DIY Gift Ideas For Father’s Day
Stumped for gift ideas for Father’s Day? We've compiled a list of our 10 favourite homemade gift ideas.
Father's Day is an ideal occasion to spoil your favourite father-figure with lots of love and affection. Instead of opting for the usual tie or socks, consider giving him something that truly reflects his personality. What could be better than a gift you made yourself? Plus, it's a fantastic way to involve young kids in creating a present that will be cherished.
So, what should you make for your dad on Father's Day? Start by considering his favourite hobbies. Does he spend his Saturdays on the golf course or in the garden? Or think about his favourite foods - does he excel as a pit master or enjoy exploring different beers? Just add a heartfelt card, and you're all set. Whatever you choose, we're sure he'll love it.
1. DIY Drinks Can Planters
Homemade drinks can planters make a fantastic Father's Day gift for your dad. They're simple to create and can be personalised with his favourite drinks brands. You could even use beer cans from local breweries to support local businesses.
What you’ll need:
- Empty drinks cans
- Can opener
- Hammer
- Nail
- Potting mix
- Plants
Begin by taking a clean, empty can and using a nail and hammer to poke drainage holes in the bottom. Next, use a can opener to remove the top of the can. Finally, fill the can with the appropriate potting mix and place your plant inside.
2. Homemade Jam
Homemade jam is a great Father's Day gift. You can choose flavours he loves, like strawberry, raspberry, or even a fun mix like peach-ginger. Package it in a cute jar with a custom label and maybe add some fresh bread or pastries. It's a sweet and thoughtful gift that shows how much you care, and it's sure to make Dad smile.
Top tip: For ingredients, if you have an Oddbox subscription, you can use the fruit that arrives in your box that week. If you don't have a subscription, click here to see if we deliver to your area.
Here are some of our favourite jam recipes:
Melon and Vanilla Jam
Not sure what to do with your melon? This classic preserved French melon recipe is perfect to use it up. The jam is great on toast, served with pancakes, added to baking recipes or stirred into yoghurt.
Chia Seeds Strawberry Jam
A simple, quick and delicious jam to enjoy on toast, baking recipes or yoghurt. It is made from only 3 ingredients; strawberries, chia seeds and a little sweetener. Because of the strawberries, this jam barely uses any sweetener and is also very quick to make.
Grape and Thyme Jam
This jam is made from grapes, sugar, lemon juice and thyme and makes the perfect addition to any cheese board!
3. Homemade Citronella Candles
For a dad who loves camping, gardening, or relaxing outdoors, a homemade citronella candle is an ideal Father's Day gift. It adds a cosy vibe to outdoor spaces while keeping pesky insects away.
To create the candles, you can repurpose old mason jars, tins, or cans, or even use hollowed-out citrus fruits as containers for the wax. For the wicks, repurpose scrap twine, old shoelaces, or even torn-up socks or towels. For the wax, you can either purchase soy wax or recycle old candles.
What you’ll need:
- Double boiler (saucepan and a glass bowl)
- Candle jar
- Wicks
- 450g Soy wax/old candles
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 30ml Citronella oil
- Begin by melting your wax using the double boiler method.
- Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add the coconut oil and let it melt.
- Once combined, mix in a few drops of citronella.
- Prep your candle jars by using a straw or chopstick to hold the wick in place.
- Pour the citronella candle mixture into the jars and let it cool completely.
Top tip: If you want to make entirely recycled candles, try this orange peel candle tutorial. Just add a few drops of citronella oil.
4. Homemade Spice Jars
Homemade spice jars are a superb Father's Day gift. You can create custom blends tailored to his favourite flavours, whether he loves grilling, spicy dishes, or just cooking up a storm.
Package the spices in small recycled jars with personalised labels, and maybe add some recipe cards with ideas on how to use them.
Not only is this a fun project to make, but it also gives Dad something he can enjoy long after Father's Day. Every time he uses his spices, he'll think of your thoughtful gift. It's a flavorful present that any food-loving dad will appreciate.
5. Homemade Salsa
Looking for a unique Father’s Day gift? Give homemade salsa a try. Customise it to his taste, whether he likes it spicy or mild. Put it in a recycled jar with a fun label and add a recipe card with serving ideas. It's a tasty and thoughtful way to show Dad you care.
