Father’s Day doesn’t need expensive supplies or fancy crafting machines.
Some of my favorite projects have started with a paper grocery bag, an old shipping box, and a little imagination.
This collection of Fathers Day Craft Using Paper Bags and Cardboard ideas focuses on creative keepsakes that kids can actually make without getting frustrated halfway through.
A few of these double as diy gifts for fathers day from kids, while others become fun memory pieces Dad can keep for years.
Grab those leftover cardboard scraps hiding in the corner, save a few paper bags, and let’s turn everyday materials into something surprisingly meaningful.
1. Paper Bag “Dad’s Adventure Survival Kit”
This fathers day craft using paper bags and cardboard is perfect for dads who love fishing, camping, hiking, or simply pretending they are prepared for anything.
Start by taking a medium-sized brown paper bag. Lay it flat on your table and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.
Cut a rectangle of cardboard measuring about 8 inches tall and 5 inches wide. Slide this inside the paper bag. This helps the bag stand upright and gives it structure.
Fold the top edge of the bag down about 2 inches. Crease it firmly.
Now decorate the front. Cut a cardboard badge shape. It can be a shield, star, circle, or even a mountain silhouette. Glue it onto the front center of the bag.
Using markers, write:
“Dad’s Adventure Survival Kit”
Want to make it more personal? Add funny labels like:
- Emergency Dad Jokes
- Energy Boost
- Fix-It Supplies
- Super Dad Fuel
Cut tiny cardboard pockets and glue them onto the front. These don’t have to be perfect. In fact, mine looked a little crooked and it still turned out great.
Fill the bag with small items:
- Wrapped candy
- Tea bags
- Notes from the kids
- Mini drawings
- Coupons for hugs
- Handmade “Dad Tokens”
Next, cut small cardboard tags. Let each child write one reason they love Dad. Place these inside the kit.
Punch two holes near the top and thread twine through to create handles.
The cardboard backing make the whole project much sturdier.
When finished, place the survival kit on Dad’s breakfast table for a fun surprise.
2. Cardboard Toolbox Filled With Kid Coupons
This project combines dad arts and crafts with a gift Dad can actually use.
Find a sturdy piece of cardboard from a shipping box.
Draw a toolbox shape. Make it approximately 12 inches wide and 6 inches tall.
Cut two identical side pieces.
Next, cut a rectangular bottom piece measuring 12 by 4 inches.
Use hot glue or strong craft glue to attach the side pieces to the bottom.
Cut two smaller end pieces and glue them in place.
Leave everything to dry for at least 20 minutes.
For the handle, cut a strip of cardboard about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Curve it gently and attach it across the top.
Now comes the fun part.
Paint the toolbox using Dad’s favorite colors. Don’t worry if brush strokes show. Kids often enjoy the imperfect look more.
Create “Dad Coupons” using cardboard scraps or thick paper.
Ideas include:
- One car wash
- One movie night
- Breakfast in bed
- Extra quiet morning
- Backyard game day
Decorate each coupon differently.
My youngest once wrote “One free remote control day.” Dad laughed harder than anyone expected.
Place all coupons inside the toolbox.
To finish, glue a cardboard wrench, hammer, or screwdriver shape onto the side as decoration.
This fathers day craft becomes both a keepsake and a collection of family experiences.
3. Paper Bag Father’s Day Memory Mailbox
Looking for fathers day card ideas from kids with a unique twist? This project turns ordinary messages into a surprise Dad opens again and again.
Take a large paper grocery bag.
Trim it down so it stands about 10 inches tall.
Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard that fits inside the back panel. Glue it in place for support.
Now create a mailbox opening.
Draw a horizontal slot on the front.
Carefully cut along the lines using scissors or a craft knife.
Fold the cut section inward slightly.
Cover the front with colored paper, paint, or simple marker drawings.
Cut a cardboard flag shape similar to a traditional mailbox flag.
Attach it to one side using a paper fastener so it can move up and down.
Write:
“Special Mail For Dad”
or
“Dad’s Happy Mail”
on the front.
Next, create lots of small mail pieces.
