Creative and thoughtful Father’s Day gift ideas from kids and adults.

Why Father’s Day gifts can make his day.

Father’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a chance to pause and celebrate the role that dads, stepdads, and father figures play in our lives. Whether it’s their first year as a dad or their fiftieth, a small gesture goes a long way. From helping with homework and being your biggest supporter to being the family taxi driver or being treated like a walking cash machine, there are plenty of reasons why dads deserve thanks and recognition. That’s what makes a gift on Father’s Day, especially a creative or handmade one from the kids, so special. It is both a reminder of those memories and a show of appreciation.

For those creating something with their own hands or their child’s, Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to get creative. And whether you’re crafting as a family, creating a digital card, or printing something personal like a photo calendar or a t-shirt, you can make all sorts of designs that are packed with meaning. Adobe Express makes it easy to bring those ideas to life with templates and creative ideas that help you craft something moving without needing design experience.

How to choose a meaningful Father’s Day gift.

Meaningful gifts don’t need to cost a lot; they just need to feel personal and like they were made with care. Start by thinking about what he loves. Is he a fan of a certain football team? A proud new dad? A BBQ king? Use these character traits to guide your gift idea. Ultimately, think about what makes him such a special person and what makes him such a great dad. A handmade family poster featuring your own family photos, a gift certificate for a super special item he’s been wanting, or a personalised photo calendar full of inside jokes can mean far more than something bought off the shelf.

If you’re short on time or inspiration, start with a Father’s Day card template and add your own twist. Use a heartfelt quote or upload a photo or your child’s doodle. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s personalisation. That’s what makes the difference. Adobe Express is perfect for busy mums and families looking for a fun and easy way to create something customised to celebrate a father or stepdad. If you want to create a Father’s Day gift like a t-shirt or poster, you can even order prints of your designs straight through Adobe Express.

Easy Father’s Day gift ideas from kids.

Gifts from children are often the most treasured, especially when the kids have had a hand in making them. Whether the gift is made by a two-year-old, a twelve-year-old or an adult, fathers and stepfathers will appreciate the creative energy that’s gone into making their gifts. In fact, the process can be just as special as the finished result.

Here’s how to create something simple and heartfelt, together:

• Create a gift with their handprint. Start by browsing Father’s Day card templates, like these funny Father’s Day designs. Print out your favourite design, then let your child stamp their handprint either on top of the card or just inside. Add their name and date for a keepsake their dad will want to keep forever. You can also take a photo of your handprints and upload it to create your own t-shirt design. When you’re happy with the final finish, order your t-shirt straight through Adobe Express.
• Make a photo collage. Gather a few favourite snaps, from everyday moments to big milestones, and add them to the collage creator. Let your kids choose which photos to include and arrange them in the collage. Don’t forget to include little messages and other personal touches before downloading your design to print or share online.
• Record a message or quote. Turn the kids’ words into a visual. Use a quote poster maker to turn their favourite silly sayings and messages to dad, whether sweet, funny, or totally random, into a movie poster he’ll love. Browse poster templates to find a style that suits him best. If your kids want to record a video message for a dad or stepdad who's away over Father’s Day, get creative with the video maker or add your favourite family clips to an Instagram Reel to share across social media.
• Design a digital coupon. Dads need a day off and some TLC as a thank you for all they do. Give them a card stuffed full of coupons and let them decide when they want to redeem their gifts. You could include things like “1 big hug”, “movie night of your choice”, or “no chores today”. Design the coupons with the kids, then print them all out. Don’t forget to add them to your Father’s Day card.

These ideas are quick, easy, and fun to do, especially when using Adobe Express. Start out by exploring lots of different templates and then use the design editor to bring your ideas to life. For small businesses and creators wanting to make and sell Father’s Day merchandise, there are plenty of fun options for Father’s Day cards, gifts, and t-shirts to try out. Browse these personalised first Father’s Day cards for more inspiration.

Digital Father’s Day gifts to try out.

Not every gift needs wrapping paper. Digital gifts are a great option, especially for busy families or those celebrating from afar. A custom-designed video message, animated card, or digital photo book can feel just as special, and they’re easy to send instantly. You can also create a Father’s Day gift he can use, like a custom desktop background or laptop wallpaper. If you want a special phone wallpaper with a personal quote or a digital planner or a digital scrapbook, you can easily create those items too.

If the kids are a little older, it might be fun to create a “Dad appreciation” slideshow filled with hilarious photos, anecdotes and clips of the father in question. Create your own presentation from scratch or use the AI presentation maker to give you some help. Choose a theme he’ll love, and add colours and icons to match. Then, in the evening on Father’s Day, settle in for a presentation that will bring a smile to everyone’s face, especially the superdad in question.

Tips for celebrating Father’s Day in a special way.

It’s not just about the gift; it’s about how you give it. A thoughtful gesture, a shared meal, or a quiet moment together can make all the difference. If you’ve created a handmade or digital gift, think about how to present it in a fun or meaningful way. Maybe it’s over breakfast, hidden in his work bag, or revealed during a surprise video call. If his kids are still toddlers, maybe set up a dad gift treasure hunt so that they can participate in the fun. For teens and older children, putting on a special dinner with homemade cooking, special party invitations and a handcrafted menu could be a great way to celebrate.

If you’re part of a small business team creating content for a Father’s Day campaign, think about what your customers value. Use heartfelt stories, personal messages, or even run a social media competition where followers share their own Father’s Day tributes. With the right visuals and a clear message, your brand can join the celebration in a way that resonates. Use a business holiday calendar to stay on top of events and celebrations.

How Adobe Express can help you.

Whether you’re creating a printed Father’s Day card to order, a custom photo gift to download, or a digital post to share online, Adobe Express has free templates to help you get started. Tweak colours, change fonts, adjust layouts, and play with designs to create a final look that matches your brand or the recipient’s personal style. Discover hundreds of templates to create a thoughtful Father’s Day gift in minutes.

Try Adobe Express today