by Shaheen Darr

Created on: June 04, 2008   Last Updated: November 16, 2009

Toddlers enjoy making things with their hands and seeing the result of what they have created. This fun filled activity is even more exciting when there is a parent or a sibling helping them and sharing this joy with them.

To make Father's day special, there are several craft ideas you can help your toddler to make. If dad loves animals, here are a few ideas your toddler can try out. Make a bookmark by taking an empty cereal packet and drawing on it in pencil the shape of a lion or an elephant depending which animal is dad's favourite. Do not forget to cut out a narrow rectangular piece of paper on which the animal will stand. Cut this shape out evenly and then either using felt pens or markers colour it in. There are so many different types of shapes that the toddler can make. If dad loves football, instead of the animal, attach a round shape of a football on this bookmark and write on it the name of his favourite team or player. Each time dad reads a book and uses this bookmark, it will bring a smile on his face.

For dad's computer desk try making a desk tidy pot to put all his pens and pencils in. Take an empty loo roll and the cereal packet that you used earlier. Put the loo roll on this packet and cut out a round circle that will act as a base to this roll. Make it slightly bigger than the loo roll so it sits on this base properly and using glue attach the roll to the base. Always use care when your toddler is using glue so that they do not get their hands stuck on it. Once the base is stuck to the roll using colouring pencils or markers paint the loo roll and the base. Paint things on this depending on what sort of things interest dad. It could be plants, animals, or it could just be brightly coloured. You can stick on it cuttings from magazines or use a wrapping paper to cover it and add interest to it.

Why not get your toddler to paint dad a picture. Toddlers love being expressive on paper, so let him draw something that he is good at. Once the picture is painted have him sign it for his dad to add that special touch to it, or he could write a simple message on it for his dad. Finger painting is also a fun way to create a beautiful picture and is an individual as your toddler is. You can have this picture framed for dad so he can have it up in his office.

Making a scrapbook with lots of pictures is also a great way to get your toddler excited about what he is making for his dad. Use dad's interests as a starting point and help your toddler use his own

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>