Father’s Day is around the corner, and what better way for kids to show their love than with a handmade gift?
Let’s face it, dads cherish those heartfelt, “I made this for you” presents. But sometimes, we need a little inspiration to get those creative juices flowing, right?
If you’re looking for the perfect way for your kids to express their love and appreciation, I’ve got you covered!
This list is full of fun, easy, and adorable Father’s Day gift ideas that kids can make with paper and paint.
To get you started, here are three fantastic gift ideas that are always a hit:
- Handprint Art: Personalized and precious, handprint crafts capture a moment in time.
- Painted Rock Paperweights: Practical and decorative, these are perfect for Dad’s office or workspace.
- Custom Cards: A heartfelt message in a creatively designed card is always a winner.
Let’s dive into the list of paper and paint creations!
1. Handprint Father’s Day Cards
Subheading: “My Hand in Yours” Keepsake Card
Handprint cards are a classic for a reason! They’re simple, adorable, and create a lasting keepsake.
Kids can use paint to make handprints on folded cardstock, then decorate and add a sweet message. I remember making these with my kids, and it’s amazing to see how much their hands have grown over the years. You can make them into any shape – a heart, a superhero, or even a funny monster!
Type of Dad: Sentimental dads, dads who love keepsakes, any dad!
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $5)
Pros: Easy to make, personalized, inexpensive.
Cons: Can be messy, requires adult supervision.
Personal Touch: Write a special poem or message inside, specific to your dad.
Where to Purchase: Cardstock, paint, and markers are available at any craft store or online retailer.
2. Painted Rock Paperweights
Subheading: “Dad, You Rock!” Paperweights
Turn ordinary rocks into colorful and useful paperweights!
Kids can paint rocks with bright colors and designs, then add a sweet message like “Dad, You Rock!” These are perfect for Dad’s desk, office, or even as a decoration around the house. I’ve seen some really creative designs, from simple patterns to miniature landscapes.
Type of Dad: Dads who work in an office, dads who love nature, dads who appreciate practical gifts.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $10)
Pros: Easy to make, unique, practical.
Cons: Requires finding smooth rocks, paint can stain.
Personal Touch: Collect the rocks together with your kids from a special place, like a park or the beach.
Where to Purchase: Acrylic paints and sealant (optional) are available at craft stores. You can find rocks in your backyard or a local park.
3. Custom Father’s Day Cards
Subheading: “Why I Love My Dad” Pop-Up Card
A handmade card is always a thoughtful gift, and kids can get super creative with paper and paint!
Pop-up cards add an extra dimension of fun. Kids can design a card with a pop-up element, like a heart, a star, or even a mini version of themselves! I always encourage kids to write their own messages; it makes the card even more special.
Type of Dad: Any dad! Cards are a universal gift.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $5)
Pros: Personalized, creative, heartfelt.
Cons: Requires some folding and cutting skills.
Personal Touch: Include a hand-drawn picture of your dad or a family portrait inside the card.
Where to Purchase: Cardstock, markers, and embellishments are available at craft stores.
4. Handprint Art
Subheading: “Super Dad” Handprint Art
Handprint art is a fun and easy way for kids to create a personalized masterpiece.
Kids can use their handprints to create a picture, such as a superhero, a car, or an animal. I’ve seen some adorable handprint “trees” where each family member is represented by a different colored hand.
Type of Dad: Dads who love personalized art, dads who are superheroes in their kids’ eyes.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $10)
Pros: Easy to make, personalized, fun for kids.
Cons: Can be messy, requires adult supervision.
Personal Touch: Frame the artwork for Dad to hang in his office or at home.
Where to Purchase: Washable paints and paper are available at any craft store.
5. Painted Picture Frames
Subheading: “My Favorite Memory with Dad” Photo Frame
Kids can decorate a plain picture frame with paint and paper to create a personalized gift.
They can use bright colors, glitter, and stickers to make it extra special. Include a photo of the kids with their dad for an extra-thoughtful touch. I remember making these frames and adding little paper cut-outs of things my dad liked!
Type of Dad: Dads who love displaying photos, sentimental dads.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $15)
Pros: Personalized, practical, decorative.
Cons: Requires a plain picture frame.
Personal Touch: Write a special message on the back of the frame.
Where to Purchase: Plain wooden or cardboard picture frames are available at craft stores.
6. Paper Plate Medals
Subheading: “World’s Best Dad” Award Medal
Kids can make a fun and festive medal out of a paper plate to show Dad how much he’s appreciated.
They can decorate the plate with paint, ribbons, and glitter, and write a message like “World’s Best Dad” or “No. 1 Dad.” I’ve seen kids add streamers and safety pins to make them wearable!
Type of Dad: Dads with a sense of humor, dads who are the “best” in their kids’ eyes.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $5)
Pros: Fun to make, celebratory, inexpensive.
