“A good father is more than a hundred school teachers.”
Amongst all the hullabaloo over Moms, we sometimes tend to underestimate the contribution of our strong and silent heroes – our Dads! There aren’t half as many poems and quotes dedicated to Dads, but there is a special day for them, so we might as well make the most of it! Now it doesn’t matter if you don’t have much time and if your kids are really small; here are 10 last minute Father’s Day crafts that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers – with a little assistance from Mom!
10 Last Minute Father’s Day Crafts for Toddlers and Preschoolers
1. Fingerprint Heart Keepsake
This craft from Messy Little Monster may look complicated, but in fact will take about 10 minutes of your toddler’s time! Even if you don’t have time to get the canvas and easel, you can still use the technique to make a cute little card that Dad will treasure forever!
2. Painters Tape Art
This is a great idea to practice with toddlers – but it’s safer done outdoors! All you need is tape, paper and paint – that’s it!! Get all the instructions at My Thriving Home.
3. Finger Paint Tie Craft
With just tempera paint and paper, you can make this lovely finger paint tie from Books and Giggles! You can simplify the process by using two colors in the first step – ideal for a last minute situation!
4. Scribble Mug Craft
Here’s a Father’s Day gift that Dad can actually use! You can find a plain mug from any store, after which your toddler can go nuts scribbling all over it – guaranteed fun for him! Get the tutorial from I Heart Arts n Crafts.
5. Toddler Keepsake Key Ring
This key ring craft from Crafty Creative Kathy involves a fair bit of steps, but they actually take very little time. It’s amazing how plain plastic and a child’s scribbling can turn into something that looks so pretty! Do write the year so you can look back on it years later!
6. Rock Paperweight
Who knew that a plain rock in a little child’s hands can turn into a cute little Father’s Day gift? Cobwebs, Cupcakes and Crayons shows us how your toddler can have fun with some paint and a rock. She might need some adult assistance to write in the message!
7. Pirate Handprint Card
Toddlers love getting messy, and this pirate handprint card from Crafty Morning is the perfect craft for them to get their hands dirty! Paint your toddler’s little hand and print on white paper. Let him stick on the hat and eye, while you draw in the details – and you’re done!
8. Salt Dough Handprint Keepsake
This idea from Messy Little Monster is a really impressive keepsake, and it’s okay if you don’t have time to run to the craft store. Make your own salt dough and fix in some recent or baby pictures of your kids. The salt dough needs some time to dry, so it’s not that last minute!
9. Tacky Tie Craft
Collages are perfect crafts for toddlers and this tacky tie craft from Simple Home Blessing is a perfect last minute Father’s Day craft! All you needs are colored paper and a large sheet – let your toddler tear up the bits and stick them to a tie shaped cardboard, that’s it!
10. Monsters Inc. Inspired Footprint Craft
This is a great craft if you have more than one child – a lovely gift for siblings to work on! After printing their hand and foot, get your older child to draw in the details – check out I Heart Arts an Crafts for more information.
Most of these crafts can be made with existing craft supplies, making them ideal for last minute crafts. Although they don’t necessarily have to be made at the last minute; you can make them much earlier, although we doubt your toddler will be able to keep it a surprise from Dad for long; he’ll be way too excited!