Father's Day often comes sooner than you think. In Austria, Father's Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 14. So, if you haven't prepared anything yet, you don't need an expensive gift or a long shopping list. Especially with children, simple, personal things are usually nicer than something bought in a hurry.
Here are ideas that can be implemented at short notice using paper, pens, a jar, a few snacks, or small vouchers. What matters is not perfection, but that children can really participate.
1. Card with a tie or heart
A card is a classic, but it always works. You can cut out a tie, a shirt, a heart, or a small tool from colored paper and glue it onto a folded card. Younger children can add dots, stripes, or fingerprints.
If there is still time, each child can write a sentence inside: "This is what I like about you," "Thank you for..." or "My favorite moment with Dad was..."
2. Voucher booklet for shared time
A few small slips of paper, a paperclip, or a ribbon are enough. Each page gets a voucher: one ice cream together, a round of ball games, making breakfast, helping wash the car, a board game evening, or a walk.
To keep it realistic, it's better not to make huge promises. Small vouchers are more likely to be redeemed and bring more joy in everyday life.
3. Snack jar for Dad
A clean screw-top jar is filled with nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, chocolate chips, or a favorite mix. A ribbon or a small tag is attached to the outside. Children can paint the lid or design a label.
This is also practical if you no longer have time to go to the craft store: a jar, something from the pantry, and a piece of paper are enough.
4. Mini photo album made of paper
A sheet of A4 paper is folded like an accordion. Each section gets a photo, a drawing, or a short sentence. If you can't print photos, let the children draw small scenes: Dad grilling, reading aloud, riding a bike, or cuddling on the couch.
5. Breakfast plan for Sunday
A gift doesn't always have to be an object. Children can draw a small breakfast card and think together about what will be on the table on Sunday: rolls, fruit, coffee, cocoa, eggs, jam, or a simple cake.
The plan is then implemented on Father's Day. For children, it is often nice to be given a concrete task: folding napkins, washing fruit, pouring juice, or decorating the table.
6. "10 things I like about you"
This idea is quick and very personal. On ten small slips of paper, the child writes or draws things they like about Dad. Then the slips go into a jar, a small box, or an envelope.
Examples: "You play soccer with me," "You make funny voices," "You fix my bike," "You listen to me," or "You make the best pancakes."
7. Gift box made of cardboard
A small cardboard box can be covered with paper, painted, or decorated with stickers. Inside go small things: a voucher, a photo, a snack, a keychain, a drawing, or a self-folded heart.
This immediately feels like a gift, even if the individual items are very simple.
8. Dad-time instead of gift stress
Sometimes time is the best gift. Children can design a "Dad-time slip": an hour of building Lego, cycling together, a visit to the playground, a movie night, or a trip to the park.
This is especially good if you don't want to buy anything or are consciously looking for an inexpensive gift.
9. Wrap last-minute gifts nicely
If you already have a small gift, the packaging makes a big difference. Wrapping paper, colorful string, a cut-out heart, or a hand-drawn card are enough. Children can stamp the paper, paint it, or stick small paper shapes onto it.
What to avoid
- overly complicated craft ideas where only adults end up doing the work
- gifts with lots of glitter if everything has to be cleaned up afterwards
- food gifts that sit around unrefrigerated for a long time in the heat
- overly big promises in vouchers that are never redeemed in everyday life
The best benchmark is: Can the child really participate, and does Dad recognize afterwards that it comes from the heart? Then it fits.
My quick material list
- sturdier paper or cardboard
- colored pencils or felt-tip pens
- scissors and glue
- an empty jar or a small box
- ribbon, string, or wrapping paper
- a photo, if available
- small snacks or vouchers
With this, you can prepare something personal even on the evening before. And that is often more important for Father's Day gifts than anything else.
Caution
- Homemade gifts for Father's Day
- DIY gift box made of wood or cardboard
- Making cards yourself
- Homemade gifts
- Mom, Dad gives me time
- 10 gifts under 10 euros
Sources and further information
Article image: AI-generated symbolic image.