Cons: Not very durable.
Personal Touch: Have a “medal ceremony” to present the award to Dad.
Where to Purchase: Paper plates, paint, and ribbons are available at any craft store.
7. Father’s Day Bookmarks
Subheading: “A Bookmark from Your Little Bookworm”
For the dad who loves to read, a handmade bookmark is a thoughtful and practical gift.
Kids can decorate a strip of sturdy paper with paint, markers, and stickers. You can even laminate it to make it extra durable. I used to make these with my kids, and they would always try to match the design to the book Dad was reading!
Type of Dad: Dads who love to read, dads who use bookmarks.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $5)
Pros: Practical, easy to make, encourages reading.
Cons: Can be easily lost.
Personal Touch: Write a special message or quote about reading on the bookmark.
Where to Purchase: Sturdy paper or cardstock is available at any craft store.
8. Paper Tie
Subheading: “Dressed Up for Father’s Day” Paper Tie
Kids can create a colorful and unique paper tie for Dad to “wear” on Father’s Day.
They can cut out a tie shape from paper and decorate it with paint, markers, and glitter. You can even attach a string or ribbon so Dad can actually wear it!
Type of Dad: Dads with a sense of humor, dads who appreciate a fun gesture.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $5)
Pros: Fun to make, creative, silly.
Cons: Not a real tie.
Personal Touch: Have Dad wear the tie for a Father’s Day photo.
Where to Purchase: Paper, paint, and string are available at any craft store.
9. Father’s Day Coupons
Subheading: “Dad’s Special Day” Coupon Book
Kids can create a personalized coupon book filled with special treats and activities for Dad.
These coupons can be for things like “One Free Hug,” “Breakfast in Bed,” or “A Day of No Chores.” It’s a fun and creative way for kids to show their love and appreciation. I remember making these for my dad, and he loved redeeming them!
Type of Dad: Any dad! Everyone loves to be pampered.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $5)
Pros: Personalized, fun, interactive.
Cons: Requires some creativity.
Personal Touch: Brainstorm coupon ideas together as a family.
Where to Purchase: Paper and markers are available at any craft store.
10. Painted Flower Pots
Subheading: “Growing Memories” Painted Flower Pots
Kids can decorate a plain flower pot with paint and give Dad a plant or seeds to grow.
It’s a gift that keeps on giving as Dad watches the plant grow. Kids can paint the pot with bright colors, patterns, or even write a special message on it.
Type of Dad: Dads who love gardening, dads who appreciate a gift that lasts.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $15)
Pros: Practical, decorative, promotes growth.
Cons: Requires a plain flower pot and a plant or seeds.
Personal Touch: Plant the seeds or plant together as a family.
Where to Purchase: Plain terracotta pots and paint are available at garden centers and craft stores.
11. Paper Bag Puppet
Subheading: “My Dad, My Hero” Puppet Show
Kids can create a puppet that looks like their dad using a paper bag and paint.
They can decorate it with paper scraps, yarn for hair, and paint for the face. Then, they can put on a puppet show for Dad on Father’s Day!
Type of Dad: Dads who love to be entertained, dads with a good sense of humor.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $5)
Pros: Creative, fun, encourages imaginative play.
Cons: Not very durable.
Personal Touch: Write a short script for the puppet show.
Where to Purchase: Paper bags, paint, and craft supplies are available at any craft store.
12. Father’s Day Banner
Subheading: “Happy Father’s Day” Celebration Banner
Kids can make a festive banner to decorate for Father’s Day.
They can cut out paper shapes, paint them with bright colors, and string them together with yarn or ribbon. Banners can have messages like “Happy Father’s Day” or “We Love Dad!”.
Type of Dad: Dads who love celebrations, dads who enjoy festive decorations.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $10)
Pros: Festive, decorative, easy to customize.
Cons: Requires space to hang.
Personal Touch: Decorate the banner with family photos.
Where to Purchase: Paper, paint, yarn, and ribbon are available at any craft store.
13. Handprint Calendar
Subheading: “A Year of Love” Handprint Calendar
Kids can create a personalized calendar with their handprints for each month.
This is a fun and creative way for Dad to see how much his kids have grown throughout the year. Each month can have a different color or theme.
Type of Dad: Sentimental dads, dads who love to stay organized.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $15)
Pros: Personalized, practical, a year-long gift.
Cons: Requires planning for the whole year.
Where to Purchase: Paper, paint, and a calendar template are available at any craft store.
14. Painted Coasters
Subheading: “Dad’s Drink Coasters”
Kids can decorate plain coasters with paint to create a personalized and practical gift.
They can use stencils, freehand designs, or even their handprints to decorate the coasters. Seal them with a clear coat to protect the design.
Type of Dad: Dads who use coasters, dads who appreciate practical gifts.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $10)
Pros: Practical, personalized, protects furniture.
