69 Crafts for 2-Year-Olds to Wow Dad This Father’s Day

Want to help your 2-year-old create something special for dad this Father’s Day?

You’re in the perfect spot!

Toddlers may have tiny hands, but they have huge hearts full of love to share.

At this age, simple crafts are most effective, think finger painting, handprints, and easy sticking activities.

These little projects become treasured keepsakes that dad will cherish forever.

Don’t worry about perfection; it’s all about the giggles, messy fun, and precious bonding time you’ll share together.

Get ready to roll up those sleeves and dive into some adorable craft adventures.

Because the best gifts come from little hands and big hearts!

Your Survival Guide for Tiny Artists

Keep these basic supplies ready: washable markers, chunky crayons, glue sticks, large stickers, child-safe scissors, construction paper, and lots of wipes.

Create a craft space on the floor or at a low table where spills won’t matter.

Put away anything breakable and cover surfaces with old sheets or plastic tablecloths.

Most 2-year-olds can focus on crafts for about 5 to 10 minutes, so keep projects short and simple.

Pick times when your toddler is rested and fed – usually mid-morning works well.

Take photos during the crafting process, not just of the finished product.

Store completed crafts in a special box or folder to keep them safe until Father’s Day.

Sticky Smiles, Happy Hearts: Sticker Crafts

Stickers are perfect for tiny hands that are still learning fine motor skills.

Choose large stickers that are easy to peel and stick.

1. Dad’s All-Star Sticker Spectacular

Fold a piece of cardstock in half.

Let your toddler stick large stickers all over the front.

Write “Happy Father’s Day” yourself, or help your child make marks with a crayon.

Two-year-olds love peeling and sticking, so this activity holds their attention well.

Use stickers with Dad’s favorite things, like cars, animals, or sports balls.

2. Memory Keeper Photo Frame

Cut a frame shape from cardboard with a space for a photo.

Give your toddler foam stickers to decorate around the edges.

These thick stickers are easier for small fingers to handle than paper ones.

Once decorated, add a photo of your child with Dad. The frame becomes a keepsake that Dad can keep on his desk.

3. Wall-Sized Sticker Explosion

Tape a large piece of paper to the wall at toddler height.

Provide a variety of big stickers and let your child stick them anywhere they want.

This standing activity helps toddlers use their whole body while creating.

The random placement creates abstract art that’s uniquely theirs.

Roll it up and tie with ribbon for gifting.

4. Squishy Foam Adventures

Cut simple shapes from sticky-back foam sheets.

Show your toddler how to peel off the backing and stick shapes onto paper.

The foam pieces are thicker and easier to grasp than regular stickers.

Create simple patterns or let them stick randomly.

These shapes won’t tear like paper stickers do.

5. Fill-in-the-Scene Fun

Draw simple outlines on paper: a house, a tree, or a car.

Give your toddler related stickers to place on the picture.

This guided activity helps them learn about where things go while still having creative freedom.

Farm animal stickers on a barn drawing or vehicle stickers on a road work well.

6. Bumpy Bookmark Surprise

Cut a bookmark shape from cardstock.

Puffy stickers are perfect for small hands because they’re easy to grab and place.

Let your toddler decorate both sides. Laminate the finished bookmark or cover with clear contact paper.

Dad can use it in his favorite book.

7. Special Delivery Envelope

Give your toddler a large manila envelope and sheets of colorful stickers.

They can cover the entire envelope with stickers to create a special gift holder.

Put their other crafts inside for a complete Father’s Day package.

The envelope itself becomes part of the gift.

8. Stick-and-Restick Window Fun

Use reusable window clings on a cookie sheet or mirror.

Your toddler can stick and restick them many times.

Take a photo of their favorite arrangement and print it for Dad.

This mess-free option works well for children who put things in their mouths.

9. Mealtime Masterpiece Placemat

Let your toddler decorate a large piece of paper with stickers.

Cover the finished art with clear contact paper on both sides to make a placemat.

