by Kathleen

Created on: June 10, 2008   Last Updated: November 02, 2011

Father's Day is a holiday many put in second place to Mother's Day. We all love our mothers, they show unconditional love and support. When we get on TV what's the first thing we say? "Hi mom!" But the underrated dad's are quietly in the background. Reminding us to keep our eye on the ball. Teaching us how to hold the nail so we don't slam our finger with the hammer. And who can forget the playful rough-housing on the living room floor and piggy-back rides to bed at night? All dear old dad's doing, many times to mom's dismay.

So why is it exactly it is such a struggle to find great Father's Day gifts? I believe it's 85% masculinity and 15% timing of this low-key holiday to blame. Dad's aren't usually into fruity pancakes and brunch. They don't want anyone to know they would secretly love a spa day. And many schools are out for the summer, leaving mom to figure out last minute what dad would really love from the kids.

Many small children don't get the craft ideas and time they need to accomplish their best gift ever! Following some of these simple and low cost examples will give dad the gift of a lifetime from a little person that's all too happy to help in this creative area.

Hand Printed T-Shirt:

(Can be done on a football, basketball or coffee mug; substitute acrylic paint).

Materials: T-Shirt, Fabric Paint.

This one is so easy it's scary and dads and grandpas love them. Get a regular T-Shirt, or one of dad's cotton T-Shirts and decide if you will put the hand prints on the front or back. Next, using fabric paint, in any colors you want (mix and match is fun) pour paint out into bowls or on newspaper and let the kids dip hands (or feet) in and let them have fun! Add their names and date and you have a gift any dad would be proud to wear.

*For parents like me who don't like a mess, or have real little ones, use a paint brush and apply the paint to the hands/feet.

Bean/Noodle Picture Frame:

Materials: Assorted Beans and Noodles, Picture Frame, Glue, Paint/Glitter (optional).

Take a little picture frame, wood based works best, let little people glue all the beans and or noodles all over the outside of the frame. Slide in a favorite picture of daddy and the kids having fun together and Wa-La!

*For an extra pretty frame, paint the noodles & beans and sprinkle glitter over it before drying.

Hand Painting of Dad:
Materials: Tiles, large or small, ceramic paint, oven.

Brushing ceramic paint onto hand, apply hand print to tile (following directions to clean/dry/prep

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