Dads, grandfathers, uncles… father figures come in all shapes and forms, and nothing means more to them than a gift made by the little hands they love. Whether it’s a colorful card or a simple craft, Father’s Day gifts from kids of all ages can bring big smiles and lasting memories.
For homes with Au Pairs, celebrations like Father’s Day offer the chance to create something meaningful together and make the process a time to remember. Au Pairs can also bring their own cultural traditions and forms of expression to help create something truly special for Dad.
Looking for Father’s Day gift ideas to make with kids of all ages? There are plenty of fun, creative, and sentimental options to explore. Here are some heartfelt, hands-on ideas to make this Father’s Day extra special.
Father’s Day Gifts from Kindergarteners (Ages 4-6)
From handprint crafts to handmade picture frames and personalized coupons, kids ages 4-6 will have a blast creating something for Dad with their own little hands. With an Au Pair’s supervision, these crafts are simple, fun, and love-filled, perfect for little ones to make and big hearts to appreciate.
Handprint Crafts
There’s something special about tiny handprints frozen in time, especially as kids grow older and those little fingers no longer fit in the palm of your hand. These keepsakes make a sentimental gift that dads will treasure for years.
- Handprint card: Press a painted handprint onto cardstock and add a sweet message, such as “Hands Down, Best Dad Ever!”
- BBQ apron: Stamp colorful handprints on a plain apron and write “World’s Best Grill Dad Hands Down” across the top.
- Painted handprint picture frame: Decorate a wooden frame with colorful handprints and pop in a favorite father-child photo.
DIY Father’s Day Cards
Homemade cards can send a message from the heart. Plus, they give kids an open canvas to draw pictures, use stickers, or add fingerprint art to personalize their masterpieces. Here are some ideas:
- Doodle cards: Let kids fill a blank card with their own drawings and stickers. There is no need for the doodles to be perfect or even make sense; this is a chance to let kids explore their creativity through art.
- Fingerprint hearts: Dip fingers in paint and press them together to form little heart shapes or flower petals on the card.
- “All About My Dad” worksheet: Create a fill-in-the-blank page with prompts like:
- “My dad’s favorite food is…”
- “I love my dad because…”
- “My dad always says…”
Painted Rocks with Messages
This small but meaningful gift is easy for little hands to make and can be used as paperweights or garden markers. Find smooth rocks, grab some paint, and let the creativity flow. Have the kids write cute messages like “You Rock, Dad,” or add pictures with paint or markers.
Picture Frames or Photo Gifts
A photo frame decorated by a child can add color, personality, and sentiment to those treasured pictures. Make something truly special by:
- Letting kids paint a wooden frame in bright colors and decorate it with beads, stickers, or buttons.
- Inserting a favorite picture of them with their dad for a gift that will always bring a smile.
Kid-Made Coupons for Dad
Homemade coupons are fun, personalized gifts that keep on giving well beyond Father’s Day. Here are some examples to help you get started:
- One free hug: Good for an instant squeeze anytime, anywhere.
- Breakfast in bed: Little chefs serve up a morning surprise.
- Game night with me: A fun pass for a night of games or puzzles together.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Kids (Ages 7-12)
Because older kids have more dexterity and creativity, their gifts can be a little more detailed. Crafts at this stage might involve painting or designing something unique that reflects their relationship with their dad. These projects let kids put their own personal spin on a gift while still keeping the sentimental touch.
Personalized Mugs or Tumblers
A morning coffee or afternoon tea feels extra special in a mug designed by a child. Here are some ideas to help kids create a personalized one for dad:
- Use permanent markers or ceramic paint to decorate a plain mug with doodles, inside jokes, or a funny message like “Dad’s Fuel.”
- Stickers and vinyl decals can add an extra layer of personality and uniqueness.
- To prevent the paint from washing off, bake the mug in the oven (if appropriate, following paint instructions) to set the design.
DIY Tie-Dye T-shirts or Socks
Tie-dye is a fun, colorful project that’s as entertaining to make as it is to wear.
- Grab a plain white T-shirt or a pair of socks and wash without fabric softener.
- Prepare the dye using Dad’s favorite colors.
- Use rubber bands to bind the shirt or socks. Different binding techniques create different tie-dye patterns, like spirals, stripes, or random swirls.
- Let it soak, rinse, and dry before surprising Dad with a one-of-a-kind, wearable masterpiece.
Memory Jars
A gift that doesn’t require much time and money to be special. A memory jar is a collection of mementos that are meaningful for both Dad and child:
- Find a mason jar and decorate it with ribbon, stickers, or a custom label, like: “Dad’s Jar of Memories.”
- Write small notes recalling favorite moments, funny stories, or reasons why Dad is the best.
- Fill the jar and let Dad pull out a memory whenever he needs a smile.
Photo Book or Scrapbook
This gift creates an enduring collection of favorite memories that Dad can flip through anytime. To make one:
- Print out photos of special moments, like family trips, silly selfies, or everyday snaps.
