edges of a frame, then pop in your favorite picture of you and your dad and voilà!
17. Comic book coasters
Ask your students to bring in the Sunday funnies, comic book pages, or hand-drawn notes and pictures. Order a supply of inexpensive cork coasters. Trace one of the coasters onto sturdy cardboard to create a circle template. Use the template to cut the illustrations into circles. Peel the adhesive off the top of the coaster and press the illustration down firmly. Seal your coaster with a top coat of Mod Podge. (Not recommended for drippy beverages such as cold bottles.)
Buy it: Cork Coasters at Amazon
18. Scribble mug
For this project, you’ll need inexpensive white porcelain mugs (available for about $1.50 each at Dollar Tree). You’ll also need paint markers and geometric-shaped stickers. Have students apply their stickers to their mug, then use the markers to scribble over the rest of the surface of the mug. Once the markers dry, have students peel off the stickers to reveal the artwork underneath. To make the paint hold, bake the mugs for about 30 minutes. Or send them home with an instruction sheet for baking the mugs at home.
19. 3D DAD card
Using capital letter templates, lay out the word DAD with the letters touching and trace around the edges. Make copies of your model sheet. Hand one out to each child and have them decorate the letters with crayons or markers. Then, have them cut out around the edges and in the middle of the letters. Fold the card at the places where the letters touch, creating an accordion-style card. On the back side, they can write a personalized message to Dad.
20. A paw-fect craft
To create this adorable Father’s Day craft, fold a piece of card stock in half. On the front of the card, overlap two brown basket-style coffee filters to create the head and body of a puppy. Show your students how to add floppy ears, hind paws, and little front paws holding a bone over the dog’s tummy. Add googly eyes, a triangle nose with a curvy mouth, and pink tongue. On the bone, have students write “You are paw-fect!” On the inside of the card, have them write a heartfelt message for Dad.
21. Hooked on Daddy
It just wouldn’t be a Father’s Day craft roundup without a handprint craft! While mothers get handprints turned into flowers, dads get fishing-themed cut-outs of handprints. On a white sheet of paper, create this fishy scene. To make the fish, have students trace their hand on orange paper and cut it out. Add eyes and smile to the wrist end of the hand, then glue it to a half sheet of blue paper with a wavy line cut on top. On the top white portion of the sheet, glue a Popsicle stick with string attached and connect the string to the fish’s mouth. Have students add a few cotton balls for bubbles in the water and the words “Hooked on Daddy” at the top of the card.
22. Father’s Day goodie bags
A goodie bag that also looks like Dad’s favorite shirt and tie? Perfect! All you need is brown paper lunch bags, scrapbook paper, scissors, and tape. Fill the bag with whatever goodies you’d like. Then, tape the top edges of the bag together with transparent tape. Make a collar with a folded strip of brown paper and attach. Finally, make a tie from scrapbook paper and attach at the collar.
23. Swedish Fish tackle box
For dads who have a sweet tooth or love to fish, here’s one of the simplest Father’s Day crafts for kids. Just pick up a plastic tackle box from the bead section of the craft store, then fill it with Swedish Fish candies. Finally, tie it up with a bow and attach a gift tag that says “Hugs & Fishes for you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day!”
24. Duct tape tray
This craft is fun, easy, and useful too. Use colored duct tape folded and secured with brass fasteners to build Dad a custom tray to store his keys, wallet, and pocket change. To begin, cover one side of a piece of card stock with colored duct tape. Flip the card over and cover the back side with a different-colored duct tape. Trim off the edges, leaving a neat rectangle. At each corner, cut a 1-inch diagonal slit. Fold each edge up and make a crease. Overlap the edges and secure each corner with a metal brad or use more duct tape to hold them together.
25. Mosaic portrait of Dad
Save all your old magazines and other scraps of paper, then put them to good use making this creative collage portrait. Any father figure will surely be happy to receive a portrait of themself made by someone special! To begin, have students draw a picture of their dad, outlining all his features and adding details. Then, have students glue torn squares of magazine paper in the appropriate colors to fill in the portrait.
26. Fingerprint painting
Perfect for little ones, our fingerprint art scenes paint a pretty picture for Dad. The background is already sketched out—students just add fingerprint paint critters and fill in the colors. Add a Father’s Day message and you’re good to go!
