15 Custom Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Get ready—it’s time to celebrate dad. The one day a year dedicated to showing your pops just how much he means to you and your family is right around the corner. Why not make this Father’s Day stand out from all of the rest? To help make this year extra special, we’ve rounded up some great Father’s Day ideas that are super fun, creative, and won’t break the bank. From special homemade arts and crafts to various outdoor activities, and of course, custom apparel we have something to suit every dad’s style. Check out our top Father’s Day ideas in the list below!

15 Ideas for Custom Father’s Day Gifts

1. The BBQ Box

Is your dad king of the grill? Make Pops a barbecue box filled with all the grillin’ essentials. He’s always finding a reason to fire up that grill, which means it’s probably time to upgrade his grilling tools. Set Dad up with a brand new set of grilling tongs and a silicone basting brush for all those sauces he’s concocting. For an extra tasty touch, make a jar of your own specialty brown sugar rib rub or pick up a tried and dad-approved favorite of his to throw in. Tailor his BBQ box to his taste buds by choosing a variety of spicy, sweet, and savory sauces. Set your grill father up for grilling success by adding his drink of choice to the box—because grilling is just better with a frosty brew in hand. Now that Dad’s stocked with new tools, the perfect flavor, and his favorite drink, the only thing he’s missing is the custom t-shirt he’ll wear with pride for years to come while grilling up feasts fit for a king… himself! If you need a little design help when it comes to your grill master’s custom tee, add the Grill Master mockup to our Hanes Authentic Pocket T‑shirt. Dad’s sure to feel like the real Grill Father after a gift this good!

2. Dad Rocks Paperweight

This super easy homemade paperweight is a great craft, especially for young kids. The first step is finding the perfect rock—check the backyard or hit up a nearby park. Once you find a winner, wash off the dirt and let it dry. The next step is to paint it. After it’s dry, use a sharpie to write a special message, such as “My Dad Rocks!” Don’t forget to sign and date it, too. Dad can take his paperweight to work and have constant reminder of how you feel about him at the office.

3. Tribute T-shirt

Is your dad known for spouting off the same line, joke, or mantra? Put it on a custom t-shirt! If you’re crafty, go all out and do it yourself. If not, no worries, Custom Ink has got you covered with our list of Father’s Day Slogans. You’ll have a blast coming up with your own design in our Design Lab. Order a shirt available in any quantity, or get custom gear for the whole family. Dad will love the tribute and his new tee!
 
 
 

4. ‘Nuts’ About You Frame

This is the perfect gift for the dad that doubles as the handyman. All you need is an unfinished wood picture frame, some paint, glue, alphabet stickers, and assorted hardware nuts in different sizes—plus, of course, a great picture of you. First, paint the picture frame and let it dry. Next, apply the stickers to say “We’re Nuts About You, Dad.” Now, use the glue to adhere various nuts to the remaining parts of the frame. Finally, add your favorite photo to the frame and the gift is ready to go! Quick, easy, and a present dad will be nuts about.

5. TEE-rific Time

Is dad a golf fanatic? Celebrate Father’s Day with his favorite pastime. Go to a driving range, a mini golf course, or set up a putt-putt course in your own back yard. It can be fun to make your own wacky course with old toys, cups, cones, and boxes. Make dad a special lunch by serving up some golf “club” sandwiches and a side of “chips” for an easy meal. Make sure to have a big pitcher of Arnold Palmer on hand (half ice-tea, half lemonade)! If you want to give dad a present, how about a new set of golf balls or a custom polo shirt? The day is sure to be a ball.

6. Cool Coasters

Make dad a unique set of coasters this Father’s Day. Collect some cardboard beer carriers or soda boxes—these will be the design on the coasters, so make sure they’re dad’s favorite! Use a pen and trace the coaster (4×4 inch tile picked up at local craft store) on the cardboard so it’s the same size as the tile – then cut the square out of the cardboard. Next, brush a coat of Mod Podge onto the back of cardboard and place on top of tile. If it starts to bubble, smooth it out. Turn it over to dry for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this step 3 more times, letting the coat of Mod Podge dry in between layers. Once completely dry, sand down any rough edges. Finish by placing the self adhesive felt pads on the bottom of tiles. In order to protect your coaster and make it last longer, paint a coat of clear polycrylic protective finish over the top. Dad will be super impressed with his custom coaster and they’re sure to be a perfect addition to his man cave.

7. Dad Hats

Dad Hats are so in this summer and nothing says Happy Father’s Day like a custom hat for Dad! Pop will be on trend and feeling the love all at once with this easy to order gift. If you’re in need of a good starting place, check out all of our Father’s Day design templates or have one of our talented artists create the perfect masterpiece. With a minimum order quantity of 12, this look is perfect for getting a group together to celebrate Dad. Plan for a meet up at a local brewery to celebrate in style this Father’s Day. We’re eyeing the Comfort Colors Pigment Dyed Hat in Vineyard.