Dad can use it during special meals.

The protective covering means spills won’t ruin the artwork.

10. Follow-the-Dots Challenge

Give your toddler sheets of round dot stickers in different colors.

Draw simple shapes on paper and show them how to follow the lines with stickers.

This builds hand-eye coordination while creating art.

Even if they don’t follow the lines perfectly, the result looks intentional.

Stamp, Splat, and Giggle: Stamping Projects

Stamping lets toddlers create clear images without needing drawing skills.

Use washable ink pads and have wet wipes ready.

11. Kitchen Sponge Surprise

Cut kitchen sponges into simple shapes like hearts or stars.

Dip in washable paint and let your toddler press onto paper.

The sponge texture creates interesting patterns.

Tape the paper down so it doesn’t slide around while stamping. R

Red and blue make great Father’s Day colors.

12. Veggie Print Party

Cut a potato in half and carve a simple shape into the flat side.

Your toddler dips it in paint and stamps onto paper.

The large potato piece is easy for small hands to hold.

Make several different shapes for variety.

Let them stamp freely across the page.

13. Kitchen Gadget Prints

Dip the edge of cookie cutters in paint and press onto paper.

Metal cutters work better than plastic for clear prints.

Hold your toddler’s hand to help them press down evenly.

Heart and star shapes are perfect for Father’s Day cards.

14. Tiny Fingerprint Garden

Use washable ink pads for easy cleanup.

Show your toddler how to press one finger on the pad, then onto paper.

They can make patterns, fill in shapes, or create random designs.

Draw a simple tree and let them add fingerprint leaves.

15. Pop-and-Print Circles

Collect different-sized corks from bottles.

These make perfect handles for toddler hands.

Dip the end in paint and stamp circles on paper.

Layer different colors for a bubble effect.

Wine corks and plastic bottle caps both work well.

16. Bumpy Texture Transfer

Tape bubble wrap to the table, bubble side up.

Let your toddler paint on the bubbles with a brush, then press paper on top.

Lift carefully to see the dotted print.

This creates instant texture without much effort.

17. Building Block Patterns

Use wooden blocks as stamps.

Dip one side in paint and press onto paper.

The square and rectangular shapes create geometric patterns.

Toddlers can stack prints or scatter them randomly.

Clean blocks between colors or use one block per color.

18. Mega Stamp Collection

Buy jumbo stamp pads made for toddlers.

These are less messy than paint and create clear impressions.

Provide large rubber stamps with simple images.

Let your child stamp all over a big piece of paper to create busy, colorful artwork.

19. Cardboard Tube Magic

Dip the ends of empty toilet paper rolls in paint for circle stamps.

Bend the roll into a heart shape for Father’s Day-themed prints.

These are free, easy to hold, and create interesting patterns.

Make several for different colors.

20. Fist Bump Art

Instead of full handprints, try finger walks.

Put paint on fingertips and let your toddler “walk” fingers across paper.

Or paint just the side of their fist for different shapes.

These partial hand stamps are less messy but still personal.

Scribbles That Steal Hearts: Scribble & Color Crafts

Scribbling is natural for 2-year-olds.

These crafts turn random marks into meaningful gifts.

21. Rainbow Scribble Surprise

Fold cardstock and let your toddler scribble with thick crayons.

Their random marks become abstract art.

Write a message around their scribbles.

Triangle crayons won’t roll away and are easier to grip.

Tape the paper down to prevent sliding.

22. Marker Magic on Shiny Paper

Use ultra-washable markers on glossy paper for bright colors.

The smooth surface lets markers glide easily.

Your toddler can make dots, lines, or swirls.

Frame their abstract art in a simple frame from the dollar store for an instant gift.

23. Dinner Table Doodles

Let your toddler color on large paper with crayons or markers.

Their scribbles become unique designs.

Laminate or cover with contact paper for Dad to use at meals.

Make several so Dad has a whole set of original artwork placemats.