27. “You Rock” cupcakes
If you have access to an oven, this is the perfect Father’s Day craft for kids. Kids love to help bake and dads love sweets, so it’s a win-win! Bake a batch of mini cupcakes in paper cupcake liners. Once they cool, hand one out to each student to frost and add a mound of edible rock candies on top. Finally, add a flag made from a toothpick and slip of paper that says “Dad, U Rock!.”
28. Handprint baseball
If Dad is a baseball fan, he’ll love this craft. All you need are baseballs, an ink pad, and some baby wipes for cleanup. Simply rub your students’ hands over the ink pad, press onto the baseball, then clean up the ink with the wipe. For a finishing touch, add a ribbon with a Father’s Day message attached.
29. DIY air fresheners
What dad doesn’t need an air freshener for their car? Buy an assortment of flat wood ornaments, such as a fir tree or star. Have students trace their chosen ornament onto fabric twice and cut out the two shapes. Glue the fabric to the front and back of the wooden ornament and add five or six drops of essential oil to each side.
30. Macaroni sunshine
Ah, pasta. A classic craft that never gets old. For this project you’ll need dry fusilli wagon-wheel pasta shapes, glue, yellow and orange craft paint, markers, and card stock. To begin, have each student paint eight fusilli noodles yellow with orange tips and one wagon-wheel pasta shape yellow. Fold the piece of card stock in half and have students write their Father’s Day message on the inside page. On the cover, have students glue the pasta down in a sunshine shape, using a generous amount of craft glue. Once the glue dries and the pasta is secured, have students write “You Are My Sunshine.”
31. Dad comic strip
Write a comic book with Dad as the hero! Download our free printable comic strip templates and create your own story. The templates make the process easy and the bundle even comes with comic strip graphics you can cut out and add to the story.
32. Read books about dad
What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than reading books about dads? Read them aloud at story time and have conversations afterward to inspire your kids to write their own stories about their dads.
Try it: Our Favorite Father’s Day Books
33. Wheel of Dad
This craft is a fun 3D version of the classic coupon book gift. All you need to bring this idea to life is a sturdy cardboard paper plate, construction paper, markers, and a metal paper fastener. Using markers, have students divide their plates into five or six sections radiating from the center. Color each triangle a different color. On the rim of each section, have students write something they might give their dad in a coupon book. For example, “Let Dad take a nap,” “Give Dad a hug and a smooch,” or “Take out the trash without being asked.” Then, attach an arrow made from construction paper to the center with a metal paper fastener or brad and let Dad give it a whirl.
34. Father’s Day mobile
As far as Father’s Day crafts for kids go, this one is inexpensive but also adorable and practical. Cut poster board to fit the inside of a plastic hanger and use a hole punch to place holes every inch and a half or so apart. Then, loop some string around the edges of the hanger and through the holes to secure it all the way around. Have students decorate the center with markers or stickers. Finally, tie trinkets to pieces of yarn and hang them from the bottom of the hanger. Ideas include painted rocks, cut-out metallic paper shapes, beads, or metal washers.
35. Secret message card
Father figures will love decoding a Father’s Day secret message from their kids. Have kids create their own cipher or code. One simple method is to divide a paper into two columns and write the letters of the alphabet down the first column and the numbers 1 to 26 down the second column. This code would translate to A = 1, B = 2, etc. Kids can write their message to Dad in dashed lines with numbers underneath and Dad will use a key to translate their message.
36. Popsicle stick rainbow
All you need to create this oh-so-sweet craft is 11 rainbow-colored craft sticks, a Sharpie, tape, and some twine. On the top stick, have students write “Top 10 Reasons I Love Dad.” On the other 10, have them write things they love about the father figure in their life. Once they’re written, tape the back sides of the sticks together in order with duct tape. Attach a twine loop at the top as a hanger.
37. Personalized golf tees
If Dad is a golfer, this is the perfect gift for him. Grab some paint pens or Sharpies and turn plain wooden golf tees into works of art. You can do this with golf balls too!
