22 Easy Kids Crafts That'll Make You Their Favorite Parent (They'll Demand #5 Again!)

Crafting with kids is like mixing colors on a palette; sometimes it gets a little messy, but the results are often pure magic.

From building fairy houses in the backyard to creating funky art projects with recycled materials, engaging in these activities offers kids a chance to express themselves and lets parents bond with their little ones.

Each craft idea on this list is not only easy to do but also brimming with fun, creativity, and that irresistible 'wow' factor that kids can’t get enough of. Get ready to become their favorite parent by presenting them with these delightful DIYs!

Let’s get started on this crafty adventure that will surely have them requesting #5 on repeat!

Contents

• 1. Rainbow Paper Plates
• 2. DIY Nature Collages
• 3. Sock Puppets
• 4. Painted Rocks
• 5. DIY T-Shirt Tote Bags
• 6. Foam Sticker Art
• 7. DIY Watercolor Paints
• 8. Egg Carton Critters
• 9. Bead Bracelets
• 10. Cardboard Box Forts
• 11. Nature Inspired Stamps
• 12. Friendship Bracelets
• 13. Glittery Galaxy Jars
• 14. Paper Mache Creations
• 15. DIY Comic Books
• 16. Felt Animals
• 17. DIY Photo Frames
• 18. Leaf Rubbings
• 19. Bubble Wrap Printing
• 20. Ice Cream Cone Bird Feeders
• 21. DIY Kaleidoscopes
• 22. Paper Flowers

1. Rainbow Paper Plates

Transform simple paper plates into vibrant rainbows! All you need is some paint, a few brushes, and your child's imagination. Start by gathering a pack of paper plates to serve as your canvas. Let the kids choose their favorite colors from a non-toxic acrylic paint set, where they will find a wide variety of hues to create a stunning rainbow effect on each section of the plate.

Once they’ve painted their plates, encourage them to add personal touches using some glitter craft set for a little extra sparkle. This is a great way for them to explore their creativity while also learning about colors.

Make sure to set up a space outside to keep mess to a minimum and use non-toxic paint for safety. Once the plates are dry, you can hang them up as cheerful wall decorations in their room! This craft not only fosters creativity but also assists in color recognition, making it both educational and fun.

Product Recommendations:
• paper plates
• non-toxic acrylic paint set
• glitter craft set

2. DIY Nature Collages

Bring the beauty of the outdoors inside with DIY nature collages! This craft is not only easy but also a wonderful way to encourage kids to explore nature.

Start by taking a nature walk with the kids, where they can collect leaves, flowers, twigs, and feathers. Once back home, provide them with glue, scissors, and a large sheet of paper. Using kids craft scissors can make cutting through the collected materials fun and safe, allowing them to express their creativity without frustration. They can arrange their natural treasures into unique collages, gluing everything down with non-toxic craft glue, which is perfect for little hands and ensures a mess-free crafting experience.

To make it even more engaging, consider incorporating a theme, like 'Spring' or 'Under the Sea'. Using a magnifying glass for kids can enhance the experience further; it allows them to examine the different textures and colors of the items they collected, sparking curiosity and conversation about nature.

Finally, display their collages in a gallery style around the house, showcasing their artistic flair. Nature collages are not just a fun activity; they teach kids about the environment, creativity, and the beauty of natural materials.

Product Recommendations:
• kids craft scissors
• non-toxic craft glue
• magnifying glass for kids

3. Sock Puppets

Turn those mismatched socks into delightful sock puppets! This classic craft is perfect for sparking imagination and storytelling.

Gather a few clean socks (creativity works best with colorful ones) and enhance your crafting experience with a Crafting Sock Puppet Kit. This kit includes everything you need, like pompoms and wiggle googly eyes, to help kids create their own unique puppet characters. Let the kids give their puppets distinct personalities as they add facial features and other fun accessories. Once their creations are complete, encourage them to put on a puppet show to showcase their new friends.

