Finding the perfect gift for kids can be a challenge, especially when you want something that sparks their creativity, keeps them engaged, and offers a meaningful experience. While toys and gadgets are always popular, craft projects provide a hands-on way for children to explore their imagination, develop fine motor skills, and create something they can be proud of. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, a holiday, or simply looking for a fun weekend activity, this list of 17 craft projects for kids will help you find the best options. Each project is designed to be both enjoyable and easy to set up, making it perfect for parents, grandparents, and caregivers who want to encourage creativity in children. To make things even easier, we’ve also included recommended supplies that can be purchased online, ensuring you have everything needed to get started right away. So, if you’re ready to inspire young minds and create memorable experiences, let’s dive into these fantastic craft ideas!
1. DIY Friendship Bracelets
source @wearhiswordbracelets
Friendship bracelets are a timeless and meaningful craft that allows kids to express their creativity while making something special for their friends and family. This activity not only introduces them to simple weaving and knotting techniques but also enhances their fine motor skills, patience, and ability to follow patterns. With a variety of colorful threads, beads, and charms available, children can create intricate designs that reflect their personal style. Many friendship bracelet kits come with pre-packaged materials, including easy-to-follow instructions, making this a hassle-free and engaging activity. Kids can experiment with different color combinations, incorporate alphabet beads to spell out names, or add charms for extra flair. Beyond being a fun craft, friendship bracelets teach kids the value of gift-giving, allowing them to create unique keepsakes for loved ones. Whether they are braiding simple patterns or attempting more complex knots, this activity provides hours of entertainment while fostering creativity and connection.
2. Rock Painting Kit
source @thebeckablog
Rock painting is an imaginative and versatile craft that transforms ordinary stones into vibrant works of art. Whether children want to create cute animals, inspirational message stones, or abstract designs, this activity is perfect for all ages and requires minimal materials. A rock painting kit typically includes smooth river stones, bright acrylic paints, and sealant to ensure the artwork lasts indoors or outdoors. This project encourages kids to explore color mixing, fine detail work, and different artistic styles, making it a fantastic way to enhance creativity. Painted rocks can be used to decorate gardens, given as gifts, or even hidden in parks for others to find as part of a community kindness project. With no rules or limitations, children can unleash their imagination and turn each rock into a unique masterpiece. The tactile nature of rock painting makes it a fantastic hands-on activity that fosters focus, patience, and artistic exploration while keeping kids entertained for hours.
3. Paper Plate Animal Masks
source @simplycraftykids
Crafting paper plate animal masks is an exciting and interactive project that combines art and imaginative play. Kids can create masks resembling their favorite animals by cutting, painting, and decorating paper plates using markers, colored paper, feathers, googly eyes, and glue. This activity helps develop fine motor skills as children practice cutting and assembling their designs while also encouraging storytelling and role-playing. They can transform into fierce lions, wise owls, adorable bunnies, or any other animal they love. Once the masks are complete, kids can use them for fun dress-up games, themed parties, or even performances where they act out stories. This project is perfect for both individual creativity and group activities, making it an ideal craft for playdates or classroom projects. With endless possibilities for customization, children can experiment with different textures, patterns, and embellishments to make their masks one-of-a-kind.
4. DIY Slime Making Kit
source @miniretailsey
Slime-making has become one of the most popular craft activities for kids, offering a sensory-rich experience that is both entertaining and educational. By combining ingredients like glue, activator, and various add-ins such as glitter, beads, or scents, children can create different types of slime, including fluffy, crunchy, glow-in-the-dark, or color-changing slime. This hands-on project teaches basic chemistry concepts as kids observe how different materials interact and change states. A good slime-making kit provides pre-measured ingredients and clear instructions, reducing mess while ensuring successful results. Playing with slime helps develop hand strength and coordination while providing a soothing, stress-relieving sensory experience. Kids can personalize their slime with unique colors and textures, making each batch different from the last. Since slime is fun to squish, stretch, and mold, it keeps children engaged for extended periods, making it a great rainy-day or after-school activity.
