The best crafts for kids are often the simplest. These crafts for kids don’t require a lot of concentration or precision, so they’re great for little ones that are learning how to use scissors and glue without making too much of a mess!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Crafts are a great way to keep kids busy and engaged. |
| There are many simple and affordable crafts that children can make at home. |
| Crafting with kids can help develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-expression. |
| Providing a variety of materials and encouraging imagination can help foster creativity in kids’ crafts. |
| Supervision and age-appropriate materials are important for ensuring kids’ safety. |
| There are many great resources available online for finding craft ideas for kids. |
Feathers
Feathers are a great way to create a beautiful craft. You can use feathers to make jewelry, decorations for your home, or even pass them out as party favors.
Kids will love the opportunity to learn about nature while making these crafts with you. Feathers are also an interesting choice because they aren’t just for kids! Feathers can be used in lots of different projects from clothing accessories to jewelry and more!
Looking for some fun and creative crafts to keep your kids busy this summer? Check out our guide to 15 Creative Crafts for Kids to Keep Them Busy All Summer for some great ideas and inspiration!
Paper
Paper is a very versatile material that you can use to create several different crafts. It’s inexpensive and can be used in all kinds of creative ways, making it the perfect craft supply for kids.
The best part about paper is that it’s so easy to recycle, so if your child gets tired of one project, all you have to do is toss the scrap paper in a recycling bin or compost pile!
| Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Origami | Fold paper into intricate and beautiful shapes, such as cranes, butterflies, and boats. |
| Collage | Use scissors and glue to cut out and layer colorful paper pieces to create a unique and vibrant artwork. |
| Paper Mache | Use paper strips and glue to make a three-dimensional object, like a balloon piñata or a festive decoration. |
| Paper Chains | Cut paper into strips and glue them together to form links, then loop them into a chain for a fun and easy decoration. |
| Paper Dolls | Cut out and decorate paper figures that can be dressed up with different outfits and accessories. |
Paper is an affordable and versatile material that can be used in a variety of crafts for kids, including origami, collage, and paper mache. These ideas are perfect for sparking creativity and imagination in children and can easily be adapted for different ages and skill levels.
Pipe Cleaners
Pipe cleaners are a great way to make craft projects for kids. They can be used to make animals, flowers, and more! If you’re looking for something easy and fun to do with your child, try making a pipe cleaner wreath!
Here’s how:
Cut pipe cleaners into different lengths as needed. You’ll need anywhere from 20-30 pieces per wreath (more or less depending on the size of your frame). Use pieces that are about 12 inches long for the loops, and pieces that are around 3 inches long for the stems. Leave the rest of them at their regular size.
Bend each piece in half so it makes an L shape. The bend will form part of the loowhen it’s done later down in this guide!
Want to get your kids excited about crafting? Our article on 25 Fun Ideas for Crafting with Kids is full of inspiration and tips to help you get started!
Popsicle Sticks
Popsicle sticks are one of the most versatile craft supplies out there. You can make a penguin, butterfly or bunny with them. All you need to do is glue a popsicle stick to the bottom of another popsicle stick and then draw on the shapes.
I like using popsicle sticks for this type of craft because it is easy for little ones to use them and they are cheap. They are also great for memories if you take pictures or videos of your child crafting with them!
| Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Picture Frames | Glue together popsicle sticks to create a unique and personalized picture frame that can be decorated and painted as desired. |
| Jewelry | Paint and decorate popsicle sticks to create fun and colorful bracelets, necklaces, and keychains. |
| Bookmarks | Use popsicle sticks as the base for creating bookmarks that can be decorated with paint, stickers, or washi tape. |
| Puppet Sticks | Glue or tape popsicle sticks to cut-out characters, animals, or monsters, then use them as fun and quirky puppets. |
| Garden Markers | Paint and label popsicle sticks to create fun and stylish garden markers for identifying plants and herbs. |
Popsicle sticks are a versatile and affordable craft supply that can be used to create a wide variety of projects like picture frames, bookmarks, and puppets. These ideas are a great way to encourage creativity and imagination in children and can easily be adapted for different ages and skill levels.
Magnets
Magnets are a fun and easy craft for kids to make. Here are five different ways to make your own magnet that you can use at home or give away as gifts:
Make a magnet with a paperclip. Gather two paperclips, two nails, and some cardboard. Attach one nail to the end of each paperclip using superglue or another strong adhesive. Let everything dry before giving it to your child as this will keep them from getting hurt by sharp objects!
Make a magnet with two needles or pins, some small pieces of iron wire, and an old battery (or other large single cell). Use one needle/pin for each side of the iron wire—these will form two electromagnets that attract each other when placed near each other due to their magnetic fields!
Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity or just something fun to do at home, our guide to 10 Easy and Fun Crafts for Kids to Make at Home has got you covered!
Ice Cream Sticks.
If you’ve ever been to a picnic, you’ll have seen ice cream sticks used in one of these ways:
- To make a bird feeder. You can use a length of twine or string and some wooden beads as decoration if you like.
- To create the frame for a fishing rod. In this case, all you need are two sharpened ice cream sticks and some string tied between them at the top of your fishing rod (the knot should be tied near where the two sticks join).
Make sure that when using your new creation outside, it’s tethered securely so it won’t fly away!
