OK, heads up-it’s Fathers Day next Sunday (June 15th), and I was browsing Pinterest for some inspiration, and figured that we could probably all do with some ideas for gifts (Make Do and Mend style obviously), in one handy awesome blog post.
I’ve tried to keep it to things that are pretty quick and easy to make-not saying the Dads in your lives aren’t worth a bit of time and effort but we’re all busy…!
Gifts in Jars
I love old jam jars, they make such great receptacles for gifts
1. LOVING this “Daddy is a Cookie Monster” jar from City to Sticks (and if you need a cookie recipe-I have one that is really easy to adapt by adding Dad’s favourite ingredients, here)
2. Daddy’s (or Grandpa’s) ‘Stache Jar from Sandy Toes and Popsicles-take an old jar, fill with sweets, print off the free printable-ta da!
3. Never mind giving this Chocolate Dessert in a Jar (from Living Locurto)to the Dad’s, I WANT ONE….
4. Homemade BBQ sauce (you know, for when Summer arrives, and we spend the whole time eating al fresco…) from Shaken Together
5. Homemade Spice Rub from Evermine-would go nicely with the BBQ sauce, if you have two Smalls that need to give Daddy a present each
Just in case you want any more Jar Ideas-here are some more!
Free Printables
If time is short, then you can print out one of these and frame it (or not, depending on whether you can locate a suitable frame in time..)
6.VERY sweet alphabet printable card from Sweet Scarlet
7. Some Super-heroes don’t have capes…. From Thats What Che Said
8. It’s really cute to ask your kids questions like “how old do you think Daddy is” when filling out printables like this one from Totally the Bomb, and see what they come up with!
9. Not just one, but a choice of FOUR adorable free printables from The Cottage Market
10. If you are feeling super keen, you can do a whole book about Dad! From Eighteen25
And if you don’t like any of those, here are 101 Free Father’s Day Printables from Everything Etsy!
Lego Gifts
Because Dads are mostly just big kids….
11. Lego Clocks-take apart an old clock, and use the hands on a lego base board. Simple but brilliant!
Tutorial from the aptly named Our Nerd Home!
12. Lego Key Holder from Mini-Eco
13. How about a grown up version of this very cool Lego belt on Kojo Designs
14. Lego cufflinks like these ones from Dream a Little Bigger, are easy peasy, and look pretty cool too
15. Lego Picture frames from Dad Vs Wild -all you need is a base board, and some lego. And a picture 🙂
Other Cool Stuff
16. A planter, made from a tie! From Story by Modcloth
17. Morse Code for Dad, stitched onto braces, but you could do it on anything. From A Subtle Revelry
18. Another tie upcycle-this time a glasses case! From A Law Student’s Journey
19. Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream from Food for my Family
20. Hardback book turned i-pad cover from The Simple Things Magazine
If none of these take your fancy, then there’s another 200+ ideas below!
100 Handmade Gifts for Dad from Henry Happened
50 Genius Father’s Day Gift Ideas to Express your Gratitude from diyncrafts
30 DIY Father’s Day Gift Ideas from one of my favourite blogs-Crafting a Green World
25 Awesome DIY Gifts to make for Dad! from Curbly
And my Father’s Day Pinterest board is right here, with all these and more!
Would love to see some pics of what you make. Post them to the Facebook page, or to Twitter (@makeandmendyear) 🙂
My Make Do and Mend Year 
Reblogged this on Linda's wildlife garden and commented:
awesome post Jen THANKS FOR SHARING have a Blessed day
No problem 🙂 Have a great day too!
200+!!! Wow, what an amazing post! Sadly, neither my Dad nor Mike’s Dad are still with us, so Father’s Day for us is a little sad now. But I can pass on your ideas to my both my daughters, I’m sure they will find something they can use
Yes, hopefully they should Lesley!
I think we must be scrouges or maybe green. When our first daughter was born [ she is now over 40] we decided not to do Fathers days or Mothers days, we also only buy Christmas-birthday presents for the under 21’s and those who really need something. At Easter the children are usually given summer cloths of their choosing, we try not to do chocolate.As a family these occasions are called marketing oppatunities.
Sounds like you are probably on to a good way of doing things!
Just to add to the Lego idea … the hands of Lego figures are the perfect size for holding wires etc so maybe include one for Pop’s mobile charger ?
Thanks for all of the ideas! My dad is always difficult to shop for, so this is very helpful!
My pleasure! Do let us know what you make 🙂
If you’re hunting for a homemade Father’s Day gift that will stand the test of time, look no further…
I have created a template from which moms can help their children write a sweet, personalized letter for dad this Father’s Day. Using our far-fetched, fun-filled FREE PRINTABLE TEMPLATES, your children can easily create a heartfelt gift that will capture their favourite moments, memories & interests in a way that you will surely treasure for years to come.
Find these FREE PRINTABLE TEMPLATES from Simply Fun Families at
http://simplyfunfamilies.com/a-sweet-homemade-gift-idea-for-this-mothers-day-or-fathers-day/
and enjoy creating this hilarious, heartfelt stroll down memory lane with your children.
Thanks for sharing Karen-these are very sweet!
Thanks so much for posting this, I am always so focused on my son’s birthday in June that Father’s Day often gets forgotten! Your reminder and suggestions meant I was able to rustle up a little gift and card that (I think) hit the spot!
Yay! So glad it was useful-what did you make?
A homemade card and a jam jar full of chocolates – http://homemaderoad.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/homemade-fathers-day-gift. Nothing very impressive but definitely better than nothing (which has been known before!)
Looks great-what a super card!
Pingback: An Almost Completely Homemade Father’s Day Gift | The Homemade Road
Pingback: Top 10 Posts of 2014 | My Make Do and Mend Year