Father’s day is fast approaching! I’ll be honest. Carter and I are not huge gift givers! My favorite place to find gifts is at the thrift store… nothing better than finding the perfect gift secondhand and for an unbeatable price! This year’s father’s day gift is definitely second hand… 😉
But what if you can’t seem to find the perfect thrift store gift but still want to find a cheap gift for Dad, or maybe just something that is sustainably sourced. Here I have for you 17 homemade gift ideas for Dad that can be made from upcycled materials. Have fun and happy father’s day!
Sewing Projects
DIY Tool Roll
This project is what gave me the idea for this post, because Carter asked me to make one for him from his motorcycle tools! I used the fabric from an old pair of his work pants and an old flannel for the ties. Mine isn’t too fancy (I just made it up as I went), but here are some awesome tutorials I found for making your own!
Find this tutorial at Instructables Craft
Tutorial also found at Instructables Craft
Next is a similar idea, but for a different use!
DIY Travel Toiletries Bag
I’m thinking this upcycle project would work great with an old flannel shirt (if you want to get the plaid vibes like the photo above). What a great way to reuse the old flannel you might have just gotten rid of!
Tutorial found at The Crafty Gentleman
While we’re on the topic of sewing, here’s another fun project…
Upcycled Neck Tie Zip Bag
Rather than gifting the typical, cliché, (dare I say boring?) father’s day gift of a new neck tie, why not help him get rid of some of the old ones instead? If Dad gets a new tie every father’s day. Maybe Easter, Christmas, and on random other occasions, he’s bound to have a decent collection. This handy bag can re-purpose a favorite tie and be used for SO MANY things. The possibilities are endless!
Tutorial found at Polka Dot Chair
Upcycled Bow Tie
This is another sewing project I found at Polka Dot Chair. I think this would be another great way to re-purpose old ties. If he likes the pattern but is bored of the ordinary neck tie, maybe it’s time to give it a refresh and turn it into a bow tie! If you give this a try, PLEASE let me know how it goes!
Barbecue Tool Belt
I imagine upcycled denim from old jeans and a secondhand belt from the thrift store. Maybe you can even find leather or faux leather on a secondhand item you don’t mind cutting up! I think this idea is just too cute, though. You can find the tutorial at HGTV.com
This tutorial uses leather (which looks AWESOME), but I can think of so many upcycled fabrics that would be equally awesome. Denim and Flannel are both options I might try!
Tutorial at The Merry Thought
Upcycled Flannel Hand Warmers
These are about as basic as sewing gets, so are a GREAT beginner craft project. You can find the tutorial at Salvage Sister & Mister. This blog is AWESOME, full of tons of upcycling and waste-reducing ideas. You should definitely give this blog a look!
No Sew
If sewing makes you nervous (it definitely makes me a little nervous!), here are some easy projects for you!
The rest of these ideas give you ways to reuse the old jars you have (hopefully) been holding onto! I’m thinking baby food jars, jam jars… whatever jars you have could definitely work for these cool DIY gifts for Dad!
Homemade Shaving Cream
I found two different shaving cream recipes, so take your pick!
Recipe found at Coupons and Freebies Mom
Recipe found at Food for my Family
DIY Beard Oil
While this tutorial uses a fancy dropper bottle, you could definitely use the baby food jars for this, too!
Tutorial found at Everything Etsy.
Homemade BBQ Rub/Spice Mix
Here are three different BBQ rub recipes that go in cute little jars. Once again, use those jars you’ve been holding onto! While these recipes are for BBQ rubs, you could really do any type of spice mix. Taco seasoning, curry.. the sky is the limit here!
Recipe and free printable gift tags found at Beyond Good Intentions
Recipes and SVG pattern found at Salvage Sister and Mister
Recipes and printables found at Mom Advice
I hope these homemade upcycled gift ideas give you some inspiration for father’s day. I had so much fun compiling these and I am SO EXCITED to give some of these a try! Happy Dad’s Day!
Don’t forget to save this pin so others can see it and so you can remember these other ideas for next year!
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You might also like these other posts about upcycling projects.
DIY beeswax candles with recycled baby food jars
Lots of creative and fun ideas Heather! Thanks!