Kids can make:
- Tiny letters
- Handmade cards for fathers day
- Drawings
- Joke cards
- Favorite memories
- Future adventure ideas
Fold each note and slide it into the mailbox slot.
You can even add one new note every day during Father’s Day week.
That part is really fun because the mailbox keeps growing with memories.
One note dont need to be fancy at all. Sometimes the shortest messages become the ones Dad keeps forever.
Place the finished mailbox where Dad will notice it during breakfast or after work.
4. Cardboard Dad Fuel Station Snack Holder
Some dads run on coffee. Others survive on chocolate, peanuts, or whatever snack happens to be nearby. This fathers day craft using paper bags and cardboard turns those favorite treats into a playful “fuel station.”
Start with a cardboard box panel that measures roughly 12 inches wide and 10 inches tall.
Stand it upright.
Cut another cardboard piece for the base. Glue the upright section onto the base so it stands like a signboard.
Now create three small cardboard shelves. Each shelf should stick out about 2 inches.
Glue the shelves onto the front of the board, spacing them evenly from top to bottom.
Allow the glue to dry completely.
Next, cover the shelves and board using pieces cut from a brown paper bag. This hides printed box graphics and creates a cleaner finish.
Write a funny title across the top:
“Dad Fuel Station”
or
“Premium Dad Energy Center”
Decorate the board with hand-drawn fuel gauges, lightning bolts, racing stripes, or coffee cup illustrations.
Place Dad’s favorite snacks onto each shelf.
Label them:
- Morning Fuel
- Afternoon Boost
- Emergency Dad Energy
Cut small cardboard arrows and signs pointing toward each snack.
If the shelves feel weak, glue extra cardboard underneath for support.
One of my shelves was leaning a little sideways, but honestly it looked more homemade and charming that way.
Add a handwritten note from each child at the bottom.
This project works beautifully as one of those diy gifts for fathers day from kids that feels useful and personal at the same time.
5. Paper Bag Super Dad Trophy
Every dad deserves an award. This father’s day craft lets kids create one without buying anything fancy.
Take a large brown paper bag.
Crumple it lightly and smooth it back out. This creates texture that makes the trophy look more interesting.
Cut two cardboard trophy handles.
Set them aside.
Now cut two identical trophy cup shapes from cardboard. Each piece should be about 10 inches tall.
Cut a rectangular cardboard strip about 3 inches wide.
Glue the strip between the trophy shapes to create a three-dimensional trophy.
Attach the cardboard handles to the sides.
Let everything dry.
Cover the entire trophy with paper bag pieces using glue.
Smooth the paper with your fingers while the glue is still damp.
Once dry, paint the trophy gold, yellow, bronze, or leave it natural brown.
Cut a cardboard circle for the center medallion.
Write something meaningful:
- World’s Best Dad
- Dad Level Expert
- Backyard Hero
- King of Dad Jokes
Decorate around the message with stars, hearts, or tiny handprints.
On the back, ask each child to write a memory they love sharing with Dad.
This part usually becomes the real treasure.
Kids often write things adults forget even happened.
The trophy dont need to be perfect because the message is what makes it valuable.
Display it on a desk, shelf, or workshop bench.
6. Cardboard Time Machine Memory Wheel
This project combines storytelling with creativity and turns into a keepsake Dad can revisit anytime.
Begin by cutting two large circles from cardboard.
Make each circle approximately 10 inches wide.
On one circle, cut a pie-shaped viewing window.
The opening should be large enough to reveal one section underneath.
Now divide the second circle into eight equal sections using a pencil.
Inside each section, write or draw a memory.
Examples:
- Family vacation
- First bike ride
- Favorite movie night
- Funny camping trip
- Best barbecue day
- Bedtime story memories
Decorate each section with drawings and colors.
Place the viewing-window circle on top.
Poke a hole through the center of both circles.
Insert a paper fastener so the wheel rotates.
Test it by spinning.
Each turn should reveal a different memory.
Now create a frame using strips of paper bag material around the outer edge.
This makes the wheel look finished and helps cover rough cuts.
Add a title across the top:
“Dad’s Time Machine”
or
“Memory Spinner”
Kids love turning the wheel and explaining every story behind each section.
Sometimes the stories get longer every time they tell them. That’s half the fun.