8. Throwback Photo Op

By now we’ve all seen the super cool recreations of a favorite photo from childhood. Dad’s totally in on the fun in this kicked up throwback where he’s the star. The key to throwback success? Nail the outfits. Your local thrift store is the best bet for adult-sized version of your retro attire. It’s not likely you’ll find the exact match, but keep your eyes out for things that could work with a little creativity. Not finding that floral dress with white ruffle bib four-year-old you rocked? Wear a dress from today in a similar shade and pattern with a bib made from an old curtain. If you’re fresh out of dated curtains (we don’t judge!), cut a bib out of an old t-shirt and attach lace from a craft store. Once you’ve snapped the perfect photo, put the throwback and the reenactment side by side in a two photo frame. Not only will Dad get the coolest keepsake, the memory will be twice as sweet now that you’ve lived it twice! Bonus points if Dad’s still got the outfit he was rocking a couple decades back!

9. Backyard Camping

Does dad love the great outdoors, but doesn’t have time for a weekend away? Bring on the father-child bonding and enjoy the nature of your own backyard. Break out the tent and sleeping bags and put dad’s manly credentials to the test (but remember, if all goes wrong you’re only a short distance from a clean bathroom and stocked fridge)! Roast hot dogs, make s’mores, and sing campfire tunes all night long. You can even take a pre-dinner hike around the neighborhood. Don’t forget the after dark ghost stories and flashlight tag. Want to get dad a new tee to wear in the great outdoors? Check out our ‘intense dad’ shirt as seen above here. Fresh air with his kids—Dad is sure to be a happy camper!

10. Reasons I Love You Book

We all love and appreciate dad, but he doesn’t hear it enough. So why not capture all of the things you admire about him in a one-of-a-kind book? Go to your local craft store and pick up a blank book that you can fill in with all of the reasons you love your papa bear. If you’re not artsy, don’t worry, there are plenty of websites out there to help you create and print a book like a pro. It’s fun to include “reasons why” from your siblings and mom, but is sure to be just as special if it’s just from you. Get the tissues ready—it’s time to tell dad just how important he is to you.

11. An Event to Remember

Make Dad feel special with more than just a gift, make a memory! Don’t worry too much about a big expensive to-do, sometimes all Dad needs is some QT with his kiddos. Forgo the typical lunch or dinner and spend time on his turf. Is he a big fisher? Buy a few new lures, hit up his favorite spots, and don’t look at the clock once. That’s a gift he’ll appreciate more than a new tie. If Dad’s big into golf, set up a day at the range. Not only will he love the initiative, he’ll have the best day teeing off with his kid. Whatever Dad’s favorite hobby (baseball, brews, Nascar, etc), plan a day doing exactly what he wants. He’s going to love not only spending the day with you, but spending the day doing something he loves. To make a good day a long lasting memory, create custom t-shirts to wear. Try out the “Dad Since 20XX” template or the “World’s Best Dad” on the Anvil Hooded Long Sleeve T-shirt. He’ll be able to rock this custom look year round while showing off to the world that he’s the best dad around, duh!

12. Dad’s Stache

The old man doesn’t need some elaborate gift to know how much you love him. This Father’s Day gift idea will show Dad you’re thinking of him while not breaking the bank. To craft this DIY thank you for Dad, you’ll need a 32 oz mason jar (or any glass jar with lid) and acrylic enamel paint in black (or whatever Pop’s favorite color is). Practice drawing a mustache and filling it in with the paintbrush a few times before getting started on the glass. You’ll want to feel pretty confident in your skills before starting on the real deal. Space out your artwork with enough room for a big mustache and the words, “Dad’s Stache”. Let your jar air dry for at least 24 hours and then fill with Dad’s favorite goodies- butterscotch candies, fishing lures, M&MS, honey roasted peanuts, or even a mix of golf balls and tees. Dad’s sure to love this little ‘stache just for him.

13. Go Adventurous

Take dad out for a thrill. Find the nearest go-kart track, hand him a helmet, and watch dad’s inner speed demon go crazy. You’ll have a blast zipping around the track all day together. Is paintball more his thing? Nothing says “I love you” quite like a family paintball battle. No matter what adventurous activity you choose, you and dad will have a day to remember.
 
 

14. Picnic for Pops

Give dad a delicious dinner al fresco for his special day. Find your favorite spot in the park or set up your backyard with a blanket in the grass and a few throw pillows for a true picnic vibe. If you want to fire up the grill, classic cheeseburgers or hot dogs are sure to win dad’s heart. If you want to keep it more simple, make dad his favorite sandwich. To complete the meal, make up a few of his most-loved side dishes such as corn on the cob, baked beans, or potato salad. Don’t forget a six-pack of dad’s favorite beer! Pull out the corn hole and bocce ball set—this Father’s Day picnic is one the whole family will enjoy. It’s sure to leave dad with a heart as full as his belly.

15. Sports Tournament

Time to get physical. Get outside and compete in a fun game of family kickball or baseball. Rally up the siblings or a few neighborhood families and let the games begin. Don’t forget the team tees or jersey! It’s perfect way to unite your team, commemorate the day, and make an extra special gift for dad.
 
Looking for more Father’s Day inspiration? Check out our dad-themed design templates! There’s a design to suit every papa.