DIY Garden Gifts for Kids to Make for Dad

6 Sweet & Simple Father’s Day Projects + Printables

Father’s Day in the garden is a beautiful thing—sunshine, soil, laughter, and a whole lot of love. Whether Dad is planting tomatoes, building raised beds, or just relaxing in a lawn chair with his favorite drink, a handmade gift from his kids will mean the world. These DIY garden gifts are simple enough for children to make (with a little help!) and full of personal charm that store-bought items just can’t match.

From painted pots to living bookmarks and stepping stones filled with meaning, every project in this guide includes printable instructions—perfect for moms, Sunday school leaders, homeschool groups, or anyone organizing a Father’s Day craft session. Let’s get creative and celebrate the dads who dig deep, plant love, and grow joy. 🌻

🖌️ 1. Painted Pots with Personality

Let kids decorate a clay pot just for Dad—perfect for a basil plant, succulent, or even a “Dad’s Grill Herbs” mix.

Materials:

• Small terra cotta pots
• Acrylic paint & brushes
• Paint pens or Sharpies
• Clear sealer (optional)

Steps:

1. Paint and decorate the pot. Add “Best Dad Ever,” handprints, or silly faces.
2. Let it dry fully, then spray with clear sealer (optional).
3. Add a plant or seed packet inside.

🖨️ Download printable instructions here.

🌿 2. Herb-Scented Bookmarks

These rustic bookmarks smell amazing and make sweet keepsakes for dads who love to read or cook.

Materials:

• Cardstock
• Glue stick
• Dried herbs (lavender, rosemary, thyme)
• Twine or ribbon
• Hole punch

Steps:

1. Cut bookmark-sized rectangles (about 1.5″ x 6″).
2. Apply glue and sprinkle with herbs. Gently press and shake off excess.
3. Punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon.
4. Write a punny message on the back: “Dad, you’re mint to be mine!”

🖨️ Download printable instructions here.

🪨 3. Garden Stepping Stones

Create a garden keepsake with handprints, marbles, and love that lasts for years.

Materials:

• Quick-set concrete or stepping stone kit
• Disposable mold (pan, lid, or box)
• Decorative pebbles or glass gems
• Toothpick or craft stick for writing

Steps:

1. Mix and pour concrete into your mold.
2. Let kids decorate the surface with names, prints, and gems.
3. Allow to dry completely before unmolding.

🖨️ Download printable instructions here.

✂️ 4. “Dad’s Garden Helper” Coupon Book

A sweet and funny booklet full of helpful gestures kids can offer in the garden.

Materials:

• Printable template
• Markers or crayons
• Stapler

Steps:

1. Print the coupon pages.
2. Let kids color and add custom ideas (like “Free wheelbarrow pushing!” or “1 tomato harvest with hugs”).
3. Stack and staple.

🖨️ Download printable instructions here.

🌼 5. Flowerpot Photo Holder

Turn a mini flowerpot into a cheerful photo holder for Dad’s desk or garden shed.

Materials:

• Small flowerpot
• Craft foam or pebbles
• Wire (floral wire or pipe cleaner)
• Printed photo
• Optional: paint and decorate the pot

Steps:

1. Paint and decorate the pot if desired.
2. Fill with pebbles or foam.
3. Wrap wire into a spiral on one end and stick into the pot.
4. Slide a small photo of the child or a Father’s Day message into the spiral.

🖨️ Download printable instructions here.

🧺 6. “Grow with Me” Garden Tote

Kids can decorate a canvas garden tote or tool bag with their handprints and special notes for Dad.

Materials:

• Plain canvas bag or apron
• Fabric paint
• Foam brushes or sponges
• Markers (fabric-safe)

Steps:

1. Let kids stamp their handprints on the bag using fabric paint.
2. Add names, hearts, and little drawings.
3. Write “Dad’s Garden Buddy” or “We Grow Together” with markers.

🖨️ Download printable instructions here.

🧑‍🌾 Make the Moment Matter

Crafting a garden gift isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the joy of creating together. Whether your little one is covered in paint, proudly pressing rosemary into a bookmark, or sneaking a photo into a flowerpot holder, these moments are seeds of love that grow deeper roots with time.

💌 Keep Growing With Me

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If this is the kind of gardening you want more of, Rooted in Grace is my free guide to it.