DIY Gifts for Grandpa: 15 Handmade Ideas That Will Make Him Smile All Christmas

DIY Gifts for Grandpa are some of the sweetest presents under the tree, because most grandpas will tell you they already have everything they need. Ask him what he wants and he will probably say a phone call and a hug. That is exactly why a handmade gift hits so hard. It shows time, care and a little bit of the people he loves most. The ideas below are simple, cheap and friendly for little helpers, from a workshop apron covered in tiny handprints to a cozy blanket for his favorite chair. Some are made for the garden, some for the porch and some for slow mornings with coffee. Pick one or two, gather the grandkids and get ready for a big smile on Christmas morning..

DIY Gifts for Grandpa: A Handprint Workshop Apron

DIY Gifts for Grandpa do not get more personal than this. A plain canvas apron becomes a treasure once the grandkids press their painted hands all over it in red, green and blue. Every time he heads to the workbench or the grill, he will see those little prints and think of them. Fabric paint stays put through the wash, so the apron can be used for years, not just admired. Add each child’s initials and the year on the back pocket with a fabric marker so he always remembers when it was made. Ready to roll up those sleeves and get messy?..

You will need: A plain canvas apron, washable fabric paint in three colors, paper plates, a sponge brush, wet wipes, and a fabric marker.

How to make it: 1. Wash and dry the apron, then lay it flat on newspaper. 2. Brush paint onto each child’s palm and press firmly onto the apron. 3. Let it dry for a day, then heat set with an iron (adult job) following the paint directions.

Memory Pillow From His Old Flannel Shirt

Every grandfather seems to have one favorite flannel shirt that is finally too worn to wear. Instead of tossing it, turn it into a pillow for his armchair. Keep the buttons and the front pocket on the front, and the pillow still looks like his shirt, just in a new shape. You can tuck a small note from the family into the pocket for him to find on Christmas morning. If he still wears all his shirts, a thrift store flannel works just as well, which makes this one of the cheapest DIY Gifts for Grandpa around. Which old shirt in your family deserves a second life?

You will need: An old flannel button down shirt, a square pillow form, scissors, pins, and a sewing machine or needle and thread.

How to make it: 1. Button the shirt and cut two squares about one inch bigger than the pillow form, keeping the buttons centered on one. 2. Pin the squares right sides together and sew around all four edges. 3. Unbutton, turn right side out, slide in the pillow form and button it closed.

DIY Gifts for Grandpa Who Love Their Hometown

Grandpas love to tell stories about where they grew up, where they met grandma and the house where they raised the family. A framed map of that town puts those memories right on the wall. Print a free street map of his hometown, or find an old paper one at a yard sale. Then sew or glue a tiny red felt heart on the spot that matters most. Hang it near his chair and he will have a reason to share those stories again and again. It is a lovely nod to the role grandparents play in keeping family stories alive. What place would you mark?

You will need: A printed or vintage map, a simple wooden frame, a scrap of red felt, scissors, and fabric glue.

How to make it: 1. Trim the map to fit the frame. 2. Cut a small felt heart and glue it on the special spot. 3. Put the map in the frame and wrap it in brown paper with a plaid ribbon.

Handprint Stepping Stone for His Garden

If your grandfather loves his garden, give him something that will be there every spring. A concrete stepping stone with the grandkids’ handprints is easy to make in a plastic plant saucer. Press the hands in while the mix is still soft, then add a ring of colorful glass gems around the edge. Of all the DIY Gifts for Grandpa here, this one may last the longest. In a few years, the kids can put their hands next to the prints and see how much they have grown. Have an adult mix the concrete with gloves on, and keep little hands washed right after. Where in his garden would this look best?

You will need: A bag of quick setting concrete mix, a large plastic plant saucer, cooking spray, glass gems, rubber gloves, and a bucket.

How to make it: 1. Spray the saucer and have an adult mix the concrete and pour it in. 2. After about 20 minutes, press hands in gently and add the gems around the edge. 3. Let it cure for two days before popping it out.

DIY Gifts for Grandpa Who Love a Game Night

So many grandpas taught a grandchild to play checkers at the kitchen table. Make him a board of his own and the game night tradition keeps going. A square of plywood, some painter’s tape and two colors of paint are all you need for the board. Wooden discs from the craft store become the pieces, painted red on one set and black on the other. Seal it with a clear coat and it will last for years of friendly matches. Who do you think will win the first game?

