How to Make Homemade Holiday Gifts for Dad

Create a personalized gift Dad can use all year

Surprise your dad with a holiday gift he can use over and over again throughout the year. Making a gift is always more affordable than buying one, but it also makes the gift extra special. Using just a few simple craft supplies, you can make a gift for your dad that he will never forget.

Things You'll Need

• Large canvas apron
• Fabric paint
• Paintbrushes
• Foam stamps, optional
• Paint stencils, optional
• Chipboard, one sheet
• White paper, letter size
• Patterned paper
• Alphabet punches
• Twig
• Hole punch
• Raffia

Instructions

Customized Barbecue Apron

1. Wash and dry the apron as directed on the label. Use masking tape to mark off different sections on the apron so that more than one child can decorate it.

2. Paint designs on the apron. Use large foam stamps and paint stencils to create designs that are more intricate.

3. Personalize the apron with your dad's name or a silly saying like "Best Cook in the Universe." Use paintbrushes to write sayings by hand or use alphabet stamps instead.

4. Follow the instructions on the paint label to set the paint and allow it to dry.

5. Carefully remove the masking tape to show the complete design. Package your dad's customized barbecue apron inside a shirt gift box wrapped in tissue paper.

Personalized Note Pad

1. Use a paper cutter or scissors to cut a piece of chipboard in half. Cut several sheets of white paper in half, as well.

2. Use a hole punch to create two holes along the left side of each piece of chipboard and each piece of white paper. Lay one sheet of chipboard flat with the holes facing left. Stack all of the white sheets of paper on top of the chipboard making sure the holes line up. Place the second sheet of chipboard on top of the stack with the holes at the left.

3. Cut two pieces of raffia to measure 4 inches in length. Fold each piece of raffia in half to create a loop on one end. Slide the looped end of one piece of raffia through the top hole. Repeat with the second piece of raffia in the second hole.

4. Break a thin twig to measure approximately 5 inches. Slide the twig through the loops above each hole. Flip the notepad over so the twig is facing down. Pull the ends of the raffia tight and tie them in a knot above each hole. Use scissors to trim away any excess raffia.

5. Use alphabet paper punches to cut out the word "Dad" or "Daddy" from patterned paper. Place a small amount of glue on the back of each letter and press them, in order, on the front of the chipboard note pad. Allow the glue to dry before presenting your dad with the gift.

References

• Family Fun: A Pad for Dad
• Family Fun: Best Ever Barbecue Apron