The ideal Father’s day crafts for preschoolers are easy to make, simple to find materials and something that dad will want to keep. For preschool Father’s Day crafts, handprints and footprints are the most popular options.For good reason, handprint and footprint crafts are the most popular Father’s Day projects for preschoolers. They freeze a child’s little hand or foot in a certain position at a given time, and make a sentimental keepsake that dads love.
This guide includes 20 crafts divided into categories and age and skill level appropriate categories. The materials, step-by-step instructions and useful notes for classroom and home use are included in each project. All crafts are made with materials suitable for preschool children (ages 2-5) that are washable and non-toxic.
Key Takeaways
- Handprint and fingerprint crafts are the easiest Father’s Day crafts for preschoolers as they only need washable paint, paper or cardstock and a marker and can be done in 15 to 20 minutes.
- Handprint crafts are the most popular choices as they represent a child’s hand at a particular moment in time, and are a sentimental keepsake that most dads would keep for years.
- The most suitable crafts for children aged 2-3 are those that do not require much fine motor control such as finger painting, handprint pressing, and thumbprint stamping. Children ages 4 and 5 can cut, glue and write with assistance.
- Handprint plates, fingerprint dishes and impression ornaments are the most durable Father’s Day keepsakes and can be kept and displayed forever.
- Most of these crafts are under $5 in materials, and use materials that are readily available in a preschool classroom or home, and do not require any specialized tools.
- In the USA, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. In 2026, it is June 21.
Handprint Crafts for Father’s Day
Handprint crafts are the most guaranteed successful type of project for Father’s Day for preschool. They’re suitable for the youngest children, they yield a personal and sentimental outcome and they involve little supply.
1. Best Dad Handprint Trophy
This handprint craft is a moment in time and will promote body awareness. Materials: white card paper, washable paint, paint wipes, marker. Help press a centred handprint with your child’s hand, using paint to colour in the hand. Write “Best Dad Hands Down!” and your child’s name, age and year. Allow to dry and place in a picture frame.
The year is added to make it even more memorable when viewed in subsequent years as a keepsake and wall art.
Materials: white cardstock, washable paint in gold or yellow, marker (optional: picture frame) Time: 10-15 minutes Age: 2 years or older
2. Handprint “I Love You This Much” Card
This handprint “I Love You This Much” card requires construction paper, paint, and googly eyes. Draw both hands of the child and then press the palms together and fingers apart on a folded card, as though the arms are wide open. Fill in the space between the two handprints with the words “I love you THIS much!”.
The outstretched handprints are a great way to express the message visually, and this is one of the most emotionally powerful cards a preschooler can create.
This is a fun activity for all ages to make a construction paper tree.
3. Handprint Flower Bouquet
Make the child press their hand several times on a piece of paper, each time using a different colour. When dry, draw or glue green paper stems underneath each handprint. The outcome is a bouquet of flower-like hand imprints.
The handprint flower bouquet is made using paper, paint and green pipe cleaners and can be glued behind the card to give the bouquet effect when the card is presented – this makes it more tactile and memorable.
The materials needed are white paper, washable paint in a variety of colours, green pipe cleaners or green paper strips, and glue. They can be used with children from the age of 3.
4. Handprint Superhero Card
Preschool children enjoy the concept that their dad is a superhero for the handprint superhero. Draw a superhero body outline, and ask the child to make their handprint for the superhero’s cape behind the body.
This craft is great for children ages 4-5, who are in their superhero phase. Inside or on the back the message can be written: Dad, you’re my superhero.
This activity requires some time to complete, as well as some materials.Time: 20 minutes Age: 3 years and older Materials: cardstock, washable paint, superhero body template (printed or hand-drawn), marker and cape cutout
5. Handprint Tie Card
Handprint ties are easy to make and adorable, and are great for letting preschoolers express their creativity. Use a simple piece of paper or card stock to cut a simple tie shape. Place non-toxic fabric paint in a tray and assist your child to gently press their hand into the shape of the tie. They can either make many prints to make a pattern, or one bold print. Use a paint brush to add in little details, such as polka dots or the year it was produced.
