My husband loves to get homemade gifts from the kids for Father’s Day so I am always on the lookout for easy ideas.
When my oldest was just a couple months old I found a Father’s Day handprint shirt kit at the grocery store and we’ve made a bunch of them over the years!
Father’s Day Handprint Shirt
- Cotton T shirt
- Fabric paint
- Fabric markers
- Paintbrush or sponge stamps
- wax paper or newspaper
Prep your shirt by washing and drying it. We even ironed ours so it was easier to work with. Stick the wax paper in between the layers of the shirt so the paint doesn’t bleed through.
Then paint the fabric paint onto your child’s hands and have them make a handprint on the center of the shirt. When my kids were younger and putting things into their mouths I would trace their handprint onto a kitchen sponge and use that as a stamp for the shirt.
When the handprints are dry you can add the saying “Best Dad Hands Down!” I used to paint it on for the kids but this year they were able to do it themselves. You can also try sponge letter stamps or a stencil from the craft store if you want the lettering to be precise.
Have the kids label their names and add the date and you are set!
The fabric paint dries fairly quickly (ours was totally set in a couple hours) so this handprint shirt is perfect for anyone who needs a last minute idea!
Tara says
Did you go to Wilkes University?? Just found this page today on Pinterest and you look like a fellow colonel! I graduated in 2001 in psychology/elementary education, and if I’m right, so did you!
Megan Sheakoski says
Yes! You are good!!!!
Madison says
Can you please let me know what type of fabric paint you used?? Thanks! Also doesn’t wash off their hands pretty easy? 🙂
Megan Sheakoski says
We have used the Tulip brand from Michael’s. 🙂
Pam says
Did you do anything to “set” the handprints? I used the Tulip brand and have heard it washes off :/ hoping that’s not true!
Megan Sheakoski says
Ours has faded a bit over the years but did not wash off. We did not use the “puffy paint” kind though. I think that does tend to come off.
Kelly says
Started doing this today. I’m drying it now. Did you use paint brush to write their names? This is a cool father’s day gift. Thank you.
Megan Sheakoski says
I used a Sharpie but if I were doing it again I would use a fabric marker!
Gift Idea Geek says
This is a super cute gift and such a fun project to make with your kids. I love it and want to make 12 because I’m not super sure I wouldn’t ruin these in the wash.
Thanks for sharing!
Andrew
Clary says
Hello where can I get the shirts thanks
Megan Sheakoski says
Do you have a Michael’s craft store near you? If so you can grab any size you need for a reasonable price!