To add even more flair to their sock puppets, consider using Assorted Craft Buttons. These colorful, mixed-sized buttons are perfect for adding eyes, noses, or any other special touches that can bring their puppet characters to life.

And if your kids are excited to use yarn for hair or other decorations, a Colorful Yarn Bundle can provide a variety of vibrant options. This bundle is great for any crafting project and will certainly inspire creativity as they choose different colors for their puppets.

The act of creating a puppet helps improve motor skills and fosters teamwork if done in groups. After the puppet-making fun, prompt storytelling sessions; it can be hilarious to see what silly tales they come up with!

Sock puppets combine crafting with performance, offering endless fun and laughter for the whole family.

Product Recommendations:
• Crafting Sock Puppet Kit
• Assorted Craft Buttons
• Colorful Yarn Bundle

4. Painted Rocks

Unleash creativity with painted rocks! This craft is simple and allows for endless design possibilities.

Start by collecting smooth stones from your yard or a local park. Once you have a nice collection, hand out some paint, brushes, and sealant for finishing touches. For vibrant colors that last, consider using Apple Barrel, vibrant spectrum collection acrylic craft paint. With 16 assorted matte colors, kids can paint their favorite animals, geometric designs, or inspirational messages on the rocks. After they're dry, apply Aleene's spray gloss finish acrylic sealant to protect the designs from the weather, ensuring that their colorful creations remain beautiful for longer.

For the painting process, a set of Pro Grade paint brushes will provide the right tools for different strokes and details, making it easier for kids to express their artistic flair.

Additionally, hosting a rock painting contest can add a little friendly competition to the activity!

Painting rocks offers kids a chance to express themselves and enjoy some outdoor activity. Plus, it becomes a wonderful decoration that everyone can admire.

Product Recommendations:
• Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint
• Aleene's Spray Gloss Finish Acrylic Sealant
• Pro Grade Paint Brushes

5. DIY T-Shirt Tote Bags

Transform old t-shirts into fun and functional tote bags! This eco-friendly craft teaches kids about recycling and creativity in one go.

Start with t-shirts that have seen better days—perfect for this project! Cut off the sleeves and the neckline to create a bag shape. Kids can tie the bottom of the shirt to create a sturdy base. Once they have their bag, let them decorate it with fabric markers, which are perfect for adding colorful designs and personal touches. They can also use iron-on patches to customize their tote bags further, making them unique and one-of-a-kind.

Encourage kids to think of fun uses for their bags, like carrying toys, books, or snacks. You can even organize a tote bag-making party where everyone can swap their creations! Additionally, this is a great opportunity to discuss the importance of recycling and how they can help the planet through their craft.

DIY t-shirt tote bags are practical, creative, and an excellent way to spark conversations about sustainability.

Product Recommendations:
• fabric scissors
• fabric markers
• iron-on patches

6. Foam Sticker Art

Foam sticker art is a fantastic way to get kids crafting without the mess of paint or glue. These versatile stickers come in all shapes and sizes, allowing for limitless creativity. To get started, consider using a pack of assorted foam stickers like the Horizon Group USA assorted self adhesive foam shapes for a vibrant variety that will inspire your children’s imaginations.

Pair these stickers with a sturdy base such as sturdy cardboard sheets, which provide a strong foundation for their creations. Kids can create shapes, scenes, or even characters using these colorful stickers, and it’s not only fun, but it also enhances their fine motor skills as they peel and place the stickers.

To further spark their creativity, try adding themes like 'Underwater Adventure' or 'Space Exploration.' You could also create a sticker book where they can stick their artworks for safekeeping and display, like the sticker book for kids filled with over 1000 cute stickers.

Foam sticker art combines simple crafting with imaginative play, making it a favorite among kids!

Product Recommendations:
• Horizon Group USA assorted self adhesive foam shapes
• sturdy cardboard sheets
• sticker book for kids filled with over 1000 cute stickers

7. DIY Watercolor Paints

Make your own watercolor paints with kids—it’s surprisingly simple and super fun! This DIY craft encourages experimentation with colors.

