Looking for Father’s Day craft ideas to celebrate Dad? At Montessori Academy, we believe that nurturing creativity through hands-on activities is vital for a child’s development. Crafting personalised gifts for Dad not only makes the day special but also helps children learn valuable skills in line with Montessori principles.
Whether your child is an infant, toddler, or preschooler, there are plenty of simple and creative Father’s Day craft ideas you can do at home. From painted rocks to personalised coupons, these projects are easy, affordable, and fun for the whole family.
The Importance of Arts and Crafts in Child Development
Arts and crafts are more than just fun – they play a key role in early childhood education. Through creative projects, children develop:
- Fine motor skills: cutting, painting, gluing, and colouring strengthen small hand muscles.
- Creativity and imagination: making something unique encourages self-expression.
- Concentration and problem-solving: children learn to follow steps and complete tasks.
- Confidence: finishing a project builds pride and self-esteem.
Craft activities also provide meaningful bonding time between parent and child, reinforcing the emotional connection at the heart of Father’s Day.
How Parents Can Facilitate DIY Projects at Home
Parents don’t need to be craft experts to help their children create memorable Father’s Day art projects. Here are a few tips:
- Keep activities age-appropriate: Infants may enjoy footprint keepsakes, toddlers can try simple painting, and preschoolers may be ready for more structured projects.
- Prepare materials in advance: Having everything ready helps keep little ones engaged.
- Encourage creativity: Focus on the effort and imagination, not on creating something “perfect.”
- Celebrate the process: The value of crafting lies in the experience of creating together.
If you’d like to learn more about how creativity is nurtured in the classroom, explore our Montessori childcare programs.
When is Father’s Day 2025 in Australia?
In Australia, Father’s Day is celebrated on Sunday, 7 September 2025. This gives families plenty of time to plan and create handmade gifts that dads will cherish.
Father’s Day Craft Ideas for Children
Below are some fun and simple Father’s Day craft ideas for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Each includes age recommendations, what you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions.
- Father’s Day Coupons
This is an excellent Father’s Day activity for preschoolers, teaching both writing and creativity.
Best for: Preschoolers aged 4–6- What You’ll Need:
- Paper or cardstock
- Markers, crayons, or coloured pencils
- Scissors
- Stapler or hole punch + string
- How to Do This:
- Cut paper into small rectangle “coupon” shapes.
- On each coupon, help your child write or draw something Dad can redeem — a hug, breakfast in bed, or help with washing the car.
- Decorate with stickers or drawings.
- Bundle the coupons into a booklet.
- What You’ll Need:
- “Dad Rocks” Paperweight
This fun Father’s Day craft for toddlers makes a lasting gift that Dad can keep on his desk.
Best for: Toddlers & preschoolers aged 3–6- What You’ll Need:
- Smooth, flat rock
- Acrylic paint or paint markers
- Paintbrushes
- Clear varnish (optional)
- How to Do This:
- Let your child paint the rock with bright colours.
- Once dry, write “Dad Rocks!” on it.
- Seal with varnish to preserve.
- What You’ll Need:
- Father’s Day Card
Homemade cards are classic Father’s Day art that never goes out of style.
Best for: All ages (infants can add handprints or scribbles)- What You’ll Need:
- Cardstock or folded paper
- Paint, crayons, or pencils
- Stickers or glitter (optional)
- How to Do This:
- Fold cardstock into a card shape.
- Encourage your child to draw a picture of Dad or decorate with patterns.
- Add an infant’s handprint or footprint for a keepsake.
- Write a simple heartfelt message inside.
- What You’ll Need:
- DIY Coasters
A useful and creative craft that Dad can enjoy every day.
Best for: Preschoolers aged 4–6- What You’ll Need:
- Plain ceramic tiles or cork coasters
- Acrylic paint or permanent markers
- Felt pads
- Clear spray sealer
- How to Do This:
- Give each child a coaster to decorate with a design.
- Let it dry completely.
- Spray with a clear sealer for durability.
- Stick felt pads underneath to protect surfaces.
- What You’ll Need:
- Salt Dough Handprint Keepsake
This keepsake makes a timeless infant Father’s Day craft that families can treasure forever.
Best for: Infants & toddlers aged 1–3 (with parent help)- What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup salt
- ½ cup water
- Baking tray
- Paints and brushes
- How to Do This:
- Mix flour, salt, and water into dough.
- Roll out and press your child’s hand firmly into it.
- Cut around the print and bake at 120°C for 2–3 hours.
- Once cool, paint and decorate.
- What You’ll Need:
- Father’s Day Message Activity for Infants and Babies
This quick project creates a simple yet meaningful first Father’s Day memory for your infants.
Best for: Infants under 1 year (with parent supervision)- What You’ll Need:
- Non-toxic paint or baby-safe ink pads
- Paper or canvas
- How to Do This:
- Gently press your baby’s hand or foot into paint or ink.
- Stamp onto paper or canvas.
- Add the date and a short message.
- What You’ll Need:
Less Hands-On Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Infants or Toddlers
Not all children may be ready for detailed crafts. If your little one is still very young, try:
- Creating a photo collage of your child with Dad.
- Recording a video message of your toddler saying, “Happy Father’s Day!”
- Printing a family photo onto a mug, t-shirt, or keyring.
These thoughtful gifts are just as meaningful as handmade ones and work well as Father’s Day activities for infants and toddlers.
Connecting Montessori Principles with Father’s Day Crafting
Father’s Day craft activities naturally connect with the Montessori philosophy. Through hands-on projects, children explore independence, creativity, and concentration.
Montessori education emphasises the process over the product. That means a Father’s Day card covered in colourful scribbles is just as valuable as a neatly painted rock – because both express love and allow the child to explore at their own pace.
Father’s Day With Montessori Academy
At Montessori Academy, we celebrate Father’s Day with a variety of activities across our centres. Children are guided to create simple yet thoughtful crafts, sing songs, and engage in special events that bring families together.
Our programs, from infants to toddlers and preschoolers, encourage creativity, independence, and connection, making Father’s Day celebrations both meaningful and memorable.