Looking for ways to keep your toddlers engaged? Engaging them in crafting activities is an excellent way to do just that. Not only will it keep them occupied, but it will also provide opportunities for learning about essential topics like shapes, colors, animals, and fruits, while encouraging their creativity to flourish. Crafting with toddlers can be a great way to spend quality time together, making memories and teaching valuable skills at the same time.
To help you get started, I’ve put together a list of 31 creative craft ideas for you and your toddler to explore and enjoy.
Sticky Nature Cards
Stash a dozen or so sticky cards in your bag for those impromptu moments. They’ll become a trusted companion on-the-go, keeping your little one entertained for a good while. Whether you’re waiting in line at the coffee shop, strolling with the stroller, or taking a break at the park, these cards are always ready to be pulled out and used. Plus, they can serve as a valuable visual aid to help your child learn about nature.
To create this handy resource, all you’ll need is some card stock paper, double-sided sticky tape, and a few nature-themed ideas and supplies like leaves, petals, twigs, and shiny stones. Just imagine the fun and learning that awaits.
Cloud Playdough
Crafting is elevated when you sink your hands into a lump of homemade playdough with only two essential ingredients – cornstarch and lotion – you can create this tactile treat. However, let’s be real; what’s playdough without a pop of color? Simply add some gel-based food coloring to give it a vibrant hue. To take it to the next level, consider investing in shape cutters that will allow kids (and kids at heart) to get creative with their creations.
Once you’ve finished playing and creating, be sure to store your masterpieces in air-tight containers until the next crafting session.
Apple Tree Craft
Transform your craft time into a creative and interactive experience by incorporating hands-on elements. One unique idea is to create a handprinted and handpainted apple tree with your little one. To get started, you’ll need a few simple supplies: a pencil, brown and green cardstock, scissors, and some mini red or green pom-poms for the apples. Begin by tracing your child’s hand onto the brown paper to create the bark of the tree.
Next, use the same technique to draw an outline for the leafy part of the tree on the green cardstock. Once you have the basic shape in place, it’s time to add some color and personality to your apple tree. Use paint or markers to bring the tree to life, and then top it off with mini pom-poms to represent the apples. This project is a great way to spend quality time with your child while also creating a beautiful and unique piece of art that you’ll both cherish.
Paper Snowflakes
Experience the magic of snowflakes without the chill of winter. Instead of tearing up pieces of paper, why not try a fun and creative craft activity? Start by ripping some paper – plain white or shimmering ice-blue cardstock will give you a lovely frosty effect. Next, have your little one draw a beautiful big snowflake on another piece of cardstock. Once they’ve finished their masterpiece, grab a glue stick and get ready to make some sticky memories.
Paper Plate Farm Animal
Engage your toddlers in an immersive learning experience by introducing them to various animal species. You can take them on a fun-filled trip to the zoo or a petting farm, alternatively, create DIY paper plate animals at home to help them develop essential skills like identification and recognition. Start with simple yet engaging crafts like cows, pigs, and chickens, and then move on to more exciting projects like cats, dogs, lions, or tigers.
Add a personal touch by drawing facial features and using markers or Sharpies to create expressive eyes. Once you’ve had your fill of animals, explore other creative outlets like fruit-themed paper plates or the delightful world of flower crafting.
Paper Plate Dinosaur
Teach your kids about the thrill of discovery with dinosaurs. While farm animals like cows, chickens, and pigs are familiar sights, dinosaurs offer a captivating way to spark curiosity and imagination. Rather than plopping them down in front of a TV for a Jurassic Park marathon, why not try a hands-on approach? One fun idea is creating paper plate dinosaurs that can be customized with color and creativity. If Barney the dinosaur can be purple, your kids can get creative too.
A simple paper plate project can lead to a fun and educational experience that will have them roaring with excitement.
Paper Loop Pufferfish Craft
Bring the underwater world of Nemo’s pufferfish to life with your toddler during craft time. These fascinating sea creatures are sure to captivate their imagination, and the best part is, it’s easy and affordable, without the need for a full-scale aquarium setup at home. To get started, you’ll need some colorful cardstock, which can be used to create the pufferfish’s iconic bubble-like body.
Add some craft paint to bring those bubbles to life, then top it off with a pair of googly eyes that will give your creation a playful personality. Finally, use some glue to hold everything together and let your toddler’s creativity shine.
Cardboard Rainbow Collage
When creating a rainbow-themed collage with your child, it’s an opportunity to combine artistry with education. Start by teaching them about the colors of the rainbow and what they represent. Then, get creative by incorporating a variety of materials such as mini pom-poms, buttons, sequins, cabochons, and beads into the design. This interactive craft experience not only fosters artistic expression but also imparts valuable knowledge in a fun and engaging way.
Rainbow Threading Craft
As the excitement from your last craft session with your toddler still lingers, it’s no surprise that they’re now utterly enamored with rainbows. Why not seize the opportunity to combine craft time with snack time and create an edible rainbow necklace that’s as much fun to make as it is to wear? Start by gathering some colorful cereal – perhaps a bowl of Fruit Loops has been calling your name.