If you want something that will last longer, go to a thrift store and purchase a real cloth tie. Fabric paint handprint will endure for the life of the tie.
This is a fun craft for kids of all ages, and it can be made with a cloth tie or a shape cut from cardstock.The materials required for this craft are a cloth tie (or a shape cut from cardstock), non-toxic fabric paint, and paintbrush for details.
6. Handprint “Hands Down, You’re the Best Dad” Reasons Craft
Handprint reasons craft is a fun and simple project for children to do to show their dad why they love him. Place child’s hand on cardstock and paint. Write on each finger around the handprint why the child loves their dad. This Father’s Day craft will tug on his heartstrings.
The teacher can interview each child in the classroom and record the child’s answers around the handprint. At home, a parent can do the same. Each version of this craft is truly unique thanks to the personalised content.
For best results, use cardstock and washable paint, and have kids aged 2+ participate in the activity for 15-20 minutes.
Fingerprint Crafts for Dad’s Day!
The tip of a finger is used to create a fingerprint craft, rather than the whole hand, so it is suitable for very young children and will create a more delicate and intricate fingerprint than a full hand print.
7. Fingerprint “DAD” Craft
A Dad fingerprint craft involves using fingerprints to create the letters D-A-D. Each letter is stamped with fingerprints, with a row or curve created to make the outline of the letter. This Father’s Day craft for preschoolers is easy and fun for the kids.
Use different colours for each letter or keep to a consistent colour palette. After the fingerprint letters have dried, write a message around them using marker.
Materials: white cardstock, stamp pad or washable paint, marker Time: 10-15 minutes Age: 3 years and older
8. Fingerprint Heart Dish
The heart fingerprint craft is a great way for children to learn to identify shapes and colours, and develop fine motor skills by stamping their fingerprint around a paper heart to create the art.
If you want it to last, make it in a piece of air-dry clay instead of paper. Make a circle of clay, press child’s thumbs/fingers into the clay to form a heart shape and let air dry. When completely set, paint with child’s preferred colours and then seal with varnish. Leave a gap between “We” or “I” and the name for the fingerprint heart, set the fingerprint plate aside to dry.
Materials: white paper, stamp pad or paint, marker Materials: air-dry clay, rolling pin, pencil for writing, paint, varnish Time: 15 minutes (paper); 30 minutes active + drying time (clay) Age: 2 and up
9. Fingerprint Keychain
Fingerprint keychains are a simple, low mess craft that will give you a daily reminder of a child’s love. Either air-dry clay or shrink plastic can be used, and they’re both inexpensive. Roll out and cut into a shape such as a circle or heart if using air-dry clay. Next, gently press your preschooler’s thumb or finger into the clay to make an indented print. Carve their initials or the year next to it, if they wish.
If Shrinky Dinks plastic is being used, direct the child’s hand to the frosted side. Press each of their fingers and palm down firmly to make a good impression. After the Sharpie dries, carefully cut out the handprint with small sharp scissors. Before baking, punch a hole in the handprint. Arrange paint face up on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F. It is very durable and when cooled is nine times thicker than when it was first started.
Difficulty: Easy to medium materials, medium to hard stamp pad/ink and keyring jump ring, medium to hard oven (if using the shrink plastic version)
10. Fingerprint Coffee Mug
Using your child’s fingerprint, you can make this sweet Father’s Day mug. This Daddy and Me fingerprint coffee mug is an ideal every day present, dad will be reaching for this mug every morning.
Use a plain white ceramic mug with oil-based porcelain paint or paint your own ceramic kit. Guide child to press fingertip into paint and then onto the mug in a pattern of hearts, dots, or design of child’s choice. Bake to harden the paint following the instructions on the product. Before baking, write “Dad” or “Daddy” in permanent marker.
This is a fun and simple project to make with the kids that uses an ordinary white ceramic mug and oil-based porcelain paint or ceramic paint kit.
Salt Dough and Clay Keepsakes
Salt dough and air-dry clay crafts are the most durable Father’s Day projects for preschoolers. The finished objects can be displayed, painted, and kept for decades.