5. Tissue Paper Flowers
source @ourkidthings
Tissue paper flowers are a delightful craft project that allows kids to create beautiful, colorful blooms that can be used for decorations or gifts. This activity teaches children how to carefully layer and fold tissue paper to achieve a realistic petal effect. With a few simple supplies—tissue paper, scissors, and pipe cleaners for stems—kids can craft stunning floral arrangements in a variety of shapes and colors. Tissue paper flowers make lovely homemade gifts for Mother’s Day, teacher appreciation, or birthdays, and they can also be used as festive decorations for parties or seasonal displays. This craft helps kids develop their dexterity, precision, and artistic eye as they experiment with different folding techniques and color combinations. Unlike real flowers, these handcrafted blooms never wilt, allowing kids to proudly display their creations for years to come.
6. Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
source @gluedtomycrafts
Creating picture frames from popsicle sticks is a fantastic way for kids to personalize their space while making a meaningful gift for loved ones. This simple yet rewarding project involves painting and gluing popsicle sticks together in creative patterns, then decorating them with stickers, glitter, buttons, or beads. Once the frames are complete, kids can insert a favorite photo or hand-drawn artwork, turning their craft into a cherished keepsake. Popsicle stick crafts encourage problem-solving as children experiment with different frame shapes and designs. They can create classic square frames or arrange the sticks into geometric or abstract patterns for a more unique look. These handmade picture frames make great holiday or birthday gifts, and they allow kids to express their personality through their chosen colors and decorations.
7. Handprint Clay Keepsakes
source @printsandclay
Handprint clay keepsakes offer a sentimental and long-lasting way to capture a child’s handprint in a decorative and creative way. Using air-dry clay or a molding kit, kids can press their hands into the material, leaving behind an imprint that can later be painted, decorated, or engraved with their name and date. This project is ideal for preserving childhood memories, as parents and grandparents can treasure these keepsakes for years to come. Kids can also turn them into ornaments or plaques by adding ribbons or stands for display. This activity is simple yet meaningful, allowing children to create something that holds personal value while also developing their tactile and artistic skills. Decorating the keepsake with glitter, hand-painted designs, or small embellishments makes each piece unique and special.
8. DIY Beaded Keychains
source @prettylittles_sl
Beaded keychains are a fun and engaging craft project that lets kids design their own accessories using colorful beads, charms, and letter blocks. This activity helps children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and pattern-making abilities as they carefully string beads onto a keychain loop. Beaded keychains can be customized with initials, favorite colors, or themed charms, making them perfect as personalized gifts for friends and family. They are also a great introduction to jewelry-making, allowing kids to explore design principles while having fun. Once completed, these keychains can be attached to backpacks, pencil cases, or house keys, serving as a functional and stylish craft project.
9. DIY Painted Wooden Birdhouses
source @bestnesthomegoods
Painting and decorating wooden birdhouses is a delightful craft that allows kids to get creative while also making something functional for nature. These unfinished wooden houses serve as blank canvases where children can paint colorful patterns, add stickers, or even use stencils to create beautiful designs. This project helps kids develop an appreciation for wildlife, as they can later hang their finished birdhouses outside and watch as birds come to nest. Many birdhouse kits come with everything needed, including wooden pieces, brushes, and non-toxic paints, making it easy to set up. Kids can experiment with different color schemes, mix paints to create new shades, and even add personal touches like names or messages. Besides being a fun artistic endeavor, this craft teaches patience, precision, and responsibility as children take pride in their creations and observe them being used in the real world.
10. DIY Felt Stuffed Animals
source @polkadotpigfolkart
Creating small felt stuffed animals is a fantastic introduction to sewing for kids. This project involves cutting out simple felt shapes, stitching them together with embroidery thread, and stuffing them with soft filling. Many DIY stuffed animal kits include pre-cut pieces, making it easier for beginners to follow along without worrying about cutting mistakes. Kids can design their own animals, from cats and dogs to unicorns and dinosaurs, giving them full creative control. This craft helps develop hand-eye coordination, patience, and basic sewing skills, making it both educational and fun. Adding buttons, beads, or fabric paint for details allows children to personalize their plush creations. Once finished, these adorable handmade toys can be given as gifts, used as keychains, or kept as treasured keepsakes.
11. DIY Suncatchers with Stained Glass Paint
source @resincraftsblogbyeti
Suncatchers are a fun and vibrant craft that allows kids to explore color and light. Using transparent plastic sheets or pre-cut suncatcher shapes, children can apply stained glass paint to create beautiful designs that shine when placed in the sunlight. This project is easy to set up with simple supplies such as paintbrushes, suction cups for hanging, and templates for design inspiration. Kids can make suncatchers in various shapes like butterflies, flowers, stars, or even their favorite cartoon characters. The activity teaches color theory, patience, and artistic expression while resulting in a decorative piece that brightens up windows and homes. Once completed, suncatchers make wonderful handmade gifts or seasonal decorations.
12. DIY Decorative Magnets
source @hobbyideasindia
Decorative magnets are a simple and fun craft that kids can customize to suit their style. Using small wooden shapes, glass pebbles, or bottle caps, children can paint, draw, or glue on decorative elements to create unique fridge magnets. They can also use Mod Podge to attach photos, glitter, or patterned paper for a polished look. This project helps kids develop their artistic skills while making functional and stylish pieces that can hold notes and artwork on refrigerators or magnetic boards. DIY magnet kits often come with all necessary supplies, including self-adhesive magnets, making the process easy and mess-free. These handmade magnets make thoughtful gifts for parents, teachers, and friends.
13. DIY Tie-Dye T-Shirts
source @underthewillowtreewithnoreen
Tie-dyeing is an exciting and hands-on craft that allows kids to create one-of-a-kind T-shirts in vibrant colors. Using a tie-dye kit, children can experiment with different folding techniques, from spirals and stripes to heart and bullseye patterns. This activity is not only fun but also educational, as it introduces kids to color blending and pattern-making. Parents can help by securing the rubber bands and guiding kids on how to apply the dyes evenly. Once the shirts are rinsed and dried, children can proudly wear their unique creations or gift them to family and friends. This project is perfect for summer camps, sleepovers, or outdoor crafting days, as it encourages creativity and self-expression.
14. DIY Holiday Ornaments
source @liliplumkids
Making homemade holiday ornaments is a wonderful seasonal craft that kids can enjoy while creating memorable keepsakes. Using materials like salt dough, felt, wood slices, or clear plastic baubles, children can paint, decorate, and personalize their ornaments with names, dates, and festive designs. Glitter, ribbons, and stickers can add extra sparkle, making each piece unique. Many ornament-making kits provide ready-to-decorate pieces, simplifying the process for younger kids. This activity fosters holiday spirit and family bonding, as kids can create ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree or gift to loved ones. Handmade ornaments also become cherished decorations that can be used year after year.
15. DIY Paper Mache Bowls
source @learnwithplayathome
Paper mache is a fun and slightly messy craft that results in beautiful handmade bowls. Kids can layer strips of newspaper with glue over a balloon or bowl mold, allowing it to dry before painting and decorating. This project teaches patience and attention to detail as children wait for each layer to dry before adding more. Once finished, these bowls can be used to hold jewelry, keys, or small trinkets. Acrylic paint, glitter, and decoupage techniques can be used to make each bowl unique. Paper mache bowls make excellent handmade gifts or decorative pieces for kids’ rooms.
16. DIY Sticker Making
source @theplayfiles
Sticker making is a fantastic craft for kids who love to draw and design. Using sticker paper and markers, children can create their own custom stickers to decorate notebooks, water bottles, and laptops. With the help of a sticker machine or adhesive backing, they can turn their artwork into peel-and-stick designs. Many sticker-making kits include pre-cut shapes and templates to help kids get started. This activity encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression as children bring their favorite characters, doodles, and phrases to life in sticker form. Handmade stickers also make great gifts for friends or fun additions to craft projects.
17. DIY Painted Flower Pots
source @handsvilla
Painting flower pots is a delightful craft that lets kids personalize their own planters for indoor or outdoor use. Using terracotta pots, acrylic paints, and sealant, children can design colorful patterns, animals, or abstract art on the pots. This project encourages a love for gardening, as kids can later plant flowers, succulents, or herbs in their decorated pots. Many kits include small gardening tools and soil, making it a complete gift for young plant enthusiasts. Hand-painted flower pots make thoughtful presents for parents and teachers while serving as a fun way for kids to learn about plants and nature.
