15 Simple Crafts for Kids: Easy DIY Projects at Home

As a longtime DIY craft enthusiast, I’ve spent years creating projects that spark creativity and keep little hands busy. Below are 15 of my favorite easy, budget-friendly crafts for kids, all using materials you likely have at home. Let’s dive in!

1. Paper Plate Animals

Materials:

• Paper plates
• Paint/markers
• Googly eyes
• Construction paper
• Glue

Steps:

1. Choose an animal (lion, fish, or owl work well!).
2. Paint the plate as the base color (e.g., orange for a lion).
3. Cut ears, fins, or wings from construction paper and glue them on.
4. Add googly eyes and draw details like whiskers or scales.
5. Let dry and display!

Why I love it: It’s a blank canvas for imagination—no two creatures will look alike!

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2. Homemade Playdough

Materials:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp oil
• Food coloring

Steps:

1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Add water and oil slowly, stirring until dough forms.
3. Divide into sections and knead in food coloring.
4. Store in airtight containers.

Pro tip: Add glitter or lavender oil for sensory play!

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3. Popsicle Stick Bookmarks

Materials:

• Popsicle sticks
• Paint/washi tape
• Glue
• Pom-poms/buttons

Steps:

1. Paint sticks or wrap them in washi tape.
2. Glue pom-poms/buttons to the top end.
3. Let dry and use to mark favorite book pages!

Perfect for: Encouraging reading with a personal touch.

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4. Cardboard Tube Binoculars

Materials:

• 2 toilet paper tubes
• String
• Paint/stickers
• Glue

Steps:

1. Glue the tubes side by side.
2. Paint or decorate with stickers.
3. Punch holes on the outer sides, tie string through for a neck strap.
4. Go on a “nature safari”!

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5. Egg Carton Caterpillars

Materials:

• Egg carton cups
• Pipe cleaners
• Paint
• Googly eyes

Steps:

1. Cut a row of 4–5 egg cups from the carton.
2. Paint the cups bright colors.
3. Poke holes in the “head” cup and insert pipe cleaner antennae.
4. Glue on eyes and draw a smile.

Bonus: Name your caterpillar!

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6. Tissue Paper Suncatchers

Materials:

• Clear contact paper
• Tissue paper scraps
• Scissors
• String

Steps:

1. Cut contact paper into shapes (hearts, circles).
2. Peel off backing and let kids stick tissue paper onto the sticky side.
3. Cover with another sheet of contact paper to seal.
4. Punch a hole, add string, and hang in a window.

Magical effect: The sunlight makes the colors glow!

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7. Handprint Art Keepsakes

Materials:

• Washable paint
• Paper/canvas
• Marker

Steps:

1. Paint your child’s palm and fingers.
2. Press onto paper to create a handprint.
3. Once dry, turn it into an animal (e.g., thumb = turkey head, fingers = feathers).
4. Label with their name and date.

Sentimental bonus: Save these as sweet growth milestones.

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8. Painted Kindness Rocks

Materials:

• Smooth rocks
• Acrylic paint
• Sealant (Mod Podge)

Steps:

1. Wash and dry rocks.
2. Paint designs (hearts, stars, or uplifting words).
3. Seal with Mod Podge to protect the art.
4. Hide them in your neighborhood to spread joy!

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9. DIY Sponge Stamps

Materials:

• Kitchen sponges
• Cookie cutters (shapes)
• Paint
• Paper

Steps:

1. Press cookie cutters into sponges and trace shapes with a marker.
2. Cut out the shapes.
3. Dip sponge stamps into paint and press onto paper.

Idea: Create wrapping paper or greeting cards!

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10. Paper Bag Puppets

Materials:

• Small paper bags
• Markers/yarn
• Construction paper

Steps:

1. Flip the bag upside down (the flap becomes the mouth).
2. Decorate with paper eyes, yarn hair, and drawn features.
3. Put on a puppet show!

Character ideas: Monsters, princesses, or talking animals.

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11. Friendship Bracelets

Materials:

• Embroidery floss
• Scissors
• Tape

Steps:

1. Cut 3 strands of floss (2 feet each).
2. Tie a knot at the top and tape it to a table.
3. Braid the strands, then tie at the end.
4. Exchange with friends!

Variation: Add beads for extra flair.

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12. Nature Collage

Materials:

• Cardboard
• Glue
• Leaves/flowers/sticks

Steps:

1. Go on a nature walk to collect materials.
2. Arrange items on cardboard into a design (mandala, animal shape).
3. Glue everything down.

Teachable moment: Discuss textures and colors in nature!

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13. Paper Chain Snake

Materials:

• Construction paper
• Googly eyes
• Marker

Steps:

1. Cut paper into 1-inch strips.
2. Loop and glue strips into interlocking chains.
3. Add a red paper tongue and eyes to the “head” loop.
4. Draw scales with markers.

Playtime: Wiggle your snake like it’s slithering!

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14. Pinecone Bird Feeder

Materials:

• Pinecone
• Peanut butter (or sunflower butter)
• Birdseed
• String

Steps:

1. Tie string to the pinecone top.
2. Spread peanut butter over the pinecone.
3. Roll in birdseed.
4. Hang outside and watch birds feast!

Note: Use a butter knife for easy spreading.

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15. Coffee Filter Butterflies

Materials:

• Coffee filters
• Washable markers
• Pipe cleaners
• Spray bottle

Steps:

1. Color coffee filters with markers.
2. Spritz lightly with water to blend colors.
3. Let dry, then gather the center and secure with a pipe cleaner (forming antennae).

Hang them: Tape to windows or string into a mobile.

Final Thoughts

Crafting with kids isn’t about perfection—it’s about laughter, experimentation, and making memories. These projects are tried-and-true in my own crafting journey, and I hope they bring your family as much joy as they’ve brought mine. Now, grab those supplies and let creativity take over.

Happy crafting!