You can create your own watercolors using simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, corn syrup, and food coloring. For the food coloring, consider using the non-toxic food coloring set from 365 by Whole Foods Market to ensure safety during your crafting adventure. Mix the ingredients in small containers, such as the small mixing containers from TCP Global, for unique colors. Once dried, let the kids use these paints on quality surfaces like the watercolor paper pad by Hapikalor to create beautiful masterpieces.

- Allow kids to experiment with mixing colors to see what new shades they can create.
- Host a mini art show to display their works of art after they dry!
- Discuss color theory while you work together, making it a learning experience too.

Creating DIY watercolor paints is not only about art but also about science, making it a perfect blend of education and creativity.

Product Recommendations:
• non-toxic food coloring set
• small mixing containers
• watercolor paper pad

8. Egg Carton Critters

Repurpose egg cartons into adorable critters! This craft is a magical way to recycle while letting kids’ imaginations run wild.

Start by cutting the egg carton into sections for the body parts of different animals. Provide some acrylic paint set in vibrant colors, googly eyes from a googly eyes assortment, and other craft supplies. Kids can create anything from bugs to animals—let their creativity shine! Once completed, they can use their critters for imaginative play.

Suggestions:
- Explore different animals or fantasy creatures together!
- Host a show-and-tell where kids can present their critters and share their names and backstories.
- Discuss the importance of recycling in a fun and engaging way.

Egg carton critters spark creativity and teach kids about the importance of reuse, making it a win-win craft activity. Don't forget to include some craft scissors for kids for cutting and shaping the egg cartons safely.

Product Recommendations:
• acrylic paint set
• googly eyes assortment
• craft scissors for kids

9. Bead Bracelets

Get those fingers moving with bead bracelets! This craft is easy, fun, and produces a beautiful accessory that kids will love to wear.

Start with a variety of colorful beads, such as the Colorful Bead Set, which includes 3000 pieces in 96 vibrant colors, perfect for creating unique designs. Pair these with some elastic string like the Elastic String for Beading, designed specifically for jewelry making. Kids can choose their color combinations and patterns, threading beads onto the string to create their masterpieces. Once finished, tie a knot and wear those creations proudly!

For added flair, consider including charms with the Charm Beads for Bracelets kit, which offers fun and cute options to enhance their designs. While they work on their bracelets, you can discuss patterns and even touch on basic math concepts, making it a wonderful learning experience.

Additionally, organize a bracelet exchange where they can swap creations with friends, fostering community and creativity. Making bead bracelets is a delightful way for kids to practice fine motor skills while expressing their individual styles.

Product Recommendations:
• Colorful Bead Set
• Elastic String for Beading
• Charm Beads for Bracelets

10. Cardboard Box Forts

Turn ordinary cardboard boxes into epic forts! This project is perfect for a rainy day or a creative afternoon.

Gather any boxes you have lying around, and let the kids use kid-safe scissors, tape, and markers to design their dream fort. The washable markers set allows for easy cleanup while providing vibrant colors for decorating. They can also use crayons, paint, or stickers to make it truly their own. Once completed, it becomes a perfect space for playing, reading, or pretending.

- Encourage collaboration by having them work together on a larger fort.
- Use string lights for kids inside for a cozy atmosphere. These battery-operated lights add a magical touch, especially when setting a theme like 'Space Station' or 'Castle' to enhance imaginative play.

Building cardboard box forts is not just a fun craft; it also fosters creativity and teamwork, leading to hours of entertainment.

Product Recommendations:
• kid-safe scissors
• washable markers set
• string lights for kids

11. Nature Inspired Stamps

Use nature to create stamps! This craft merges creativity with the beauty of the outdoors. Collect items such as leaves, flowers, or even potatoes to serve as stamps. Kids can paint the items using Crayola washable kids paint to create vibrant prints on paper. This paint set features assorted bold colors and is nontoxic, making it safe for little artists to express their creativity freely.

