by R.L Hanlon

Created on: June 06, 2008

There is nothing better to give a toddler to do than an art project. There is nothing better to receive from your toddler than a handmade craft. Children love to create, they love to see your smile and hear your praise when they have created one of their magnificent art works.

Besides that, the greatest thing is seeing dad on Father's Day absolutely enraptured by their children's handmade gifts. A handmade gift from your toddler is more memorable than something that has been purchased. Not only are you giving them an excuse to be creative, but you're also instilling honorable qualities into your children for the future. Crafts for toddlers must include safe materials, little or no scissor use, hold their attention and are also fun to do.

Following are some easy craft ideas for toddlers that will have them using their imagination, creating without frustration and excited about presenting Dad with a special gift on Father's Day.

DOUGH WORKS

Toddlers love playing with dough. Make your own at home or purchase some from the store and have them shape dough into a figurine for dads desk or office.

Another easy craft using dough is by having your child place their handprint on the surface and have them decorate it using paint. Shape the dough into a square or round shape so that it can eventually be displayed. Allow the dough to set and purchase a frame holder so the print can be displayed upright.

JEWELERY

One of the best craft items available that are safe for toddlers is called Fimo. Fimo can be purchased at a craft store and is pliable dough that can be molded and crafted and eventually baked without losing its colors.

Have your toddler create a bracelet or necklace for dad to wear all the time.

HANDPRINT AND POEM

Have your toddler place their hand on some thick cardboard. Trace the outline of their handprint onto the cardboard.

Have your toddler decorate the hand as they see fit using textas or pencils.
Using the many great poems available about the significance of dads in their children's lives, print the poem out on colored paper. You could also use lyrics from a favorite song that your partner has related to fatherhood.
Glue the poem onto the hand or if you're good at calligraphy, write the poem on the handprint.

You could laminate the handprint or have it framed especially for dad.

Have your toddler present this to dad on Father's Day.

DAD MASK

Using card stock or other cardboard you may have around home, safely cut out a mask. This can be shaped round for a head to a

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