These Father's Day Gifts Come Together Last Minute, but Look Like They Took You All Week
Whip up one of these crafts, from a simple snack mix and leather coaster set to a denim tech sleeve and leather plant hanger, just in time for Dad's big day.
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There's no one quite like Dad—which is why shopping for him can be a challenge. Ultimately, finding that one-of-a-kind Father's Day gift for your favorite guy might not happen in the shopping aisle, which is why we suggest taking matters into your own hands (literally!). We're partial to handmade presents, especially when they come together in a pinch. If you're short on time, but long on love for your Dad, consider one of the last-minute Father's Day gifts on our comprehensive list.
We culled projects and recipes to suit all his interests: If he's an avid golfer, he'll appreciate a batch of "tee time" cupcakes, which can be decorated with course motifs on the fly. Should he prefer to grow his greens, instead of play on them, consider one of our houseplant planter projects, which will upgrade his growing indoor garden in no time. And if he's someone who just recently started commuting into the office again? Give our Denim Tech Case project, pictured here, a whirl—it soundly protects his iPad on his way to and from work.
While all these crafts can certainly be made in the day or two before the holiday, there are a few options in particular that can achieved in mere minutes. A few Origami paper folds and a piece of tape, for example, results in a punchy Father's Day card in a shirt shape; a few embroidery stitches, on the other hand, can transform a store-bought tie into a personal accessory he will treasure forever. Ahead, discover more inspiring handmade, last-minute gifts that will make this Father's Day the best one yet.
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Shirt Card
Origami paper, scissors, and double-sided tape—that's all you need to fold your way to the ultimate Father's Day card, which comes together in a matter of minutes. Be sure to choose a pattern that speaks to the man of the hour (look into his closet for inspiration!)—we're partial to punchy florals, but classic stripes or small polka dots work, too.
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Book Keepsake Box
Most craft stores carry these book-shaped keepsake boxes, but if you're truly pressed for time—as in, it's Father's Day Eve—any wooden iteration will do. We stained these boxes with undiluted paint and then went back in with the opaque stuff to add designs (use painter's tape to create clean lines). He'll use the finished product to hold everything from keys or letters to cuff links and his watches. What a novel idea.
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Rock Découpage
Here's a last-minute Father's Day gift the kids can make: After they gather and clean rocks from the backyard, family photos, printed onto rice paper, are découpaged onto the stones. This paper type allows the rock's natural texture to come through, resulting in a painted-on effect.
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Patterned Terra-Cotta Pots
If he's an avid gardener or houseplant aficionado, give his existing terra-cotta pots a glow-up with some painter's tape or stamps and craft paint. This is a great way to spruce up worn or weathered planters—just be sure to apply a coat of sealant before you pop in the main part of his gift (a new plant, of course!). This ensures your design stays put.
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DIY Sleep Masks
Does he rely on blackout curtains for the ultimate night of sleep? Lead him one step further into the darkness with these hand-sewn sleep masks, which are a breeze to whip up thanks to our template.
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Snack Mix
Looking for a true final hour gift option? Mix together classic salty snacks, like Chex Mix and peanuts, and place them in a parchment-paper lined tin. Your favorite grazer will keep his new go-to pick-me-up on his desk for easy access.
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Painted Coasters
Tackle this coaster project a day or two ahead of Father's Day, since the paint and sealant it calls for requires 24 hours of drying time. As for the how-to? After you purchase a set of leather circles, simply tape off sections and shapes with varying widths of masking tape and paint accordingly; a clear sealant makes the pieces more resistant to condensation drips.
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Secret Message Tie
A tie is a classic Father's Day gift—but if you're hoping to give the accessory a last-minute upgrade, look to this "secret message" embroidery project. Go with "Dad" if this is a gift from your kids, or, if this is something for your partner, opt for the sweet nickname you call each other.
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Leather Plant Hanger
Suspend his favorite plant with this simple no-sew project, which can be achieved with a sleek piece of leather (which wraps around the pot, disguising any perfections), cotton cords, and a hole punch.
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Tee Time Cupcakes
If getting onto the green is his idea of the perfect day, bring the green to him via these golf-inspired cupcakes. Graham cracker dust symbolizes the course's sand traps, while a fabric-tagged toothpick flag marks the spot. Talk about raising the par.