DIY Dad Gifts

Todd Plitt
Dad Shirt Apron:
Cut the sleeves off of a dress shirt or button down using fabric-safe scissors. Slit open the back of the shirt and cut off all of the back except for 2 strips of fabric in the middle; these 2 strips will be the ties for the apron. Leave the collar intact and use a hand stitcher or hot glue gun to make seams.
What You'll Need:
- Dress shirt or button down
- Fabric-safe scissors
- Hand stitcher or hot glue gun
Bottle Cap Coasters:
Purchase thin sheets of sturdy cork at a craft store and cut them into squares. Using a hot glue gun, attach beer bottle caps to the cork in a circular pattern. If your bottle caps aren't intact, you can buy them for a couple of dollars online. Make a set of 4 for Dad.
What You'll Need:
- Thin sheets of sturdy cork board
- Scissors or utility knife
- Beer bottle caps
- Hot glue gun
Roasted Garlic Salt:
Place 1/2 head of garlic in aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil and wrap up. Roast at 400 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool, then squeeze the garlic into a bowl and stir in 1/2 cup kosher salt until well mixed. Transfer to a shallow ovenproof glass dish and bake at 200 degrees F for 20 minutes. Let cool, then break the mixture up with a fork. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The garlic salt is great sprinkled on french fries or roasted potatoes.
What You'll Need:
- 1/2 head garlic
- Aluminum foil
- Olive oil
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- Ovenproof glass dish
Bacon-Parmesan Salt:
Cook 6 ounces (half a package) of bacon until very crisp but not burnt. Drain on paper towels, patting off as much oil as possible. Finely mince the bacon in a food processor. Mix the bacon with 3/4 cup sea salt in a bowl, then add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Add a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and mix it all together. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
What You'll Need:
- 6 ounces bacon
- Paper towels
- 3/4 cup sea salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper