How to Make Homemade Christmas Presents for Dad

Make dad's present by hand.

When searching for that special Christmas gift for dad, consider something made with your own two hands and a little imagination. Almost any dad can appreciate and use a simple gentleman’s valet, and even children–with a little supervision–can make this themselves. When you have finished your gift, wrap it in some manly holiday wrapping and tuck it under the tree. Use a handmade tag to continue your crafty presentation and make dad feel special on Christmas morning.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden cigar box with a lid
• Soapy water
• Cloth
• Wood burning pen
• Clear or colored varnish
• Paintbrush
• Piece of green felt
• Pencil
• Scissors
• White glue

Instructions

1. Buy a medium- to large-size cigar box. Look for a wooden cigar box if possible. Your dad may have some extras. If not, visit the craft supply store for a box that is suitable. Choose a box with a lid.

2. Remove any stickers or dirty residue from the box by washing it with gentle dish soap and warm water. Do not immerse the box in water. Dip a cloth in the soapy water then wring it out. Wipe down the box, inside and out.

3. Use a wood burning pen to write “DAD” or “Merry Christmas Dad” on the top of the lid. The writing should be neat and easy to read.

4. Apply clear or colored varnish to your gentleman’s valet box. Sweep the varnish on the box with a paintbrush using up and down motions.

5. Allow the box to dry in a well-ventilated place overnight.

6. Turn the box over and lay a piece of green felt on the back of the box, using the bottom of the box as a guide to size the felt. Draw an outline of the bottom of the box with a pencil. Cut out the shape with sharp scissors. The felt will fit inside the box and protect the items that go into it, such as a money clip or jewelry.

7. Glue the felt into the bottom of the box with white glue. Squirt a thin layer of white glue into the box bottom and then press felt on top of it. Arrange the felt so that it fits snugly inside. Allow the glue to dry.

8. Wrap up the gentleman’s valet box in some paper and present your handmade gift to dad.

Tips & Warnings

• Wood burn dad's initials on the cover instead or print a message such as "Merry Christmas."

• Children should be supervised when using a wood burning pen.

References

• Pyrography: Southwestwoodcrafts