The following post is by contributor Amy Anderson of Let’s Explore and Early Bird Homeschool and originally appeared in June of 2010.
My kids look forward to Father’s Day all year. I think what they love most is the over-the-top appreciation they receive from my husband. They glow with pride when they give him handmade cards, breakfast in bed, or an extra-long afternoon nap.
Father’s Day at our home sometimes involves a handmade gift, while other years we focus on a fun activity or meal. My girls plan, shop, create, cook, and serve. I’m available for help as needed, but the pride of doing something really special for Dad is all theirs.
Whether you consider yourself crafty or not, here are four gifts that kids of all ages can make for Dad with a little grown-up help:
1. Sweet Thoughts for Dad
Photo by Amy Anderson
My girls love fortune cookies, which were the inspiration for this sweet gift. Buy a bag of Dad’s favorite candy in mini or “fun-size.” Cut strips of paper (we used scraps of scrapbooking paper, cut 2-inches wide) and help your kids write messages to Dad on each one. If your kids need help thinking of things to write, offer open-ended sentence starters like, You are good at… or I love you because…
Wrap a sweet note around each candy bar and tape to secure. Every time Dad enjoys one of his treats, he gets to read a special message from his kids.
2. “D is for Dad” Day
Photo by Amy Anderson
Plan a “D is for Dad” Day where everything starts with D. For food, try donuts, deli sandwiches, dark chocolate, deep dish pizza, Dad’s Root Beer, or any variety of desserts. Your activities for the day might include driving (in the car or on the golf course), dancing, digging in the dirt, and of course, dozing. My girls loved doing this for their Dad when they were preschool-age.
3. Personalized Clipboard
Photo by Amy Anderson
Do your kids like to make collages? We’re giving Dad something fun to look at while he tackles his to-do list by sprucing up his clipboard with photos and artwork. Use Mod Podge or diluted white glue (add just a splash of water) to attach your pictures, then seal the finished project with a coat or two of the Mod Podge or glue. Let dry and attach a new pencil and some graph paper. A useful homemade gift with personality!
4. Look-Alike Photos
Photo by Amy Anderson
If your kids love dressing-up, then this is the perfect activity. Head to Dad’s closet and grab some props for a photo shoot – work clothes, boots, hats, sunglasses, suit jackets, ties, etc. Get dressed-up and jump in the back of Dad’s truck or his favorite living room chair and take some silly candids. Pick your favorite to print and frame, or make a slide show on the computer. My girls loved doing this – I’m sure we will be revisiting this idea many times.
More fun ways to celebrate Dad:
•Find a photo booth at a local mall or store and take some silly, candid shots of the kids for Dad’s wallet. Or, include him in the fun, too.
•Print out paper airplane folding instructions and grab a stack of paper for a paper airplane contest.
•Head to the grocery store and gather a bunch of Dad’s favorite foods and drinks. Load a bucket with his goodies or surprise him with a different treat in his lunch all week.
•Have a backyard camp-out dinner – don’t forget the S’mores.
I know the Simple Kids readers are full of creative ideas. What are your Father’s Day traditions? Will your kids make or do anything special for Dad this year?
About AmyA
My kids are always fans of the look alike photos. I love to see what they choose to wear – I never know if it’s going to be work related or fun related. Interested how that changes every time we do it. Love the fish on the clothesline!
.-= Tina @ Ride On Toys´s last blog ..The Bumble Bee Buggy by Little Tikes =-.
Hi Tina! I agree, the photos are so fun. I would love to take them year after year and display the whole collection.
We made the fish last year – the girls wrote notes to Dad on the back.
.-= Amy@Let’s Explore´s last blog ..Playful Picks (June 14, 2010) =-.
Amy, this is a great round-up of ideas! I’m going to talk to my 2yr, 4yr and 8yr this week and see what they would like to do for their Dad – I know the Look-Alike photo tops my list
Love the D is for Dad menu, too
This year my son’s birthday falls on Father’s Day, so we’re celebrating both of the boys with a cookout with family. We’re all looking forward to it!
.-= Kara Fleck´s last blog ..Simple Gifts Kids Can Make for Father’s Day =-.
Thanks, Kara! I hope they go for the photo idea – it’s so cute!
.-= Amy@Let’s Explore´s last blog ..Playful Picks (June 14, 2010) =-.
Fun ideas, Amy! Thanks, I love the photo one.
.-= Simple Homeschool – Jamie´s last blog ..4 Natural Ways to Learn on Vacation =-.
Great inspiration, Amy! I love the fortune cookie idea!
i work at a daycare and the kids range from ages 2-5. i think the personalized clipboards are a great idea! they look simple and fun. just what the dads want!
Oh man I love those photos hahaha! My 2yo and husband sometimes dress the same. I also like the D is for Dad idea. I might have to use that one
Sleeping Should Be Easy´s latest post: Stop comparing your kid to others
I’m in with the crowd on the look-alike photo idea–that’s fun! We’ll probably also do some one-of-a-kind 2 year-old art and I’ve already used an online photo company to make a photo card (free with coupon–love that!). A little time to himself and it should be a great day!
Lynda @ Rhody Reader´s latest post: Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand
Those are such lovely ideas! Thank you for sharing!
Mamacook´s latest post: Sugar Free Very Berry Tarts for Toddlers and the Whole Family