33 Homemade Father's Day Gifts He'll Be Thrilled to Unwrap
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Homemade Father’s Day gifts are better than anything you’d buy in a store. Here’s why: Dads tend to feel a little guilty knowing their kids or partners spent a lot of money on them. Don’t ask us why; it’s just a fact we know to be true. Secondly, there’s nothing more meaningful than a gift you made with your own two hands. You could have been doing anything, but you chose to dedicate your time to hand-making a present you knew he’d love. What’s more special than that?
So we hunted around the Internet, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok for the best DIY Father’s Day gifts and have 33 beautiful picks to get you in the crafting mood. From a watch organizer lined with genuine leather to a giant Scrabble board you can mount to the wall, there are a lot of solid options out there. Before you decide on the perfect present, though, be sure to peep the tutorials (we linked them) because some take longer to make, and others require materials you may need to order. That said, none of them—not even the DIY Bloody Mary kit—should cost more than $20.
This year, skip the department stores. Instead, make your dad a gift he’ll treasure now and well after Father’s Day. A few of our top picks? The DIY shave cream made of coconut oil, shea butter, and a few essential oils; the adorable fridge magnet picture frames; and a s’mores set. That last one may not last past Father’s Day, but it makes for the perfect summer activity, so if you need something to do that night, you have a great idea for something sweet.
Dad Rocks Paperweight
We love a pun. Case in point: This hand-made paperweight that spells "Dad rocks" in rocks. The best part, aside from the fact that it is guaranteed to make the man of the house smile, is that you most definitely already have everything you need to make it. The materials include flour, water, a few pebbles, and salt. After whipping up the "dough," spell out whatever feels most fitting for dad. Pop it in the oven, et voila!
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda
Homemade Hot Sauce
We all know (or have) a dad who basically walks around with hot sauce in his pocket to spice up his dishes. Let's skip the store-bought stuff and opt for something homemade. Just be sure to snag a few of these little glass bottles and sticky labels!
Get the recipe at Just Putzing Around the Kitchen
DIY Sangria Kit
Father's Day falls just a few days before the official start of summer, so get in the spirit with the unofficial beverage of the season: sangria. This one may look expensive and difficult to assemble, but worry not; it's shockingly affordable and simple. Here's what to do: Grab a spouted pitcher, fill it with your favorite fruit and a bottle of wine (no need to get the priciest one), and tie it with a ribbon attached to a big wooden spoon.
Get the tutorial at Fantabulosity
Ornate Coasters
These hand-twisted coasters are a fail-proof homemade gift because, hey, everyone needs a coaster—especially one made by their family members. All you need is cardboard, glue, and twine. Go ahead, get twisting.
Get the tutorial at The Craftaholic Witch
Citrus Candles
There's no such thing as too many candles and we're big believers in diversifying the collection. So instead of getting another one housed in a metal, glass, or ceramic vessel, gift dad a homemade one using his favorite citrus fruits. You'll need a hallowed out peel, wax, wood wicks, essential oils, and some dried flowers or herbs for garnish.
Get the tutorial atAlways + Whatever
Hand-Made Ties
Another thing dads can never have too many of is ties (and bowties for fancy occasions). These ones are easy to make and can pass for the good stuff; you know, the stuff you'd get for hundreds of dollars at a department store.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built
Cut-Out Portraits
Another find we discovered on The House That Lars Built? These cut-out portraits made entirely of paper (and glue). So if you're short on time but still want to gift the dad of the house something personal, you can't go wrong with a cartoonish lookalike.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built
Hand-Written Books
This gift may mean more coming from the artistically inclined child who loves to doodle. All you need is cardstock, a hot glue gun, and the free printables on Hello, Wonderful.
Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful
Letter Cookies
As far as we're concerned, gifts can be edible. So if your dad has a sweet tooth, go ahead and whip up a batch of cookies that spell out "Rad Dad." Of course, we'd recommend serving them in wax paper sandwich bags so he'll actually know what the cookies say. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of cookies in the shape of random letters!
Get the recipe at Tell Love and Party
Greeting Cards
These greeting card don't require any tutorial because they tend to look best when they're guided by your imagination. That said, we'd recommend having some construction paper, colored pencils, and maybe a few markers on hand.
Faux Stone Planters
This homemade Father's Day gift takes a bit longer than the others, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to both get the materials and do the crafting. The most essential piece of the faux stone planter is the actual planter, so before you buy the other materials (think ready-mix stucco patch, faux moss, and paint brushes, to name a few), be sure to snag a cheap planter.
Get the tutorial at Jenna Sue Design Co.
Patterned Koozies
Dads have a thing for koozies, but let's face it: Most of them are ugly, as they're often part of a promotional swag bag or gift basket. It's time to toss those and start using a homemade alternative that will keep his drinks chilled and give them a little personality, right?
Get the tutorial at Polished Habitat
Homemade Rosemary Salt
Anyone who spends a lot of time thinking up delicious recipes can attest to salt's importance in just about any dish. Why not spice it up a bit, though? This homemade rosemary salt will make literally everything taste better. That said, we recommend using it as a finishing touch rather than as part of the recipe.
Get the recipe at Boxwood Ave.
Easy Picture Frames
These picture frames may look simple, but there's actually a lot of work and materials involved, so if you're running low on time, this may not be the gift for you to try to make. Otherwise, peep the tutorial below!
