If you want to make a gift for your dad (or your father-in-law, stepdad, grandfather or other father-figure,) there’s no limit to what you could create. You just need a little time, a little creativity, and maybe some ideas to get you started. You probably have plenty of ideas of your own, but if you need a few more, that’s where this list comes in: it’s our running list of 11 best DIY Father’s Day gift ideas.

Of course, the term “best” is subjective. While we do think these ideas are the best, it’s important to note that we’re constantly thinking of more ideas, so this list is bound to expand in time.

1. DIY Father’s Day Cards

When you make your own Father’s Day card, you can personalize it in many ways — ways that would be impossible to achieve with store-bought cards. You get complete control over every detail of the card — from how it looks to what it says to how big it is. You can use the very best colors and motifs for the recipient you have in mind, and arrange them in a way that you know he’ll find delightful.

2. A Gourmet Gift Basket

Whether dad enjoys coffee and tea, delicious chocolates, gourmet treats, or tasty organic fruits, a treat basket is a great gift he’s sure to love. You could purchase a basket to fill with these savory snack foods or beverages if you like. But, if you’re a DIY enthusiast with a little time on your hands, it would be even nicer to make your own re-useable basket.

In the photo on this page, you’ll see one example of a basket you can crochet using a free pattern that’s available online. You can grab even more basket patterns online:

• Get knitted and crocheted basket patterns at Knittingcrochetcrafts.com.

3. A Bath Basket With a Home-Spa Theme

Dads have an ongoing need for soaps, lotions and / or aftershaves. Could he ever have too many of these? Especially the handmade variety.

If you’re feeling really creative, you can make everything you put in the basket — and even the basket itself. If you’re pressed for time, you can make some things to put in the basket, and buy the rest.

Here are some ideas for things you can include in your gift basket:

• Luxurious knitted or crocheted washcloths
• Handmade soaps
• Aftershave
• Shower gel
• Bubble bath
• Bath fizzies
• Bath salts
• Skin creams
• Lip Balms
• Loofahs

4. A Memory Scrapbook for Father’s Day

This is the ideal gift for dads who keep saying “Don’t buy me anything for Father’s Day!” If dad cherishes his family and his memories more than material things, you cannot go wrong with this gift. Your comeback will be easy: “But Dad, I didn’t buy this — I made it just for you!”

This is a gift you’ll be able to give for spending some time plus the cost of an album, some photo printing, and some paper, glue and embellishments.

Alternately, you could do the whole thing digitally, and give a photo book instead. Either way, this is a great gift idea that’s perfect for Father’s Day.

Need help getting started? If so, see our scrapbooking section for bunches of free ideas.

Of particular interest is our vacation scrapbooks section. Did you and Dad ever take a special vacation together? Perhaps a fishing trip, camping trip or cruise? If so, you could make dad a vacation scrapbook to remind him of your getaway together. Another idea: make him a scrapbook showcasing family photos.

Yet another idea: a scrapbook that’s all about why you love him and what makes him special to you.

5. A Contemporary Painting in Dad’s Favorite Colors

Does dad have ultra-modern taste in home décor? If so, a unique piece of contemporary art could win his heart this Father’s Day. You can buy paintings from talented artists worldwide, but it might be even more meaningful to give Dad a painting you created yourself. see our easy spin art instructions for one possible idea that anyone could do — even if you have no art training or painting talent whatsoever.

6. A Collage Focusing on Dad’s Interests or Talents

Does dad love golf, football, baseball, sailing or another sport? Perhaps he has a soft spot for German shepherds or golden retrievers? If there’s a theme or topic that he appreciates, you can gather neat photos, quotes, drawings or other visuals together and use them to create a collage. It would be a unique, personalized DIY Father’s Day gift.

7. A Bottle Cover

Guns N Roses popularized the paper-bag-used-as-bottle-cover back in the 1980s, but if you want our honest opinion, these days that look is a bit -shall we say — “ghetto.” Not to mention outdated. Don’t you agree?

Much more stylish for today’s edgy rocker dad: a classy bottle cover.

Get the Look: Grab this free bottle cover pattern posted at Knittingcrochetcrafts.com.

8. A Cool Cell Phone Holder

If Dad loves to stay connected via his cell phone or smartphone, a snazzy cell phone cozy might be a lovely gift for him.

9. Pens, Pencils and Pencil Pouches

So far our best-received Father’s Day gift has been a classy refillable pen. I don’t know of any practical way to DIY one of those, although some of you creative types out there probably do. However, an ancillary gift for this type of gift is a no-brainer: some pencil pouches and pen pouches always come in handy.

You can get bunches of free pouch patterns on the Internet. For starters, check out free crochet pouch patterns at Knittingcrochetcrafts.com for a great collection.

10.Handmade Hats

Hats are useful gifts that most dads would appreciate. If you’re looking for something he can wear immediately, a visor beanie is a good choice.

11. Handknitted Socks

You can never have too many socks — and, in particular, you can never have too many handknitted socks. So if you know how to knit, socks are a no-brainer of a great Father’s Day gift for dads.

12. Handmade Candles

Candles are practical gifts for multiple reasons. Maybe your dad lives in an area where power outages are common due to snowstorms, hurricanes or rolling blackouts. In that case, candles are helpful for enabling him to light up his dark environment during those times when the power goes out. Or maybe your dad enjoys preparing romantic candlelit dinners for your mom. Apart from their practical uses, candles can also be artistic expressions of creativity that your dad might enjoy.

If you’d like to learn how to make candles to give to your dad or anyone else, I highly recommend Candle Making Basics as a good resource for getting up to speed on candle making quickly. The book itself would also make a wonderful gift for creative dads who enjoy making things.

There you have it: our picks for the 12 best DIY Father’s Day gift ideas. We hope you found a gift idea your dad will LOVE! Happy crafting.

Related Resources:

• Knitting and Crocheting for Guys
• Knitting and Crocheting for Special Occasions
• Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

This page was last updated on 5-18-2019.