38. Coffee jar or mug
For the coffee-loving dad, why not put together a little coffee kit? Fill a mason jar with instant coffee packets (like Starbucks Via), chocolate-covered coffee beans, sugar packets, creamer singles, and a few biscotti for dipping. For fun, you can attach a gift tag that reads “Java great day, Dad!”
39. Personalized golf towel
Kids can use fabric markers to personalize a terry golf towel for their favorite golf buff: Dad! You may have to help them clip a small hole at the top corner in order to hook a carabiner fastener so dad can attach the towel to his golf bag.
40. Alien communication
Imagine Dad’s surprise when he gets a card from an alien with a message from outer space! To begin, fold a green sheet of craft paper in half horizontally. Trace an oblong shape, preserving the crease at the top. The front of the card will be the alien’s face and the inside section will be where the student can write their message. On the cover, have students glue three small white circles with blue dots in the middle for eyes. Under the eyes, draw a wide smile. Cut pointy ears and a cute antenna and glue to the top and sides of the face. On the inside of the card, have students write “You’re out of this world, Dad!’
41. Rock family portrait
Create a family portrait inside a shoebox lid using rocks, markers, and everyday craft supplies. Create the people by gluing down a rock for the body and a smaller rock for the head. Add arms, legs, and details with markers. Glue yarn on the head for hair. Don’t forget to include the family pet! If you don’t want to use rocks, use balls made from craft clay—make sure the clay is hardened before using markers.
42. A hammer with a message
What guy wouldn’t love a personalized engraved hammer in their toolbox? Have kids write a sweet message on the handle of their father figure’s hammer. Then, have an adult use a wood-burning tool or sharpie to permanently write the message in.
Buy it: Wood-Burning Tool at Amazon
43. Fingerprint dandelion
Who doesn’t love making wishes on a dandelion turned to seed? For this sweet Father’s Day card, start by drawing a thick stem on the front of the card extending from the bottom corner to the center of the page. Next, draw a bunch of short, thin lines radiating from the center. Now, dip your finger in paint and add a spot of color (using different colors if you’d like) to the end of each stem. Include a message on the inside telling Dad you couldn’t wish for a better father!
44. Mustache bag
If your father figure rocks facial hair, he will get a kick out of this cute treat bag. We’re also willing to bet that he likes treats! Fill your bag with candies, nuts, or other goodies. To decorate, use a template to cut a swoopy mustache from black construction paper. Decorate a white paper lunch bag and fill it about halfway with the treat of your choice. Fold the top over and clip closed with a clothespin.. Add the mustache under the front side of the clothespin.
45. Musical note
For the musical dad, try this fun activity. Download an inexpensive Father’s Day Music printable from Etsy and make copies for each of your students. Have your students paint their hand and lay their handprint at the base of the guitar neck. Then, have them fill in the blanks with ways their dad rocks.
Buy it: Father’s Day Music Printable at Etsy
46. Tic-tac-toe
For dads who love playing games with their kids, this fun craft will be a big hit! Take a nature walk with your students and have each student gather 10 rocks, each about the size of a quarter. When you get back to class, have them mark five rocks with an X in Sharpie, and five with an O. These will be the playing pieces. Give each student a small burlap drawstring bag, and have them draw a tic-tac-toe grid on the cover. Pop the stones inside, pull the drawstring, and add a card.
Buy it: Small Burlap Drawstring Bags at Amazon
47. Blue ribbon dad
Give Dad the top prize with this sweet craft made from a paper plate, paint, construction paper, and stickers. To begin, paint a plain paper plate bright blue. Cut two ribbon “tails” out of blue construction paper. Stick two or three gold star stickers to each ribbon and tape them to the back of the plate angling away from each other. Apply a line of glue around the inner circle of the plate and sprinkle with gold glitter. You can also glue on a gold piece of cord. Finally, in the center of the plate, write “#1 Dad” with a gold paint pen.
48. You’re a hoot!
Here’s a cute little owlet craft for very young students. Paint the bottom of their feet and press them onto the right side of a piece of white card stock held horizontally. When the paint dries, glue two big googly eyes right under the base of each big toe. Add an orange triangular beak under the eyes. Finally, add a brown tree branch with two little orange feet grasping the branch. Fill the left side of the page with the message “You’re a hoot, Dad!” and their signature.
