Looking for an easy, homemade DIY gift for dad this Father’s Day?! No problem! You’re in luck with these two easy, cheap, and sweet gifts this June. For the rock project, gather three rocks that you can paint letters on, and still be visible. Grab your acrylic paint and paint brushes and let the kids use their fine motor skills to paint the rocks any colors they like!
When the rocks dry, use a small paint brush to write “My” on one rock, “Dad” on the second rock, and “Rocks” on the third rock. Arrange them where dad will see them right when he wakes up on Father’s Day for the ultimate surprise to show how much you appreciate him!
My daughter asked to make the Noodle Necklace so we did. First, I grabbed the string and cut a piece, but it was too stringy and was falling apart as we tried to poke the string through the ziti noodle. Our second attempt to string the noodles on a necklace involved gift wrap ribbon, which did the trick. It was forceful and stiff enough to make it all the way through those small noodle holes.
Don't forget to make dad an easy card with my handy Seven Easy Father's Day Cards (from the kids) craft!
How to make the best My Dad Rocks
STEP 1: Paint the rocks and allow them to dry. We like this paint best.
STEP 2: Use a small brush to paint, “My” on one rock, “Dad” on the second rock, and “Rocks” on the third rock. Allow the paint to dry.
How to make the best Noodle Necklace
STEP 1: Place some ribbon around your neck and then leave at least half a foot extra before cutting the ribbon.
STEP 2: You can either tie the bottom in knots or use a small piece of tape to tape it to a table, which is what we did.
STEP 3: Let the kids string the ziti on the ribbon until it’s done. Then, tie the two ends together and cut off any excess ribbon.
Do I have to use ziti noodles?
I highly recommend using wrapping ribbon like this for these necklaces. You don’t have to limit yourself to ziti noodles. Penne would work too. We tried macaroni first, but it’s impossible to poke a string or ribbon through those small holes, so we opted for ziti noodles instead—which was a great choice as the holes are much bigger and the craft is easier with ziti.
Fine Motor and Calming Activity
These projects help toddlers and preschoolers work on developing their fine motor skills, which are critical in the toddler years, but are still important in the development of older children too. These two crafts are calming activities which will help with focusing and concentration as they will need to focus all their energy on either painting or stringing ziti noodles on a ribbon or string.
What are Fine Motor Skills?
Fine motor skills are needed by everyone as they help us learn how to use the small muscles in our hands and fingers to perform everyday tasks such as buttoning a shirt, zipping a zipper, opening a lid, writing, cutting with scissors, shoe tying, and so forth.
When kids develop fine motor skills, they are mastering their coordination skills. The use of smaller hand, finger, and wrist muscles requires thought, action, and precision. Parents are the biggest influence in their child’s fine motor development as they’re the ones with the child daily who can help the kid learn these critical life skills.
Between four and six months old, babies start to coordinate their thoughts with their smaller muscle groups. This is the time when babies start to reach for an object, trying to grasp and pick up small things.
Why are Fine Motor Skills Important?
Fine motor skills are crucial for everyone to learn as it prepares you to take care of yourself independently. Fine motor development allows a child to play with small objects, encourages creativity, improves hand-eye coordination, assists in the development of communication skills (i.e., walking, talking, drawing, painting, etc.), fosters independence, and builds confidence.
More easy kid's crafts you'll want to make!
Clay Handprint Bowls—Easy Mother’s/ Father’s Day Keepsake Gift
Fourth of July Patriotic Sensory Bin
Clay Bowls—Easy Mother’s/Father’s Day Keepsake Gifts
DIY Homemade Mother’s/Father’s Day Gift—Handprint-Potted Cactus
Simple Fourth of July Kid’s Crafts
Paper Plate American Flag Kid’s Craft
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Kid's DIY Father's Day Gifts/Summer Crafts, be sure to leave a comment and/or give these crafts a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes these crafts and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make any of these crafts, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
My Dad Rocks
Equipment
Materials
- 3 rocks flat and large enough to paint on
- acrylic paint
Instructions
- Paint the rocks and allow them to dry.
- Use a small brush to paint, “My” on one rock, “Dad” on the second rock, and “Rocks” on the third rock. Allow the paint to dry.
- If you make this craft, don't forget to leave a rating and comment!
Noodle Necklace
Equipment
Materials
Instructions
- Place some ribbon around your neck and then leave at least half a foot extra before cutting the ribbon.
- You can either tie the bottom in knots or use a small piece of tape to tape it to a table, which is what we did.
- Let the kids string the ziti on the ribbon until it’s done. Then, tie the two ends together and cut off any excess ribbon.
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