11. Salt Dough Handprint Ornament
The salt dough handprint is the cutest Father’s Day craft for preschoolers that dad will keep forever. This craft has the child’s handprint in it as well as a photo option.
Recipe: combine 2 cups of plain flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of water together to make a smooth dough. Roll out about ½ inch thick. Press into the dough and remove it quickly. Using a knife, cut around the handprint, leaving a 1cm border. Bake and then poke a hole at the top for a ribbon/hook later. Bake until very hard, 2-3 hours at 200°F. Paint, seal and write child’s name and year.
This is a great activity for all ages to enjoy, but especially children ages 2 and up.
12. Salt Dough Heart Picture Frame
Glue in a photo with dad and add kid’s name and year on the salt dough picture frame. Cut out a heart or window for the picture and decorate with the child’s handprint!
Roll out a sheet of salt dough to make a square. Cut a window in the middle that is big enough to fit a photo in either rectangular or heart shape. Place the child’s handprint on the frame (anywhere). Bake, paint and insert a photo of the child and dad together.
This is a fun salt dough project for kids of all ages, even in their early years.This is a fun salt dough project for all ages, including early childhood (with adult help cutting).
Make a card and paper gift for dad
Not all the projects for Father’s Day have to be 3-D or permanent. A good card is as emotional as any keepsake and paper crafts are the most suitable format for the classroom.
13. “All About My Dad” Questionnaire Card
The All About My Dad questionnaire craft is a chance for the child to answer questions about their dad, such as his favourite colour, what he likes to do, how old he is (children always give the wrong answer, but it’s always hilarious), and what makes him special. The child creates a picture of their father on the back and/or decorates with a handprint.
The teacher asks each child the questions in a classroom setting and records their answers. A parent can transcribe the child’s answers at home. The portrait that the child produces of their dad, usually at the level of a preschool drawing, is a tremendous charm to the finished card.
Objective: To identify the important traits of a character.Materials: paper or card stock, marker, crayons Time: 15 minutes Age: 3 and up
14. Handprint High-Five Card
Handprint high-five card: Make a hand shape on construction paper and write “High Five, Dad!” in the hand. A simple handprint art project that is also a confidence builder!
This is the quickest card craft on this list and for last minute situations. Requires just paper, scissors and a marker and takes less than 10 minutes.
Materials: construction paper, scissors, marker Time: 10 minutes Age: 4 and up to cut; 2 and up with help from an adult
15. “We Love You to Pieces” Torn Paper Mosaic Card
The art “We Love You to Pieces” is made by cutting coloured paper into small pieces and gluing them together in a mosaic pattern on a piece of cardstock that is shaped like a heart or the word DAD.
The tearing of paper instead of cutting, is a great fine motor activity for 2-3 year olds and the random pieces of paper that are torn will make each card completely different. Use magazine pages, coloured tissue paper or construction paper.
The materials used are a variety of coloured paper, a cardstock base, and a glue stick. The time is 20-25 minutes and the age is from 2 years and older.
Father’s Day Gift & Wearable Crafts
16. Painted Handprint Necktie (Fabric)
This is a version of the handprint tie using a real tie from a thrift shop. Press the tie with fabric paint on the child’s hand. Dry flat and heat-set with an iron following the directions for fabric paint. The tie is a keepsake that dad can truly use.
This is a great way to give an old tie a new life!This is a fun way to reuse an old tie with non-toxic fabric paints and heat setting with an iron.
17. Handprint Tote Bag
Apply the same technique of using fabric paint to a plain canvas tote bag. Make several impressions with handprints using various colours. When the paint is dry, use a permanent fabric marker to write “Happy Father’s Day”.
This craft is suitable for ages 3 and up and requires 20-30 minutes of your time.This craft is perfect for ages 3 and up and takes 20-30 minutes of your time.
18. “Daddy and Me” Fingerprint Memory Book
Make a little booklet of card pages with each one containing a fingerprint activity – a fingerprint tree, caterpillar, flowers and a dad fingerprint portrait. Staple or tie in with yarn. On the cover, write the child’s name and year.
