DIY Father’s Day Gift and Family Friendly Activity.

May 27, 2025

Upcycle a Pallet into a Tool & Plant Organizer

Looking for a heartfelt, hands-on gift that Dad will actually use? This two-in-one DIY project is the perfect blend of functionality and fun! Upcycle an old pallet into a stylish and practical tool organizer—and add a personal touch with painted decorations and potted plants from the kids.

Whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day, a birthday, or just showing Dad some love, this handmade gift will hit the mark. Bonus: It’s a fun family activity that gets everyone involved!

Supplies You’ll Need

Make sure you have everything ready before starting:

1 wooden pallet (clean and dry)
Wood varnish or paint (outdoor-rated if used outside)
Paint brushes or rollers
A drill and drill bits
Sandpaper (medium grit)
Wood hooks
Wood screws
U-type double hook tool hangers
Wall-mountable or bucket-style pots with handles
Potting soil
Small plants or herbs
Optional: acrylic paints for kids’ artwork

Step By Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Pallet

Lightly sand the entire pallet using medium-grit sandpaper. This will remove any rough splinters and smooth the surface.

Step 2: Paint or Varnish

Apply a thin coat of wood varnish or your chosen paint. Allow it to dry completely before adding a second coat, if needed.

Kid-Friendly Tip: Let the little ones decorate the pallet with fun, garden-themed paintings—think sunflowers, bugs, or “Dad’s Tools” signs.

Step 3: Plan the Layout

Decide how you want to organize the pallet. We suggest:
A row of four hanging pots on the second slat of the pallet
Tool hangers on the bottom sections for rakes, spades, and more
Take note of the sizes of Dad’s most-used tools and plan accordingly.

Step 4: Install Pot Hooks

Measure and mark four evenly spaced points along the second slat of the pallet.
Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than your wood hook threads.
Drill pilot holes at the marked spots.
Hand-twist the wood hooks into the holes until secure.

Step 5: Pot Your Plants

Fill each bucket-style pot halfway with potting soil.
Gently transplant your plants or herbs into the pots.
Water thoroughly and let them drain completely.
Once they’re ready, hang the pots by their handles on the wood hooks.

Step 6: Add Tool Hangers

Choose the best location for each tool based on its size and shape.
Drill holes for the U-type double hook hangers.
Fasten them securely with wood screws.
Hang the tools and adjust as needed.

The Final Look

You now have a rustic-chic wall organizer that holds Dad’s go-to tools and adds a splash of greenery. Whether it’s mounted in the garage, garden shed, or even outdoors, this pallet organizer is practical, personal, and full of love.