This Father’s Day, create long lasting memories by gifting something your kiddo had their hands in—quite literally! This month I’ve rounded up a few great kid friendly DIY projects from popular online bloggers that are budget-friendly and terrific gift ideas from the little ones. Each project takes less than 30 minutes to do together and will create something truly special that Dad will treasure.
“Following In My Daddy’s Shoes,” inspired by Michelle at CraftyMorning.com
This is the perfect craft project to remind Dad just how important he is to shaping little minds and making an impact on how they’ll grow! Such a special keepsake to see how small your child once was, as well.
Supplies:
- Paint
- Daddy’s shoe (Rubber sole boots work great!)
- Your child’s feet
- Paintbrush
- Thick white paper like cardstock
- Frame, large enough for Daddy’s shoe to fit!
Directions: Pick a paint color and quickly paint the bottom of Dad’s shoe, carefully stamping it onto the center of your paper. Next, paint the squirming foot of your little one and stamp it in the middle of the boot print. To complete, paint or write in “Following in My Daddy’s Shoes” and add a little heart or your child’s name. Have siblings? You can stamp multiple feet inside and sign all their names!
“DAD Photo Collage Frame,” inspired by Laura at aStepInTheJourney.com
If Dad has a desk at work or even a workshop in the garage that needs a little reminder of the cutest member of the family who loves him, then this project is perfect!
Supplies:
- Letter “D” & “A” wood letters
- Camera
- Photo Printer or photo printing service
- 3-Image photo frame
Directions: Find a spot with lots of natural light to take photos and head outside with your little one(s). Take one photo of your child holding each letter. The younger and squirmier-aged children may need a few photos taken of each letter just to make sure you snapped a good one! Next, print your photos and frame for an awesome gift for Dad’s desk.
“DIY Handprint Keychain,” inspired by Hayley at GreyHouseHarbor.com
Create a reminder on Daddy’s keys of just how loved he is! These DIY keychains make a wonderful statement piece that lets Dad take those tiny hands everywhere he goes.
Supplies:
- Shrinky Dinks plastic
- Gloss acrylic craft paint
- Your child’s hands
- Paintbrush
- Sharpie
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- 10mm jump rings
- Keychain rings
- Gloss Mod Podge
- Parchment paper (or non-stick silicone baking mat)
- Oven
Directions: Lay out your Shrinky Dinks plastic paper on a hard, clean surface. Paint your child’s hand in the color of their choice and gently guide it down to stamp their handprint on the plastic. Carefully peel their hand up. (If your handprints come out messier than desired, use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel to remove and do it again.) Once paint dried completely, flip the plastic over, and, using your Sharpie, write their names and ages on the back. Carefully cut out each handprint, leaving a nice border around the fingers and palm. Punch a hole where your jump rings will go and bake them in the oven according to the directions. When the timer goes off, carefully flatten the handprint with a silicone spatula. Once cooled, coat with your Mod Podge and when dry you can assemble your keychains!
“Grill Master Grilling Platter,” inspired by Kristin at InterSweetz.com
All the deliciously special food Dad grills up for the family deserves to go on an equally special plate, don’t you think? This project makes for a keepsake dish that will get a ton of use and could even be passed down in years to come.
Supplies:
- White platter, oven-safe
- Your child’s hands
- Non-toxic acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Oven
Directions: Before you get started painting, make sure to wash the plate and dry well. Dip your kid’s fingertips into black paint and let them have fun painting dots along the bottom to create the coal. Next, paint their whole hand into orange and red paint, carefully stamping their hands above the black coal to create flames. Allow the plate to dry fully in a safe place away from small hands. Once dry, bake in the oven at 300 degrees for about 35 minutes to set your paint, then allow it to cool. You can pick up a great set of grilling tools or special local barbecue sauce to gift with this for a whole-themed gift.
