Are you struggling to keep your toddlers engaged? Crafting with them is an excellent way to not only keep them occupied but also foster their cognitive development. By introducing simple crafting projects, you can teach your little ones about shapes, colors, animals, and even help them develop their creativity. Here’s a list of 31 crafting ideas for you and your toddler to enjoy together!
Sticky Nature Cards
Having a stash of about a dozen sticky cards in your bag can be an incredibly useful resource for keeping your little one entertained on-the-go. Imagine being able to whip out some engaging activities while waiting in line at a coffee shop or finishing up errands with your stroller-bound child. The best part? These interactive tools are not only fun but also serve as a valuable visual aid to help your kid develop a deeper appreciation for nature.
To create these handy cards, you’ll need just a few simple supplies: card stock paper, double-sided sticky tape, and some creative materials like leaves, petals, twigs, and shiny stones. With these items in hand, you can craft unique and educational experiences that will keep your child engaged for hours to come.
Cloud Playdough
The quintessential symbol of a creative afternoon is sinking your hands into a batch of pliable playdough. With only two essential ingredients – cornstarch and lotion – you can whip up a homemade version that’s just begging to be molded into various shapes. Of course, why stop at plain old white? Adding a splash of vibrant gel-based food coloring takes the experience to the next level.
And let’s not forget about the fun factor – incorporating shape cutters like these elevates the activity from mere playdough manipulation to an immersive creative exercise. When you’re finished, be sure to store your creations in air-tight containers to keep them fresh for the next crafting session.
Apple Tree Craft
Instead of relying solely on digital tools, consider incorporating a more hands-on approach to your craft time. One creative way to do this is by creating a handprinted, hand-painted apple tree with the help of a tiny tot. To get started, you’ll need just a few simple supplies: a pencil, some sturdy brown and green cardstock, and a pair of scissors. Begin by tracing the outline of your child’s hand onto the brown paper to create the bark of the tree.
Next, use the green cardstock to create the leafy part of the tree, simply tracing an outline for this section. With the main structure of the tree in place, it’s time to add some final touches – namely, painting the apples. For a fun and playful twist, consider using mini red or green pom-poms, available here, to create the illusion of ripe fruit hanging from the branches. Simply stick them on and voila! Your handcrafted apple tree is complete.
Paper Snowflakes
Imagine creating a winter wonderland without the need for chilly temperatures or seasonal changes. You can bring the magic of snow to life during craft time, and it’s surprisingly easy. To get started, take out some paper and give it a good ol’ ripping. You can use plain white paper or add some extra sparkle with shimmering blue cardstock. Next, help your little one draw a beautiful, large snowflake on another piece of cardstock.
Once you’ve got your design, grab a glue stick and get ready to make a mess – in the best way possible! With fingers sticky from the glue, you’ll be all set to bring your winter wonderland to life.
Paper Plate Farm Animal
It’s crucial for young children to develop an understanding of various animals. To do so, consider taking them on a trip to the local zoo or petting farm. Alternatively, you can create simple paper plate animals at home, which can help them identify different species without leaving their comfort zone.
Making paper plate cows, pigs, and chickens is relatively easy, but you can also get creative and craft cats, dogs, lions, or tigers.
To bring your designs to life, draw the features of each animal’s face on a separate piece of paper, cut them out, and then use a permanent marker to add eyes.
When you’re ready to move on from animal-themed crafts, explore our collection of fruit-inspired paper plates or try this lovely paper plate flower craft during your next creative session.
Paper Plate Dinosaur
Instead of familiar farm animals, why not introduce your little one to the fascinating world of dinosaurs? A marathon of dinosaur documentaries might not be the most engaging way to do so. Why not try a hands-on approach with a colorful and fun paper plate craft project instead? With Barney, the purple dinosaur, as inspiration, you can create your own vibrant and playful prehistoric creations.
Paper Loop Pufferfish Craft
Why not combine your toddler’s fascination with pufferfish from Nemo and a fun crafting session? It’s an easy and budget-friendly way to introduce them to these fascinating sea creatures without setting up an aquarium at home. To create this engaging craft, you’ll need some colorful cardstock, craft paint for the bubbles, a pair of googly eyes that can be easily sourced, and glue.
