Built a Better Dad Toolbox is a hands-on, low-prep Father’s Day craft that combines creativity, writing and fine motor skills into one meaningful keepsake activity. Students will love assembling their own colourful toolbox-shaped card, complete with tools and a heartfelt message inside to honour their dad or special father figure. With clear visual elements and writing opportunities, this craft offers a perfect blend of art and literacy in the lead-up to Father’s Day.

Each student builds their toolbox by cutting, folding and decorating the included templates. The inside features space for a written message and optional photo or drawing, while the outside is decorated with coloured tools and a “Happy Father’s Day” front panel. Whether kept simple or enhanced with extra embellishments, this project invites personalisation and reflection in a format that students are proud to create and gift.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Strengthen fine motor skills through cutting, folding and gluing
• ✅ Practise handwriting and message construction in a meaningful context
• ✅ Encourage creativity through open-ended design and decoration
• ✅ Foster gratitude and emotional expression through personal writing
• ✅ Create a tactile, keepsake-style gift that celebrates father figures

What’s Included:

• Printable toolbox base and folding panels
• Toolbox handle and front cover panels
• Message template for writing area
• Tool shapes for colouring and decoration
• Step-by-step instructions for classroom implementation

Materials Needed:

• Printed toolbox templates and tool shapes
• Scissors, glue and colouring materials
• Optional: photo of the student or their father figure
• Craft supplies like pom-poms, buttons, glitter or stickers
• A3 paper (optional for enlargement)

How to Use:

• Print the full set of templates for each student
• Have students cut out the toolbox base, handle and tools
• Guide students to write or draw a message on the included message template
• Glue the message and optional photo inside the toolbox
• Decorate the front and back panels with coloured tools or drawings
• Fold along the solid lines and attach the handle to complete the toolbox

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Pair with a writing task such as “A time I built something with Dad” to extend literacy learning
• 💡 Use as part of a Father’s Day craft station or celebration event
• 💡 Create a display titled “We Couldn’t Have Built a Better Dad” using completed toolbox cards
• 💡 Use in conjunction with other resources in our Father's Day collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Enlarge templates to A3 for younger students and allow space for drawing in place of writing
• 💛 Pre-cut toolbox parts for Early Years classes to simplify the construction process
• 💛 Encourage students to discuss and reflect on what each tool could symbolise about their dad (e.g. screwdriver for fixing problems)

Built a Better Dad Toolbox is a creative and thoughtful way to celebrate Father’s Day while integrating writing, reflection and artistic expression. Download this engaging resource and help your students build something truly special.