Creative Keepsake Young Children Can Make for Father's Day

If you want to look past the old traditions of ties and coffee cups this year, not because dad doesn't love them, but because you're ready for something new and different, try this really neat suggestion that even young children can create and decorate for dad instead. Make dad a truck.

You can personalize it with any message or theme you like, such as "Happy Father's Day."

First gather your supplies. You will need:

One rectangle-shaped, open top container. It can be cardboard, Styrofoam, or lightweight plastic. Make sure it is plain, not one with words or pictures on it.

One small, plain rectangular box, the same width as the small end of the rectangle-shaped container in the above instruction. This is going to be used for the front of the truck (or the cab)

Cardboard Tubes (enough to make nine wheels)

Paint and paintbrushes.

Paper or Posterboard

Crayons, Markers, or Glitter Pens

Craft Glue

Now you are ready to make the truck itself. First you want to paint the rectangular box, inside and out, the color of your choice. Make sure to let it dry completely.

Next you want to paint the small cardboard box (the cab of the truck). You can paint it the same color as you did the body, or any other color that you think dad will like. Allow to dry completely.

Cut nine equally sized wheels out of empty cardboard tubes. As an alternative, you can cut three wheels, equal in size to the width of the truck, and paint the ends with wheel holes in the middle. Since the wheels will be glued either way, which means they will be stationary and not mobile, the choice is merely a cosmetic one.

Paint the wheels the color you would like them to be and allow to dry completely. You can draw or paint dark holes in the center of each tire, if you want once the first coat of paint is dry. Allow to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

Glue wheels to the bottom of the truck. Three go under the cab, and three each go under the front and back ends of the larger rectangular container. Do not move until glue dries completely.

Now you want to create windows out of paper or posterboard. Create a long rectangle window for the front that looks like a windshield (you can even draw windshield wipers on it) and one on each side window. Make sure to draw a driver who looks like dad, and put a big smile on him. If dad wears a hat a lot, draw a hat on the character. You can draw him through the front window or you draw him on the driver's side window, looking out. You can also draw the steering wheel. If you are feeling really adventurous you can draw yourself in the passenger seat, or draw the whole family (don't forget the dog or cat) on the front window. You also want to cut out and color head lights for the front of the cab and possibly tail lights for the back. If you want to be extra creative you can make additional pictures, such as the name and logo of your father's business, a bumper sticker with dad's favorite cause, door handles, etc.

Glue pictures to truck cab and allow to dry.

You may want to fill the truck up with little niceties that dad enjoys, such as little treats, a small crossword puzzle book and pen, a tie and coffee cup (come on, smile, you know you want to), or whatever else you think he might like.

Paint the words, Happy Father's Day on the side of the truck if you want to, or decorate it any other way you think he might like. You can also just leave it plain if you decide that is the best look for this project. Now you have a really unique gift that is sure to remind dad of just how crazy you are about him and how much he is appreciated, not only on Father's Day, but on every day of the year.