Nail art isn’t just for adults—kids absolutely love it too! Whether it’s for a birthday party, a playdate, or just a fun weekend activity, nail art allows children to express their creativity and enjoy a mini pampering session. From adorable animal prints to magical glow-in-the-dark designs, there are endless possibilities to explore. But as parents, we want to make sure our little ones are using safe, non-toxic, and age-appropriate products. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 19 fun and creative nail art ideas that kids will absolutely love. Whether they’re obsessed with unicorns, outer space, or glittery princess vibes, you’ll find something perfect for them. Plus, we’ll recommend some of the best nail products available on Amazon, making it easy for you to grab a great gift or a fun activity kit.
1. Glitter Princess Nails
source @disneyandnails
For kids who adore all things sparkly, glitter princess nails are a must-try. This nail art style features soft pastel shades like baby pink, lavender, and sky blue, topped with a layer of fine glitter to add a magical touch. You can opt for peel-off glitter nail polish, which is perfect for younger kids who aren’t quite ready for long-lasting polish. Another easy option is using glittery press-on nails, which come in various sizes and designs to fit tiny fingers perfectly. A great product to try is a non-toxic, water-based glitter polish set that ensures safety while still delivering dazzling results.
2. Cartoon Character Nail Stickers
source @nailsbyfabiolaa
If your child is a fan of Disney princesses, Paw Patrol, or Peppa Pig, cartoon character nail stickers are the perfect way to bring their favorite characters to life. These stickers are super easy to apply—just press them onto a polished nail, seal them with a clear topcoat, and they’re good to go. They work great with kid-friendly peel-off polishes, making them a mess-free and safe choice for younger children. Look for a sticker set that includes a variety of characters so your child can mix and match designs based on their mood.
3. Glow-in-the-Dark Nails
source @tessa.lyn.nails
Make bedtime extra fun with glow-in-the-dark nail polish! This exciting nail art idea allows kids to see their nails light up in the dark, adding a touch of magic to their nighttime routine. Available in neon shades like lime green, bright pink, and electric blue, glow-in-the-dark polishes can be applied as a full color or used to create fun patterns like stars and moons. Some sets even come with glow-in-the-dark nail stickers for an even cooler effect. Just make sure to expose the nails to a bright light before turning off the lights to maximize the glow!
4. Unicorn-Themed Nails
source @beautyandthepolish
Unicorns continue to be a favorite among kids, and there’s no better way to embrace the trend than with unicorn-themed nail art. Think pastel rainbows, iridescent shimmers, and tiny unicorn horn decals. Some nail kits include pre-designed press-on nails featuring adorable unicorns, while others provide nail polish sets with unicorn-inspired colors like lavender, baby pink, and mint green. For extra fun, you can use a nail stamper to add tiny stars and clouds to complete the dreamy look.
5. Color-Changing Nail Polish
source @nailbrag
For kids who love surprises, color-changing nail polish is a game-changer. These polishes change color based on temperature—so when your child goes from warm hands to cool water, they’ll see their nails shift shades instantly. Some options transition from light pink to purple, while others go from yellow to orange, making for an interactive and playful experience. The best part? Most of these polishes are kid-safe and non-toxic, making them a fun yet worry-free choice for parents.
6. Rainbow Ombre Nails
source @starlithe_nails
Bright and cheerful, rainbow ombre nails are a fantastic way to add a splash of color to your child’s hands. This style blends multiple colors seamlessly, creating a smooth gradient effect that looks like a rainbow on their nails. If freehand painting is too tricky, using a sponge technique or ready-made ombre nail stickers can make the process much easier. A good nail polish set with primary and pastel colors is perfect for achieving this fun and playful look.
7. Nail Art Stamping Kit
source @whatsupnails
A nail art stamping kit is a great way for kids to create detailed designs without needing advanced painting skills. These kits come with a stamping tool and pre-designed plates featuring patterns like flowers, hearts, and animals. Simply apply polish to the plate, press the stamper onto the design, and transfer it onto the nail. It’s a mess-free, easy way to achieve professional-looking nail art at home.
8. Fruit-Themed Nails
source @tessa.lyn.nails
Juicy, colorful, and irresistibly cute—fruit-themed nails are perfect for kids who love bright, cheerful designs. Imagine tiny watermelons, strawberries, pineapples, or citrus slices decorating little fingernails, turning them into a miniature fruit salad. This playful style can be achieved using fruit-shaped nail stickers, hand-painted designs, or even pre-made press-on nails with adorable fruity patterns. A simple way to create this look at home is by using a dotting tool to make seeds on watermelon nails or tiny brushes for orange segments. These nails are especially perfect for summer, adding a fresh and fun vibe to any outfit. Pair the look with a refreshing lemonade on a warm day for the ultimate tropical feel. A great fruit nail sticker set from Amazon will make application quick and mess-free.
9. DIY Polka Dot Nails
source @lartiste_nails
Polka dot nails are a classic, easy-to-create style that’s perfect for kids who are new to nail art. They can be as simple or as colorful as you want—think pastel dots on a white base for a soft, whimsical feel, or vibrant, contrasting colors for a bolder look. A great way to achieve perfect dots is by using a dotting tool, the tip of a bobby pin, or even a cotton swab for larger circles. The best part? There’s no right or wrong way to do it, so kids can have fun experimenting with different dot sizes and color combinations. For an extra playful touch, you can make the polka dots resemble tiny bubbles, ladybugs, or confetti. A kid-friendly nail polish set with multiple colors will make this style easy to achieve.
