14 DIY Father’s Day gift basket ideas to make Dad’s day

A DIY Father's Day gift basket that includes a card, a framed photo of a father and his toddler daughter, a metal bottle opener in the shape of a trout, a pencil cup in the shape of a trophy that reads,

Father’s Day only comes once a year—so it’s time to make the most of this chance to celebrate the dads and father figures in your life.

But even though a great dad is easy to love, sometimes he can be tough to shop for! It can feel daunting picking out that one perfect gift for Dad, but the good news is you don’t have to pick just one. A DIY gift basket is a great way to combine multiple gifts in a way that feels personalized and a little extra special.

In this article, you’ll find 14 specific DIY Father’s Day gift basket ideas, plus general tips on putting together the perfect basket. Whether the dad in your life is a pop-culture buff, an outdoorsman, a master chef, a jokester or deep into a niche hobby, we’ve got you covered.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

Basic tips about how to make a Father’s Day gift basket  

If you’ve never put together a gift basket before, don’t worry—it’s a simple project and there’s no wrong way to do it. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind as you get started:

  • Think about what the recipient likes. Part of what makes a Father’s Day gift special is showing the recipient how well you know him. So before you pick out a theme for your gift basket, think about the recipient’s hobbies and interests. What always makes him smile? What can’t he stop talking about? Is there anything you and he love to do together or any shared favorite things you bond over? The more your gift basket can cater to your recipient’s individual taste, the better.
  • Pick out a theme. There’s technically no rule that you can’t mix together some unrelated presents and call it a gift basket—but if you want to create a memorable gift basket that really hangs together, you’ll probably want to pick a theme. You can choose from the DIY Father’s Day gift basket ideas below, or you can invent your own theme.
  • The “basket” doesn’t have to be a basket. Depending on your theme, it could be appropriate to present your gifts in a cooler, a bucket, a popcorn bowl, a suitcase or just about any other container that feels right. Bonus points if your “basket” feels like part of the present and is something the recipient can use.
  • Make it look nice. There’s no need to do anything fancy but do spend a little time arranging the gifts in a way that looks intentional and aesthetically pleasing. Your recipient will notice the extra care you put in.
  • Get the kids involved. If you’re putting together a gift basket for your partner in parenting, have the kids pitch in! Whether they help select the gifts, arrange and decorate the basket or add a hand-scribbled note or picture, they’ll help dad feel extra appreciated.
  • Add a note. Including a card, a letter or even a short note with your gift basket can make it all the more meaningful. Your note can include a message of gratitude, good wishes for the day or even some comments explaining what you included in the basket.

For the best dad in the galaxy  

A DIY Father's Day gift basket for a Star Wars fan that includes a set of four drinking glasses featuring characters from the franchise, a plush Darth Vader, a plush mini Grogu gift card holder, novelty socks that look like the clothing worn by Obi Wan and Darth Vader, a tape dispenser shaped like a light saber, a light-up bookshelf decoration that features a scene from Hoth, and a card featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu that reads,

 

The Star Wars™ fandom spans generations. If you and the dad you’re celebrating share a love of things that go PEW PEW PEW, this basket is just right for you. Start with cinema’s most powerful dad, this itty bittys® biggies Darth Vader™ plush, and then add these Obi-Wan Kenobi™ and Darth Vader novelty socks, a Lightsaber™ tape dispenser and a Hoth Battle Scene light-up book nook decoration.

Then make any beverage a special one with a Jedi™ drinking glass set (green milk not included). Finally, celebrate the bond between dad and child with this The Mandalorian™-themed card, and a Grogu™ plush gift card holder.

For the angler dad  

My dad taught me how to fish, and fishing is something we still love doing together. If fishing is something you and your dad share, then a basket stuffed with fishing-themed goodies could be the perfect Father’s Day gift.

Lures are a good place to start—there are so many to choose from that you can easily pick some Dad doesn’t already have. Then think about helpful fishing accessories he could really use. Does he have a measuring board? A scale? Lip grippers? Hook removers? A hook sharpener? Fishing gloves? A good fillet knife?

If he already has everything he needs for his time on the water, you still have options; you could find him a good book about fishing or some fun fish-themed accessories or kitchen linens or a tasty fish-breading mix. Finally, top it off with a fishy card, like this customizable “Father’s Day cod.”

