5 DIY Father’s Day Gifts That Dad Will Actually Use (With the Kids!)

Father’s Day is around the corner. A lot of dads will say they don’t want anything, but that doesn’t mean they won’t value something thoughtful. A small, practical gift made with care often means more than something picked up last minute from a store.

This guide is for parents, grandparents, and other relatives who want to help kids do something meaningful for Dad. We’ve collected five DIY Father’s Day gifts that are simple, kid-friendly, and built around real use. These projects are easy to make at home with a few tools and materials, and they offer a chance for kids to be hands-on with just a bit of adult help.

The ideas include a mix of gifts kids can make for Dad, and two they can build with him. Each one focuses on usefulness, ease, and participation, without requiring extra time or effort that most families don’t have.

Whether you're planning ahead or helping the kids the day before, these projects are made to fit into real family routines. With Handy Famm’s kid-safe tools and simple guidance, creating something together is not only doable, it’s also rewarding.

At Handy Famm, we believe the best gift for Father’s Day is one that gets the whole family involved and gives kids the chance to build something with care.

A Quick History of Father’s Day

Before getting into the projects, it’s helpful to look at where Father’s Day came from and how it became the tradition we know today.

Father’s Day was first proposed in 1909 by Sonora Smart Dodd in Spokane, Washington. She wanted to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent after his wife died. At the time, Mother’s Day had already become a recognized tradition, and Dodd believed fathers deserved a similar kind of recognition.

The first local Father’s Day celebration was held in 1910. Over the following decades, the idea gained popularity across the country. It wasn’t until 1972 that it became a national holiday, when President Richard Nixon signed it into law.

Today, Father’s Day is celebrated in many different ways. Some families stick with traditional gifts, while others focus more on quality time and shared activities. For those helping kids participate, a Father’s Day gift DIY is often more meaningful than something bought at the last minute. It’s a way to involve children directly and give them a simple, age-appropriate way to show appreciation.

That kind of effort often turns out to be the best gift for Father’s Day, practical, personal, and easy to make with a little guidance.

Why Families Choose to Make Father’s Day Gifts

A DIY Father’s Day gift gives families a chance to create something useful while involving kids in each step. These projects help shift the focus from buying to building, making space for practical learning and shared time.

Children take on real tasks during the process. They measure, follow instructions, paint, and assemble with help from an adult. These activities support early problem-solving and build coordination and focus. They also help kids feel included and responsible. Simple tools, when sized for children, make participation easier. A kid-sized hammer or easy-grip tape measure allows them to work alongside a parent or grandparent with more confidence.

The DIY gifts for Dad featured in this guide are designed for use. They include everyday items like a tray, an apron, or a phone dock. Each one can be made at home with standard materials and a small set of tools. Families can pick projects based on the child’s age and the time available.

These projects also offer a way to slow down and focus. Instead of rushing to find something last minute, families can use the time to guide kids through a clear, simple activity that leads to a finished product. A project like this doesn’t need to be perfect. The effort and care involved are often what stand out the most.

For many families, choosing a DIY Father’s Day gift ends up being the best gift for Father’s Day. It gives children something real to contribute and shows appreciation in a way that’s both practical and meaningful. It also gives adults an easy way to involve kids in a seasonal tradition that feels personal.

 5 DIY Father’s Day Gifts That Dad Will Actually Love

Each idea in these projects focuses on making something Dad will actually use,  not just something to put on display. Whether it’s a custom tray for tools, a grill apron, or a simple phone dock, these DIY Father’s Day gifts give kids a chance to be involved in a hands-on way. The projects are split into two groups: three that kids can make for Dad with a bit of help, and two that are perfect for building together as a Father’s Day activity.

3 DIY Gifts for Dad (Made by Kids with a Little Help)

1. Custom Tool Organizer or Tray

This is one of those DIY Father’s Day gifts that ends up being useful long after the day is over. Whether Dad needs a spot for tools, cords, or his daily odds and ends, this tray can be made from simple materials and customized by kids in their own style.

What You’ll Need:

• A shallow cardboard box, shoebox lid, or small wood tray
  
• Washable paint, markers, stickers, or paint pens
  
• Cardboard strips (for dividers)
  
• Craft glue or a glue gun (adult use)
  
• A kid measuring tape 
• Ruler or pencil for marking
  
• Optional: labels or printed tags
  
  

How to Involve Kids:

Step 1: Let them plan the sections
Talk with the child about what Dad might want to keep in the tray. Is it for tools? Phone stuff? A snack corner? Have them mark out the areas using a pencil and the measuring tape. You can guide them with spacing, but let them lead the design.