Once your little one is settled in their high chair, help them sort the cereal pieces by color into piles of purple, blue, red, green, yellow, and orange. You’ll also need some jumbo marshmallows to complete this delightful project. Simply grab a sewing needle and some embroidery thread, and you’re ready to begin.
DIY Handprint Bookmarks
When it comes to nurturing a love for books in children, teaching them proper book care is an essential part A simple yet effective way to achieve this is by creating DIY handprint bookmarks together with your little one. The best part? You probably already have the necessary materials at home – colored paper, glue, pencils, paint, and scissors. If you’re feeling extra crafty, you can even incorporate popsicle sticks into the design.
With these basic supplies, you and your toddler can whip up a dozen or more of these adorable bookmarks in no time. Consider gifting them to friends at his playgroup – I’m sure they’ll be delighted. For more fun and easy popsicle stick crafts that kids will adore, check out our collection.
Pipe Cleaner Finger Puppets
Transform a gloomy day into a creative adventure with your toddler by crafting adorable finger puppets using pipe cleaners. Who knew that these humble materials could bring such imaginative play to life? The unique texture of pipe cleaners – think curly, fuzzy, and just the right amount of flexibility – makes them perfect for creating lovable characters. Just imagine a green caterpillar puppet, its fuzziness bringing your child’s imagination to life.
Gather your supplies: a trusty glue gun, an array of vibrant pipe cleaners, and get ready to twirl.
Bubble Art
While it’s common to associate bubble fun with young children, making art with bubbles can be an enjoyable activity for anyone. To create a unique piece of abstract art, start by gathering a blank canvas board and concentrated food coloring. This will give your bubbles a pop of color. Take it to the next level by taping strips of surgical tape onto the canvas in patterns or spell out words.
Once you’ve finished painting and the canvas is dry, simply peel off the tape to reveal your artistic masterpiece.
Pom-Pom Painted Watermelon Craft
Get ready for a delightful craft activity with your toddler. If you’ve got some mini pom-poms lying around, it’s time to bring out their creative potential. To create this charming painted watermelon, you’ll need red and green cardstock as well as some black paint.
Now, I’m all about embracing the mess that comes with creative play, but let me share a little secret to make painting with pom-poms even more enjoyable: use clothes pegs to secure the fluffy friends and dip them in paint for a clean and convenient experience.
Paper Roll Dragon Craft
Who hasn’t experienced the frustration of needing an empty toilet paper roll only to find none available yet, when we do have them lying around, they seem to accumulate in abundance. It’s time to put these rolls to good use with a few simple materials and some creativity, you can transform them into a fire-breathing dragon – complete with googly eyes and pom-poms.
And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even add some kid-friendly ‘fire’ or strips of tissue paper to give your dragon an extra fiery touch for the Muggles out there, regular old tissue paper will do just fine. This craft is a great way to repurpose materials and get creative with the kids.
Paper Bag Puppet
While butterflies may seem elusive, there’s a way to bring this fascination closer to home for toddlers. One creative approach is to create handprint 3D butterflies using paper bags. For those short on time or resources, small colored paper bags can be easily sourced without the need for homemade dyeing. Once crafted with your little one, these charming creations can be filled with treats like candy to share with friends and family, making it a delightful sensory experience.
Yarn Wrapped Monster Craft
Add a dash of whimsy and color to your home or toddler’s room with this unique yarn-wrapped monster craft. Perfect for Halloween, this interactive activity not only adds a touch of fun but also provides an opportunity for your little one to develop essential skills at the ideal age. To get started, gather just a few simple supplies: some scraps of cardboard, a variety of yarns and ribbons, and PVA glue.
With these basics, you’ll be well-equipped to unleash your creativity and bring a monster to life. And if you’re looking for more spooky-fun crafts to try with your kids, we’ve got plenty more ideas where this one came from.
Shape Sorting Caterpillar Craft
As we’ve explored various colors, it’s essential to delve into shapes as well. Toddlers should learn to recognize, identify, and recreate different shapes, which are crucial for their cognitive development. To make learning fun, try this engaging shape-sorting caterpillar craft: Cut out various colored paper shapes and categorize them by hue. With a little patience, effort, and glue, your toddler will be able to sort shapes onto the caterpillar in no time.
Pineapple Finger Painting
The simplicity of this craft is one of its greatest charms. With just a few basic supplies – paper, acrylic paint, and those tiny hands so eager to create – you can embark on a fun-filled adventure with your little one. Start by having them dip their thumb into the paint and make a bold statement on the paper by pressing it down firmly. Don’t be afraid to get in on the action yourself. Take some green paint and use your fingers to craft big, vibrant leaves that bring the pineapple to life.