Materials: cardstock pages, stamp pad or washable paint, marker, yarn or stapler Time: 30-40 minutes Ages: 3 years and older
Nature-Inspired Father’s Day Crafts
19. Pressed Flower Card
Take flowers and leaves and press them for 48 hours between the pages of a heavy book. Place the pressed materials on the front of a folded cardstock card, and glue them in place. Write the message in the inside. This creates a lovely card that many parents frame and not throw away.
This activity requires the following materials: collected flowers and leaves, heavy books to press flowers, cardstock, glue, marker Time: 10 minutes active + 48 hours of pressing time Age: 3 and up
Shani Levni’s guide to bulk natural grapevine for crafts is for anyone who likes to work with natural craft materials, from shaping grapevine into small wreaths to rustic frames or crafting decorative bases for Father’s Day displays and table arrangements.
20. Handprint Tree of Gratitude
The handprint tree of gratitude is a sentimental project which will help preschoolers to express their gratitude by making a gratitude tree. When pressing the child’s hand and forearm onto paper, paint the hand brown and the forearm brown to make the trunk and branches of a tree. Press several fingerprints in green on the upper branches to make leaves. Write one thing the child is thankful for about their dad on each leaf.
This is a great activity to do with children of any age, as well as with toddlers.This activity is great for children of any age, and toddlers too!
Tips for Making Father’s Day Crafts in a Preschool Classroom
When working with a full class of 2-5 year olds, it is necessary to do some practical preparation for Father’s Day crafts. The following notes are specific to classroom situations where a single adult is working with more than one child at a time.
Prepare a painting area before the painting. Fill washable paint in shallow trays or on foam sponge plates before children arrive at the station. This minimizes the amount of time spent waiting and eliminates the type of paint handling that can cause spills.
Do the dirtiest step first. Handprinting and finger painting should be done prior to any written or decorative tasks. After applying and pressing paint, wipe hands off right away with a damp cloth or baby wipe before child moves on to next step.
Work in small groups. Handprint crafts are best done with no more than 4 or 5 children at a time. This way an adult can lead the child’s hand, and make sure the print is clean.
Pre-fold cards. On card projects, fold the cardstock prior to the session. Preschoolers can fold paper, but if it is pre-folded, it will save them a lot of time.
Label before it’s dry. Once the primary crafting step is finished, write each child’s name, age and year on the back of every project. Handprint crafts can be hard to distinguish when dry, in a class of 20 children.
Give adequate drying time. Most washable paint will dry in 15 to 30 minutes under normal classroom conditions. Salt dough and clay projects will take a whole day or more. Plan the drying process around the needs for drying, not the other way around.
Just as in Father’s Day, the same planning method for seasonal crafts is used throughout the year. The Shani Levni guide to preschool crafts for spring includes the same planning questions and concerns that spring-themed projects have: developmental skill levels the projects build, materials that are best suited for all ages.
Father’s Day Crafts for Preschoolers: Developmental Benefits of crafts
Making crafts for Father’s Day is not just an emotional affair. They support a number of areas of preschool development that are specifically valued by early childhood educators.
Fine motor development. The small muscles of the hand and fingers are strengthened by pressing a handprint, pinching the clay, tearing the paper and using a glue stick, which are all skills children will benefit from in later writing. Children learn to recognise shapes and colours with this heart fingerprint craft and practise their fine motor skills by stamping their fingers to make an art piece.
Language development. Preschool children have structured practice to convey their thoughts verbally in the “All About My Dad” questionnaire and through any craft that requires an adult to write words for the child to say. At 3 and 4 years of age, when a child is asked direct questions about a loved person, he/she can give surprisingly clear and specific answers.
Emotional intelligence. When a child makes something on purpose for someone else to select their colours, press their handprint and finish it carefully, it will give the idea of intentional giving and the feeling of wanting to please someone he loves. These are the basic social-emotional skills.
Creativity and self-expression. The mosaic card, the painted mug and the flower bouquet will allow preschoolers to be truly creative, without having to choose between right and wrong answers. It’s always theirs as it is not a colouring sheet.
If a preschool child is naturally interested in painting and colour, there are art activities other than holiday crafts that can help build that interest. In Shani Levni’s book on painting classes for children and adults, the author discusses the ways in which children and adults can use structured painting classes as a context for teachers and parents to help them pursue the joy of painting beyond the craft table.
