Homemade Last-Minute Gifts for Dad
You have searched the mall for inspiration. You have resisted buying yet another joke mug, pair of socks or fancy pen. His special day is fast approaching, and you are starting to panic. Shopping for dad is seldom easy but, with a little imagination, you can quickly create a homemade last-minute gift he is sure to love.
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Gifts from Babies and Toddlers
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When it comes to their kids, dads are every bit as sentimental as moms. Handprint gifts capture special memories. Do not worry if time is short; the simplest ideas can be effective. Decorate a large stone to make a desk paperweight. Clean the stone, and paint with his favorite color. When the paint has dried, help your little one make a handprint in a contrasting color. Add an inscription, and leave the paperweight to dry. Protect the gift with a coat of clear varnish. For another keepsake gift, help your child to create a handprint border on a piece of cardstock. Glue a family photograph to the center of the card, and add a short message. If you want to frame the photo, remember to cut the cardstock to size before decorating.
Gifts from Young Children
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Young children can have fun with fabric paints and can quickly create colorful, personalized gifts. Place a white barbecue apron on a firm, even surface. Provide paint in several colors, and encourage the children to create an eye-catching design with splashes of color and a message of their choice. Or, let them customize a tee-shirt with paint and denim patches. Children also enjoy baking, so help them make and decorate a cake. Let them go wild with the decorations. Most dads are kids at heart and will be impressed by a cake covered with chocolate and sprinkles.
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Gifts from Teens
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Ask your teens to burn a CD of their dad's favorite songs. They may want to include a few surprises, such as a silly novelty song and some personal messages. If they have time, ask them to design and make a cover to hold the finished CD. A book of coupons is a thoughtful gift from a teen. Provide your teen with a small book with tear-off pages. Encourage him to create coupons, promising to wash the car, make coffee, run an errand, sweep the yard and anything else he knows his dad would appreciate. When his dad hands over a coupon, the teen must honor the promise.
Gifts for Your Dad
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If you want to put together a last-minute gift for your own dad, a homemade basket is sure to appeal. Decorate a basket or box, and fill it with some of his favorite things. Quick and easy basket ideas include candy, small bottles of wine or beer, a beer or wine glass, photos of his kids, small luxury food items and a personalized cupcake. You can also add a copy of his favorite magazine, hobby items such as golf balls or packets of seeds, small items in his favorite team's colors and a handwritten message or poem from you. He will also appreciate a family video with special messages from you and his grandkids.
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