You will need: A square of smooth plywood, painter’s tape, red and black craft paint, 24 wooden discs, a small brush, and clear sealer.

How to make it: 1. Tape off an eight by eight grid and paint every other square red. 2. Peel the tape, then paint 12 discs red and 12 black. 3. Seal the board and the pieces and let them dry overnight.

Painted Bird Feeder He Can Watch From His Window

Many grandfathers love watching birds from the window with their morning coffee. A simple wooden feeder kit from the craft store is the perfect painting project for little helpers. Barn red with a white roof looks cheerful against snow, and tiny painted flowers make it one of a kind. Hang it where he can see it from his favorite chair and fill the tray with seed before you wrap it. Simple DIY Gifts for Grandpa like this keep giving all winter. Every cardinal that stops by becomes a reminder of the kids who painted it. What color would your grandkids choose?

You will need: An unfinished wooden bird feeder kit, outdoor acrylic paint, small brushes, clear outdoor sealer, and a bag of bird seed.

How to make it: 1. Put the kit together with an adult’s help. 2. Paint the walls, roof and little flowers and let each coat dry. 3. Seal it, add a hanging loop and fill it with seed.

DIY Gifts for Grandpa: A Recliner Arm Caddy

If grandpa is always asking where his glasses went, this one is for him. A long strip of quilted flannel with pockets on both ends drapes over the arm of his recliner. One side holds the remote and reading glasses, and the other holds a puzzle book and a pencil. It stays in place with no clips and keeps the small things he uses most right where his hand falls. Pick a plaid that matches his chair and add a little felt patch for a homemade touch. Could your grandpa use a little help keeping track of his glasses?

You will need: Two fat quarters of flannel, a strip of quilt batting, pins, scissors, and a sewing machine.

How to make it: 1. Cut two long strips of flannel and one of batting, then sew them together like a sandwich. 2. Fold each end up about eight inches and stitch the sides to make pockets. 3. Sew one line down the middle of each pocket to make smaller slots.

Sewn Garden Kneeler Pad for His Knees

Gardening grandfathers spend a lot of time down on their knees. A thick sewn kneeler pad makes those hours in the tomato patch a lot more comfortable. Waxed canvas or outdoor fabric keeps out the damp, and a strap handle makes it easy to carry from bed to bed. Stuff it with an old foam camping pad or a cut piece of foam for plenty of cushion. Tuck in new gloves and a packet of seeds and you have one of the most useful DIY Gifts for Grandpa in this list. What does your grandpa grow every summer?

You will need: Outdoor canvas or waxed canvas, a piece of firm foam about one inch thick, a strap of webbing, pins, and a sewing machine.

How to make it: 1. Cut two rectangles of canvas a little bigger than the foam. 2. Sew three sides with the webbing strap caught in one end. 3. Slide in the foam and stitch the last side closed.

DIY Gifts for Grandpa Who Dress Up for Dinner

Some grandpas still like to dress up for Christmas dinner, and a handmade bow tie makes it extra special. Soft plaid felt is easy to cut and does not fray, so there is no hemming at all. Fold the felt into a bow, wrap the middle with a thin strip and add a clip or a band on the back. A matching little felt pine tree on a tie clip finishes the look. The grandkids can make matching ones so everyone looks festive in the family photo. Would your grandpa wear a plaid bow tie to dinner?

You will need: A sheet of plaid felt, a scrap of green felt, fabric glue, a bow tie clip or elastic band, and sharp scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut a rectangle about 5 by 3 inches and a thin strip of felt. 2. Pinch the middle of the rectangle and wrap the strip around it, gluing it in back. 3. Glue on the clip and cut a tiny felt tree for a matching tie clip.

Painted Walking Stick for Winter Walks

A walking stick is a classic grandfather gift, and making one starts with a family walk in the woods. Let the kids help pick a straight, sturdy fallen branch about chest high. Peel the bark, sand it smooth, then paint bright bands near the top in each grandchild’s favorite color. Wrap leather cord around the grip so it feels good in his hand. DIY Gifts for Grandpa that get him outside are always a good idea. Every time he takes it out for a stroll, he carries a little bit of everyone with him. Which colors would your family add?

