10 Last-Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas That Are Thoughtful and Easy to Make

Last Updated: June 11, 2025

Father’s Day is almost here—but don’t panic! Whether the date slipped your mind or life just got busy (we get it!), you can still pull together a meaningful Father’s Day gift in no time. We’ve gathered 10 quick, thoughtful, and crafty Father's Day gift ideas that go beyond the store-bought norm. These DIY creations not only save you from last-minute shopping stress but also add a personal touch that dads will truly appreciate.

YouTube video featuring 5 Father's Day card ideas

From simple handmade cards and witty wall art to clever bookmarks and personalized scrapbook layouts, each idea is easy to create, rich with sentiment, and perfect for expressing your love. So, if you're looking for unique Father's Day gift ideas or need some inspiration for Father's Day card ideas and messages, you’re in the right place!

10 Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts You Can Easily Make

A handmade Father's Day card idea with simple and minimalist design, featuring the word "dad" die-cut from Altenew's Caps Bold Alpha Die Set, the sub-sentiment "thank you for everything" and a white 3D embossed geometric background

Caps Bold Alphabet Die Set

1. Handmade Father’s Day Card

Let’s start with the classic. A handmade Father’s Day card is a timeless gesture that never fails. Go for a clean and simple (CAS) card with geometric patterns or use layering stamps to create dimension. Don’t forget to write a sweet Father’s Day card message inside—something personal, funny, or reflective goes a long way.

PRO TIP! Use Altenew’s sentiment stamps to save time and still keep it custom.

Cute and simple DIY bookmark - perfect as a Father's Day gift for dads who love to read. It features a stamped image of a cat, and the sentiment/message "good things come to those who READ"

2. DIY Bookmark

Perfect for book-loving dads! Create a sleek, masculine-themed bookmark using cardstock, ink blending, and a simple sentiment like “You’re the best chapter of my life.” Add laminating sheets for durability or embellish with washi tape and ribbon.

PRO TIP! This is a great Father’s Day gift project to do with kids too! Use animal stamps to add some fun and flair to your DIY bookmark.

DIY Father's Day card idea with a stenciled oak tree and the sentiment "you are strong", made with Altenew's Stencil Art: Strong Oak Set

Stencil Art: Strong Oak

3. Framed Wall Art

Design a mini artwork with a quote or saying that fits your dad’s personality. Think “Best Dad Ever,” “Grill Master in Action,” or a sweet and motivational message like “You are strong.” You can stamp, die-cut, stencil, or hand-letter your message and pop it into a frame.

PRO TIP! Draw a tie, wrench, or coffee mug and add handwritten or hand-lettered punny phrases like “You're TIE-rific!” or “Thanks a LATTE!”

4. DIY Coupon Book

Create a “Dad's Day Off” coupon book. Each coupon can include things like 1 car wash, 1 movie night, or 1 breakfast in bed. It’s a hit with dads who enjoy quality time, and an ideal project for little ones to help with!

PRO TIP! Use stitched press plates or tag dies to make it extra polished.

Cute and colorful Father's Day gift idea featuring slim washi tapes, geometric animal shapes, and the sentiments "i look up to you" and "you're cool (and I'm not lion!)"

5. Punny Artwork or Sign

If your dad loves dad jokes (who doesn’t?), this one’s for him. Create a handmade Father’s Day card, DIY bookmark, or framed decor with some puns like:

  • “You’re nacho average dad!” - Add a nacho illustration and he’ll surely have a ball with this one! You can draw a simple nacho illustration or use stamps. 
  • “Dad, you rock!” - Find stamps featuring gems or rocks and pair them with this simple but punny message.
  • “You’re dino-mite!” - Hear us out. This gem of a pun + stamped dinosaurs? Perfect!

PRO TIP! Stamp, watercolor, or draw the visual and mount it on cardstock. Display it in a frame, on a clipboard, or hang it with washi tape.

6. Personalized Desk Décor

Use a small wood block or coaster as a canvas and decorate it with a photo, quote, or your dad’s name using stamps, stencils, and waterproof ink. Seal it with a craft varnish or Mod Podge for a finished touch.

A close-up of a scrapbook layout for Father's Day, featuring a photo of a dad holding a baby boy, and a circle die-cut with the sentiment "today was magic"

7. Scrapbook Layout or Memory Collage

Create a single-page scrapbook layout using your favorite photos together. Add journaling, die-cut titles, and a mini timeline of special memories. You can even sneak in some doodles or your dad’s most-used phrases for a nostalgic touch.

PRO TIP! No time to print photos? No worries! You can use illustrations or symbols that represent your dad or his hobbies.

8. Origami Shirt Card with Hidden Message

Fold a sheet of patterned paper into an origami shirt and attach it to a card base. Add a hidden note or surprise gift card inside. It's cute, quirky, and totally dad-approved. You can even go the extra mile and stamp a mini tie or pocket square! 

9. Watercolor Quote Card

If you’re looking for a really quick Father’s Day gift idea, choose a quote that reminds you of your dad and pair it with a soft watercolor background. Even beginners can master this with Altenew’s Watercolor Brush Markers. A little watercolor wash and some simple hand-lettering, and you’re good to go!

10. Mini Album or Pocket Book

Bind a few small pages together into a pocket-sized album using brads or ribbon. Fill each page with “10 Things I Love About Dad,” doodles, or tiny photos. This is a heart-melting Father’s Day gift idea that’ll be treasured for years.

Create Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts Easily with These Tips & Tricks!

Father’s Day isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how much love you pour into your gestures. With these 10 quick and meaningful Father’s Day gift ideas, you can create something unforgettable even if you're short on time. Whether it's a one-of-a-kind handmade Father’s Day card, a creative scrapbook page, or a pun-filled piece of art, what truly counts is the intention behind it.

Remember, creating a Father’s Day card message that’s personal and thoughtful can make even the simplest project shine. Because when it comes to dads, a handmade gift speaks louder than words. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, soon-to-be dads, granddads, and father figures out there!

Find more Father’s Day gift ideas and inspiration In the Craft Room!

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