It’s a simple way to create art while exploring textures and shapes found in nature. To enhance the experience, consider using different colors for layered looks! Additionally, discuss the various types of plants or flowers they use, adding an educational twist to the fun. Once they finish their creations, you could even host an art show to display their nature-inspired prints on Melissa & Doug drawing paper pad, which provides 50 high-quality sheets that are perfect for showcasing their artwork.

Nature-inspired stamps are an excellent way to blend art with an appreciation for the environment. Plus, the results are often stunning! And if you’re looking for a complete kit to get started, check out the nature craft kit, which includes supplies to turn natural found treasures into art projects.

Product Recommendations:
• Crayola washable kids paint
• Melissa & Doug drawing paper pad
• nature craft kit

12. Friendship Bracelets

Friendship bracelets are a classic DIY craft that kids adore! They’re simple to create and make for special gifts. To get started, gather colorful embroidery floss or yarn like the embroidery floss set, which includes 50 skeins in a rainbow of colors. This variety allows kids to explore their creativity and design unique patterns.

As they craft, kids can learn knotting techniques to create beautiful bracelets. For an added challenge, try different knotting styles like braids or the chevron pattern. If the knots don’t hold securely enough, you might want to consider using a knotting tool for bracelets, which can help ensure that each knot is tight and secure, especially for intricate designs.

Once finished, they can gift their creations to friends or wear them as tokens of friendship. Encourage them to make a set of matching bracelets for their best friends! While crafting, take the opportunity to discuss the meaning of friendship, enhancing their emotional growth.

Creating friendship bracelets teaches kids about the value of relationships while also honing their crafting skills.

Product Recommendations:
• embroidery floss set
• knotting tool for bracelets
• craft scissors for kids

13. Glittery Galaxy Jars

Create a mesmerizing galaxy in a jar! This simple DIY craft blends science and art, making it irresistible to kids.

Start by filling a Mason jar with water. Then, add a few drops of food coloring and mix in some non-toxic glitter to create a magical galaxy effect. Kids can also decorate the outside of the jar with stickers or paint, giving it a personal touch. Once completed, they’ll have a stunning nightlight or decoration for their room.

Encourage them to experiment with different colors and amounts of glitter for varied effects. This not only enhances creativity but also allows for exciting discussions about the science of galaxies or stars while crafting, sparking their curiosity! For an added glowing effect, place some LED tea light candles underneath the jar.

Glittery galaxy jars combine creativity with a touch of science, making them a captivating craft that kids will love showing off.

Product Recommendations:
• Mason jar
• non-toxic glitter
• LED tea light candles

14. Paper Mache Creations

Get messy with paper mache! This classic craft is both fun and rewarding, as kids can create virtually anything.

To get started, mix water and flour to create a paste, then tear strips of newspaper to dip into the mix. Kids can mold the wet strips over a balloon or any shape they desire. For a more convenient crafting experience, consider using ACTIVA CelluClay Instant Paper Mâché, which offers a ready-to-use alternative that simplifies the process. Once dried, they can paint and decorate their creations using a Crayola washable paint set that's non-toxic and perfect for young artists. It's all about letting their imaginations run wild!

Don’t forget to set up a dedicated crafting area for easy cleanup. To protect their clothing while they create, providing them with crafting aprons for kids can keep the mess contained and make the experience even more enjoyable. As they wait for their pieces to dry, discuss the drying process and how paper mache works. You can even host a reveal party to showcase their finished masterpieces!

Paper mache fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, making it an engaging activity for all ages.

Product Recommendations:
• ACTIVA CelluClay Instant Paper Mâché
• Crayola washable paint set
• crafting aprons for kids

15. DIY Comic Books

Unleash storytelling with DIY comic books! This craft combines writing, drawing, and creativity into one exciting package.

Provide kids with blank sheets of paper folded into comic book format. They can create characters, plotlines, and illustrations, bringing their stories to life. Encourage them to come up with heroic adventures or fantastical tales, promoting creativity and literacy. For a great start, consider using a blank comic book for kids, a journal packed with over 100 pages that allows for plenty of room to explore their imaginations.

