While Pinterest is a great source for DIY gifts for dads (hey, we kind of like our own DIY and Printables board) it can be hard to sort through it all to find the good stuff. You know what we mean. So as we wrap up our 2014 Father’s Day Gift Guide, we searched high and low to do the work for you, putting togehter what we think are some of the coolest DIY gifts from the kids for dads and grandpas. Our criteria: They’re realistic, they’re fun for kids to do, they look good, and they don’t require a degree from RISD and $500 worth of crafting supplies.
And most of all, they all come from the heart.
And because we all adore the dads, granddads and stepdads in our lives so much, be sure to check out our massive Father’s Day giveaway below, valued at over $900. We’ve put it together to include some of our very favorite Father’s Day gifts and made it really easy to win. Wouldn’t that be a sweet surprise for him on top of one of these cool crafty gifts?
When we were kids, we’d come home from school with artwork and call it a gift. Yeah, that still happens, but if you want to do something special from home, this DIY dad artwork is a really sweet idea and not too hard at all. (Tutorial, Pink Sugarland)
These free printable Father’s Day paper bags we found from Sarah Hearts are so clever. Your ink jet printer should be able to handle regular old brown bags, and you just need some washi tape to seal it up. Be sure to fill it up with his favorite treats. May we suggest some homemade cookies? (Free printable, Sarah Hearts)
Since kids love turning anything into a canvas (as you know if you’re now an expert at how to get crayon off the walls) we thought this personalized softball craft at Kiwi Crate was so clever. All you need are some inexpensive softballs and permanent markers. If you want, you can even grab a softball stand at a sporting goods store, since there’s no way he’ll actually take a bat this this. (Tutorial, Melissa Allen for Kiwi Crate)
We are so taken with this personalized Super Dad color-your-own card which only requires a printer, crayons, and then a small photo of Dad to make it even more special. You can always frame it when you’re done. (Free tutorial, Alpha Mom)
-Don’t miss our big Father’s Day giveaway below! It’s easy to enter, promise. –Â
While you can buy paint-your-own picture frame kits in craft and toy stores, it’s pretty easy to grab some inexpensive frames yourself and hand them over to the kids. You can paint them first as a base, then let kids decorate with paint, sequins, glitter, stickers, or Sharpies. In fact, they’ll probably give you some ideas themselves. All you need now is something to put in them. We  imagine you have plenty of photos–or frame one of your kid’s favorite works of art. (Image: Very Rosenberry)
Of course any DIY card from the kids at all will be totally appreciated, but there’s something really cute about this DIY bowtie Father’s Day card–especially because you can take a picture of your kid holding it, just like you see here. What a perfect homescreen photo for his smartphone. (Tutorial, Minted.com)
When we first saw this My Dad Can Do Anything color-your-own picture book we thought it was the greatest idea. The story is set, and kids color it in to make it their own. Of course if you’re super crafty, you could design your own, print and assemble, then let the kids go to town with crayons or colored pencils. But we’re partial to the book. ($12, My Sweet Muffin)
While it’s not as easy as just printing out a coloring page, it isn’t too hard to dig up things that kids can decorate with Sharpies: flower pots, rocks, ceramic plates, aprons, t-shirts, and these cute DIY coasters. Grab some cheap ceramic tiles, cork or felt for the bottom, and glue them together. Then let the kids go to town. You can bake the coasters to set them–just do it before you put the backing on. (Tutorial, The Sweeter Side of Mommyhood)
There are tons of Father’s Day coloring pages out there, but this one from weelife has such a cool, modern sensibility and if your kids are like ours, they’ll go to town with all those chevrons. Make sure you give them plenty of time! (Free printable, weelife)
Our hats off to the mama behind the blog Crafty Texas Girls, who set her daughters on a chalkboard background on the sidewalk, and grabbed this adorable DIY father’s Day Photo. Our tip: Don’t wait for your photo to be perfect. The outtakes can be fantastic–grimacing, mugging, crying and all–and if you have enough of them, you can even pop them into a little Father’s Day brag book and create the perfect 2014 keepsake.  (Tutorial, Crafty Texas Girls)
EXTRA COOL: WIN IT!
We’re so excited to give away one massive Father’s Day prize pack valued at more than $900, filled with some of our favorite gifts for dads. In fact, we want to steal them all.