As a fathers day card idea from kids, this one feels interactive rather than something Dad reads once and puts away.
7. Cardboard Dad’s Pocket Treasure Chest
Most dads have little things they keep around. Spare keys. Notes. Coins. Ticket stubs.
Random screws nobody is allowed to throw away. This fathers day craft using paper bags and cardboard gives Dad a special place to store those tiny treasures.
Start by cutting five pieces of cardboard:
- One bottom piece measuring 8 x 6 inches
- Two side pieces measuring 8 x 4 inches
- Two end pieces measuring 6 x 4 inches
Glue the pieces together to create a simple box.
Hold each section in place for a minute while the glue grabs.
For the lid, cut a cardboard rectangle slightly larger than the box opening.
To create a treasure chest look, gently bend the lid over a rolled towel for a few minutes before attaching it.
Now cover the entire chest using strips cut from a brown paper bag.
Apply glue underneath each strip and smooth it flat.
The layered paper creates a surprisingly realistic wooden texture.
Once dry, use markers or paint to add wood grain lines.
Cut a cardboard lock shape and glue it to the front.
Write:
“Dad’s Treasure Chest”
or
“Official Dad Stuff”
on the lid.
Inside the chest, place handwritten notes, drawings, and small keepsakes.
One child can add favorite memories. Another can add future adventure ideas.
There is something special about opening a box and discovering messages inside.
This project feels simple at first, but it becomes one of those handmade gifts families keep for years.
8. Paper Bag Dad Joke Dispenser
If Dad loves terrible jokes, this father’s day craft is almost guaranteed to become a favorite.
Take a paper lunch bag or small brown paper bag.
Flatten it completely.
Cut a cardboard rectangle measuring approximately 10 inches tall and 6 inches wide.
Glue the bag onto the cardboard backing.
Now create a dispenser opening.
Cut a small rectangular slot near the bottom.
Next, make joke strips.
Cut 25 to 30 narrow strips from paper or paper bag material.
Write one joke on each strip.
Examples:
- Why did the scarecrow get promoted?
- What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?
Keep the jokes short and kid-friendly.
Roll each strip loosely.
Place them inside a pocket made from folded paper bag material attached to the back of the dispenser.
Decorate the front with funny drawings.
Add mustaches.
Add goofy glasses.
Add giant eyebrows.
The sillier it looks, the better.
Create a cardboard sign that says:
“Daily Dad Joke Machine”
or
“Emergency Joke Supply”
Attach the sign to the top.
Dad can pull one joke every day and enjoy a quick laugh.
A few jokes probably won’t make sense. That’s okay. Kids tell jokes in ways adults never would.
And somehow those are usually the funniest ones.
This project fits perfectly into the world of dad arts and crafts because it creates ongoing interaction long after Father’s Day ends.
9. Cardboard Dad’s Backyard Explorer Map
This fathers day craft using paper bags and cardboard transforms ordinary family memories into a fun explorer-style map.
Begin with a large cardboard rectangle measuring roughly 14 x 10 inches.
Cover the entire surface with a flattened brown paper bag.
Glue carefully and smooth out wrinkles.
Once dry, lightly crumple the paper and flatten it again.
This creates an aged treasure map appearance.
Using markers, draw a large map of places that matter to Dad.
Examples include:
- Backyard barbecue zone
- Family movie couch
- Dad’s workshop
- Favorite fishing spot
- Garden corner
- Treehouse
- Camping area
Add winding paths connecting each location.
Draw little illustrations beside each destination.
For example:
A fishing rod for fishing memories.
A grill for cookout memories.
A bicycle for riding adventures.
Now cut tiny cardboard location markers.
Glue them onto important spots.
Ask each child to write a short memory beside one destination.
The map gradually becomes a collection of stories rather than just a craft.
Create a decorative compass from cardboard scraps.
Glue it into one corner.
At the top write:
“Dad’s Adventure Map”
or
“Legendary Dad Expedition Route”
I really like this one because it feels personal without needing complicated supplies.
Every family map ends up looking completely different.
That’s what makes it memorable.
10. Paper Bag Father’s Day Storybook Tie
This fathers day craft using paper bags and cardboard combines a keepsake, a storybook, and a wearable gift all in one project.
