Whether the occasion is Christmas, Father's Day or Dad's birthday, it can be difficult for children to think of a special gift for their dad. By putting some thought into what their dad likes, however, they should be able to come up with a gift that will be appreciated and used.
Photo Display
Have your children decorate a picture frame for their dad, and insert a photo of them in it. The frame can be purchased, made from photo matting or made from sheets of foam. Have the children glue foam shapes, rhinestones, sequins, yarn or whatever other notions you have to the outside of the frame. If the frame is homemade, slip the picture in and add a sheet of cardboard, cardstock or craft foam to the back. Glue on a hook for hanging or a magnet to stick the frame to the refrigerator or a file cabinet.
Another way to give Dad a keepsake photo is to have a picture placed on a coffee mug or keychain. Purchase a kit to do this yourself or see if a nearby shop offers this service. Another idea is to make a photograph puzzle. One way to do this, according to Family Fun Magazine, is to glue a photograph to children's building blocks. The directions for this craft can be found at the link in Resource #2 below.
The Way to Dad's Heart
Budding chefs might like to make Dad a special meal or snack. Homemade pizza, cookies or breakfast in bed are all good choices that children can often do almost all by themselves under adult supervision. Family Fun Magazine suggests making a cheese and cracker snack in the shape of shirts for Dad on his special day. See the link in Resources #1 for a photo and step-by-step directions.
If the children are not up to cooking, they may enjoy choosing a few of Dad's favorite items at a specialty shop or even at the grocery store. Determine whether Dad likes candy, salty snacks, seafood or breakfast cereal best, and fill a gift basket with his favorites. A snack basket could be accompanied by a gift certificate for a free movie rental of Dad's choice for a family movie night.
Personalized Gifts
Dad would probably love to receive a handwritten letter from each of his children, detailing the things they love most about him. Younger children could draw a picture of themselves doing something with their daddy. Older kids might try their hand at writing a poem, painting a picture or composing a song about what makes their dad special. Have each child make a hand- or footprint on a piece of cardstock and frame these along with the child's signature and the date. Gifts such as these will become treasured mementos as the years pass and the children grow.
