Father’s Day is just about here and that means time to go out and buy Dad another toolset to go along with the four others he has in the garage. Right?
Wrong!
Father’s Day is a great time to put on those creative hats and have your kids make a gift for dear old Dad. He’ll appreciate it much more than another toolset because the kids made it and put their heart into it.
If you’re stumped for new ideas, we’ve got you covered. Or should we say the NOGGINS have you covered! Check out these Noggins inspired ideas that will leave Dad on cloud 9!
Fleet of Planes – Dad’s the Pilot
Have your kids use their Noggins and their actual noggin to create a fleet of high-flying airplanes for Dad.
Here’s how it works…
Utilize the Noggins Paper Airplane Activityas the base but turn it up a notch.
While your child could just select one of the paper airplanes available, they could also choose all four to make a family of airplanes. If there are more than four people in the family, you could make more.
Start by attaching the Noggins to your child’s marker or whatever writing utensil they’re using. Dad’s airplane should be first (of course). Besides putting his name on it, have your child write all of the things they love about their father on the wings of the plane.
Once all the planes have been customized and colored you’ll have your family fleet of “Air Dad” airplanes ready to be assembled. Now you can attach Noggins to your child’s pointer fingers so their little buddies can help them fold and crease the plane into its shape.
After your child gives them on Father’s Day, have the entire family fly them together to see whose plane can fly the farthest. Don’t forget to have everyone fill out their “flight tracker” so you have a record of the flight. It’s not only a gift for Dad, but one for the whole family! Dad will love the creativity and the fact that it’s something that the entire family can enjoy together!
“Air Dad” Pilot Wings
Your child can also use their Noggins to help create pilot wings for the best pilot in their life. You may have to help out a bit with this one – take a look at our pilot wings graphic to the right and sketch out a similar version on a piece of paper. Once this is done, have your child pick their favorite Noggin to attach to their crayon to color the wings with Dad’s favorite colors. Next move your Noggin over to your child’s scissors so they can cut out their wings. You can attach a piece of double-sided tape on the back so that Dad can proudly wear his wings on Father’s Day! Another idea is to add a magnet to the back of the wings to give Dad some new artwork for the refrigerator!
“Air Mail” Father’s Day Cards
You can still use the Noggins Airplane Activity as inspiration for Father’s Day Cards. 
Your child can make a card in the shape of an airplane for the perfect “air mail” delivery. The idea is the same as making the actual airplanes. Here are some sky-high ideas for messages to include in your child’s paper airplane Father’s Day card:
- For my dad who is just “plane” awesome!
- For my “fly” dad
- For: Dad / From: His Co-Pilot
- For the Dad who lifts me up!
- My dad’s the best, “plane” & simple!
- My dad soars above the rest!
- Dad, thanks for giving me the courage to take flight!
- Dad, thanks for teaching me how to soar!
Celebrate Dad, the Nogginsland Way!
Let your child’s imagination run wild with their Noggin as their tour guide! Shuffle through your craft drawer for all things creative – crayons, paint, scissors, beads, feathers, etc. Whether the tool is a pair of scissors that your child is using to cut out shapes or it’s simply your child’s fingers that they’re using to grasp beads to string, attach a Noggin and you’ll be surprised how crafting time magically becomes play pretend time! No matter what your child creates, Dad will love the hand-made decoration more than any store-bought card.
By incorporating Noggins into your Father’s Day gifts your child is brushing up on their fine motor skills while making a one-of-a-kind gift. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Happy Father’s Day from Nogginsland!
Brought to you by: NOGGINSLAND
Written by: Kristina Cappetta
Edited & Designed by: Jamie Schmalenberger
Photos & Graphics by: Jamie Schmalenberger
My name is John Haber. I’m a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and the founder of Nogginsland. I became a COTA in 2003, and then went back to school much later, receiving my Master’s Degree in OT from Mercy College in New York in 2016.
Over the years, I’ve worked with a variety of populations in different settings, from school districts, to developmental disability centers, to children’s hospitals.