Cardboard Rainbow Collage
In the midst of creative chaos, a rainbow-themed collage offers a surprisingly methodical approach to arts and learning. To begin with, this activity provides an excellent opportunity to introduce your child to the fundamental concept of colors. Next, you can delve deeper by explaining the science behind rainbows, making it an engaging and educational experience.
To take it to the next level, don’t just limit yourself to colored paper.
Get creative and incorporate various textures and materials such as mini pom-poms, buttons, sequins, cabochons, and beads. Simply glue them on, and watch your child’s imagination run wild!
This craft project is a veritable trifecta of fun, color, and learning – a true win-win-win situation that’s sure to delight both you and your little one.
Rainbow Threading Craft
After the excitement of their last craft project, your toddler is now obsessed with rainbows – a perfect segue into another fun project: an edible rainbow necklace that combines creativity with snack time. Start by gathering some Fruit Loops at home and settling your little one into their high chair. Then, upturn a bowl of cereal and help them sort the colorful loops into categories like purple, blue, red, green, yellow, and orange.
Meanwhile, you’ll need to grab some jumbo marshmallows – you can find them easily online. To bring this project together, simply thread the sorted Fruit Loops onto a sewing needle, along with some embroidery floss in corresponding colors. This unique craft combines fine motor skills with sensory exploration and is sure to delight your child as they create their very own edible masterpiece.
DIY Handprint Bookmarks
Teaching kids the importance of book care is crucial. One simple yet effective way to do this is by making DIY handprint bookmarks with popsicle sticks. You likely already have the necessary supplies, including colored paper, glue, pencils, paint, and scissors. If you’re missing just one item, namely popsicle sticks, you can easily find them online or in a local craft store. This fun project is perfect for bonding with your toddler and creating a personalized gift for their friends at playgroup.
Before long, you’ll have a dozen of these adorable bookmarks to share. If you’re looking for more creative activities to enjoy with your little one, be sure to check out some of our other popular popsicle crafts!
Pipe Cleaner Finger Puppets
Transform a rainy day into a creative adventure with your toddler using finger puppets made from pipe cleaners! The unique curl-factor and fuzziness of these materials make them perfect for crafting adorable characters. Just imagine the delightful texture of a green caterpillar puppet, its fuzzy body bringing it to life. Gather your supplies – a glue gun, vibrant pipe cleaners, and get ready to twirl your way into a fun-filled afternoon.
Bubble Art
The joy of bubbles isn’t limited to tiny tykes alone. Why not try creating some bubble-inspired art with your mini-me? It’s never too early to introduce them to the world of abstract art! To get started, grab a blank canvas board and some concentrated food coloring to give those bubbles an extra pop of color. Take it to the next level by taping strips of surgical tape onto the canvas in fun patterns or shapes – letters even!
Once you’ve finished painting and the canvas is dry, simply peel off the tape and voila! You’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece of art that’s sure to be a real showstopper.
Pom-Pom Painted Watermelon Craft
Are your mini pom-poms still stashed away from that fun craft session? Great, because you’re about to combine them with your tiny human for an afternoon of creative chaos. To create this adorable watermelon masterpiece, grab some red and green cardstock and get ready to unleash the mess. A game-changer in our book is using clothes pegs to secure the pom-poms while they soak up the paint – it’s a genius hack that’ll make the process more convenient and less of a headache for clean-up.
Paper Roll Dragon Craft
It’s frustrating when toilet paper rolls go missing just when you need them, isn’t it? Why not stock up on a few and put them to good use during craft time instead? You can transform those humble tubes into a fire-breathing dragon, complete with googly eyes and pom-poms. All you’ll need is some ‘dragon’s breath’ (or kid-friendly flames) – which can be as simple as strips of tissue paper. And if you’re feeling extra magical, you can use brightly colored tissue paper to add an extra pop of color.
