How many ties, coffee mugs and watches have the father figures in your life received over the years? Tackling handmade, from-the-heart projects together promotes quality time, holds more sentiment than store bought alternatives, and better fits each unique dad. Whether you need ideas for your own father, your husband, or even DIY-able activities for the kids, read on for 10 possible projects to dig into!
Arts and crafts
Younger kids, or anyone without easy access to a power saw, can still take part in DIY Father’s Day fun! Children might enjoy making homemade cards or drawings with Dad, while teenagers and adults alike can get creative with leather, fabric and even common household items. Country Living has 65 DIY gift ideas to spark inspiration!
Build a workbench
A sturdy workbench is the crown jewel of any handy workspace. A custom-built bench is sure to fit his desired dimensions, meet his unique project needs and sit at a custom, comfortable height. Lowe’s offers easy-to-follow plans for a Dad-approved design!
Build a bookcase
If Dad happens to be a worker bee and a bookworm, consider DIY-ing a custom bookcase. The whole family can take part in sanding, painting or staining, then store photo albums, family heirlooms and favorite reads in style. Family Handyman provides plans and step-by-step instructions for dream teams of dads and young woodworkers.
Install a tool pegboard
Pegboard systems provide an especially effective way to store tools and gadgets, keeping work areas clean, organized and safe. Plus, per DIY Network, the entire project takes about half a day to complete – perfect for families with few Father’s Day plans! Once the pegboard is up, give the added gift of organizational bliss, and help Dad ‘Marie Kondo‘ anything that no longer sparks joy.
Install a fire pit
If Dad could use some outdoor entertainment, consider putting in a fire pit. Ready-made ring kits come in a variety of shapes and sizes, or you can go totally custom with creative retaining wall block configurations. A quick video tutorial and trip to the hardware store, and Dad will be serving s’mores by sundown!
Assemble outdoor seating
If that fire pit, pool or patio area is looking sparse, give the gift of comfort! Buy and assemble or DIY some outdoor seating, whether garden benches, lounge chairs or picnic furniture. The Spruce offers free plans to fit any space, style and need.
Build a paver walkway
Paver walkways make for an easy, attractive addition to any outdoor space. Because their absence doesn’t seriously impede function, though, installation can often be put off, sometimes indefinitely. If that’s the case for Dad, consider teaming up and tackling the project together this year!
Install a water feature
Water features add sound, interest and movement to any outdoor area, but are often on the ‘wants’ list as opposed to the ‘needs’ list. Follow HGTV’s tutorial to DIY one with Dad, complete with that made-with-love touch.
Plant a garden
If Dad happens to have a green thumb, help him start or expand his very own green space. DIY options in wooden barrels or even window boxes exist for those with limited space, or families with yards can opt to repurpose some large stones to create a well-defined plot. Use the National Wildlife Fund’s Native Plant Finder to determine which plants will thrive in your environment!
Plant a family tree
Choose a native tree type that speaks to the entire family, and plant together. It’ll instantly elevate Dad’s yard, and act as a living, growing symbol of your clan for years to come. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!
Whether sitting down to color or operating a jigsaw, the most important gift this year is quality time spent together. Choose a couple DIY’s, roll up your sleeves and soak up that fatherly wisdom!
Published on June 11, 2020
