Handmade Gifts For Dad

The old adage "it's the thought that counts" is never truer than when it comes to a gift your child has made especially for you.

With Father's Day approaching, Julie Edelman, lifestyle editor for beststuff.com, has some ideas for special gifts for Dad - handmade with love.

When it comes to making Father's Day gifts, make sure you choose age appropriate crafts that your child can do himself. If you decide to help your child make a Father's Day gift, Edelman says, you don't want to wait until the last minute. But, if you do, she offers the following easy tasks:

1. Cards - Any child can make a Father's Day card according to his own ability. It can be as simple as writing "I Love Dad" on a piece of paper or as involved as cutting and gluing different things to the card.
2. Make your own tie - This is a traditional Father's Day gift with a creative twist that's all in one box. It's a kit that can be purchased at www.runningpress.com for $19.95. Everything your child needs (including the gift box and the tie) is in this kit.
3. Hands Down Best Dad T-shirt - For the child who isn't old enough to actually write a card or make something that requires more dexterity, something with the child's handprint is a wonderful way to include the child in the gift-making process. Obviously, a handprint can be used in many different projects. The T-shirt is as easy as it looks: have the child dip his hands into paint and leave colored handprints on the T-shirt. Once it dries, you have a sweet gift representing your little one.
4. Handprint soapdish - Press the handprint into the molding clay, bake it, and then varnish it and/or paint it as you wish. Add a piece of soap and voila - handprint soapdish.
5. Hand-Made Cookies for Dad - The cookies are simply another way to incorporate the handprint of a child (or the idea of it) while giving dad something delicious to enjoy. With regular Pillsbury sugar cookie dough (that comes in a frozen tube), just cut the cookies into handprint shapes and bake them. You also can cut little hearts into the "palms" of the cookies for added pizzazz, or decorate the cookies as you choose.

   And then, for some Father's Day gifts that are a little less traditional, but a little more challenging (for older kids), here are some great suggestions. These show that "Dad Rocks" and will have him "chiming" about how crafty his child is.

6. Flag-Stone paperweight The idea of making a paperweight isn't, in itself, a new and original idea, but it's a tried and true gift for Father's Day. All you really need are a rock that has a smooth surface (on which to paint) and the paints. One suggestion is a patriotic theme that just calls for an American Flag painted on the rock. Or, the child can write something special to Dad on the paperweight - such as "Dad Rocks" or "#1 Dad" and decorate it as they wish.
7. "I'm Nuts (and Bolts) for Dad" Windchime
   This is an ingenious take on the traditional wind chime - it's made out of nuts and bolts, for the inner do-it-yourselfer that exists in every Dad. Again, the materials are simple - a can, heavy string and nuts and bolts, and the child can make something that can even provide some tinkling entertainment.

   Making a Father's Day gift is also a way to start your own family tradition at home, while giving the child a chance to understand the meaning of family and holidays. A family tree is a terrific gift that incorporates these lessons, and is a meaningful present.

8. Fun-tastic Family Tree - Making a family tree is another project that isn't exactly new, but chances are you've never made one like this before. This is an actual family tree - made out of a small tree. It can be started with the grandparents (making this an ideal gift for either Dad or Grandpa) and incorporates pictures of family members hanging from branches or leaves (whichever you choose). It's also potted in a ceramic planter, so it's a terrific gift for an office or study.

Directions For Projects:

Make Your Own Tie Kit
www.runningpress.com - $19.95
This is an all-inclusive kit

Hands Down Best Dad T-Shirt

What you need:

How you make it:

How you make it:

Suggestion: For older children you can try to mold the clay into any hand shape you choose. For example, if you want to have the fingers curved and the thumb and forefinger making an "A OK" sign mold the fingers that way. To hold the shape, gently place tin foil around and under the mold. Try carving messages, too, like #1 Soap-er Dad or anything else to tell Dad how much you love him!

Hand-Made Cookies for Dad
Makes 8-12 cookies

What you need:

How you make it:

Suggestion: Once the cookies have cooled, decorate to your 'heart's' content. Write "I Love U" or any other Daddy's Day wish you choose.

Father's Day Flag Stone Paperweight

What you need:

How to make it:

Suggestion: In addition to the flag, try creating a "My Dad Rocks" or I Love Dad" rock using colors, stickers, photos or any other decoration you choose. It will last longer if you varnish it when through! This is also a great gift for any special occasion.

Tip: Use larger rocks for younger children.

I'm Nuts (and Bolts) About Dad Windchime

What you need:

How you make it:

Fun-Tastic Family Tree

What you need:

How you make it:

Suggestions: When decorating the pot, you can draw a picture of your family, create a wonderful decoupage of family photos, favorite things or anything else that is special to your Dad. Try using pinking shears to give the leaves an added touch. The Fun-tastic Family Tree also makes a great gift for the holidays, anniversaries, Mother's day or any other special occasion.

Tip: For younger children, keep it simple in terms of the number of family members. For older children, suggest including aunts, uncles and cousins! Have fun and let the tree grow!