To make their stories vibrant and engaging, equip them with an art markers dual brush pens set. This 60-marker set includes both fine and brush tips, perfect for coloring their illustrations and bringing their characters to life.

Suggestions:
- Organize a comic book fair where kids can showcase their works.
- Discuss the elements of a good story to guide their writing.
- Allow them to illustrate their own covers, adding a personal touch!

Creating comic books is not just a craft; it’s a fun way for kids to improve writing skills while expressing their imaginations.

Product Recommendations:
• blank comic book for kids
• art markers dual brush pens set
• comic book creation kit

16. Felt Animals

Craft adorable felt animals with your kids! This easy craft nurtures creativity and fine motor skills as they cut, glue, and assemble.

Start by providing sheets of felt in various colors, like those found in the Felt Sheets Variety Pack, which includes 40 assorted colors. The vibrant options allow kids to express their imagination while crafting their favorite animals, from cute cats to ferocious dinosaurs.

For safe and easy cutting, equip them with Child-Safe Scissors. These scissors have blunt tips, making them perfect for preschoolers and ensuring a worry-free crafting experience.

Once their felt animals are complete, they can use them for pretend play, enhancing the imaginative aspect. Encourage them to add details like buttons or fabric for eyes and accessories, ensuring their creations are unique and personalized. To secure their pieces together, use Washable Craft Glue. This glue is perfect for crafting, allowing for easy application and cleanup.

After the animals are finished, create a mini zoo display, setting up a fun play area. Discuss the different animals they create, adding an educational aspect to the craft.

Felt animals are a fun and tactile craft that sparks creativity while honing essential skills.

Product Recommendations:
• Felt Sheets Variety Pack
• Child-Safe Scissors
• Washable Craft Glue

17. DIY Photo Frames

Craft personalized photo frames that kids will cherish forever! This simple project is a fantastic way to showcase memories.

Gather materials like cardboard or popsicle sticks, glue, and various decorations like stickers, paint, or washi tape. For a strong hold, use crafting glue which is perfect for all kinds of projects. Kids can design frames for their favorite photos, letting their creativity shine through. Once complete, they can give these frames as gifts or keep them for themselves.

Consider discussing the importance of memories and why they choose certain photos for their frames. You can also organize a mini photoshoot to fill their frames with new pictures! To teach about sustainability, use recycled materials along with fun embellishments. For added flair, include decorative stickers that can be easily stuck on to personalize each frame.

DIY photo frames not only foster creativity but also help kids value their memories, making this craft both meaningful and fun.

Product Recommendations:
• Cardboard sheets
• Crafting glue
• Decorative stickers

18. Leaf Rubbings

Capture the beauty of nature with leaf rubbings! This simple and engaging craft is perfect for introducing kids to textures and patterns.

Start by collecting a variety of leaves from your yard or a nearby park. Place a leaf under a piece of paper and use crayons to rub over the paper, revealing the leaf's shape and details. A great option for this is the Crayola 24 Count Box of Crayons, which provides a wide range of colors for kids to explore. Alternatively, you can use Crayola Colored Pencils for more precision and detail in their artwork.

As they create their whole collection of leaf rubbings, take the time to discuss the different types of leaves and their characteristics. To keep all their beautiful creations organized, consider using a Nature Journal. This can also serve as a wonderful keepsake to track their artistic journey.

Kids can use their leaf rubbings to make greeting cards or decorations, blending art with nature in a fun and educational way. Leaf rubbings are a simple yet beautiful way to connect creativity with the great outdoors, making this craft enjoyable and meaningful.

Product Recommendations:
• Crayola 24 Count Box of Crayons
• Crayola Colored Pencils
• Nature Journal

19. Bubble Wrap Printing

Get creative with bubble wrap printing! This craft is a fun mess that results in vibrant art that your kids will love.