24. Picture Frame Scribbles

Print a photo of your child in the center of a page with a wide border.

Let your toddler color all around their photo.

The scribbles frame their picture naturally.

This combines their artwork with their image for a double-special gift.

25. Super-Sized Letter Art

Print or draw very simple, large images with thick black outlines.

A big heart, “DAD” in bubble letters, or basic shapes work well.

Your toddler can scribble inside with crayons.

Don’t expect them to stay in the lines – that’s part of the charm.

26. Polka Dot Power

Bingo daubers or dot markers are perfect for toddlers.

They create instant circles without needing to draw.

Let your child dot all over the paper to create patterns or fill in simple shapes.

The spring-loaded tips mean no pressing hard is required.

27. Glow-in-the-Dark Doodles

Use sidewalk chalk on black construction paper for a different effect.

The chalk shows up bright against the dark background.

Your toddler can scribble freely while creating high-contrast art.

Spray with hairspray to prevent smudging.

28. Invisible Art Revealed

Use water painting books where color appears with water.

Your toddler uses a water-filled brush to reveal hidden pictures.

Take a photo of the colorful result before it dries.

This mess-free option is perfect for younger toddlers.

29. Secret Message Scribbles

Draw simple shapes or letters like “DAD” with a white crayon on white paper.

Let your toddler paint over with watercolors.

The crayon shapes appear like magic.

This surprise element keeps toddlers interested longer than regular coloring.

30. Reading Rainbow Bookmarks

Cut bookmark shapes from cardstock.

Let your toddler scribble on both sides with crayons.

Their abstract designs become useful gifts.

Cover with clear tape or contact paper to protect the artwork.

Make several so Dad has plenty for his books.

Glue, Stick, and Create: Glue Crafts

Gluing is fun for toddlers who love making things stick together.

Use glue sticks for less mess.

31. Shape Explosion Collage

Pre-cut shapes from colorful paper.

Show your toddler how to use a glue stick and press shapes onto paper.

They’ll enjoy the sticking process more than creating specific pictures.

Provide lots of shapes so they can glue freely without running out.

32. Sticky Wall Gallery

Tape contact paper sticky-side-out on the wall at toddler height.

Provide light materials like tissue paper squares, foam shapes, or ribbon pieces.

Your toddler can stick items directly without glue.

Sandwich between another sheet when done.

33. Dad’s Favorite Things Mosaic

Cut out simple shapes related to Dad, ties, tools, or hearts.

Let your toddler glue them onto paper in any arrangement.

The shapes suggest a theme while allowing creative freedom.

Large shapes are easier for small hands to handle.

34. Crumpled Paper Garden

Tear tissue paper into small pieces.

Show your toddler how to crumple and glue pieces onto paper.

The texture and bright colors create interesting effects.

Overlapping different colors teaches color mixing basics.

And welcome Dad with a pretty paper garden

35. Cotton Cloud Scene

Glue cotton balls onto blue paper to make clouds.

Your toddler can stick them anywhere they want.

Add pre-cut paper shapes like a sun or airplane.

The soft texture of cotton balls appeals to toddlers’ senses.

36. Noodle Frame Fun

Use large pasta shapes like bow ties or shells.

Let your toddler glue them around a photo frame cut from cardboard.

The dimensional shapes create texture.

Paint the pasta first or leave it natural for different effects.

37. Backyard Treasures Collage

Collect safe natural items like leaves or flower petals.

Let your toddler glue them onto paper.

This combines outdoor exploration with indoor crafting.

Press finished artwork under heavy books to flatten before framing.

38. Picture Book Remix

Tear out colorful pictures from magazines.

Let your toddler glue them randomly on paper.

The bright images create instant art without drawing skills.

Car magazines or sports magazines might feature Dad’s interests.

39. Ribbon Dance Party

Cut various ribbons into short pieces.

Your toddler can glue them onto paper in any pattern.

The different textures and colors create visual interest.

Curling ribbon adds extra dimension to their creation.