Follow this materials guide to get ready for your Father’s Day Preschool Crafts
| Material | Used For | Where to Find |
| Washable finger paint | Handprints, finger prints | Craft stores, supermarkets |
| Cardstock (white and coloured) | Cards, frames, keepsakes | Craft stores, office supply |
| Salt dough (flour, salt, water) | Ornaments, plaques, frames | Kitchen pantry |
| Air-dry clay | Dishes, keychains, impressions | Craft stores |
| Fabric paint | Ties, tote bags, wearable crafts | Craft stores |
| Shrink plastic (Shrinky Dinks) | Keychains | Craft stores, online |
| Plain ceramic mugs | Fingerprint mugs | Dollar stores, home goods |
| Canvas tote bags | Handprint totes | Craft stores, dollar stores |
| Googly eyes | Cards, characters | Craft stores |
| Pipe cleaners (green) | Flower stems | Craft stores |
| Ribbon | Ornament hanging | Craft stores, fabric stores |
| Baby wipes | Immediate hand cleaning after paint | Supermarkets |
All items listed are readily available, low-cost, and safe to use in preschool with reputable suppliers. Washable paint is particularly recommended for use by children under 5 years, as it can be cleaned from skin, clothing and surfaces without the use of solvent.
Conclusion
The best Father’s Day crafts for preschoolers are the ones that are unique and memorable: the size of a child’s hand at a specific age, the colors he or she picked for a certain morning, the words to describe their dad at 3 years old. The handprint made this June won’t look the same as the handprint made next June, and that’s what makes it worth holding on to.
Handprint and fingerprint projects are the most practical and most emotionally meaningful crafts for this age because, although not the easiest to make, they are definitely the most personal. However a preschooler creates their gift for dad this Father’s Day, the process of creating with care and intention is the gift.
Discover the rest of Shani Levni‘s library for craft guides, seasonal activities and creative resources for kids and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest Father’s Day craft for preschoolers?
Handprint card is the simplest craft for a preschool Father’s Day. Use washable paint to make a child’s hand print, press down on white card paper, remove the hand and write “Best Dad Hands Down!” next to the print when dry. No cutting, no gluing, and no drying time other than paint. Total active time is less than 10 minutes.
What are some ideas for crafts for 2 year olds for Father’s Day?
Any craft allowing hand pressing, finger stamping or tearing paper may be used for two year olds. Handprint card, paper torn mosaic heart card, and thumbprint heart dish in paper form are the best options. Adult assistance is needed for all steps, but the child can independently do the pressing and stamping.
Which Father’s Day Projects are Best for Preschool Classrooms?
Handprint and fingerprint crafts are the most practical because they require very little materials, the outcome is the same for all children, regardless of their skill level, and can be done in one session. The handprint trophy card, the fingerprint DAD craft and the All About My Dad questionnaire card are all appropriate for a class of 15 to 25 children and 1 to 2 adults.
What is the easiest way to make a salt dough hand print for the Father’s Day?
Combine 2 cups plain flour, 1 cup salt and 1 cup water to make a smooth dough. Roll it to half an inch thickness and press the child’s hand down hard. With a knife, cut around the handprint, leaving a border. Bake with a hole in the top to hang. Bake at 200°F until hard, 2-3 hours. Paint, varnish and add the child’s name and year.
What supplies do I need to make crafts for Father’s Day preschool?
The core materials include washable finger paint, white cardstock and a marker that is adequate for most handprint and fingerprint card projects. To create more lasting keepsakes, add salt dough ingredients (flour, salt, water) or air-dry clay. Add a plain fabric tie or canvas tote and non-toxic fabric paint to make wearable crafts.
What do you write on a Father’s Day handprint craft?
Some good and effective messages are: “Best Dad Hands Down!”, “I love you THIS much!”, “Happy Father’s Day from [child’s name] age [age] [year]”, “Hands Down, You’re the Best!,” and “These little hands love you. It is highly recommended to add the child’s age and the year to make it more meaningful as a keepsake each year.