Begin by cutting bubble wrap, like the Bubble Wrap Roll, into various shapes. Kids can paint one side of the bubble wrap using a washable kids paint set in assorted bold colors and press it onto paper, such as heavyweight art paper, to create unique prints. Experimenting with different colors and designs keeps them engaged and excited about the results.

Suggestions:
- Encourage kids to create a series of prints on a theme, like 'Under the Sea' or 'Outer Space.'
- Discuss color mixing while they work on their pieces.
- Use the prints to create cards or wall art.

Bubble wrap printing is a tactile and fun art project that kids will adore, producing colorful results with delightful textures.

Product Recommendations:
• Bubble Wrap Roll
• Washable Kids Paint Set
• Heavyweight Art Paper

20. Ice Cream Cone Bird Feeders

Create delightful ice cream cone bird feeders! This craft is a sweet way to connect with nature and help local wildlife.

Start with a regular ice cream cone, like ice cream cone craft supplies, and spread peanut butter over it. Roll the cone in birdseed until it’s well-coated, using a mix like birdseed variety pack for an interesting blend. Hang the feeders outside with natural twine for crafting, and watch the birds enjoy their treat! It's a perfect blend of crafting and nature appreciation.

- Discuss the different types of birds that might visit their feeders.
- Set up a birdwatching session and keep a chart of the birds they see.
- Use different flavors of birdseed for a fun twist!

Ice cream cone bird feeders are a crafty activity that instills a love for nature and fosters responsibility towards wildlife.

Product Recommendations:
• Ice cream cone craft supplies
• birdseed variety pack
• natural twine for crafting

21. DIY Kaleidoscopes

Create magical DIY kaleidoscopes that delight the senses! This craft merges science with art, creating a captivating experience.

To get started, gather materials like cardboard tubes for crafts, reflective paper, beads, or colorful tissue paper. The cardboard tubes for crafts are perfect for creating the kaleidoscope body, and their sturdy construction ensures that the kids can manipulate them easily.

Next, use reflective paper sheets to line the inner surface of the tube. This reflective metallic cardstock is key to creating those dazzling patterns when light hits it, enhancing the visual effects as they peer through. Kids can also add assorted items like colorful beads assortment or bits of tissue paper inside the tube, creating unique designs that transform with each turn.

As they assemble their kaleidoscopes, it’s a fun way to teach about light and color! You can discuss how light interacts with the materials used, emphasizing the role of reflection and refraction in creating colorful displays.

To enhance the experience, create a sharing circle where kids can display and swap their creations. Encourage them to create stories based on the patterns they see, fostering creativity and storytelling skills.

DIY kaleidoscopes provide a perfect blend of crafting and science, making it an engaging and educational activity that your kids will love!

Product Recommendations:
• cardboard tubes for crafts
• reflective paper sheets
• colorful beads assortment

22. Paper Flowers

Craft beautiful paper flowers to brighten any space! This simple activity is perfect for kids and can be customized in endless ways.

Start with some colorful craft paper like this Construction Paper - 480ct (2pck). Kids can cut petals and leaves from this vibrant paper, gluing them together using Glue Sticks for Crafts to form stunning flowers. Once done, they can decorate their rooms or give them as gifts, bringing joy to their loved ones.

For safety and ease, provide Child-Safe Scissors, which are designed for little hands and ensure a fun experience without the worry of sharp edges.

- Experiment with different paper textures for varied looks!
- Create a bouquet and discuss the different types of flowers as they craft.
- Host a flower show where kids can present their creations!

Paper flowers are a wonderful way to express creativity while adding a touch of beauty to any environment.

Product Recommendations:
• Colorful Craft Paper
• Glue Sticks for Crafts
• Child-Safe Scissors

Conclusion

These 22 easy kids crafts are more than just fun activities—they’re opportunities for bonding and creativity. Each project encourages imagination and skill development in a delightful way.

As kids dive into these crafts, they will create memories that last a lifetime, and you just might become their favorite parent along the way! Encourage them to try different projects and share their masterpieces with friends and family. Crafting together can lead to laughter, learning, and love that brightens your home.



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