40. Button Rainbow

Use large buttons for safety.

Let your toddler glue them onto a pre-folded card.

The raised buttons create a tactile element Dad will enjoy.

Sort buttons by color first for a color-matching activity.

Hands-On Memory Making: Handprint Crafts

Handprint crafts capture your child’s size at this special age.

Always have wipes ready for quick cleanup.

41. High-Five Greeting Card

Paint your toddler’s hand with a brush and press onto folded cardstock.

One handprint per card keeps it simple.

Write “High Five for Dad!” or another short message.

The single handprint won’t overwhelm the card design.

42. Handprint Rainbow Collection

Make multiple handprints in different colors on one large paper.

Let your toddler choose colors for each print.

The overlapping prints create a rainbow effect.

This becomes a frameable artwork rather than just a card.

43. Forever Tiny Hands Keepsake

Mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, and 1/2 cup water.

Press your toddler’s hand into flattened dough.

Poke a hole for hanging before baking at 200°F for 2 hours.

This creates a permanent keepsake of their tiny hand.

44. Handprint Puzzle Piece Card

Turn your toddler’s handprint into a personal puzzle just for Dad.

Paint their hand with washable paint and press onto thick cardstock.

Once dry, cut the handprint into 4–6 large puzzle-like pieces.

Let your toddler help reassemble them on a folded card using glue.

Write “You complete me, Dad!” inside for a heartfelt message.

The act of reassembling adds a memory-making touch to a timeless keepsake.

45. Paper Hand Garden

Trace your toddler’s hand on colorful paper and cut out multiple copies.

Let them glue the hand shapes onto a larger paper.

They can decorate each hand with crayons or stickers.

This avoids the mess of paint while still capturing hand size.

46. Blooming Handprint Bouquet

Make handprints in a circle pattern to create flower petals.

Add a stem with green paint or marker.

Your toddler’s hands become blooming flowers for Dad.

Make several flowers for a whole garden scene.

47. Handprint Zoo

Turn handprints into simple animals by adding details.

A handprint becomes a bird with added beak and eyes.

Your toddler makes the handprint; you add simple features.

This creates recognizable images from abstract prints.

48. Flip-Through Love Book

Make handprints on several pages and bind them together.

Each page can be a different color.

Add simple words like “I love you” or “Best Dad” to each page.

This creates a book Dad can flip through.

49. Desktop Dish Delight

Use a storage tray

Press your toddler’s hand in the center and make a print

Let it dry for a decorative catch-all dish for Dad’s desk.

50. Gift Wrap Surprise

Make handprints all over large paper to create custom wrapping paper.

Use different colors for variety. Wrap Dad’s other gifts in this personalized paper.

The wrapping becomes part of the gift itself.

Squish, Splash, and Sensory Fun: Sensory Crafts

These crafts engage multiple senses while creating art.

Perfect for toddlers who learn through touch.

51. No-Mess Paint Bags

Squeeze paint into a sealed plastic bag.

Tape to a window or table.

Your toddler can squish paint around without getting messy.

Add glitter or sequins for extra visual interest.

Dad and the toddler can play together.

Photograph the results as colors mix.

52. Stomp-and-Pop Prints

Tape bubble wrap to paper, add paint on top, then cover with another paper.

Let your toddler stomp on it to create prints.

The popping sounds add auditory fun.

The physical activity helps burn energy while creating.

53. Squish-and-Press Memories

Roll playdough flat and let your toddler press objects into it.

Small toys, shells, or pasta create patterns.

The impressions tell a story about their favorite things.

Take photos of impressions before playdough is reused.

54. Disappearing Water Art

Give your toddler a bucket of water and a paintbrush.

They can “paint” on sidewalks or fences.

Though it disappears when dry, the process is calming and fun.

Dad will enjoy the painting date with the toddler.

55. Mystery Texture Reveals

Tape paper over textured surfaces.

Show your toddler how to rub the side of a crayon over paper.

Tree bark, coins, or textured placemats work well.