10. Butterfly Nail Decals
source @bornprettyofficial
Butterfly nails are a dream come true for kids who love delicate, nature-inspired designs. These nails feature intricate butterfly decals in soft pastels, holographic shades, or even realistic prints that make the butterflies look as if they’re floating on tiny fingers. You can create a simple and elegant butterfly nail look by applying butterfly stickers over a sheer or pastel-colored polish. Some nail kits come with holographic butterfly press-ons, which add a touch of sparkle and elegance without any mess. For a more detailed look, mix butterflies with floral patterns to create a garden-inspired manicure. Look for pre-made butterfly sticker sets on Amazon to make this style effortless.
11. Mermaid-Style Nails
source@disneyandnails
Turn little nails into a magical undersea adventure with mermaid-themed nail art! This enchanting design features shimmering ocean blues, iridescent greens, and even tiny seashell or scale patterns to mimic a mermaid’s tail. The easiest way to achieve this look is with press-on nails that already feature mermaid scales and glittery finishes, but if you want a more DIY approach, you can use a sponge technique to create a gradient effect that blends ocean colors seamlessly. Adding pearl or glitter accents will give it that extra mermaid magic. Mermaid nail stickers with tiny sea creatures like starfish, shells, and bubbles will complete the look. This is the perfect nail art for summer vacations, beach days, or any child who loves mermaids!
12. Holiday-Themed Nail Art
source @inspire_nail_studio
What better way to celebrate the holidays than with festive nail art? Whether it’s Christmas, Halloween, Easter, or the Fourth of July, themed nail designs make any holiday extra special. For Christmas, kids can rock tiny snowflakes, candy cane stripes, or Santa Claus designs. For Halloween, spooky little ghosts, pumpkins, and bats make for a fun and playful manicure. Easter nails can feature pastel eggs, cute bunnies, or baby chicks. Many holiday nail stickers are available on Amazon, making it super easy to switch up nail art for every occasion. If your child loves to celebrate the seasons, a holiday-themed nail sticker pack with designs for multiple holidays is a great investment.
13. DIY Stencil Nail Art
source @paintbynaptime
For kids who want detailed, professional-looking nail art without the difficulty of freehand painting, stencil nail art is the way to go. These stencils come in various patterns—hearts, stars, geometric shapes, florals, and even fun animals. Simply place the stencil on the nail, apply polish over it, then peel it away to reveal a clean, stylish design. This method is perfect for younger kids who want creative nails but struggle with intricate designs. A stencil set paired with a non-toxic nail polish set will provide endless fun and creativity. Amazon offers a variety of reusable nail stencils that are perfect for beginners.
14. Press-On Nails for Kids
source @nailsbygeez
For instant, no-mess nail art, press-on nails are a fantastic option. These pre-designed nails come in endless themes, from unicorns and rainbows to florals and animals. Unlike adult press-ons, kid-friendly versions use a gentler adhesive that won’t damage tiny nails. Some sets even feature self-adhesive press-ons, making them easy to apply and remove without the need for glue. These nails are perfect for dress-up, birthday parties, or any time your child wants a quick and fun manicure. Many Amazon press-on nail sets include a mix of sizes and designs to fit different fingers, ensuring a comfortable and stylish fit.
15. Space-Themed Nails
source @andisnails
Let kids blast off into creativity with space-themed nails! This galactic design features stars, planets, and even rocket ships, turning tiny fingers into a mini universe. Using a sponge gradient technique with deep blues, purples, and blacks can create a mesmerizing galaxy effect. Add in some metallic star stickers or glow-in-the-dark polish to make the nails look like they’re shining in the night sky. If your child loves outer space, astronaut-themed nail decals or pre-designed space press-ons are a great way to bring their imagination to life. Pair this look with glow-in-the-dark polish for an extra cosmic touch!
16. Animal Print Nail Stickers
source @lori_nails
Animal lovers will adore these cute and wild nail designs! From classic leopard spots and zebra stripes to adorable paw prints, animal-themed nails add a touch of fun to any manicure. The easiest way to achieve these looks is with animal print nail stickers, which allow for precise designs without the need for steady hands. Kids can mix and match different animal patterns or go for a jungle theme with a combination of cheetah, tiger, and giraffe prints. A great Amazon set will include various animal prints in multiple colors for endless creativity.
17. Pastel French Tips
source @polished_yogi
A kid-friendly twist on the classic French manicure, pastel French tips add a soft and colorful touch to nails. Instead of the traditional white tips, kids can choose pastel shades like baby pink, mint green, sky blue, or lavender. This simple yet stylish look can be done with nail guides or pre-made stickers. It’s perfect for kids who prefer a more subtle, elegant style while still embracing fun colors.
18. DIY Nail Art Kit for Kids
source @polished_yogi
For kids who love to experiment with different designs, a DIY nail art kit is the ultimate all-in-one gift. These kits usually include peel-off polishes, stickers, stencils, rhinestones, and even small tools for creating unique nail designs. They’re great for sleepovers, birthday parties, or creative bonding time with parents. A high-quality kit from Amazon will provide endless entertainment and allow kids to explore different styles while keeping it safe and mess-free.
19. Spa Day Nail Art Set
source @polished_yogi
Why not turn nail art into a full pampering experience? A spa day nail art set takes nail fun to the next level by including mini hand creams, nail files, and even tiny soaking tubs for the ultimate at-home manicure. This is a great way to introduce kids to self-care in a fun and playful way. It’s also a fantastic gift idea for kids who love beauty and relaxation time. Pair it with a soft robe and a face mask for the ultimate spa day experience!