- Bind it in a scrapbook or use an online photo service to create a printed book.
- Add handwritten captions, stickers, or drawings to make each page unique.
Father’s Day Gifts from Teens (Ages 13+)
At this age, gifts can be more involved and even a little sophisticated. Teens might lean toward something their dad can use, like a playlist, homemade spice mix, or customized clothing. Here are some fun ideas:
Customized Playlist
Music brings back memories, so a curated playlist can be a touching way to celebrate the musically-minded Dad. Some tips:
- Pick songs that remind the teen of shared road trips, weekend traditions, or inside jokes.
- Include some of Dad’s favorite artists and mix in a few surprise tracks. Your Au Pair can recommend popular songs from their home country.
- Write a short note about why they chose certain songs and share the playlist digitally or alongside a handmade card.
DIY Barbecue Spice Rub or Sauce
For the dad who loves to grill, a homemade spice mix or sauce adds a nice touch to his next cookout. To make them:
- Combine spices like paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and cumin for a DIY rub.
- For a homemade BBQ sauce, carefully simmer ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and a little heat for a kick.
- Store it in a glass jar with a custom label and instructions for use.
Bonus: For some international cuisine, ask your Au Pair for popular regional spice mixes and sauce recipes.
Personalized T-shirts or Hats
Custom hats and shirts are a gift that Dad can wear every day to proudly display his child’s love:
- Use fabric paint, markers, or iron-on transfers to design a t-shirt with a funny saying, inside joke, or cool graphic.
- Alternatively, order a custom print online with a touching phrase or design.
- Get creative with tie-dye, stencils, or embroidery for a one-of-a-kind look.
Store-Bought Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Kids with a Personal Touch
As special as DIY gifts can be, there’s nothing wrong with choosing something store-bought, especially when it still carries meaning for both Dad and child. Here are a few store-bought gift ideas that can still allow kids to add their own personal touch:
- Photo keychains: A simple but special gift that Dad will get to use day in and day out. Kids can choose a favorite picture of them with their dad and have it turned into a keepsake he’ll carry everywhere.
- Custom socks with family pictures: Custom socks are a fun and playful way to make Dad smile. Use a printing service to order personalized socks with photos of the kids, pets, or a funny inside joke for a practical and personal gift.
- Personalized phone case: A custom phone case can be an original way to keep loved ones close. Kids can use online printing services to design and order a custom phone case featuring a favorite family picture, their own artwork, or a nice message for dad.
5 Ways Au Pairs Can Help With Children’s Father’s Day Gifts
Since Au Pairs often come from different cultural backgrounds, they bring unique traditions, ideas, and perspectives that can make Father’s Day even more special. From organizing craft time to capturing memories, here are some ways they can help make the entire process more significant, organized, and fun.
Organizing Craft Time for Handmade Gifts
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to DIY Father’s Day gifts from kids. For example, an Au Pair can set up a craft station with all the supplies kids need to keep the experience stress-free and enjoyable. They can also guide children through the creative process while mitigating the mess.
Planning a Special Father’s Day Surprise
Beyond helping make or buy the actual gifts, an Au Pair can help kids put together a surprise to celebrate their dad. Some fun ideas include:
- Breakfast in bed: Helping kids prepare a special meal to start the day.
- Homemade decorations: Crafting banners, streamers, or hand-drawn signs to decorate the house.
- Dad’s Day Movie Night: Setting up a cozy movie night with Dad’s favorite films and snacks.
Helping with Gift Shopping
An Au Pair can help older kids pick out a thoughtful store-bought gift. They can brainstorm ideas, plan a shopping trip, and make sure the gift is wrapped and ready for the big day.
Facilitating a Father’s Day Memory Book
Au Pairs can help kids assemble a keepsake filled with drawings, handwritten notes, and favorite memories with their father. This could be a scrapbook with pictures and captions or a collection of letters sharing why they appreciate their dad.
Capturing the Moment
In addition to preparing gifts or a fun surprise, an Au Pair can help document the day by:
- Taking photos or videos of the kids giving their gifts.
- Recording short video messages of the kids sharing why they love their dad.
- Helping create a mini scrapbook or photo album to remember the occasion.
Making Father’s Day Memorable with Thoughtful Gifts from Kids
Dads and father figures deserve to feel appreciated, and there’s nothing more meaningful than a gift made by their little ones. The best part is that anything made from the heart, whether it’s a simple handprint craft, a personalized scrapbook, or a carefully curated playlist, can serve as a reminder of the love and memories they share.
With an Au Pair’s support, Father’s Day can become an opportunity to teach kids about appreciation, creativity, and the joy of giving. Au Pairs can help buy presents, set up craft time, or just capture the moment, helping turn these small gestures into lifelong memories for the entire family.
Ready to start your family’s cultural exchange adventure? Discover the perfect Au Pair match for your family and begin creating unforgettable moments today!