PRIZE INCLUDES:
•Collection of 10 Dove Men+Care skin products including dual-sided shower tool, 2 bottles of Body+Face Wash, 2 Body Bars, Thickening Shampoo, 2 in 1 Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner, Cool Silver Antiperspirant, Clinical Protection Antiperspirant, Hydrate Face Wash, and Hydrate Face Lotion
•Beats By Dre Solo Headphones available at Target
•Custom keychain with your child’s artwork from Metalmorphosis
•Dad’s Gotta Eat gourmet collection from MOUTH
•Moleskine myCloud Messenger Bag
•Duck Island Dopp Kit from Zady (to keep all those cool Dove products)
•J Press York Street fine corded tie from Zady
•Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments by Mike Adamick
TO ENTER: THE CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED, CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS!
Other 2014 Father’s Day Gift Guide posts:
Personalized Gifts for Dad
Gourmet Gifts for Dad
Gifts for the Stylish Dad
Gift Ideas for New Dads
13 Cool Gifts for Dad Under $20
Best Books for Dads
Gifts for the Dad who has Everything
10 Cool DIY Gifts from the Kids
Love the “Super Dad” card download – thanks! Everyone used to call my husband “Super Don” because he always helps anyone out in need – big or small. And now that he’s a proud papa to our little 20-month-old Hazel (he named her after his favorite great aunt) he’s even more super… “Super Daddy” for sure! From his character voices during stories, to their bath time ritual, Hazel has so much fun with her daddy — and we’d love to win the prize pack to spoil him on his special day!
My husband deserves to win this! He works so hard and always puts others ahead of himself. He worked several jobs when our twins were born, all while completing his mba, so I could stay home and care for our babies! He also volunteers at church and in our community and teaches our kids to do the same 🙂
My husband deserves this because he works tirelessly so I can stay home with our three kids, but he never sacrifices family time for work.
My dad deserves this because he always put family first, spent lots of time with us and took us on fun vacations when we were younger. He now has 4 grandchildren and really enjoys his time with them.
My dad deserves to win this because he’s shown what a great father he is by being a wonderful grandfather — it’s like doing it all over again!
My husband deserves to win because he is the most patient, kind, loving father I know.
Not only does my husband work hard to support our family, but he takes amazing care of my daughter – and me. I developed some health problems after having our daughter and he always makes sure I feel loved and cared for. I’d love to show him how much he’s appreciated with this gift pack!
Two years ago our lives changed in a moment and my ‘travels the world, adventure strong, provides our girls and I an amazing livelihood at home and abroad’ husband had to change too. And he did: home every night, school clothes shopping with our teenager, grocery shopping, ballet bun hair fixing for our 10 yo, little girl bicker-spits referee, there for every school, orthodontic, dance appointment, so the mama bear (me) can focus all my energy on battling for my health and future. And he also brings us flowers every week…
My husband deserves to win because he’s an amazing Father to our little guys! 😀
My husband, Jason, is a great father and husband. Our daughter adores him (she even called me Daddy for a few months). He has been through my side through a tough pregnancy, a tough recovery from c-section, a few months of post-partum depression, my transition to working mom, being “mommy” when I travel…all while he has a demanding job himself. He is truly a partner in our family:)
My husband deserves this because he is raising our grandchildren…
My husband deserves this gift because he works very hard and shows so much love to our family, He takes care of our family selflessly and deserves a gift to show our appreciation.
My husband deserves this because he is a hardworking dad who still finds time for his kids.
The dad in my life deserves this because he’s an all around good guy, selfless and generous.
My husband deserves to win because he’s the kinda of dad who’s not afraid to polish his nails and wear a tutu, play hockey in the driveway and change poopy diapers all day !
We surely are very blessed to have him !!
My husband is everything you could ask for in a father. I am so lucky to have someone that shows his love to his kids.
My husband deserves to win because he is so patient and fun with our three little boys. He never buys anything for himself and would be so excited to win a contest!
My hubby could really use a little pampering himself. He’s a construction guy and Lord knows it takes a toll on his body but he still takes time for getting active with our boys, taking care of our home, yard and even cooking for us! He’s one of kind and my kids sure are Daddy’s boys. Love ya babe!
My husband is a great dad and keeps us all laughing!
Mu husband deserves this because he took off a week of work to stay home with our 5 kids (the oldest is 7) while I went away on a business trip. More amazing, the nursing baby had only ever drank from a bottle one, and it was the night before, so we didn’t know if she would even eat all week!