Step 2: Build the dividers
Cut cardboard strips to size and let the child help glue them in to create compartments. This is a great time to talk about basic layout, measuring, and symmetry, even for young kids.

Step 3: Paint and personalize
This is the fun part. Let kids decorate inside and out with paint or markers. They can add messages like “Dad’s Stuff” or draw little icons on each compartment to show what goes where.

Step 4: Dry and wrap
Once dry, the tray is ready to gift. You can add a simple note or card from the child, or wrap the whole thing with clear wrap so the decorations show through.

This is one of those DIY gifts for Dad that feels fun for kids to create and practical for Dad to use.

2. Memory Jar: Dad Edition

This one’s simple, flexible, and great for younger kids. It’s all about putting together personal notes and little reminders of why Dad is important,  which makes it one of the easiest and most personal DIY Father’s Day gifts you can make.

What You’ll Need:

• A clean glass or plastic jar with a lid
  
• Scrap paper or colorful note paper
  
• Crayons, markers, pens
  
• Kid-friendly scissors
  
• Tape, stickers, washi tape
  
• Optional: small printed photos or drawings
  
  

How to Involve Kids:

Step 1: Fill out the notes
Give the child small pieces of paper and help them write simple prompts like “Thanks for helping me with…”, “My favorite thing about you is…”, or “Remember when we…”. Younger kids can dictate while you write, or just draw pictures.

Step 2: Decorate the jar
Let the child use stickers, tape, and markers to decorate the outside of the jar. You can also help them cut out shapes or frames using kid-friendly scissors to paste on.

Step 3: Fold and fill
Once the notes are ready, fold them up and drop them into the jar. Kids can count how many they’ve added or organize them by color.

Step 4: Add a simple tag
Tie a tag around the top with “Dad Jar” or “Open Me When You Need a Smile.” You can write the date or year on it too, which makes it more personal.

This kind of gift takes little time but ends up being the best gift for Father’s Day for parents who appreciate the small things. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require fancy supplies, and gives kids a real way to express themselves.

3. DIY Grill or Garage Apron

If Dad spends time at the grill or tinkering in the garage, this is one of those DIY Father’s Day gifts that can actually be used again and again. It’s creative, fun for kids, and works even if you’re putting something together the night before.

What You’ll Need:

• A plain canvas or cotton apron (available at most craft stores)
  
• Fabric markers or fabric paint
  
• Painter’s tape (optional, for borders or lettering guides)
  
• A piece of cardboard to put under the fabric while decorating
  
• Kid safety glasses for paint days
  
• Optional: stencils or iron-on patches
  

How to Involve Kids:

Step 1: Choose the slogan
Let the child help choose a message, something fun like “Grill Master,” “Dad’s Garage Crew,” or just their own drawings. You can sketch out the layout on paper first to give them a sense of how it’ll look.

Step 2: Set up the apron
Place a piece of cardboard behind the fabric so paint doesn’t bleed through. If the child wants clean edges or a frame, help them tape off borders using painter’s tape.

Step 3: Paint and personalize
Let the child go all in with paint or markers. Add their handprint, write their name, or draw pictures of tools, burgers, or cars, whatever fits Dad’s style. For younger kids, you can help them use stamps or stencils for cleaner lines.

Step 4: Let it dry completely
Once finished, lay the apron flat to dry. This may take a few hours depending on the type of paint used.

Tip: When kids are working with paint or glue, it’s a good idea to have them wear kid safety glasses to avoid messes and eye irritation.

This project works especially well for last minute Father’s Day gifts. You don’t need a lot of time, and the final result still feels thoughtful and fun to open.

Section B:  DIY Gifts to Make with Dad (Bonding Projects)

4. DIY Charging Station or Phone Dock

This is a practical project for Father’s Day that kids can work on together with their dad. It gives them a chance to build something useful while spending time together. The finished product holds a phone, watch, or any other small items Dad uses daily.

What You’ll Need:

• Scrap wood, a small box, or sturdy cardboard
  
• Sandpaper
  
• Wood glue or strong craft glue
  
• Pencil
  
• Paint or markers
  
• A kid-sized screwdriver 
• Optional: small wrench for kids for any bolts or hinges
  

How to Set It Up:

Step 1: Gather the materials ahead of time
Have the wood, box, or cardboard cut and ready. Place all the tools in one area so the project can start without delays.

Step 2: Walk through the idea with the child
Ask what they think should go on the charging dock. Help them sketch the layout with spaces for a phone, watch, or keys. Dad can offer input while the child marks the layout with a pencil.

