Father's Day - Baseball Edition

I think it's fair to say that most fathers like sports, whether it be golf, baseball, football, or hockey. With baseball season upon us, I decided to do give my own father baseball-themed gifts, some bought and some made. If your want to hit a home run this Father's Day, why not try these DIY gifts sure to make your pop feel like the MVD -- most valuable dad!

Ball #1 - The Card!
Want to make your dad a card instead of spending $7 for a Hallmark card thousands of other dads are going to have as well? Grab some white card stock, some red embroidery floss, a needle, and a pencil. You can grab a ruler too if you're super ornery like me.

Start by cutting your paper to be 5"x7" and draw a half circle on one side. Draw dots on either side of the line so you know where you want your "laces" to be. Mine were approximately 1/2" apart.

Poke your needle through all the dots, so it'll be easier to thread the embroidery floss through. Starting at the top, thread your floss through all the holes to make them look like laces. I went right to center, top to center, left to center, then onto the next row.

This is what the back look like, which you can cover with red paper or felt, if you like.

Write something witty on the front and your card is complete!

Ball #2 - The Baseball!
If you have a child, this is the easiest project I can think of. Baseball + ink pad + child's hand = lifelong memento. I recommend doing this if the child is a little older, though, as I tried doing this with my month-old nephew and it took three people to get his hand to open up enough to place on both the ink pad and the baseball, hence why it's a bit smudged. Still, it's the thought that counts, right?

Ball #3 - The Cookies!
Does your father have a sweet tooth? Make a batch of sugar cookies and top with royal icing (I made mine from scratch from this recipe on AllRecipes and they turned out ah-may-zing).

Once they're frosted and hardened (I let mine set overnight), take some red frosting (I cheated and used Wilton sparkle gel) and pipe on the laces. It's that easy!

Try not to eat these before giving them to your pops - maybe he'll be nice enough to share!

Ball #4 and a Home Run - The Snacks!
You can't go the ballgame without peanuts and Cracker Jacks! You can find both in your grocery store with the popcorn/peanuts/snacks. They make great filler in a box or a gift basket!

TOTAL COSTS: Depends on project
$.39 for embroidery floss from Michael's
$5.99 for baseball (3-pack from Toys 'R Us)
$1.99 for ink pad from Michael's
$2.99 for sugar cookie mix from Vons
$2.99 for red Wilton piping gel from Vons
$1.55 for 3 boxes of Cracker Jacks from Vons
$1.99 for peanuts from Vons

TOTAL AMOUNT OF TIME: Depends on project
1 hour to make the card (however I was very picky as to the placement of the laces)
Less than 5 minutes to make the baseball handprint
Overnight + 10 minutes to bake + 30 minutes to decorate cookies

EASY-PEASY SCALE (1 super easy - 5 very difficult): Depends on project
If I had to rate these, I'd say the baseball is the easiest to make, followed by the cookies and then the card. Overall, though, I'd say the hardest is a 3 out of 5. You just have to be patient and have a steady hand with all of these, but know that your dad will be amazed by your creativity and thoughtfulness!