The appearing patterns feel like magic to young children.

56. Fluffy Cloud Paintings

Spray shaving cream on a tray and add drops of food coloring.

Let your toddler swirl with fingers.

Press paper on top and lift for a marbled effect.

The sensory experience is as important as the final product.

57. Frozen Paint Popsicles

Freeze water with food coloring in ice cube trays with popsicle sticks.

Your toddler can paint with melting ice cubes.

The cold sensation adds sensory input while colors appear on paper.

Works best on warm days.

58. Scratchy Surface Drawings

Use fine sandpaper and regular crayons.

The rough texture creates resistance that toddlers enjoy.

Colors appear darker and more textured than on regular paper.

Frame the unique textured artwork for Dad’s office.

59. Squishy Color Mixer

Fill a sturdy bag with hair gel and food coloring.

Seal well and tape to the table.

Your toddler can push the gel around to mix colors.

Add sequins or small confetti for visual interest: no mess but lots of sensory input.

60. 3D Paper Mountains

Let your toddler crumple tissue paper before gluing to create 3D effects.

The crinkling sound and texture change engage their senses.

Build up layers for a sculptural effect.

This adds a dimension that regular flat collages don’t have.

Quick Wins for Busy Days: Super Simple Crafts

These crafts require minimal setup and skills, perfect for younger toddlers or limited time.

61. Connect-the-Dot Rainbows

Draw simple arc lines on paper.

Your toddler uses dot markers to follow the lines.

Even if they miss, the dots create a colorful pattern.

No need for perfect rainbow order, random colors look great too.

62. Splat-tastic Dot Art

Give your toddler bingo daubers and paper.

They can make dots everywhere or fill in large, simple shapes you’ve drawn.

The satisfying “pop” sound keeps them engaged.

These washable markers clean up easily.

63. Rip-and-Stick Mosaic

Let your toddler tear colorful paper into pieces.

They can glue pieces onto another paper randomly.

Tearing helps develop hand strength while creating.

The irregular shapes create interesting mosaic effects.

64. Flying Pom-Pom Prints

Dip large pom-poms in paint and let your toddler drop them onto paper.

The splat patterns create instant art.

Use tongs for less messy handling.

Different-sized pom-poms create varied effects.

65. Shake-It-Up Box Art

Put paper in a box with a lid.

Add paint dots and marbles or small balls.

Your toddler shakes the box to create designs.

The contained mess appeals to parents while the shaking motion engages toddlers.

66. Racing Sticker Tracks

Draw simple lines on paper, straight, wavy, or zigzag.

Your toddler places stickers along the lines.

This beginning pattern work builds pre-writing skills.

Even offline stickers create interesting designs.

67. Baby Bigfoot Prints

Use washable stamp pads on toddler feet for footprint art.

Easier than paint and less messy.

Make footprints walking across long paper.

Add simple details to turn footprints into butterflies or cars.

68. Silly Face Factory

Draw simple circle faces on paper.

Provide dot stickers for your toddler to add eyes, nose, and decorations.

This guided activity helps them understand face placement.

Each face will have its own personality.

69. Musical Plate Shakers

Staple two paper plates together with rice or beans inside.

Let your toddler decorate with crayons and stickers.

This becomes both an art and a musical instrument.

Dad gets a craft that makes noise for playtime together.

Making It Special: Presentation and Gift-Giving

Convert toddler crafts into treasured gifts with simple presentation ideas.

Have your child help wrap by adding stickers to packages or coloring brown paper bags.

Create a special moment by letting them hand each craft to Dad personally.

Take photos during the crafting process; these paint-covered moments become precious memories.

Store crafts in a decorated envelope or box until Father’s Day.

Consider laminating artwork for practical use, such as placemats or bookmarks.

The key is keeping it simple.

At age 2, the wobbly scribbles and crooked stickers are what make these gifts priceless.

The Last Line

Want to help your 2-year-old create something special for Dad this Father’s Day?