Get the tutorial at Anika's DIY Life
S'mores Kits
If you have a fire pit in your backyard, you'd be remiss not to gift the patriarch of the house a s'mores kit. In addition to the classic s'mores essentials, including Graham crackers, chocolate, and a marshmallow, you'll also need dishtowels (which will become the bag you serve the deconstructed treats in) and s'mores sticks.
Get the tutorial at Jenny Cookies
Painted Wood Slice Coasters
If the coasters we mentioned earlier aren't exactly your dad's style, consider these instead. They're made of wood slices and painted with a motif he'd appreciate.
Get the tutorial at Unoriginal Mom
Adjustable Aprons
Another great gift for the guy who likes to cook or grill? An adjustable apron made entirely by hand. You'll need two different colored fabrics (one for the main section and the other for the pocket and straps), thread, pins, and an erasable pen if you want to get a little fancy with it.
Get the tutorial at Brother at Your Side
Charming Fridge Magnets
There may not be a ton of available space on the end tables around the house, but that's hardly an excuse to stop displaying photos. Just make your own miniature frames that you can stick right on your fridge. There's no better space-saver than that!
Get the tutorial at Entertain the Idea
Shrink-Wrapped Keychains
How cute are these shrink-wrap keychains? They're just as sentimental, which makes them a great gift for Father's Day. Just get yourself some a few sheets of Shrinky Dinks paper, Sharpies, keychains, and a few other essentials.
Get the tutorial at Simply Kinder
Elegant Mousepads
Does dad work from home? If so, help him spruce up his WFH setup with a homemade mousepad. From the sleek top to the cork siding, we'd never guess it's made from scratch. Feel free to add a touch of color when you make yours, though.
Get the tutorial at The Things She Makes
DIY Shaving Cream
This shaving cream is better than the store-bought. For starters, it smells so good we're almost tempted to eat it. Second, it's all natural, which is a plus in our book. It's a special concoction starring coconut oil and shea butter, but all you'll smell is the delicious rosemary and mint pairing.
Get the tutorial at Food for My Family
Delicious Scented Soap
While we're on the subject of beauty and self-care, why not give dad a bar of hand-made soap that smells almost as good as the shaving cream we mentioned earlier? This one, a fresh mixture of zesty citrus and calming calendula, is easily one of our favorites. Plus, while you're making it, your whole house will smell fantastic.
Get the recipe at Lovely Greens
Soothing Bath Salts
One more gift that fits in with the last few is a bottle of homemade soothing bath salts. Dads need a spa night (or two) too, so if you're dad could use an evening to relax and unwind, this will do the trick.
Get the tutorial at Lemons Lavender & Laundry
Breatkast Gift Basket
We've heard it time and time again: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it could use a little pick-me-up. So serve it up in a beautiful, personally curated basket that features all of dad's favorites. This one includes banana bread, coffee beans, and a creamy, whipped honey butter, but you do you.
Get the tutorial at Jenny Steffens
DIY Bloody Mary Mix
Mimosas may be the go-to brunch beverage of choice, but we're making a case for the always-delicious Bloody Mary. This one is the best because you can make it yourself, so feel free to adjust it any way you see fit. Turn it into a gift for dad on Father's day by tossing a bunch of the ingredients (miniatures, of course) in an oversize Mason jar.
Get the tutorial at Miss Wish
Map Coasters
Coasters are collectibles, so you can never have too many. These ones are extra special though because there's a sentimental angle: Use a map of a special place as the main surface. Every time he uses it, he'll be reminded of that fabulous trip he loved.
Get the tutorial at Angie Holden
Homemade Fire Starters
No, these aren't beautiful candles. They're actually fire starters made of entirely natural materials, including beeswax, pinecones, flowers, and a few pine needles. If you're trying to get a fire going, simply light one of these and it will immediately, well, burst into flames.
Get the tutorial at Inspired by Charm
Hand-Made Chess Board
There's something about dads and chess that we won't even pretend to understand, but the connection is definitely there. So, this Father's Day, don't just buy your dad a new chess set. Make him one instead. You can even re-make one he already has.
Get the tutorial at My Vintage Porch
Watch Organizer
If your dad is very proud of his watch collection, get him a leather-outfitted organizer. Despite how fancy it looks, it's shockingly easy to put together—especially if you decide not to build the actual structure yourself. Our favorite? Click here. Sadly for dad, the beautiful timepieces aren't included.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger
Luxurious Tablet Case
If your dad, like our dads, can lay in bed with their iPads for what seems like hours, get them a gift they'll definitely use: a homemade tablet case that's so delicate it won't scratch the screen. That said, it's not so precious that it wont do its job.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith
Miniature Basketball
Technically, these miniatures hoops are meant for beer pong, but if the kiddos are a bit too young to drink the fizz, use juice instead. This is a game the whole family—especially if everyone is a little competitive—can get into.
Get the tutorial at 100 Things 2 Do
DIY Succulent Box
There's nothing more relaxing than gardening, in our opinion. So if your dad needs to unwind and spa nights aren't really his thing, encourage him to get his hands a little dirty. This homemade rustic succulent box is a great place to start.
Get the tutorial at The Crazy Craft Lady
Giant Wall Scrabble
Homemade Father’s Day gifts are better than anything you’d buy in the store. Here’s why: Dads tend to feel a little guilty knowing their kids or partners spent a lot of money on them. Don’t ask us why; it’s just a fact we know to be true. Secondly, there’s nothing more meaningful than a gift you made with your own two hands. You could have been doing anything, but you chose to dedicate your time to hand-making a present you knew he’d love. What’s more special than that?
Get the tutorial at Jen Woodhouse
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