Lovely childcare

Mother's Day & Father's Day Family Day Gift-Making Ideas

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

In recent years, with the diversification of families, more and more preschools are adopting a “Family Day” instead of limiting celebrations to Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

How about making gifts with the children to express everyday gratitude and say “thank you” to their beloved family members?

This time, we’re introducing craft ideas for gifts you’ll want to make for Family Day.

We’ve gathered lots of ideas that let you use simple materials and recyclables—such as handprints, footprints, and photos that capture children’s growth, as well as practical items for everyday use.

Please use these as a reference.

Since we’re introducing ideas that make the most of each child’s individuality, we use the term “seisaku” (制作), meaning “craft-making/production,” in the main text.

[Mother’s Day & Father’s Day] Family Day Gift-Making Ideas (31–40)

tie case

A tie case perfect for a Father’s Day gift

tie case

How about making a tie holder? Since it’s a container made from a paper cup, it’s easy to adapt as a Family Day craft, which is another plus.

First, attach light orange origami paper to the paper cup.

It needs to be applied neatly, so the teacher should help.

Next, use wood glue to attach yarn around the lower half of the cup.

Wrap the yarn around and around, using the glue carefully.

Once the yarn is wrapped, draw the face of the person you want to give it to on the upper part, and it’s done! Parents are sure to be delighted with a gift filled with the children’s heartfelt feelings.

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photo stand

A photo stand is a wonderful gift for displaying cherished pictures, isn’t it? Since the frame made by the child will catch the eye every time the photo is seen, it’s sure to bring great joy to parents or guardians.

First, decorate a toilet paper roll with origami and construction paper, then draw a portrait of the person you’re giving it to.

Cut two slits at the top of the roll, and attach paper hands made from construction paper to both sides of the roll.

When you place the cutely decorated photo into the slits, it looks as if the parent or guardian is holding the photo.

It’ll be exciting to see how happy they are.

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Magnets made from paper clay

Why not make a one-of-a-kind paper clay magnet and give it to a parent or guardian? First, use paint and paper clay to create clay in your favorite color, then shape it.

Any shape you like is fine—hearts, stars, and more.

Before the clay dries, use glue to attach beads and sequins and press them in lightly.

If you set up the environment so children can easily turn their ideas into forms, they’ll be able to focus and engage.

Attach a magnet to the back and add a message card, and it’s done! They’ll likely display it in a spot they see every day, like the refrigerator.

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bouquet

[2-year-old class] Mother's Day and Father's Day crafts

bouquet

A bouquet of flowers is a gift that can delight people of all ages.

If a child gives their dad a handmade bouquet, it’s sure to move him to tears! To make it easy even for small children with less hand strength, the key is to use tissue paper as the flowers.

Place crumpled balls of tissue paper on a circular piece of construction paper, line up pipe cleaners as the stems, then fold the sides of the construction paper inward to shape it into a bouquet.

It’s also lovely to decorate any empty spaces with stickers or pen-drawn patterns.

For a more luxurious finish, add a message to Dad and tie a ribbon around the center of the bouquet.

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Footprint stamp bookmark

[Kindergarten/Nursery] June Father’s Day Gift Craft

Footprint stamp bookmark

How about taking the children’s footprints on “Family Day” and using them as clothing patterns? Add a face to the clothing and draw a portrait of a parent or guardian.

With a little creativity, you can turn it into Mom, Grandma, or Grandpa, making it a gift that’s considerate of many different family structures.

Their feet are still quite small, but they’ve grown so much compared to when they were newborns.

We want them to keep growing healthy and strong.

It’s a gift that lets you share that growth with their caregivers.

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In conclusion

We introduced craft ideas that are perfect as Family Day gifts.

There were many suggestions for presents that convey the warmth unique to handmade items.

Talk with the children about what feelings they want to express to their dad or mom, and encourage them to work on it with heartfelt care.

When giving the gift, don’t forget to say “Thank you for everything.” We hope it becomes a wonderful, memorable Family Day!