These are our favourite salsa recipes:
Smoked Pulled Aubergine Fajitas with Jalapeno Cucumber Salsa
Something about fajitas just screams fiesta. They’re such a fun food to make and to eat, and we have this vegetarian and vegan adaptable aubergine version for you to try. All you need to do is roast the aubergine, then shred the flesh with a fork and mix it with caramelised onion and spices, warm up the tortillas, stuff everything inside, including sour cream and our express jalapeño cucumber salsa and eat.
Hasselback Jerusalem Artichokes with Salsa Verde
This hasselback Jerusalem artichokes recipe is easy, tasty and super vibrant with a green salsa verde sauce poured over the top. The acidity and freshness of the sauce works really well with the hearty Jerusalem artichokes – a must-try!
6. Homemade Pre-Shave Oil
Check out this incredibly easy DIY gift idea for Father’s Day, something he'll find practical and enjoyable. Pre-shave oil serves as an excellent homemade substitute for shaving gel, leaving the skin feeling wonderfully smooth. You can repurpose empty spice jars, perfume bottles, essential oil bottles, small glass jars, travel-size shampoo bottles or candle jars to store the homemade shave oil.
What you’ll need:
- 1 part grapeseed oil
- 1 part olive oil
- A few drops of essential oil (we’d suggest sandalwood or cedarwood)
Top tip: Feel free to make this your own with different carrier and essential oils to suit your style.
7. Baked Goods
Father's Day calls for something extra special, like homemade baked goods. They're not only delicious but also carry a personal touch. With a variety of options like doughnuts, cookies, macarons, or even brownies, you can pick your dad's favourite treat and give baking a try.
To help you get started here are our favourite recipes:
Kiwi and Chocolate Doughnuts
Homemade doughnuts stuffed with kiwi jam and chocolate ganache, and dusted with sugar. Easy, decadent and delicious – plus, they can be frozen.
Easy Coconut Macaroons Dipped in Chocolate
Finely chop fresh coconut in a food processor and make these macaroons dipped in chocolate for the perfect treat.
Pear and Chocolate Brownie
The ultimate chocolate brownie with tender pieces of pears inside. It's chocolaty, fruity and easy to make!
8. DIY Salt Dough Picture Frame
A homemade salt dough photo frame is a wonderful Father's Day gift. It's easy to customise and fun to make, with options like classic rectangles, heart shapes, or even a DAD shaped frame. No matter which shape you choose, Dad will love this heartfelt keepsake.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2/3 cup water
- Food colouring
- Photos
- Mix 1 cup flour and 1 cup salt in a bowl. Slowly add water until dough forms a play dough-like consistency.
- Add 2-3 drops of food colouring, knead until evenly coloured, adjusting as needed.
- Mold the dough into your preferred shape for the photo frame, ensuring it's between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Preheat your oven to 93C/gas mark 1/2 and bake the frame for roughly 3 hours, checking frequently to ensure that it doesn’t burn.
- Then flip the frame and bake for a further hour at 120c/gas mark 1.
- Allow to cool fully and then use glue to secure your photos to the back of the frame.
9. DIY Car Air Freshener
Help Dad keep his car smelling fresh with a DIY air freshener. And guess what? They're infused with essential oils, so no harsh chemicals here.
Here's how: Using some scrap fabric, cut out 2 of the same shapes (you could try circles, hearts or even stars). Glue or sew them together and once they're dry, soak the fabric with Dad's favourite essential oil scent (like cedar or lemon). Use a hole punch to create a hole to thread some twine through for hanging.
10. Beer Bouquet
A beer bouquet is a great Father's Day gift because it combines two things most Dads love: beer and surprises! You can customise it with his favourite brews, and unlike flowers, the beers can be enjoyed over time. You could also fill this bouquet with a variety of drinks like kombucha, homemade juices, or flavoured waters.
What you’ll need:
- Assorted drinks: Choose Dad's favourite brews, juices or other bottled beverages.
- Bucket or container: Opt for a sturdy bucket, recycled basket, or decorative container to hold the beers.
- Tissue paper or decorative filler: Use scrap tissue paper or newspaper to help secure the beers in place and add a decorative touch to the bouquet.
- Ribbon or twine: Optional for tying around the container or adding bows for extra flair.
- Optional extras: You can include snacks like pretzels or nuts to complement the beers.
First, pick out your dad's favourite beers. (For a great selection of sustainable and eco-friendly options, take a look at this blog post). Then, simply place the beers in your chosen container and add some recycled paper and twine for a special touch.