If you’re inspired by this idea, there are plenty more toilet roll crafts waiting for you to discover.
Paper Bag Puppet
Butterflies captivate us, yet they often seem just out of grasp. To bring this wonder into your toddler’s hands, you need to think outside the box. One creative way is to craft 3D butterflies using handprints and paper bags. You can easily obtain small, colored bags or save time by not having to dye them yourself. Once you’ve created these colorful critters with your little one, why not fill the bag with a sweet surprise, like candy, to share with friends?
Yarn Wrapped Monster Craft
Bust the common notion that monsters have to be scary and dull. Yarn-wrapped monster crafts offer a unique way to add a pop of color, whimsy, and fun to your home or toddler’s room this Halloween season. What’s more? This creative activity incorporates both interactive and tactile learning experiences, allowing your little one to develop essential skills in a playful manner. All you need are some humble materials: cardboard scraps, colorful yarn or ribbons, and PVA glue.
With these simple supplies, you can unleash the monster within! And if you’re looking for more Halloween crafting ideas for kids, we’ve got you covered.
Shape Sorting Caterpillar Craft
In addition to exploring colors, it’s equally important for toddlers to develop an understanding of various shapes. This skill sets the foundation for problem-solving, spatial awareness, and math concepts later on. One engaging way to introduce shape recognition is through hands-on activities like craft projects. Take the shape-sorting caterpillar craft, for instance. Begin by cutting out a mix of colored paper into distinct geometric shapes.
Then, have your toddler categorize these shapes according to their color groups. With some patience and creativity, they’ll soon be able to accurately sort and arrange the shapes onto the caterpillar’s body.
Pineapple Finger Painting
To bring this craft to life, start by gathering a few simple supplies: paper, acrylic paint, and your child’s eager hands. Begin by having your little one dip their chubby fingers into the paint and firmly press them onto the paper, creating the base of the pineapple body. You’re encouraged to join in on the fun too!
To add some greenery to your design, simply dip your own fingers or a brush into the green paint, then swipe up and outwards to create big, bright leaves that resemble the iconic pineapple foliage.
Handprint Fish Puppets
Consider repurposing a small collection of your child’s handprints from past craft sessions – around a dozen should suffice. This will free up space and resources for the upcoming project: creating handprint fish puppets. As you work on this craft, you’ll need to incorporate existing supplies like popsicle sticks and googly eyes. Additionally, consider setting aside decorative beads, which can be used as fins for your fish puppets.
If you’re short on these materials, you can easily acquire them online for future projects.
Fingerprint Glass Magnet
Get ready for a fun and creative activity with your toddler! This time, we’re not just painting with fingers, but making magnets too! To get started, grab a few glass cabochons from this magnet kit. Use your little one’s painted finger to leave their mark on the glass – you can even turn it into a cute design like a ladybug or spider while you’re at it! Once you’ve got your masterpiece done, simply attach the magnet to the refrigerator and display your toddler’s artwork for all to see.
And if you’re looking for more fun and creative ideas, check out these ladybug crafts and spider crafts that are sure to delight!
Pom Pom Caterpillars
I’m a self-proclaimed butterfly enthusiast, but I have a soft spot for crafty caterpillars. The creepy-crawly kind can stay outside where they belong. To create my fuzzy friend, gather mini pom-poms, googly eyes, and some green paper leaves for the ‘bed’. Cut two small strips of pipe cleaners to use as antennae on your caterpillar’s head. With these supplies, you’re ready to bring this adorable creature to life.
Puffy Painted Caramel Apple
Transforming ordinary craft time into an extraordinary experience with your toddler? Look no further! Start by preparing the canvas for your masterpiece – cut out some red or green paper apples and attach them to a popsicle stick. The real magic happens when you bring in the caramel-like topping. Mix brown paint with shaving cream to create a sweet, sticky sensation that will leave your little one thrilled. Finally, add the sprinkles as the crowning glory.
But don’t forget to set boundaries – after all, those apples may look edible!
