Creative Father’s Day Gift Ideas Using Shutterfly

Create one of these creative Father’s Day gift ideas with Shutterfly for one of the best Father’s Day gifts ever. From custom photo books to personalized Father’s Day cards, there’s something for every dad. Just add your photos, personalize your text, and watch the huge smile on your dad’s face as you give him the gift. 

Creative Father’s Day Gift Ideas Made with Shutterfly

My parents are currently serving a humanitarian mission in Bosnia for our church for 18 months. They left last August and come home in February 2018. We’ve been able to keep in touch with them via phone, email, and Facetime, but it’s been hard to have them gone because it feels like they’re missing so much.

They were gone when we we moved across the country. They haven’t seen our new house. And they weren’t here when my son turned four. I know what they’re doing is the right thing, and I’m super proud of them for it, but it’s still tough.

My husband and I went and visited them last week, and they showed us around Bosnia, Croatia, and Slovenia. We were actually able to spend Mother’s Day with my mom, which was probably the best Mother’s Day gift we could have gotten her.

We missed Father’s Day by just a few weeks, so I really wanted to do something special for my dad this year since we obviously won’t be able to be with him on the big day in June.

Custom Father’s Day Photo Books Made with Shutterfly

One of the things that I know is hardest for him and being on this mission is missing out on time with his grandkids. I thought it would be fun to give him the next best thing to having his grandkids with him – personalized gifts with photos of his family.

I started with a custom photo book that I put together with photos from the past year. And to make it more my dad, instead of using regular captions with the photos, I used song lyrics that he’ll know right away. Because if you’ve ever met my dad, you know he’s a huge music guy.

From creating name that tune playlists to spending 18 months mulling away in a tiny office putting together a list of his top 1000 songs, yeah he’s a music guy. Him and my husband. That’s why I did a musical scavenger hunt for one of his 30th birthday gift ideas!

Creating the book was as simple as choosing the design (Our Family’s Year) I wanted, uploading photos, placing the photos in my preferred order, and adding in my own words. It took me less than an hour from start to finish and most of that time was spent searching for the photos I wanted!

And trying to remember the Moana song lyrics, had to get them right since they are now immortalized in a book.

Personalized Cards & Photo Puzzles on Shutterfly

The other thing to know about my dad is that he’s the one who gave me the obsession with games. I guess I have him to thank for this blog. He started my personal board game collection. He gave me a board game every year for my birthday and Christmas. And he is always up for a game of cards, as long as it’s not past his bedtime. We all are; games are kind of a family thing.

When I saw the personalized cards and photo puzzles on Shutterfly, I knew I needed to add those to my dad’s gift. The cards will be perfect for playing in their apartment in Bosnia and for playing with us when they get home.

And they remind me of the time he made like 10 decks of photo cards to replace the regular cards in the game Compatibility. Instead of using generic cards with pictures of things like a rose, we were using family photos to play. It was a bit crazy and so much fun.

And the puzzle? That’s for my mom and dad to do together. They’ve been collecting 1000 piece puzzles of places they visit and working on them into the wee hours of the night. Just today he sent me a picture of the latest puzzle they’ve been working on, so I’m pretty sure they’ll enjoy this one.

It’s only 225 pieces but with all of us siblings looking similar, I’m guessing it’ll take them almost as long as the 1000 piece one.

Photo Calendars Made with Shutterfly

Last but not least, I made him a little easel calendar with photos of the family and trips we’ve been on. And on the back, I’m writing how many months left until they get home.

They’ve already been out for nine months and the countdown is on until they can come visit our new home, can give K a hug, and can spend a night in their own bed. As proud of them as I am, I’m still counting down the days until they’re home.

My dad has always been the one to give me creative gifts throughout my life. From the NYC Wicked trip when we were living in DC to the surprise hot air balloon ride and road trip to Philadelphia when I was 16, him and my mom have always given me gifts to remember.

This year it’s my turn to be the creative one and hopefully these gifts from Shutterfly will help keep a smile on his face for the remaining nine months until I see him and my mom again.