You will need: A sturdy fallen branch, sandpaper, acrylic paint, painter’s tape, clear outdoor sealer, and leather cord.

How to make it: 1. Have an adult peel and sand the branch smooth. 2. Tape off bands near the top and paint them, then seal the whole stick. 3. Wrap and glue leather cord around the grip area.

DIY Gifts for Grandpa: A No Sew Fleece Blanket

Nothing beats a warm blanket for a grandpa who loves an afternoon nap in his recliner. A no sew fleece blanket is one of the easiest projects on this list, and kids as young as five can help tie the knots. Pick two fleece pieces, one plaid and one solid, in his favorite colors. Cut fringe all around the edges and tie the top and bottom strips together. In about an hour you have a thick, cozy blanket that he will use every single day. Is your grandpa a recliner napper too?

You will need: Two pieces of fleece about one and a half yards each, sharp scissors, a ruler, and a cutting mat.

How to make it: 1. Lay the fleece pieces together and trim them to the same size. 2. Cut a four inch square from each corner, then cut strips one inch wide and four inches deep all around. 3. Tie each top strip to its matching bottom strip in a double knot.

Stitched Felt Case for His Reading Glasses

Reading glasses seem to end up in every pocket, drawer and couch cushion. A soft felt case keeps them safe and easy to find. This is a great first sewing project for older grandkids, because blanket stitch is simple and looks charming even when it is not perfect. Add a little felt pine tree on the front for the holidays, or a little fish or a tractor if that fits him better. It slips into a shirt pocket and costs less than a dollar, so it is perfect for budget DIY Gifts for Grandpa. Who in your family could stitch this one?

You will need: Thick wool blend felt, embroidery floss, a large needle, scissors, and a scrap of green felt.

How to make it: 1. Cut two rectangles of felt slightly bigger than his glasses. 2. Blanket stitch around three sides with embroidery floss. 3. Stitch a small felt tree on the front before closing if you like.

DIY Gifts for Grandpa: A Workshop Shadow Box

If grandpa spent his life fixing things, his old tools tell his story better than any photo. Gather a few small ones, like a worn screwdriver, an old level, a carpenter pencil and a tape measure. Mount them inside a deep shadow box with small wire loops or strong glue dots. Hang it in his workshop or den, and it becomes a little museum of all the things he built and fixed. You can ask grandma or an uncle which tools mean the most to him. What tools does your grandpa still use every week?

You will need: A deep shadow box frame, a few small vintage hand tools, thin floral wire, a needle, and strong glue dots.

How to make it: 1. Clean the tools and lay them out on the backing board to plan the look. 2. Stitch thin wire around each tool through the backing, or use strong glue dots. 3. Close the frame and add a hanging hook.

Saved Seed Kit in Little Tins

For a grandfather who gardens, a box of seeds is like a promise of spring. Save seeds from the family’s own sunflowers, beans or pumpkins in the fall, or pick up a few packets to share. Sort them into little tins and brown envelopes, then nestle everything in a small wooden box tied with twine. On each envelope, the kids can draw a picture of the plant so he knows what is inside. Thoughtful DIY Gifts for Grandpa like this one bring you together. Come spring, plant them together and watch your gift grow all summer. What would you grow with grandpa?

You will need: Small round tins, little brown paper envelopes, a small wooden box, garden seeds, colored pencils, and twine.

How to make it: 1. Dry saved seeds on a paper towel for a week. 2. Sort them into envelopes and tins and have the kids draw the plant on each one. 3. Pack them into the box and tie it with twine.

DIY Gifts for Grandpa Who Love Their Morning Coffee

Grandpa’s morning coffee is a ritual, so a handmade mug cozy is a small gift he will use every day. Knit or crochet a simple band in red and cream, then add a wooden button to close it around the mug. It keeps the coffee warm a bit longer and keeps his fingers from the hot side. Wrap it on a plain white mug with a bag of his favorite coffee for a sweet little bundle. Looking for more handmade ideas for the whole family? Our list of DIY gifts for grandma has 15 more she will love. Which of these will you make first?

You will need: Worsted weight yarn in two colors, knitting needles or a crochet hook, a wooden button, a yarn needle, and a plain mug.

How to make it: 1. Knit or crochet a band about 3 inches tall and long enough to wrap the mug. 2. Make a small loop on one end. 3. Sew a wooden button on the other end and wrap it around the mug.