Step 3: Guide the build
Let Dad and the child glue or screw pieces together. The child can use the screwdriver with help, while Dad handles any precise fitting. Everyone stays involved without overcomplicating the process.

Step 4: Decorate the station
Once the structure is dry, the child can paint or decorate it. Initials, favorite colors, or small drawings make it feel personal without needing extra supplies.

Step 5: Use it the same day
By the end of Father’s Day, they’ll have built something functional together. It can go on his desk, nightstand, or in the garage, wherever it’s most useful.

This is one of the most thoughtful DIY gifts for a dad and there’s no way he won’t be bragging about it for the rest of the year!

5. Family Handprint Art on Wood

This project is simple to set up and easy for the whole family to join in. It works especially well for younger kids and is a strong option if you're helping prepare something for a new dad. The end result is personal and can be hung up or kept in a workspace.

What You’ll Need:

• A clean piece of wood or a canvas board
  
• Washable paint
  
• Paintbrushes or sponges
  
• A permanent marker
  
• A drop cloth or old newspaper
  
• Child safety glasses for younger kids
  
• Optional: painter’s tape for borders or layout marks
  

How to Set It Up:

Step 1: Prepare the space
Lay down paper or a cloth to protect the surface. Make sure the wood or canvas is clean and dry. If you're using leftover wood, lightly sand the surface before painting.

Step 2: Set the layout
Decide how many handprints will go on the board. Mark the spots lightly with a pencil if needed. You can also tape off a title space at the top or bottom.

Step 3: Apply paint and stamp
Paint the palm of each child’s hand, one at a time, and help them press it onto the board. Add each name and the date under the print using a marker once it dries.

Step 4: Add a title or message
At the top, write something simple like “The Taylor Family” or “Dad’s Team.” You can also leave room for future handprints if more kids will be added later.

Step 5: Let it dry completely
Set it aside in a safe place to dry. Depending on the paint, this could take a few hours.

Kids should wear protective glasses if you’re using wood or working around glue or paint that could splash.

This project is one of the easiest DIY Father’s Day gifts to complete with little kids. It also works well as one of those thoughtful Father’s Day gifts for new dad moments when the family is still growing.

 Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts That Still Feel Personal

If you’re reading this the day before (or the day of) Father’s Day, don’t worry,  there’s still time to put something together that feels thoughtful and kid-made. These ideas are quick, require little to no prep, and can be done with things you likely already have at home. They also make great add-ons to bigger projects if you’re working with more than one child.

Printable “Dad Coupons”

Print or handwrite a set of fun little coupons: “One car wash,” “Movie night pick,” “Help in the garage,” or “No bedtime complaints.” Kids love coming up with ideas, and younger ones can decorate each coupon with stickers or drawings. Staple or tie them into a small book.

Great for: preschoolers and younger kids

Photo Collage with Messages

Grab a few printed photos and paste them onto cardstock or inside a folded sheet of construction paper. Kids can write short notes next to each photo: “I liked this day,” or “This was funny.” Even one printed photo with a few handwritten words turns it into something personal.

 Great for: all ages

Handwritten Card with a Memory

This works well for kids who can write or for adults helping younger kids express themselves. A card that says, “Thanks for always fixing my bike” or “I like building stuff with you” is easy to create and doesn’t require anything more than paper and markers.

Optional: decorate the card with stamps, washi tape, or a photo

Bonus: Quick Digital Gift + Handmade Frame

If you're leaning digital, kids can help pick songs for a custom playlist or record a short video message. Pair it with a quick handmade frame made from cardboard and paint, and you've got a mix of personal and tech-friendly.

Great for: tweens and teens, or multi-age households

Still feeling stuck? This blog from Better Homes & Gardens has even more super-late DIY ideas if you’re in a pinch. They’re quick, personal, and easy for kids to help with.

Make Something He’ll Remember & Not Just Receive

Every family’s version of Father’s Day looks a little different, but one thing stays the same: the moments that stick are the ones where everyone’s involved. Whether it’s painting an apron, building a small project, or writing a few words on a card, these kinds of DIY Father’s Day gifts don’t just sit on a shelf; they get used, remembered, and appreciated.

Even if you’re short on time, letting kids create something with their hands (and a little guidance) gives them a chance to do more than just say “Happy Father’s Day.” They get to participate, choose colors, write messages, and build something they’re proud of.

If you try any of these projects, tag @HandyFamm,  we love seeing how families bring these ideas to life in their own way.

And if you're looking for more ways to make projects easier to start and safer to finish, take a look at our DIY kits and kid-safe tools. Sometimes the best gift for Father’s Day is the one that brings everyone together,  tools, time, and all.