Father's Day Card Book Ideas: What to Include for Every Dad

Quick answer

For a Father's Day card book, include a mix of your child's current art, past drawings, and heartfelt messages. Choose a style that matches how your dad loves to receive keepsakes, and consider a prepaid collection box to simplify the process.

Father's Day is a chance to show Dad how much his role means, especially when the gift comes from the kids. A card book that pulls together drawings, notes, and photos can feel far more personal than a store-bought card that will be read once and tucked away.

The best Father's Day card book mixes pieces that tell a story: your child's first scribbles, a recent family trip, a silly joke, or a written note that captures their voice. Deciding what to include doesn't have to be complicated, but it helps to match the content to the way Dad likes to receive keepsakes.

Start with the cards that mean the most

Look through the cards your child has made for Dad over the years. Pick the ones that show growth, like a crayon figure from preschool next to a more detailed drawing from this year. Also include cards that reference a shared memory, such as a beach vacation or a favorite hobby like fishing or sports.

If you don't have many physical cards, your child's artwork can fill the same role. A drawing of the family or a painting with Dad's favorite colors works well. The goal is to choose pieces that feel personal rather than trying to include everything.

• Aim for a mix of early and recent pieces to show how the child's style has grown.
• Include at least one card or drawing that references a specific shared interest or memory.

Add handwritten notes and photos

Written messages from your child—short lines like “I love you, Daddy” or a longer letter—add a personal layer. Photos of Dad with the kids, especially candid ones from everyday moments, can fill gaps between drawings and help the book feel like a complete story.

Try to include a note from each child if you have more than one. Even a few words in a toddler's handwriting will matter. If Dad is the type who prefers practical keepsakes, you might lean on photos and short captions instead of long letters.

Choose a book style that fits how Dad keeps things

Plum Print offers a Holiday Card Book that works beyond the holidays—you can use it for Father's Day cards as well. The book is priced per card, and the deposit is credited back on the final invoice, which makes it budget-friendly if you start small.

If you want to include a lot of artwork and cards, a custom memory book may give you more flexibility. Think about how Dad is likely to use the book. If he prefers a slim keepsake on a shelf, a card book is ideal. If he loves paging through a thick album of memories, a more comprehensive book might suit him better.

• The Holiday Card Book is priced per card, so you can control the final cost.
• Consider a larger custom book if you plan to include many years of artwork and photos.

Make the process easier with a collection box

Gathering cards, drawings, and photos takes time, but a prepaid collection box can keep you organized throughout the school year. Plum Print's Back to School Box gives you a 50% discount on a prepaid collection box and includes a virtual gallery and digital downloads with every book order.

If you're already collecting materials for a Father's Day book, start early. Let the box sit in a visible spot so you can drop in cards and artwork as they come home. If you're short on time, a Memory Book Deposit lets you reserve a project and send materials when you're ready.

Gift options for dads who live far away

If Dad is long-distance, sending the collection box directly to him can be a great surprise. Plum Print's Holiday Card Book can be sent as a gift for $199, which covers the first 20 cards. Dad fills the box with cards and any keepsakes he wants, and Plum Print does the rest.

This option works especially well for grandfathers or dads who already have a stack of cards they'd love to preserve. You handle the design approval later, but he gets to be part of the process.

How to decide what goes in the book

• If Dad loves surprises: Choose the gift option and have a collection box sent to him so he can participate. Great for long-distance dads or those who enjoy being hands-on.
• If you're short on time: Grab a prepaid Back to School Box and drop in new pieces as they appear. Keeps the project moving without a big time commitment.
• If you want a budget-friendly option: Use the Holiday Card Book and start with only the most meaningful cards. A few heartfelt cards can make a powerful gift.

Product facts at a glance

• Holiday Card Book: Preserve your holiday cards, birthday cards, and more into a beautifully designed book. Each book is priced per card, and the deposit is credited back on your final invoice. A gift option sends a collection box to any recipient for $199, covering the first 20 cards. You start with a small deposit and only pay for what you include, which is ideal if you're curating a modest Father's Day collection.
• Back to School Box: Celebrate your children's creativity with tailor-made keepsake art books. Enjoy 50% OFF your prepaid collection box and stay organized throughout the school year. Send it back whenever you're ready. Every book order includes a complimentary virtual gallery, high-resolution image downloads, and free book shipping. If you want to collect items over time without losing them, a prepaid box that arrives early keeps your Father's Day project stress-free.

Which Father's Day book fits?

Best for

• Dads who appreciate a curated collection of a few meaningful items
• Families who want to preserve handwritten notes and original artwork

Not for

• Dads who prefer a comprehensive archive of every single piece of art
• Families who want a framed piece or a single-print display rather than a bound book

A Father's Day card book becomes more than a gift—it's a timeline of how your child sees their dad. Start with a few genuine pieces, add a personal note, and let Plum Print handle the design and printing. The result is a keepsake that will likely be pulled off the shelf long after the holiday is over.