Make a Present for Your Dad
Make a handmade present for your dad by creating a decorated photo frame, writing a heartfelt note, and wrapping it with creativity.
About this activity
Make a handmade present for your dad by creating a decorated photo frame, writing a heartfelt note, and wrapping it with creativity.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Clear a flat workspace and lay out all your materials where you can reach them.
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Step 2
Place the photo on the cardboard or frame and use the ruler and pencil to trace a rectangle slightly bigger than the photo.
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Step 3
Cut out the outer rectangle from the cardboard using scissors to make the base of your frame.
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Step 4
Draw a smaller rectangle inside the cardboard base so the photo will show through the window.
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Step 5
Carefully cut out the inner window so your photo can peek through the frame.
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Step 6
Decorate the front of the frame with coloring materials and stickers to make it special for Dad.
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Step 7
Turn the frame over and use the glue stick to attach the photo to the back so it lines up with the window.
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Step 8
Take a piece of paper and write a heartfelt note to Dad telling him why he is special to you.
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Step 9
Decorate your note with a small drawing or colorful border using your coloring materials.
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Step 10
Fold the note into a small card so it fits nicely with the frame.
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Step 11
Wrap the frame and folded note together using wrapping paper and tape to make a surprise present.
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Step 12
Tie a ribbon or string around the wrapped gift and add a sticker or bow for a finishing touch.
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Step 13
Share a photo of your finished present on DIY.org so everyone can see your awesome gift for Dad.
Fun facts
How do I make a handmade present for my dad with a decorated photo frame, note, and creative wrapping?
Start by choosing a favorite photo and a plain frame or make one from cardboard. Decorate the frame with paint, stickers, glued buttons, or pressed leaves. Write a short heartfelt note—include a memory, what you love, and a drawing. Place the photo and note into the frame, add a ribbon or bow, then wrap with decorated kraft paper or patterned gift wrap. Let glue and paint dry between steps and add a finishing sticker or tag.
What materials do I need to make a handmade present for my dad?
You’ll need a photo and a frame (store-bought or homemade from cardboard), glue, scissors, paint or markers, and brushes. Add decorative items like stickers, sequins, buttons, washi tape, ribbons, and colored paper. For the note use a pen, colored pencils, or markers and plain or decorative paper. Optional: clear tape, mod podge or clear spray for sealing, a gift bag or wrapping paper and tape for finishing.
What ages is this gift-making activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages about 3–12 with adult help for younger kids. Toddlers (3–5) can choose decorations, paste larger stickers, and color with supervision. Elementary kids (6–9) can paint, write simple notes, and assemble the frame. Older children (10–12+) can design more detailed frames, write longer heartfelt messages, and wrap creatively. Adjust tools and supervision: use kid-safe scissors and glue for younger children.
What are the benefits of making a handmade present for Dad?
Making a handmade gift builds creativity, fine motor skills, and planning. It encourages emotional expression as kids practice writing and sharing feelings. The activity strengthens family bonds when parents assist or discuss memories. Giving a personal gift also boosts a child’s confidence and teaches thoughtfulness. It’s a low-cost way to practice art, improve handwriting, and create a keepsake Dad will cherish for years.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have cardboard, scissors, or a glue stick?
Use a flattened cereal box panel or the back of a sturdy greeting card instead of cardboard, have an adult cut with a craft knife or let kids tear along a ruler if you don't have scissors, and use double-sided tape or clear school glue to attach the photo after cutting the window.
What should we do if the inner window ends up crooked or the photo doesn't line up?
Before cutting, place the photo on the cardboard and trace the exact window with the ruler and pencil, cut slowly (or get adult help), and if it's already wrong hide gaps by gluing a thin decorative paper border behind the frame and then reattach the photo with the glue stick or tape.
How can we change the activity for different ages?
For preschoolers have an adult pre-cut the frame and let them color and sticker the front, for elementary kids let them trace, cut, write the heartfelt note, and wrap the gift, and for tweens/teens add painting, layered matting, or a collage and encourage a longer written note or digital photo upload to DIY.org.
How can we make the present more special or unique for Dad?
Add a pocket on the back with extra paper to tuck the folded note, glue small mementos or a ticket stub to the frame front, write a short poem along the border with a marker, or personalize the wrapping with ribbon, a bow, and a hand-drawn gift tag before sharing a photo on DIY.org.