Fork Stamped Tulip Craft
Transform ordinary household items into extraordinary craft project tools. A great example is using forks to create stunning tulip paintings. Start by gathering some essential supplies, including washable craft paint, white paper, paintbrushes, a paper plate for your palette, and of course, a fork or two. To add an extra touch of elegance, consider substituting regular paint with shimmering paint for a dazzling effect.
Toilet Roll Stamp Flowers
Get creative with your little one by repurposing toilet rolls into unique floral stamps. Start by cutting the roll in half, then slice it into strips or ‘petals’ that can be manipulated to different shapes and sizes. This is an excellent opportunity for your toddler to express their artistic side, as they dip each petal into paint and press it onto cardstock paper, mimicking the action of using a stamp.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this craft activity your own!
Paper Plate Caterpillar
Imagine your child’s delight as they transform a humble paper plate into a whimsical caterpillar habitat. Start by cutting a curved strip from the plate, perfect for accommodating a trail of colorful pom-poms. As your little one carefully places each bead along the length of the cutout, they’ll be creating a charming, wiggly creature. To add an extra touch of personality, don’t forget to attach googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae, bringing this crafty caterpillar to life.
Paper Plate Donut
When it comes to donuts, the plate is just as important as the treat itself. And why settle for a boring old plate when you can have one made from a fun and creative material? Paper plates are a great starting point, but they can be taken to the next level by turning them into edible masterpieces. With your supplies at the ready, you might be wondering how to add that extra special touch. The answer lies in a simple yet clever hack: using rice to create colorful sprinklers!
This DIY solution is perfect for kids who love getting creative with their snacks. And if you’re looking for more ways to get crafty, be sure to check out our guide on making colored rice sprinklers – it’s the perfect addition to your next snack time extravaganza!
Ghost Crafts
For young children, a healthy dose of mythical creatures is an essential part of their imaginative development. While storytime is one effective way to introduce them to these characters, it’s also delightful to engage in creative activities like making art. The image of a smiling ghost, for instance, can spark a sense of wonder and curiosity in toddlers.
Now is the perfect time to get crafty with your little one and create a kid-friendly ghost painting that will surely put a smile on their face!
Paper Plate Rainbow
As you gaze upon the cotton rounds and vibrant strips of colored paper, your child’s imagination likely transforms these everyday objects into whimsical fluffy clouds and radiant rainbows. To bring this creative vision to life, gather a few simple materials: cotton balls from [source] and a plain white paper plate. Begin by cutting the rainbow-colored strips of paper, but be mindful not to use too much glue, lest you create soggy, instead of sunny, clouds.
For more inspiring paper crafts, explore our collection [here].
Rainbow Necklace
To create this colorful accessory, you’ll need to ditch the fruit-based approach of the previous example. Instead, gather some string or twine, a hole punch, and colored straws available from our recommended supplier [here](link). With these simple materials, you’re just a few steps away from crafting a delightful rainbow necklace for your little one! To get started, cut out small paper clouds to add a whimsical touch.
Once you’ve got everything ready, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and fun accessory that’s perfect for toddlers. For more indoor activity ideas suitable for kids, be sure to check out our curated collection [here](link).
DIY Salt Dough
The humble lump of pliable dough can captivate a toddler’s attention for an impressive amount of time. Moreover, it serves as the foundation for a delightful and accessible craft project. Imagine creating salt dough ornaments adorned with beads, glitter, and sparkles that can simultaneously decorate your child’s creative space and your own home – be it the mantle or kitchen island.
Why not take advantage of these cookie cutters, gather with your little one, and craft some stunning ornaments together?
Flower Crown Spring Craft
Imagine gathering around with your little one to create a whimsical flower crown, just like those found in beloved fairytales. The thought of placing a delicate, handmade adornment on their head is certainly alluring, isn’t it? A simple yet charming DIY project awaits, requiring only a few basic materials: colorful paper for the petals and some glue. With your guidance, your tiny tot can help cut out the paper shapes and bring this woodland fairy queen-inspired masterpiece to life.
If you’re seeking more engaging craft ideas to keep your kids occupied, this flower crown creation is an excellent place to start.