For the boss dad  

A DIY Father's Day gift basket in the form of a file box that's filled with gift products from Hallmark's The Office collection, including a mug that reads,

 

If your dad’s comfort show involves the World’s Best Boss, this DIY Father’s Day gift basket is a great way to show you know him. Enter the world of The Office with a blanket that shows the whole Dunder Mifflin layout and then add a Kevin’s Famous Chili mug (just make sure not to drop it).

If your dad works in a real-life office, then at his desk he can proudly display this The Office tape dispenser with sound and this frame with magnetic catchphrase attachments. Then all that’s left is to add a fartfelt—I mean heartfelt—card.

For the chef dad  

Dads have long been famous for their skills at the grill, but tons of modern dads know how to work wonders in the kitchen, too. Whether you know a dad whose specialty is whipping up a stack of pancakes on Saturday morning or a five-star chef who knows his way around a soufflé, a cooking- and/or baking-themed gift basket could be just right for him.

A fun place to start could be snooping around Dad’s spice cabinet, then picking out some interesting spices he hasn’t tried. Does he have cardamom? Fenugreek? Chipotle powder? You could also think about fun and flavorful jarred ingredients, like sauces or fancy olives.

Then think about utensils and cookware that could come in handy—anything from a pie server to a knife sharpener to a kitchen scale to a good nonstick pan. You could also find a cookbook he might enjoy or look for a dish towel or apron with a design that fits his personality.

Finally, as usual, we’ve got you covered with some relevant Father’s Day cards, like this one about cheese or this one about grilling.

For the cowboy dad  

A DIY Father's Day gift basket with a TV's Yellowstone theme, including a card that reads,

 

The dad in your life may or may not be a tough-as-nails cowboy, but if he’s a fan of westerns, there’s a good chance he loves Yellowstone. If so, then this Yellowstone lowball glass will probably become his go-to for whisky and this Yellowstone mug his favorite way of drinking coffee. Either one will fit nicely on Dutton Ranch leather coasters.

To show his love of the series even further, Dad can proudly display a Yellowstone tea towel, not to mention a cowboy apron and bottle opener set and Yellowstone Dutton Ranch barn salt and pepper shakers.

And whether you admire his hardworking grit or you’re just glad he’s around to binge-watch a show with you, you can tell him so in a card.

For the outdoorsy dad  

So many dads love the outdoors—and there are so many ways to enjoy being outside. If you’re looking for DIY Father’s Day gift basket ideas for an outdoorsy dad, try focusing in on his specific favorite pastime:

  • If he’s a hunter, he might appreciate some camo gear, a high-quality turkey call or a good hunting knife.
  • If he’s into hiking, he could enjoy trail snacks, a survival kit, a compass, a quality water bottle or a book about the best trails in your area.
  • If he’s getting into birding, he might like an upgraded pair of binoculars, a field guide or some bird-themed apparel.

 

You get the idea—whether the dad you have in mind is all about camping, climbing, foraging, kayaking or any of a dozen other outdoor pastimes, you can probably think of some small gifts he’ll love.

Then top off your basket with a nature-themed Father’s Day card, like this one, this one, this one, this one or this one!

For the foodie dad  

When you think about gift baskets, the first thing you picture is probably a wicker basket filled with fancy snacks or expensive fruit. But even though the foods in those mail-order baskets can be delicious, you can use your expert knowledge of Dad’s tastes to put together a DIY snack basket that he’ll enjoy even more.

Try including a mix of sweet treats and savory snacks. You can pick some of his known favorites, but this is also a great chance to spoil him with a few gourmet selections he wouldn’t normally splurge on.

Better yet, you could bake something homemade to give the basket an even more personal touch, like these bacon chocolate chip cookies. Then keep on-topic with a food-themed card.

For the best dad ever  

A DIY Father's Day gift basket that includes a card, a framed photo of a father and his toddler daughter, a metal bottle opener in the shape of a trout, a pencil cup in the shape of a trophy that reads,

 

If you know the best dad in the world, it’s time to give him his props! Start with this “Best Dad Ever” trophy pencil holder and this “A Reel Keeper” fish-shaped bottle opener. Then make things really special with a “Grilly Great Guy” apron and a “Best Dad Hands Down” trinket dish, which can both be personalized with the handprints of everybody Dad loves most.

