Father’s Day Paper Plate Trophy (World’s Best Dad Craft)

Looking for a simple Father’s Day craft for toddlers that doesn’t require loads of prep (or patience)? This paper plate trophy is about as easy as it gets, and it turns into something that you’ll actually want to keep.

We made this “World’s Best Dad” trophy with one paper plate, a bit of paint, and some very enthusiastic toddler artwork.

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What You’ll Need

• 1 paper plate
• Yellow paint (or a yellow plate / yellow pens)
• Coloured craft card
• Pens or crayons for decorating
• Scissors
• Glue

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How to Make a Paper Plate Trophy

Step 1: Paint the Plate

Paint the whole paper plate yellow or skip this step entirely if you’ve got a yellow plate. We like to keep a stock of coloured plates as it is much easier for Robbie to draw over them than ones already covered in paint.

If you are painting your own plate, be sure to let it dry… wet paint and glue don’t mix well!

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Step 2: Cut the Plate

Once dry, cut the plate in half. One half will become your trophy top, the natural shape of the plate is perfect for this so no messing around needed.

Using the other half, cut one long strip to use as the base of the trophy. Next cut a shorter but slightly wider strip to use as the body of the trophy and connect everything together.

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Step 3: Build the Best Dad Trophy Shape

Glue the shorter strip between the plate and the base to create that classic trophy stand shape.

It might not line up perfectly, ours definitely didn’t, but it still looks like a trophy which is all that matters.

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Step 4: Add the Star

Cut out a star from your craft card and stick it in the middle of the plate. I let Robbie draw the star on some craft card and then cut around it myself as he’s a little too small for scissors.

We wrote “1st” on ours as there was very little space but you could go with No1 Dad, best Dad or anything else you fancy if your star is a little bigger.

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Step 5: Let Your Toddler Take Over

This is the best bit.

Let your child decorate:

• draw hearts
• scribble pictures
• attempt a family portrait (always interesting)

We ended up with something that looks vaguely like me, I do have the build of a stick to be fair, so I’m choosing to take that as a compliment.

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Is The Paper Plate Trophy Easy For Kids?

This was one of those crafts where the cutting wasn’t straight (Dad’s fault) and the star and drawings were not exactly as we planned.

But Robbie loved making it, and that’s the bit that sticks. He also took great pride in having made me something himself for Father’s day, even if I did do most of the work.

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The Finished Father’s Day Trophy

You end up with a bright, lovingly made, very personal Father’s Day trophy that genuinely feels like it means something.

And let’s be honest, anything with “World’s Best Daddy” written on it is going straight on display. It’s a simple Father’s Day craft, but one that toddlers genuinely enjoy making.

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Easy Craft Variations

• Use different colours instead of yellow. Kids love colour so always a chance you can end up with a rainbow trophy
• Add stickers if drawing isn’t their thing. This is a chance for your toddler to get creative and is their gift to you. Let them decorate as they please.
• Write a little message on the base. If they have something to say, let them say it!
• Make one for Grandad too. If your toddler enjoyed making your trophy then they may want to do it all over again. Grandad will love receiving a personal gift far more than chocolate too!

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FAQs

What age is this suitable for?

This craft works really well for toddlers and preschoolers. Younger kids can help paint and decorate, while you handle the cutting.

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Do I need to use paint?

No. Coloured plates or pens work just as well (and are a lot less messy).

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How long does it take?

About 15–20 minutes, depending on drying time and how into it your toddler gets.

Can this be made at home or in nursery/school?

Yes, this is a great low-prep craft for home, nurseries, or classrooms. It uses simple materials and doesn’t require any complicated steps.

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Final Thought

This isn’t a “perfect” craft and it’s not meant to be.

It’s quick, simple, and gives your child a way to make something that actually feels personal. And that’s what makes it a great Father’s Day activity for kids.

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I hope you enjoyed making this Father’s Day trophy. Robbie and I love making paper plate crafts together and this is just one of many of our crazy creations!

We have made all sorts of designs from paper plate cars to his favourite Roblox characters and it is a fantastic way to really get creative and let your child create something they love whilst spending quality, screen free time together.