5 Father’s Day Crafts for Each Age Group at Your Daycare

Father’s Day crafts are a wonderful way for children to express their love and appreciation for their fathers and father figures. Check out these five craft ideas for all the age groups in your daycare so every child can participate and create a memorable gift!

1. Infant: Handprint Art

Materials:

• Non-toxic, washable paint
• White cardstock or canvas
• Paintbrushes
• Baby wipes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Workspace: Cover the area with newspaper or a plastic sheet to protect surfaces from paint.
2. Paint the Infant’s Hand: Using a paintbrush, gently apply a thin layer of non-toxic paint to the infant’s hand.
3. Create the Print: Press the painted hand onto a piece of cardstock or canvas to create a handprint.
4. Clean Up: Immediately clean the infant’s hand with baby wipes.
5. Add Personal Touches: Once the paint is dry, write a message like “Happy Father’s Day!” and add the infant’s name and date.

2. Toddler: Decorated Picture Frame

Materials:

• Wooden or foam picture frames
• Non-toxic paint or markers
• Stickers, glitter, and other decorative items
• Glue
• A photo of the child

Instructions:

1. Paint the Frame: Allow toddlers to paint or color the picture frame.
2. Add Decorations: Once the paint is dry, let the children decorate the frame with stickers, glitter and other items.
3. Insert the Photo: Place a photo of the toddler inside the frame.
4. Finish: Add a handwritten note on the back of the frame with the child’s name and the date.

3. Older Toddler: “Super Dad” Cape

Materials:

• Felt fabric or an old T-shirt
• Fabric markers
• Velcro strips
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Cut the Cape: Cut a piece of felt fabric or an old T-shirt into the shape of a cape.
2. Decorate: Provide older toddlers with fabric markers to draw designs and write messages like “Super Dad” on the cape.
3. Attach Velcro: Glue or sew Velcro strips to the ends of the cape so it can be easily worn.
4. Personalize: Help children add their names and the date to the cape.

4. Preschooler: DIY Mug

Materials:

• Plain white ceramic mugs
• Ceramic paint markers
• Oven (for setting the paint)
• Newspaper or plastic sheet

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Workspace: Cover the area with newspaper or a plastic sheet to protect surfaces from paint.
2. Design the Mug: Give preschoolers ceramic paint markers to draw their designs and write messages on the mug.
3. Set the Paint: Once the designs are complete, bake the mugs in the oven according to the marker manufacturer’s instructions to set the paint.
4. Cool Down: Allow the mugs to cool completely before handling.

5. Bonus Idea: Group Collage

Materials:

• Large poster board
• Magazines, colored paper and photos
• Glue sticks
• Scissors
• Markers

Instructions:

1. Collect Materials: Gather magazines, colored paper and photos that can be cut out and used in a collage.
2. Create the Collage: Have children work together to cut out shapes, pictures and letters that represent their feelings and thoughts about their fathers.
3. Assemble: Glue the cutouts onto the poster board to create a collage.
4. Personal Touches: Encourage children to add their names and a message to their fathers.

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Creating Father’s Day crafts is an excellent way for children of all ages at your daycare to express their love and appreciation for their dads. These activities nurture creativity and fine motor skills and result in heartfelt gifts that fathers will treasure for years to come. 

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