Craft the ultimate Father’s Day
Image source: EpicStockMedia
Dads are wonderful. Whether yours taught you how to ride a bike; change a tyre; or bake a delicious Victoria sponge - he deserves to be celebrated!
With Father's Day just around the corner, now is the time to get started on a DIY present for your dad. We've scoured the lows and highs of the internet (and our brains) to come up with the most creative ideas to delight your dad this Father's Day.
Whether you're helping your child create the perfect present or making something for your own dad, these ideas should help you along the way. So what are you waiting for? Let's get crafty!
Make a card
Warning: Things could get messy!
Left image (Anelina), right image (Lovely design)
If you're pushed for time, or have the craft skills of a newborn giraffe, stick to safe crafting territory: card making. It's Father's Day 101, really. And whilst there are oodles of sentimental, hilarious, risqué cards available to buy, Clintons Cards doesn't know your dad quite as well as you do.
First things first, consider your dad. Is he as sentimental as they come or the sort of bloke to appreciate a finely crafted pun? Once you've got a rough idea of the vibe (yes, a card can have a vibe), think about the physical type of card you want to make, there are tons of options from the easy to the downright fiddly.
If you're short on time get some card-spiration (we're going with it) and check out these cool Father's Day card ideas. We love this incredibly accurate looking iPhone card, ideal for tech savvy dads (sorry, iDads). If you like the modern style of this card, but want something a bit simpler, check out this 'Best Dad Ever' card.
At the other extreme, this bow tie card is perfectly suited to the type of dad that bemoans the rise of baggy jeans and mumbling. For a similar old school vibe check out this sea inspired stamp card - it looks effective and crucially, fairly straightforward!
If your dad is a true DIY nut (no, obligatory putting up of your shelves does not count!) then he will no doubt appreciate this nifty little toolbox card. For a slightly more kid-friendly card that still involves a bit of cutting, try this pretty watercolour card (see above), which could be easily customised.
If you’ve got time to peruse, check out Christine over at Card Making Magic. She has got a ton of video tutorials on all sorts of cardmaking techniques, plus she’s even compiled some tips on making sure your cards are men-appropriate. Which, considering her love of flowers and pearls, is pretty charitable of her!
Before penning your message, we recommend writing it out on a scrap piece of paper first to avoid that awkward moment when you misjudged the remaining space and have to squish your final few sentences in, resulting in an illegible mess. No? Just us then.
Cook up a storm
A tasty looking Father's Day feast.
Image source: The Londoner
Before we get carried away in a heady haze of pancakes and candied bacon let's get back to basics. The humble cup of tea. It's the second most drunk beverage worldwide (after water) so there is a good chance any dad in question would appreciate a cuppa. So start the day off right, and get the brew on.
So important is tea to our culture, George Orwell once wrote an essay on it. If that proves a little too high brow for an uninitiated tea-making child to follow, check out this guide by Twinnings, who have over 300 years' experience on the subject.
Perhaps your dad is a coffee man instead? Well nothing says 'I love you' like some dodgy latte art! Unless of course, he prefers it black, in which case, quit messing around with milk foam and learn how to make the perfect cup of plain black coffee.
Now onto matters of a more artery-clogging nature: breakfast! Of course minds automatically spring to a fry up, it is the quintessentially British start to the day after all. Check out this post on how to create the ultimate British fry up (black pudding and all) . For extra tips read the 'Fry Up Inspectors' notes on a good Full English, with an entire blog dedicated to the subject, we trust his opinion! But don't let your imagination stop at the frying pan, there are so many tasty ideas out there. Here are just a few of our favourites.
Basic
For the less experienced chef, opt for simple fare. Well executed, even marmalade on toast will be appreciated.
Healthy
Whether your dad is an ultra runner or trying to lose a bit of belly, here are some tasty breakfasts that won't ruin his health and fitness plans.
Indulgent
Get the butter out, it's time to get serious. Well, it is Father’s Day after all!
- Chocolate chip, maple syrup and candied bacon pancakes
- Eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce
- Cinnamon waffles
- Dip 'n' share eggs
Crafty Gifts
Now let's get to the main attraction: presents! No matter how much a dad protests at being given a present, we're pretty sure every single one of them is secretly delighted at the sight of well-wrapped gift. And you don't have to spend a fortune or take hours poring over an intricate cross-stitch pattern to give a wonderful gift, some of these crafts ideas are super simple.
Practical dad
Make your practical dad something he can use every day.
Left image (Design Sponge), right image (Minieco)
Dads often think of themselves as practical fellas, so first up let's talk about crafty ideas which actually result in something useful.
We love (like, love) this Star Wars themed lego key holder. It ticks so many boxes - useful, quirky, geeky - and can be easily customised to suit your dad's exact tastes. Simply swap the stormtrooper for a more fitting character, there are so many options, from Shakespeare to Mr. Burns (nobody would dare steal his keys). On a similar note, these comic-themed coasters would be ace if your dad is a proper fan boy of Batman et al. Or, if you're handy with a crochet hook, why not whip up this embroidered 'dad' coaster?
Is your dad attached at the hip to his laptop? Crack out your sewing machine and have a go at creating one of these handy laptop cases. We love the plaid material pictured, but you could easily pick something more appropraite for your dad. If he's particularly forgetful you could even sew his name on it! For something a bit simpler, this corkboard mouse pad looks a bit easier to construct.
For a quick and easy practical gift, design and print some redeemable vouchers. The key here is to pick things your dad would actually want to redeem. A hug, for example, is an everyday human gesture that should not be monetized by way of a voucher! Instead go for: mowing the garden, cleaning the car, a film night of his choice etc. Pro tip: Only put down things you don't mind doing. If spending two hours of your life pretending to be interested in a 12th century ruin is not an option, don't include it. Check out the cute printable Father’s Day vouchers on Red Fly to get you started.