My husband should win this because he is an amazing father. I’m actually jealous that my children get to have such a great dad!
because he always takes the time to play with our 4-year old son. they exercise together, they build forts together, they wrestle together… best dad ever.
He is generous with his time and laughter with our 2 boys.
my husband is a better dad than i could ever imagine. he works a full time + job, but has always split the care of our son with me. his priority is our son, and spends as much time with him as he can, even when he is exhausted and would want to relax.
My hubby is loving, kind and supportive and always puts his family first – what more could we ask for?
My husband is an absolutely awesome dad. No matter how busy he is, he always finds quality time to spend with his family.
Their dad is great about getting them involved in things he is doing so they feel important- planting the garden, watering, making special dinners, drilling holes (with help)…it makes such a big difference to them to feel involved.
My hubby is great. He safrifices so we don’t do without, he loving, kind and an awesome father!
Oh wow I think practically every dad is deserving of praise and affection and this prize package. I’d love for my husband to win it because he’s just a plain awesome dad. I didn’t know if he could top my dad but he is soooo engaged, so creative, so playful and so patient that I stand in awe of him and learn so much from him watching him interact with my three daughters. Thank you to all the wonderful dads who make the world a more wonderful place!
My husband deserves this because he gives and gives to everyone around him, and never asks for anything in return.
My hubby is the most patient, caring and loving Dad to our three kids.
I’ve got 4 kids under 8 and co-run a family business based on my daughter’s creative design. I support the heck out of those kids. I think I deserve a little Daddy giveaway action! It will go really nicely with the pencil holders and paperweights that I’m sure are coming my way!
My hubby always puts our family first. Would love to surprise him!
My sweet hubby gets up early with our one year old just about every morning! He makes her breakfast, plays with her, and even takes her and the pooch for a walk! He let me sleep in til 8:30 this past Sunday!!!! It makes all the difference in the world and allows me that extra bit of energy to be able to stay up for a bit with him after the baby’s in bed for the night! 🙂
My husband deserves to win because he’s been involved as a dad since the moment we found out about the first pregnancy.
My hubby deserves to win because he works so hard for our family and still takes time out to have fun with the kiddos too!
My husband deserves it because he works hard and is a fun and supportive dad to three kids. He also does not cheat, does eat leafy green vegetables (though is not a fan of fruit), and is nice to puppies. 🙂
My husband deserves this because he works hard running his own business to support our family of 4 kids (3 from a previous marriage plus our 4 year old) and 1 on the way. He has early onset Parkinson’s which makes everything he does 100 times more difficult but he doesn’t let it stop him. He’s a fighter and a very loving dad and husband.
Would love to win this for my hubby! Love the DIY crafts! Keep the ideas coming!
My husband is the king of teachable moments with our girls. (And we’ve had a fair amount of them lately!) From talking about making good choices with money, good decisions at school and with friends, and most importantly that Family is what matters. No matter the issue, he is hard at work instilling good values in our girls and reminding us that we succeed together when we stick together.
While I believe all the dads mentioned should win a cool giveaway like this, I think my husband deserves to win because he made a choice to love me and my 5 year old son twelve years ago. He became a Dad to a child who was not his by blood and took on the responsibility of teaching and loving a boy who called someone else Dad without ever faltering or giving up. He’s now a Dad of four total, and loves each one with all his might.
My husband could really use some pampering. He does such a great job with both of our boys – and is especially patient with our special needs son. He doesn’t care for himself as he does for them. He could really use some pampering and new toys for himself.
My daughter made superhero coasters once and I loved them!
my husband is a fantastic father and friend! he is always sacrificing for his family. over the last 11 years he went from not wanting any children to being the best dad of seven children! he has found his calling and we love him so much!
This would be great for my husband who travels quite often! satelit1@aol.com
we hope our daddy wins this because he loves us and showers us with his love every day!
My hubby is a patient, selfless, kind man who loves reliving his favorite childhood memories and experiences with our son.
I’m so proud of my son who is a terrific Dad to his seven year old son. He knows his boy completely, what makes him sad and what makes him happy and excited. He takes the time to really listen to him and I can see that my grandson lights up like a Christmas tree when his Dad is with him.
He deserves to win because no matter how many obstacles are in the way, he keeps pushing through. It inspired us all.
My step-father because he spends quality time with my daughter. Going to the park, having a lunch date, visiting the museum or roasting marshmallows, they are always busy bees!
My husband deserves this! He works so hard and makes sure that he is home for all of those important moments for our girls!
