One of the best ways to nurture a child’s imagination is through crafts. The wonderful thing about crafts is that no two are the same and each one is a thoughtfully created masterpiece constructed solely by a special child.
This is why so many gifts from children come in craft form. Kids love crafts because they are fun, sometimes messy and allow for indefinite amounts of creativity.
We’ve rounded up some of the best crafts for children. These will keep your little ones entertained and challenged while giving them room to embrace their individuality and creative imaginations.
Paper Bag Monster Puppets
I Heart Crafty Things gives instructions on how to make these crafty paper bag monsters. I Heart Crafty Things
Monsters don’t have to be scary. They can be silly, too.
This craft might help your fearful child get over their monster phobia by showing them that monsters make great play pals. And with the chance to get really creative with these, kids are sure to make monsters that are unique.
Check out I Heart Crafty Things for the list of supplies and instructions.
Heart Clothespin Magnets
These heart clothespin magnets are make great Valentine Day gifts. redtedart.com
Looking for a creative gift idea for grandma? Need something to get your child’s teacher?
Maybe you’re in need of a few refrigerator magnets yourself. These heart shaped ones are beyond sweet!
They would be a lovely craft to do for Valentine’s Day.
On Red Ted Art, there’s a supply list and how-to. And while this version uses hearts, you could definitely experiment and make others using different shapes.
Rock Photo Holders
Crafts that can double as home decor are awesome. And this one totally rocks (pun intended.)
You only need a handful of supplies and one of them can be found right outside your door! These would made adorable gifts for family members, and they are so easy to make and affordable that you can create a few for yourself too.
Just head over to One Little Project for all the details.
Craft Stick Flower Pots
Typically Simple offers a cool way to make a colorful flower pot or pencil holder. typicallysimple.com
These also make a great gift. They would look adorable in a child’s playroom or at a desk in their room too.
You could use them as flower pots like they’re intended, or even get creative and use as a pencil holder. Either way, you can practice skills with your children like counting, color naming or pattern making while doing this craft.
Check it out at Typically Simple.
Safari Craft Tube Binoculars
Arts Crackers has step by step intructions for making these safari craft tube binoculars. artscrackers.com
Your young adventurer will love putting together these safari binoculars. Make them before setting off on an imaginary adventure in your backyard.
Talk about ways to camouflage these when out in the wild and explore nature by getting up close and personal with the plants, flowers and trees outside.
Learn more from Arts & Crackers.
Sun Handprint Paper Plate Craft
The Family Focus Blog highlights this easy handprint and sun paper-plate craft project. familyfocusblog.com
When the kids are out of school for the summer, keep them busy with a summer-themed craft. This sun handprint is cute and creative.
Your kids can give the sun a personality with a cool pair of shades and a smiley face. Or, maybe they want a grumpy sun instead.
Either way, visit Family Focus Blog for all the details.
Toilet Paper Roll Mermaid and Hula Girl
Mollymoo Crafts makes it easy to create these toilet paper roll mermaid and hula girl. mollymoocrafts.com
Don’t let those toilet paper rolls go to waste! Use them to make cute mermaids and hula girls.
This would provide a terrific opportunity to talk to your children about different cultures, and you could even make a few with different skin colors and outfits to reflect our diverse world.
Mollymoo has the full tutorial.
Cupcake Liner Peacock Stick Puppet
Got leftover cupcake liners from a recent baking recipe? Put them to use by creating a colorful peacock puppet.
Help your little ones make these and then put on a show for friends. Use a bunch of different colors and make an entire rainbow peacock family!
You’ll find everything you need from I Heart Crafty Things.
Egg Carton Ladybugs
Ladybugs are supposed to be good luck. So with this little craft, your child should have some good things happen.
And when they see a real ladybug, they’ll get so excited because they will know how to make one of their own.
Check out how Debbie of One Little Project makes these.
Cereal Box Monster Feet
These cereal box monster feet are a fun idea from Highlights. Madison McClain / highlights.com
You think your children’s toes are cute now? Just wait until they’re wearing these monster feet.
Not only is this craft a fun way to review colors, shapes and counting, your child will have a costume of sorts to wear.
All the information and list of materials you’ll need is available from Highlights.
Lunch Sack Kite
Windy days don’t allow for much fun outside. Unless you’ve got a kite of course!
This lunch sack version is so cute and easy to make. The best part is that your kids will actually be able to hold it because it won’t overpower them like most other kites.
Get the DIY instructions from Lovely Commotion.
Asian Style Paper Plate Fans
When the warm breeze is blowing and the A/C isn’t, this craft is perfect. These fans are just the right size for kids and are super fun to use.
They might not be the most powerful fans in the world, but for kids, they’ll serve their purpose.
Check out how to make these from The Pinterested Parent.
Paper Clip Jellyfish
Can’t make it to the beach? Bring the beach to you.
With this craft, kids can channel their inner beach bum by making a unique jellyfish. They can even hang it up for all to see once they’re done.
Find all the info from Buggy and Buddy.
Bobbling Flower Bouquet
This creative moveable bouquet is courtesy of Red Ted Art. redtedart.com
Give your kids a taste of how to garden with this fun foliage-inspired craft.
It comes from Red Ted Art and would make a sweet table centerpiece for springtime, Mother’s Day or a special outdoor celebration.
You don’t need a lot of supplies for this, and they’re all incredibly inexpensive to boot.