Start by drawing a large necktie shape onto a flattened brown paper bag.
Make the tie approximately 16 inches long.
Carefully cut it out.
Now cut the same tie shape from cardboard.
Glue the paper bag tie onto the cardboard tie. This gives it strength and helps it keep its shape.
Next, create mini pages for your storybook.
Cut six to eight small rectangles from leftover paper bag material.
Fold them in half.
These pages will become tiny memory books attached directly to the tie.
Glue the folded mini books vertically down the center of the tie.
On each page, ask kids to complete tasks such as:
- My favorite thing about Dad is…
- The funniest thing Dad says…
- The best trip with Dad was…
- Dad always helps me when…
Add drawings, doodles, and handwritten notes throughout.
Cut small cardboard stars, hearts, tools, or sports-themed shapes and glue them around the tie.
Punch a hole at the top and thread twine through it so Dad can hang it on a wall.
This works beautifully as a diy dad card because it tells a story instead of delivering just one message.
Some of the writing may be messy. Some of the drawings might look nothing like the real people. Thats perfectly fine.
Those little imperfections are often what make the gift feel genuine.
11. Cardboard Dad’s Repair Shop Message Board
Many dads become unofficial family repair experts. Whether they actually fix things or simply inspect them first is another story.
For this fathers day craft, create a playful repair shop message board.
Begin with a sturdy cardboard rectangle measuring approximately 12 x 10 inches.
Cover the surface with brown paper bag paper.
Trim any excess paper around the edges.
Now draw a repair shop sign at the top.
Examples include:
- Dad’s Repair Shop
- Dad Fixes Everything
- Super Dad Service Center
Below the sign, create four separate sections using cardboard strips.
Glue the strips onto the board to form little framed compartments.
Inside each compartment, place a message card.
Ideas include:
- Thank you for helping me.
- My favorite thing you fixed.
- Something I learned from you.
- A future adventure we should try.
Decorate the borders with cardboard tools.
Cut simple shapes like:
- Hammer
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
The shapes don’t need lots of detail.
Simple outlines work great.
Let each child personalize one section.
One section can even include a funny “repair request” such as:
“Please fix my messy bedroom.”
Dad probably won’t approve that request, but it usually gets a laugh.
This project feels like one of those handmade cards for fathers day that Dad can proudly display on a desk or workshop shelf.
12. Cardboard Father’s Day Memory Suitcase
For the final fathers day craft using paper bags and cardboard, create a miniature suitcase packed with memories.
Start by cutting two cardboard rectangles measuring 10 x 7 inches.
These will become the front and back panels.
Cut side strips approximately 2 inches wide.
Glue everything together to form a shallow suitcase shape.
Leave one side partially open while the glue dries.
Next, cover the suitcase using flattened paper bag pieces.
Smooth the paper carefully across all surfaces.
Allow everything to dry fully.
Create a cardboard handle and glue it to the top.
Cut two small cardboard latch shapes for the front.
Now fill the suitcase with memory cards.
Cut dozens of small rectangles from leftover paper bag material.
On each card, write:
- Favorite family moments
- Things Dad taught me
- Future plans together
- Reasons Dad is special
Decorate some cards with drawings.
Others can contain photos if available.
Slide all memory cards inside the suitcase.
Write on the front:
“Dad’s Memory Suitcase”
or
“Family Adventures Collection”
This project starts as a craft but becomes something much bigger.
Years later, opening the suitcase can feel like flipping through a family time capsule.
And honestly, those little written memories often become more valuable than expensive gifts.
Final Thoughts
The reason crafts made from paper bags and cardboard feel different is because limitations force creativity. When kids don’t have perfect supplies, they invent solutions.
A crooked treasure chest becomes pirate loot storage. A simple box becomes a memory suitcase.
That’s where real creativity tends to show up. Father’s Day isn’t really about producing museum-worthy artwork anyway.
It’s about capturing moments, stories, and personalities before they slip away. If you’re making these projects with younger children, consider writing down their exact words somewhere on the craft.
Years from now, Dad may treasure those funny misspellings and unexpected comments far more than the craft itself.