It doesn’t get much more practical than food. And unless your dad follows some strict diet plan that excludes wheat, enjoyment and red skittles, and you buy him a packet of skittles, it’s pretty hard to fail at food gifts. With summer coming up, any BBQ boss would relish this easy-to-make BBQ sauce and spice rub. We’ve also got our eye on this American-inspired gift of bacon jam, salt and candy We know, words fail - drooling is the only reasonable response. This striking etched water glass bottle would suit dads of a more virtuous nature.
Pampered dad
Shaving cream and ale soap - perfect for the pampered dad!
Left image (Food for my Family), right image (Offbeat & inspired)
Even the manliest of men can be tempted by a spot of pampering these days. So grab some supplies, head to the kitchen and brew your dad up something luxe and lovely.
For clean shaven faces, you can’t go far wrong with this rosemary and mint shaving foam (unless he hates rosemary and/or mint of course). Similarly, bearded dads who enjoy grooming their beard to perfection would surely love a bottle of homemade beard oil. Check out these great beard oil recipes (and now we kind of wish we had an excuse to use the 'Cinna-Bun Beard Tonic').
If you’re up for a slightly bigger challenge, you could give soap making a whirl. There is a great round-up of beer based soaps on Soaps 101. Yes you read that correctly: beer, in soap. According to the website: “Beer makes for a very manly and gourmet soap, and it goes well with other additives such as honey and also exfoliant agents such as oats, coffee grounds, nuts and seeds.” If your dad is more of an ale man this ale based soap sounds divine and promises an aroma of “extremely rich caramel with a hint of citrus and honey.” Sold!
What about a homemade beer mat towel? You'd definitely want to give the beer towels a wash first! Our last grooming suggestion is best saved for dads of the downright hippy persuasion: homemade deodorant! Steer very clear away if your dad is more Lynx Africa than lavender essential oil.
Sentimental dad
This poster is a sweet idea for sentimental dads.
Left image (Confetti Sunshine), right image (Syda Productions)
If you’ve seen your dad weep at The Notebook or get emotional over Eastenders, chances are he’s a big softy who would enjoy something sentimental. And probably cry. N’awww.
For a great starting point, download this “I’ve got the best dad because...” poster and customise by adding your own reasons. Think of the qualities you most admire about your dad and go wild, the more personal the better. A similar idea is this Father’s Day photo collage, frame it for a sweet, permanent memento. Perfect fodder to drag out at the featured child's 18th!
For younger kids, this "Who is my favourite superhero..." comic book is pretty adorable. Be warned: there is a teensy bit of sewing involved. For just as much cuteness but a lot less sewing is this sweet framed Father’s Day questionnaire. Finished with a string of mini bunting, blogger Sarah is a girl after our own heart! Forget the standard posed shot, and make your dad a speech bubble photo - a much quirkier alternative for his desk! If you're helping a little one make a gift, they'd have great (read: messy) fun making one of these cute pom pom frames.
Too shy for photos? If you're handy with a sewing machine, this Union Jack dad cushion has got your dad's name on it! Less time intensive is this cute scrabble keyring.
Funny dad
Funny dads will appreciate a giggle this Father's Day.
Left image (Lil Luna), right image (Somewhat Simple)
These funny crafts ideas are ideal for kids who want to get a giggle out of their dad on Father’s Day. If said child is constantly subjecting their dad to a terrible cocktail of garish children's TV shows, this remote control cookie is likely to be appreciated. Particularly if accompanied with the actual remote.
Fishing fans will love this “What a catch” jar. If they are serious about fishing you could always swap the fish sweets for something more useful like fishing ties or bait. Though the latter may somewhat puncture the atmosphere with its, er, aroma.
For more wordplay but less fish, check out this message in sweets, we are particularly in awe of the clever inclusion of rolos: “We hope it doesn’t make you ROLO ver and get sick”.
Buy a quirky gift
Image source: dotcomgiftshop
Sometimes we have the best intentions but then life - the pesky rascal - gets in the way and thwarts them. If you don't have time (or the will) to sit down and make your dad something for Father's Day there are plenty of things you could purchase instead. Not to toot our own horn, but we've got a great collection of quirky Father's Day gifts.
If your dad makes Issac Newton look like a hobbyist, then he'll likely appreciate this uber geeky periodic table mug. Quite frankly we wouldn't mind one either, if just for the sake of learning a few more elements.
Is your dad always lamenting the turn of millennia? Does he harp back fondly (constantly) to simpler times? Treat him to some vintage style games and promise to have an old school games night! We've got some suitably themed dominoes and cards and nifty multi draughts and chess set. Set aside the evening and play by candlelight. You never know, you might just jolt him back into the 21st century!
Dads of a decidedly more modern temperament might appreciate a new iPhone case. We've got a ton, but this geometric case strikes a fine balance between retro and modern. Check out our whole Father's Day range here!
That's a wrap!
Image source: Nelosa
Well, almost. First let's have a quick chat about wrapping paper. We know, you've just spent four hours on a craft project (or micromanaging your toddlers) but try and muster up the strength to do it justice by wrapping it up properly.
A nicely wrapped present is, well, just nice. It's not mandatory, especially if a kid is at the helm - in which case, let's be honest, just getting everything covered is achievement enough - but if you want to go the extra mile, here are some top tips of wrapping up in style.
In a hurry? No problem, check out this video. The anonymous wrapper manages to wrap two gifts in under 30 seconds, no cutting and just two bits of tape required. Inspired!