Handprint Fish Puppets
Consider being ruthless with your child’s artwork – yes, even the adorable handprints from craft time. While it may be tempting to preserve every masterpiece, a dozen or so of these creations could be sacrificed in the name of creativity. After all, you’ll need one handprint specifically for this project: the delightful handprint fish puppets. You might also have some googly eyes stashed away, waiting to be used in a future craft endeavor.
And let’s not forget about those decorative fins; while you may already have some beads on hand, it never hurts to purchase additional embellishments for future projects.
Pom Pom Caterpillars
To embark on the creation of this delightful craft caterpillar, gather a collection of mini pom-poms and a few googly eyes. Furthermore, prepare some green paper leaf-beds that will serve as the foundation for your caterpillars’ habitats. As an added touch, cut two small strips from pipe cleaners and attach them to the caterpillar’s head, transforming them into antennae that add a playful charm to your creation.
Puffy Painted Caramel Apple
Imagine the thrill of crafting with your toddler reaching new heights when you create a sweet treat together – a caramel-covered apple with sprinkles. To begin, simply cut out some red or green paper apples and attach them to a popsicle stick, setting the stage for a delightful experience. Next, get creative with the ‘caramel’ by mixing brown paint with shaving cream, before topping it off with an abundance of colorful sprinkles.
And as you work together, enjoy the joy of knowing your little one is unlikely to attempt to take a bite out of their handiwork.
Fork Stamped Tulip Craft
When it comes to crafting, sometimes the most unexpected household items become the perfect tools. Take forks, for instance. With just a few simple supplies – including craft paint, white paper, paintbrushes, and a paper plate palette – you can transform ordinary forks into extraordinary tulip-painting devices. And if you want to add an extra touch of glamour, simply swap out the regular paint for some shimmery stuff and top off your masterpieces with a few sparkly dashes.
Toilet Roll Stamp Flowers
Get creative with your kid using those toilet rolls you saved. You can turn them into unique floral stamps. To start, cut each roll roughly in half to create strips or ‘petals’. Feel free to get imaginative with shapes and sizes. Next, have your toddler dip the petals in paint and use them as a stamp on cardstock paper, just like using a regular stamp.
Paper Plate Caterpillar
Transform your little one’s creativity by engaging them in a fun craft activity. Cut a spiral strip from a paper plate, and let their imagination run wild as they adorn it with colorful pom-poms. Add some finishing touches with googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae to bring the caterpillar to life.
Paper Plate Donut
While it’s enjoyable to eat off a donut-themed paper plate, taking the idea a step further by crafting a donut-shaped plate is an even more creative endeavor. As you’ve already gathered your necessary supplies, let’s assume you’re now facing a common challenge: the enthusiastic use of sprinkles has depleted your stash. Fear not, a simple yet effective solution exists.
By transforming plain rice into colorful ‘sprinklers,’ you can create an additional craft project that will keep kids engaged and excited. To learn the technique behind making these edible-looking embellishments, simply follow the instructions for creating colored rice sprinklers.
Ghost Crafts
For young children, a healthy dose of fantastical creatures is an integral part of their early years. Storytime is one popular way to introduce them to the magical world, but why not try something hands-on like this adorable ghost painting? The endearing smile on this little ghost’s face is sure to capture the hearts of both toddlers and parents alike. It’s time to get creative with your little one and make some spooky-ooky art together.
Paper Plate Rainbow
As you gaze upon the cotton rounds and vibrant strips of colored paper, your child might envision a whimsical world of fluffy clouds and shimmering rainbows. To bring this imaginative realm to life, grab some cotton balls from your supplies and a plain white paper plate. Then, get creative by cutting out those rainbow-colored strips of paper – just be mindful not to use too much glue, or you’ll end up with soggy, less-than-captivating clouds.
For more inspiring paper crafts, explore our collection.
Rainbow Necklace
To create this colorful accessory, you’ll need to take a different approach than the fruit-based option. Start by gathering some string or twine, a hole punch, and colored straws – all easily sourced online. Once you have your materials, cut out small paper clouds to serve as the foundation for your rainbow necklace. With these simple components, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a delightful accessory for your toddler.
For more indoor activities to enjoy with your little one, explore our additional resources.
DIY Salt Dough
The humble lump of pliable dough is a toddler’s delight, providing hours of entertainment. Its versatility extends far beyond mere playtime – it also makes for an effortless and enjoyable craft project. Salt dough ornaments, adorned with beads, glitter, and sparkle, can not only occupy your child’s craft station but also add a touch of whimsy to your mantle or kitchen island.
So why not invest in some cookie cutters and get creative, crafting beautiful ornaments that will bring joy to both your child and yourself.
Flower Crown Spring Craft
Imagine your little one’s eyes lighting up as they create their own magical flower crown. You can almost picture it: your toddler, surrounded by fluttering petals and sparkling glue, transformed into a woodland fairy queen in the making with just a few simple materials – sheets of colorful paper, scissors, and a dollop of glue – you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable craft experience for your mini-me. And if you’re looking for more creative ways to keep them engaged, I’ve got you covered.