I would love for my husband to win this because he is amazing! There is nothing he would rather do than spend time with his family. He puts us first always and even after long hours at work comes in with a smile and energy to play (and discipline as needed). He’s truly the best!
My husband left his job to stay at home with our children and deserves to be treated.
My husband should win this, because he is so crafty himself! He is the king of DIY projects with the kids, always coming up with something fun for us all to do. He never ceases to amaze me!
My son-in-law is the best ever!! When my daughter and him met, he had two preteen sons. Together they have a 20 month old daughter. I almost cry sometimes when I witness how gentle and attentive he is with her!
My hubby works long hours, often night shift, and then gets up to take care of our girls in the morning when I go to work. He deserves a nice Fathers Day treat.
Love the DIY ideas especially the coasters and story book!
My husband deserves to win this bc he plays the part of every Disney Prince and also the evil step sisters;) His imagination and creativity since our daughter was born has surprised me. Even on his busiest, days when he is most tired she gets 110%. Now we have baby girl #2 arriving soon! He’s definitely cut out for his work!
Since we have only been married a few years, we have one (and a half? – due in August) kids and are finally building a new home. We have been renting and have been on an impossible budget trying to scrape and save for our kids and home. We were married right out of college, and before me, my husband was used to spending everything he earned on food and fun. He has made such a change and sacrifice for our family.
I could go on and on about what a great dad my husband is to our two sons but in a nutshell, we love him very much, he works very hard for us, and he deserves some treats and fun for Father’s Day.
its time for me to treat him
because he needs a win right about now. and he’s my favorite person in the world.
I hope we win this because my husband has not bought a thing for himself in the last 2 and a half years since we had our baby boy just so that we always have a little more for our Son and our two fur babies.
My husband is in the building phase of his career (read: crazy long hours), but he is never too tired to get down on the floor and play blocks with our toddler or snuggle with our baby. He is a Super Dad!
My husband deserves to win this because he rocks! He loves to hang out with the kids and play Legos and cars and let me relax. His turn for a treat!
My husband deserves to win because he’s the best four daughters could ask for. He knows the theme song for MIckey Mouse Clubhouse and the Winx Club. And doesn’t mind killing an occasional spider.
Our dad deserves to win it because he helps out so much around the house and loves us kids so much.
Love all these ideas! My husband – daddy to three young girls – would be a perfect recipient for this awesome prize pack. Besides having such a sensitive, kind and generous soul, he has three weddings in his future to pony up for! I’d love to help him have this reason to hang onto the few hairs he has left on his head before the stress of paying for all things girly completely takes over. 🙂
I bet every dad represented here deserves to win this…and ours is not an exception. We are blessed by him – the way he inspires us to change perspective, turning what feels like drudgery into fun – the way he models service without expectation of reward – the way he reflects back and celebrates who we are, our true identity, despite how we may be acting in the moment. We love that he’s in our lives, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Even if he doesn’t win this, thanks for opportunity to figure out why we are thankful for him. That’s gift itself.
My husband is a fantastic father. We joke that he is big fun daddy and I’m big mean mommy!
My husband is such a great dad to our son and is so excited for our second little boy on the way. He works full time while I stay home, but he still takes the time and energy to really engage our toddler when he’s home. He even gets up on the weekend with him so I get to sleep in. He’s a great provider, a great husband, a great father!
My husband always puts our needs before his own and this would be a great way to spoil him since he works so hard to support us!
Plus, he loves Dove products and could use that gear for those long bus rides to and from work!
It’s so hard to find something for a husband/dad who gets himself anything he wants in the first place. What to do? I know! I’m hoping to win this fantastic collection of gifts he can “ooh and aahh” over! Fingers crossed!
My Dad is the best Dad around. He made so many sacrifices for us kids growing up. ALways there for us in good or bad times.
gmrichhicks at gmail dot com
My husband is an unbelievable & selfless father to our two-year old. Though he works long hours for the USAF, he never hesitates to play with our little clam when he arrives home. He is the kindest person I know, & frankly, we think he deserves the universe. Would love him to win this, because well, in our view, it couldn’t go to a better man & father. Love & thanks!
My husband is an amazing father and husband. He works hard, in construction, even though he fell from a third story to the ground and broke his coccyx and sacrum bones in his back and is in pain every day. He goes to work every day and puts in 100% and then spends his money trying to make the kids and I happy every day. He is my best friend and an amazing father.