The special dad in your life does a lot for you and your family all year ’round. On Father’s Day, though, it is all about him. It is the perfect opportunity to show him just how important he is to you and make him see just how much you appreciate everything he does.
Unfortunately, finding the perfect gift for the man in your life isn’t always easy. Whether you are shopping for a Father’s Day gift for your own dad, your husband or any other special fathers in your life, it can be difficult to find something that he will truly love and enjoy. Chances are, he doesn’t really need a novelty necktie or a random gift from the local big box store.
Instead of giving him one of these generic gifts that will likely end up buried in the back of the closet, why not give him something handmade that he will truly treasure? We’ve scoured the Web to find some heart-melting homemade Father’s Day gifts that any dad is sure to love. Check them out below!
One-of-a-Kind Etched Drinking Glass
Personalized stuff always makes a great Father’s Day gift. Instead of buying something that’s pre-personalized, though, try your hand at adding your own design to a regular drinking glass. Etching glass may sound difficult, but all you need is a glass, some etching cream, rubbing alcohol, stencils, gloves and an applicator. Check out the full tutorial at Where the Smiles Have Been.
Custom T-Shirt
Does your dad love lounging around in t-shirts on evenings and weekends? If so, making him a custom t-shirt is a great way to give a Father’s Day gift with meaning. The options are limitless, and this project is perfect for kids of all ages. If you have little ones, dip their hands in fabric paint and help them put handprints all over a plain white tee. If you have older kids or you are an adult child making a shirt for your dad, you can create your own iron-on transfers, learn how to screen print or use paint to create any sort of design you can imagine.
If you are thinking about making a t-shirt for your kids’ grandfather, consider adding their photos to it. Photo shirts are super easy to make using inkjet iron-on transfer paper, and they are the perfect way for a proud grandparent to show off their favorite little ones.
Bottle Cap Fishing Lures
If the special dad in your life enjoys fishing but seems to have every type of gear imaginable, try making your own fishing lures. You can use caps from your dad’s favorite beer or soda to make unique lures that are both fun and functional. Since this project involves working with sharp fishing hooks and metal, though, it’s better suited to older kids. Check out the full tutorial here.
Necktie Zip Pouch
Has the dad in your life received a few too many ties over the years? If so, this fun tutorial from Polka Dot Chair will show you how to transform a few of them into a useful zippered pouch. This simple sewing project is perfect for beginners and only requires a few basic supplies: two neckties, a 7-inch metal zipper, fusible interfacing, fusible fleece, a fat quarter and a sewing machine with a zipper foot. Check the link for the full tutorial with step-by-step instructions.
Eyeglass Case
If a zippered pouch doesn’t seem quite right, you can also use an old necktie to make an eyeglass case. Start by laying a tie on a flat surface with the flat side down. Measure 17 inches from the pointed tip, make a mark and then cut the tie widthwise. Discard the narrow end. Use a seam ripper to carefully open up the seam along the back. Open at least six inches to make a pouch for the glasses to slip into.
Measure eight inches from the cut end and make a mark. Fold at the mark and then fold under about half an inch of the cut edge and pin in place. Hand-stitch the folded-over part of the tie to the top layer of the fabric beneath. Be careful to avoid sewing the pouch closed. Attach self-adhesive Velcro dots to the tip and the folded-over edge to create a closure. When you’re done, you’ll have a stylish eyeglass case that any dad will love using.
Wood Photograph
Transferring a photo to wood is relatively simple, and it’s a great idea to give dad a way to display his favorite images. You can transfer a photo to a wood plaque, or you can transfer it to wooden furniture to create an heirloom piece that the father in your life will love. You can also transfer images to smaller things like wooden ornaments. Whatever you choose, this tutorial will teach you how to do it.
Barbecue Rub
If your dad is the king of the grill, he will love having his own barbecue rub made by his favorite child. This gift is super easy to make and the recipe can be adjusted to suit any taste. All you have to do is mix up your ingredients, pour them in a jar and attach a label. Easy peasy!
You can make a really yummy BBQ rub by combining three tablespoons of packed brown sugar, two tablespoons of paprika, one tablespoon of fresh cracked black pepper, one tablespoon of sea salt, two teaspoons of onion powder, two teaspoons of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of cayenne. If your recipient likes things hot, add more cayenne. If he prefers a super sweet barbecue rub, add extra brown sugar. Adjust the amounts of each seasoning as needed to create the perfect rub.
Conclusion
Why give the special dad in your life a generic Father’s Day gift when you can make something from the heart instead? The ideas listed above are just a few of the many things you can do to create a DIY gift he will treasure.
Credits:
Article and images submitted by: Brenda Kimble
Photos by Alex Kremer , Nikita Khandelwal and Pixabay from Pexels