Speaking of Dad’s favorite people, pick out a perfect group photo to put in this “One Rad Dad” picture frame. Then just in case he still hasn’t put together that you think he’s awesome, top things off with a “Peak Perfection” grilling spatula and a heartfelt Father’s Day card.

For the coach dad  

Dads and sports go together like summer days and baseball. If you want to make a sports-themed DIY Father’s Day gift basket, a great place to start could be gifts related to Dad’s favorite team—think apparel, decor, dishware or basically anything else that comes with a team logo. Or you could really swing for the fences with some meaningful memorabilia—something like an autographed ball or a trading card featuring a favorite player.

Other dads love playing sports even more than they love watching them. If you know a dad like that, then depending on his sport of choice you may be able to get him some useful equipment (e.g., fresh new tennis balls or shuttlecocks, specialized socks for running or batting gloves for baseball). Another option would be to introduce him to a new sport, with a gift like a pickleball paddle, disc golf disc or bocce set.

Finally, don’t forget to add a sports-themed Father’s Day card, like this one or this one.

For the jokester dad  

From their terrible puns to their goofy antics, dads will do just about anything to make you laugh. If you want to return the favor, try a basket of funny presents, like a dumpster-fire scented candle, also available in magical unicorn. Add some silly socks to remind dad he’s kind of a big dill.

Then if Dad’s a true silly goose, add this dad joke mug. After that, it’s up to you to pick out whatever wacky or witty gifts you think would tickle Dad’s funny bone. And just in case you want to add a side-splitting card, we kinda made a whole bunch of them.

For the dad who got promoted to grandad  

Father’s Day is for grandpas, too! You can celebrate a new grandpa with a customizable “Promoted to Grandparent” mug or an old pro with this Grandpa’s stories desk accessory. Meanwhile, any grandpa will look great in these stylish socks. There’s nothing grandpas love more than bragging about their grandkids, so add this “Best Grandkids” picture frame and grandkids garden stone.

Speaking of grandkids, enlist their help filling Grandpa’s gift basket—their drawings or craft projects will give it an unforgettable personal touch. And, of course, once you’re ready to add a grandpa-specific card, you know where to look.

For the dad who appreciates handmade  

There’s something extra meaningful about gifts you made yourself. If you want to take the DIY-ness of your DIY gift basket to the next level, try filling it with handmade gifts. Lean in to your strongest skills—if you have a talent for drawing or embroidery or woodworking or poetry-writing or baking or any number of other creative pursuits, use it to create something that shows Dad he’s loved.

If you’re not a natural-born artist, no worries—pick a project from these 9 homemade Father’s Day gift ideas, many of which come with instructions and printables to help get you started.

This basket is also a great one for the kids to help out with! Whether they draw something, make something, decorate one of these printable Father’s Day coloring pages or write a heartfelt note using these printable Father’s Day writing prompts for kids, Dad will feel proud and appreciated.

For the dad on the go  

So many people have favorite memories of taking trips planned (or over-planned) by their dads. Whether you know a dad who loves to captain long road trips, take creative day trips or hop on planes to explore the world, a travel-themed gift basket could be right for him.

Travel games, travel snacks or a nice travel mug could be a good place to start. You can also include mementos of favorite past trips together, like a framed photo or even a DIY memory box. Alternatively, you could look to the future by planning a trip to take with dad and including tickets, maps or an itinerary in your basket.

Finally, if you’re looking for a travel-relevant Father’s Day card, try this one!

For the film-buff dad  

Whether or not the dad you’re celebrating is a hardcore cinephile, he probably likes movies. Try putting together a basket that gives him the movie-theater experience right at home (popcorn and king-size candy taste even better when you’re not paying movie-theater prices). Even so, there’s nothing like the real thing—so throw in some tickets or a gift card for a local movie theater.

Then look for gifts related to Dad’s personal favorite movies. Unless his tastes are pretty obscure, you should be able to find T-shirts, mugs or even cards that feature his favorite characters!

For more Father’s Day ideas to make Dad feel amazing and let him know he’s loved, check out these articles: