Tired of the same children's gifts for Dad at each holiday? Thinking outside of the tie box can surprise him and be fun for Mom and the kids as well. Whether the gift is a homemade craft or is purchased, some new ideas can reawaken excitement on Dad's birthday, Father's Day or any special holiday.
Homemade Picture Frames
Most dads have pictures of their kids scattered around the office desk, sometimes even stuck under a coaster or memo pad. Frame a special picture of the kids with a frame related to Dad's favorite hobby, like doing puzzles or collecting music. Kids can use school glue or glue sticks on a store-bought frame to attach puzzle pieces in crazy designs. Kids can stand up a CD inside moldable clay---available at any craft store---and use a glue stick to add their own picture to the CD center.
Picture frames don't have to be standing, though. By gluing cropped photos, cut by the kids or by other adults, underneath flat glass marbles or clear paperweights purchased at craft or dollar stores, the picture-frame gift can be functional in Dad's office as well.
Gifts Made From Neckties
The necktie is probably one of the most tired ideas for gifts for Dad. Repurpose some of those old neckties in the closet into new, homemade surprises. One gift from old neckties that kids can make with adult help is a soft carrying case for glasses or MP3 players.
To make a carrying case from an old necktie, simply fold the long edges in about 1/4 inch on both sides and join together with no-sew glue, Velcro strips or even double-sided tape. With the latter, an adult must stitch over the tape with basic hand sewing. Then, fold the tie in half at its widest part and attach the sides again to each other, as described for the first step, to make a simple bag. A rope, cord or strong yarn can be glued onto the inside of the opening to make an extra strap.
Decorated Shirts or Totes
Depending on the age and ability of the child, a hand-painted T-shirt, lunch tote or coffee mug may be a heartfelt, practical and handsome gift for any dad. Even hand-painted gifts from toddlers can warm Dad's heart and create a memorable moment.
Craft stores sell plain shirts, totes and pencil bags that can be decorated with puffy paints or permanent markers in all colors. Mugs can be as simple as paper-inserted plastic mugs from a craft store or as complex as oven-set pottery mugs designed at a make-it-yourself workshop.