Cons: Requires plain coasters and sealant.
Where to Purchase: Plain coasters and acrylic paint are available at craft stores.
15. Father’s Day Crown
Subheading: “King of the Day” Father’s Day Crown
Kids can make a crown for Dad to wear on his special day.
They can cut out a crown shape from paper, decorate it with paint, glitter, and jewels, and write a message like “King for a Day” or “Best Dad Ever.”
Type of Dad: Dads with a sense of humor, dads who love to be celebrated.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $5)
Pros: Fun, festive, makes Dad feel special.
Cons: Not very durable.
Personal Touch: Have a “crowning ceremony” on Father’s Day.
Where to Purchase: Paper, paint, glitter, and craft jewels are available at any craft store.
16. Fingerprint Art
Subheading: “Our Family Tree” Fingerprint Art
Kids can use their fingerprints to create a unique piece of art, such as a family tree or a bunch of balloons.
It’s a simple and fun way to create a personalized gift. You can even add little captions or names to each fingerprint.
Type of Dad: Dads who love personalized art, sentimental dads.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $10)
Pros: Easy to make, personalized, unique.
Cons: Can be messy.
Where to Purchase: Washable paints and paper are available at any craft store.
17. Paper Roll Organizer
Subheading: “Dad’s Desk Organizer”
Kids can transform empty paper rolls (like toilet paper or paper towel rolls) into a desk organizer for Dad.
They can paint the rolls, decorate them with paper and markers, and glue them to a sturdy base. It’s a practical and eco-friendly gift!
Type of Dad: Dads who work at a desk, dads who love to stay organized.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $5)
Pros: Practical, eco-friendly, customizable.
Cons: Requires empty paper rolls.
Where to Purchase: Paint and craft supplies are available at any craft store.
18. Father’s Day Placemats
Subheading: “Dad’s Special Meal” Placemats
Kids can decorate paper placemats for Dad to use on Father’s Day.
They can paint them with colorful designs, write a special message, or even create a collage of family photos. It makes any meal feel more special!
Type of Dad: Dads who love to host meals, dads who appreciate a special touch.
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $10)
Pros: Practical, festive, personalized.
Cons: Not very durable (if made of paper).
Personal Touch: Use the placemats for a special Father’s Day meal.
Where to Purchase: Large sheets of paper or cardstock are available at any craft store.
19. “All About My Dad” Poster
Subheading: “My Dad is the Best!” Poster
Kids can create a poster all about their dad, with drawings, paintings, and written descriptions.
It can include things like “My Dad’s Favorite Food,” “My Dad’s Favorite Thing to Do,” and “Why I Love My Dad.” It’s a fun and heartwarming gift that Dad will cherish.
Type of Dad: Any dad! Who wouldn’t love a poster all about them?
Price Range: Budget-friendly (under $5)
Pros: Personalized, fun, heartwarming.
Cons: Requires a large sheet of paper.
Where to Purchase: Large poster board or paper is available at any craft store.
20. Father’s Day Scrapbook
Subheading: “Memories with Dad” Scrapbook
Kids can create a personalized scrapbook filled with photos, drawings, and memories with their dad.
They can decorate the pages with paint, paper scraps, stickers, and handwritten captions. It’s a gift that Dad will treasure for years to come.
Type of Dad: Sentimental dads, dads who love looking at photos and reminiscing.
Price Range: Budget-friendly to Mid-Range (depending on the scrapbook)
Pros: Personalized, sentimental, a lasting keepsake.
Cons: Requires photos and a scrapbook.
Where to Purchase: Plain scrapbooks and craft supplies are available at craft stores.
Conclusion
These paper and paint Father’s Day gifts are not only fun for kids to make but also incredibly meaningful for dads. It’s the thought, time, and love that kids put into these creations that make them so special.
Remember, the best gift isn’t always the most expensive one. It’s the one that comes from the heart. So, let your kids get creative, have fun, and make something Dad will truly cherish.
What are your favorite Father’s Day gifts that kids can make? I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences in the comments below. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!
FAQ
Q: What if I don’t have paint?
A: You can use markers, crayons, colored pencils, or even cut-up pieces of colored paper.
Q: How can I make these gifts more durable?
A: For items like cards or bookmarks, you can laminate them or cover them with clear contact paper. For painted items, use a sealant to protect the paint.
Q: What are some good last-minute gift ideas?
A: A handmade card, a painted rock, or a fingerprint art piece are all quick and easy gifts to make.
Tips for Presentation
- Handmade Wrapping Paper: Let kids decorate plain wrapping paper with paint and markers.
- Personalized Gift Tags: Make custom gift tags with Dad’s name and a special message.
- Breakfast in Bed: Serve Dad his handmade gift with breakfast in bed for a special Father’s Day morning.
- Gift Basket: Combine several small handmade gifts into a decorated gift basket.
