Celebrating Dads! Ideas for Father's Day

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Each of us likely has ideas of how Father's Day should be celebrated, and in our society the cards and gifts will continue to help build those memories. But Dad deserves more than just one more striped tie! What daddy wouldn't love the gift of something homemade?

We have some great ideas for you, just in time for Father's Day! What a wonderful occasion to honor the men in our lives—those who are caring and generous, who work hard to provide for their families, who teach our children that grown men can be loving, affectionate, and playful—all while being strong and dependable. Fathers have an important role in the upbringing of our world's children.

Time to celebrate! Moms, gather the kids together and try one (or more) of these fun suggestions on making Dad's day special. Let's appreciate all the things our fathers and husbands bring to our lives by sharing these experiences and bonding with Dad on Father's Day.

Put Your Hand in Mine

Comparing handprints is a lifelong lesson. Trace Dad's hand on a piece of paper, then have your child place his or her hand inside the tracing of Dad's hand and help your child trace around it. Your child can color his hand in or decorate the page with glitter and paint. The tracing makes a great Father's Day card! When your youngster gives this gift to Dad, ask him or her to compare the sizes of the two sets of hands. Dad can tell your child a story about something he liked to do when his hands were small and then invite your child to chime in what he or she would like to do when his or her hands are bigger, too. As an extended activity, Dad and his child can take a walk together holding hands.

Tin Can Caddy

Make Dad a special place for his pencils, pens, and notes—this caddy is a great addition to any father's desk! Wash out an aluminum can (soup or vegetable size). Your child can paint it with acrylic paint or spray paint it with an adult's help. Make sure your child is painting in a well-ventilated place. To make the bird's face and message keeper, glue on a spring-type clothespin for a beak. Use two adhesive "wiggly" eyes, or glue on bottle caps for eyes. With a black permanent marker, draw eyeballs inside the lids and any other facial features your child wishes. Clamp on a special note written by the child (or with younger children, just signed).

A Chip off the Old Block

This idiom means a child whose appearance or character closely resembles that of a parent—making this craft idea perfect for Father's Day. Have your child sand a small block of wood and stain it with an adult's help. Invite the child to pick out a picture of himself or herself and glue it onto the block. Using a permanent marker, print the words "Chip Off The Old Block." Don't forget to place a name and date for a lasting memory. For fun, you can add this note:

This wooden block is for you Dad,
It's sanded with all the strength I had,
Something made from me to you,
To say Happy Father's Day! I love you!