Egg Cartons
Egg cartons. These are great for drawing and painting, but also for making crafts. Use the egg carton as a template to cut out shapes that can be used as stencils for painting paper, wood or canvas. Try painting with different colors of paint to create a pattern on your canvas! It’s a fun way to turn something you would normally throw away into an art project!
Does your child love to make things? Our guide to 12 Crafts for Kids from Simple to Complex offers a variety of projects that will keep them engaged and challenged.
Buttons
Buttons are a great way to make crafts. You can use them as decorations for clothing, bags, or other items by simply sewing them on. You can also use buttons as a fastener for any number of craft projects. If you have some buttons that haven’t been used yet, you can glue them onto paper or fabric to make a collage!
Newspaper
Newspaper is a great material for kids to work with. It’s lightweight and easy to use, plus it’s free! Kids can make origami animals, masks and costumes, puppets and dolls, or even create papier-mache bowls.
Clothespins
Homemade pinwheels are a great way to decorate your home, and they’re also a fun craft for kids. These crafts can be done with clothespins, cardboard and paper.
Clothespins are also used in making paper chains and fans. Paper chains are often used as decorations on the walls of nurseries or bedrooms, while fans are perfect for cooling off on hot days!
Yarn Scraps
Yarn scraps are a great way to make a craft because they’re versatile. You can use them to create all kinds of things, such as a garland or necklace.
For example, you could take some yarn scraps and tie them together in the middle to make a bracelet for yourself or your friend! Or maybe you want to create something beautiful for your room? If so, try using the yarn scraps as decorations for an empty wall space!
With these ideas in mind, there’s no limit as to how much fun you can have with this type of material. The possibilities are endless!
| Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Crochet | Use leftover yarn scraps to create colorful and unique granny squares or amigurumi characters. |
| Weaving | Combine different yarn scraps to make a textured and colorful woven wall hanging. |
| Pom-Poms | Create fluffy pom-poms in various sizes and colors, and use them to decorate a hat, scarf, or bag. |
| Tassels | Make tassels by wrapping yarn around a piece of cardboard, then attaching them to a keychain or using them as a decorative embellishment. |
| Friendship Bracelets | Use colorful embroidery floss or yarn scraps to make braided, knotted, or beaded friendship bracelets. |
Yarn scraps can be turned into a wide variety of crafts, from crochet to weaving to decorative pom-poms and tassels. These ideas are a great way to use up any leftover yarn from previous projects and create unique and customized items.
Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
Empty toilet paper rolls are perfect for this craft because they’re sturdy and easy to cut. You can use them to make a paper chain, a paper star and even a paper ring!
Step 1: Lay out your empty toilet paper roll on the ground. Make sure it’s in a diamond-shape with equal sides at each end (see photo above).
Step 2: Use scissors or craft knife to cut off the top flaps of your roll so that you’re left with just one long piece of cardboard (see photo above).
Step 3: Next, cut into small pieces along both short edges of your cardboard strip until you have lots of little squares (see photo above). You can use these squares as decorations on cards or gifts later on!
Looking for a special way to show your love and appreciation for mom? Our collection of Mother’s Day Crafts features easy and thoughtful ideas that are perfect for gift-giving.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best craft ideas for kids. We understand that it can be difficult to make time for crafts in our busy lives, but we think it’s important to encourage creativity in children and ourselves!
It might take a little extra effort on your part, but giving your children these kinds of opportunities will pay off in the long run.
They’ll learn valuable skills like problem-solving, critical thinking and self-confidence all while having fun and making something beautiful at the same time.
Further Reading
For more fun and inspiring ideas for crafting with kids, check out these great resources:
30 Days of Kids’ Crafts from Martha Stewart – This collection of simple and playful crafts is perfect for kids of all ages!
Fun Craft Ideas for Kids to Make at Home from Gathered – Discover creative and imaginative projects that will keep your kids busy and entertained.
75 Arts and Crafts Projects for Kids from Babble Dabble Do – Get inspired with this extensive list of innovative and engaging art projects for children.
FAQs
What is the age range for kids’ crafts?
Crafting activities can be adapted based on the age and skill level of the child. There are many simple and enjoyable crafts that are perfect for young children (ages 3-5) and many more complex ones that are great for older children (ages 6-12).
What materials should I use for kids’ crafts?
Common materials used for kids’ crafts include paper, paint, glue, markers, crayons, cardboard, beads, yarn, and fabric. When choosing materials, be sure to consider the age of the child and any safety concerns.
How can I encourage creativity in kids’ crafts?
There are many ways to encourage creativity in kids’ crafts, including providing a variety of materials, allowing for free exploration and experimentation, encouraging imagination through storytelling and play, and providing positive feedback and support.
Are there any benefits to doing crafts with kids?
Crafting with kids can have many benefits, including developing fine motor skills, cultivating creativity and self-expression, building confidence and problem-solving skills, strengthening parent-child bonds, and providing a fun and engaging activity that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
How can I make sure kids’ crafts are safe?
To ensure that kids’ crafts are safe, be sure to choose age-appropriate materials and activities, supervise children at all times, and follow any safety guidelines or instructions provided with craft kits or supplies.
Hellen James is the creator of Unified Crafts and has been crafting since she was a kid accompanied by her mom to the craft store, where she was free to choose whatever ignited her imagination.