49. Painted tee
The old classic! Grab a plain white tee in Dad’s size and some fabric paints, and get to work decorating his new favorite shirt. Add the words “World’s Best Dad.” Then kids add designs that fit their dad perfectly such as a a bike, a fish, a book, etc.
50. Coffee cup trophy
This idea is equally adorable and simple to create. First, stack two paper party cups, one face up and one face down, together. From scrap pieces of cardboard, cut out two C-shaped handles and attach to either side of the top cup. Now, paint the whole thing gold so it looks like a trophy. When the paint dries, add stick-on foam shapes and words, such as “#1 Dad!”
51. Desk organizer
This is the perfect gift to help Dad get his desk organized. To begin, use different colors of craft paint to paint the outside of four to six clean tin cans with the labels removed. Once they are dry, add stickers, illustrations, and/or words. Finally, use twine to bind them together tightly.
52. Scrabble tile frame
Old Scrabble tiles and a few buttons or stickers are what you’ll need for this oh-so-adorable picture frame. Start with a cardboard frame from the craft store or an inexpensive frame found at the discount store. Pick through the Scrabble tiles and come up with words that go with “Father” or “Dad.” For instance, “dedicated,” “dependable,” “delightful” or “fabulous,” “fantastic,” “funny.” Mount two words, perpendicular to each other, to the top and left side of the frame. In the bottom right-hand corner, glue buttons or add stickers. Let kids pick which picture they would like to include inside the frame.
53. String art
Such a fun craft! Be advised: This one requires a grown-up’s help. Write the word DAD in all-cap block letters on a piece of two-by-four wood. Pound small nails around the perimeter of the letters. Then, use colorful string and randomly weave the string onto the nails, using a different color for each letter.
54. Personalized back scratcher
Every dad loves a good back scratch! Why not give them their very own personalized back scratcher? Start with a plain wooden version (less than $1 each on Amazon), then embellish with stripes of washi tape, paints, or permanent markers.
Buy it: Wood Back Scratcher at Amazon
55. Hand-in-hand glove set
Whatever project Dad is working on, it’s likely he needs a pair of work gloves, so this gift idea is both adorable and useful. Begin with a sturdy pair of canvas work gloves. Have the maker press their painted hands onto the palm sides of the gloves. On the four fingers, write “Dad’s Little Helper 2026” in descending letters. Underneath the handprint, have them sign their name with a little heart in front of it.
56. Barbecue apron
If your dad is a grill master, this “King of the Grill” apron will absolutely delight him. On the chest of a full apron, use fabric paints to draw a circle that will be the face of a lion. Add eyes, nose, and mouth. Next, for the mane, either paint squiggly lines with the fabric markers, glue strings of yellow yarn, or dip hands in yellow paint and stamp all the way around. Add the words “Dad” and “King of the Grill.”
57. Painted pot
Give Dad some green for Father’s Day—a green plant, that is. Paint terra-cotta pots, then decorate them with stick-on letters that read “Love you.” Finally, insert a lovely green plant.
58. Heartfelt letter
Kids practice their letter-writing skills while celebrating their dad on Father’s Day. It’s easy with our free printable letter-writing bundle. The lines are already drawn, the format is laid out, and there are even illustrations to color in.
59. Coupon book
An oldie but a goodie. To put this craft together, simply cut plain white paper into small rectangles. Then, think up your coupons. For instance, “Car Wash,” “Movie Night,” “Extra Hug,” etc. Label each page and decorate with markers or crayons. Stack and staple the pages together and add a construction paper cover.
60. Nuts-and-bolts frame
Start with a frame that has a 2- or 3-inch border. Glue nuts and bolts around the frame edges and let dry completely. Paint the whole thing a metallic color if desired. Add a favorite photo of you and Dad.
61. Father’s Day letter sculpture
Have your students sculpt a message for their dad out of flattened letters made from air-dry clay. The message could be “Happy Father’s Day,” “#1 Dad,” or “I love you, Daddy!” Before the clay dries, have them press small rhinestones into the clay. Next, have them paint a canvas with acrylic paint. Once the canvas and clay are dry, glue the clay message onto the canvas.
Download your free Father’s Day questionnaire!
Create a memorable Father’s Day keepsake with this free printable questionnaire. Just click the link below to get yours!