Crafts for Toddlers
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Paper Googly Eyes
In our bag of craft supplies, we always keep some googly eyes. I am personally a fan of adding this little bit of quirkiness to crafts, but I also know that they’re the only thing on our master list of craft supplies that are not eco friendly. So, I also wanted to give you an…
Dog Craft for Kids {with Newspaper Spots}
This easy dog craft for kids is made extra special using recycled newspaper to form its spots. We made our dog a dalmatian, but you can make your dog any color that you like. Give your its very own personality. Your dog could even be purple or pink or rainbow colored. There are no rules….
Bumblebee Craft {with Newspaper Stripes!}
This bumblebee craft for kids is so fun and simple to make. Just start with some pompom painting and then add the texture of newspaper print for the stripes. Tearing the newspaper is a great way to practice bilateral coordination (aka-working the hands together), which is a precursor for learning to use scissors. Add whatever…
Butterfly Craft for Kids {with Recycled Newspaper!}
This butterfly craft for kids is so simple and fun to make. And it’s an excellent sensory activity with the squish painting technique and then the tearing of newspaper to add some print details. Truly, it’s very calming and oddly satisfying. What I like best about this bug craft is that no two butterflies will…
Valentine Bug Crafts
Let’s celebrate love with these simple Valentine bug crafts! Today we are going to learn 2 ways to make a love bug craft. The first has a few more steps, includes some painting and is best for elementary aged students. The second version can be done by any age and is even great as a…
Paper Plate Turtle Craft
This paper plate turtle craft is similar to lots of crafts that you might have seen out there. But there is one very important difference…my absolute favorite crafting supply…WASHI TAPE! It is the perfect thing for helping little ones work on their fine motor skills, as well as pre-scissors skills, working those hands together. Pulling,…
Preschool Polar Bear Craft
This preschool polar bear craft is not only fun and simple to make but it’s more than that. This activity is perfect for working on fine motor skills and especially bilateral coordination, which simple means the two sides of the body working together efficiently. If this skill is not honed, kiddos will often struggle with…
Puffy Ghost Craft Puppets
You can easily guess what makes this puffy ghost craft so puffy…cotton balls. And the pulling of cotton is a great way for little ones to work on fine motor skills and bilateral coordination. Plus, playing with cotton balls is a wonderful sensory play activity for our sensory seekers. The best part of this Halloween…
Free Halloween Printables {just add fingerprints}
These free Halloween printables are perfect for kids of any age, from toddlers to preschoolers to elementary kids. Just print, add some fingerprints and finish off the details. This Halloween activity is so simple. It would be great fun for any preschool classroom. And the best part is that no two projects will be the…
Halloween Target Games
There are 2 Halloween target games. And you can make both if you want or pick one. Of course, the most fun is in the playing of the Halloween game that you create. And finally, we will SNACK on something truly amazing and scrumptuous! So, without further ado, let’s get started on our Halloween target…
Halloween Activity: Paddle Ball!
This Halloween activity is more than just a craft…it’s a paddle ball game too! And, it’s just one part of our FALL FAMILY FUN NIGHT CHALLENGE. If you haven’t signed up yet, you are going to want to participate. We will send you ready made activities all throughout the fall that lead to family memories…
Fruit Art and Craft Collection
It’s sometimes the simplest crafts that are the best, and this fruit art and craft collection is fun to put together. Once you’ve made each summer fruit craft, there are a few fun things that you can do with the collection. For example, put magnets on the back and put them on the fridge. Or…
51 Awesome Animal Crafts for Kids
These animal crafts for kids are some of the cutest things you will ever see. Seriously, it’s so much fun to make these kids’ crafts that they remind me of Lay’s potato chips…you will not be able to stop at one. So, why even try? To make crafting easier, all of these projects (just like…
Preschool Fall Tree Craft {FREE Printable}
Looking for a fun way to practice fine motor skills with your little ones? This preschool fall tree craft craft is perfect and really is one of the simplest activities you will even do. But it is often the simplest crafts that have the biggest impact. The tearing and placing of little pieces of washi…
Iguana Craft {with FREE templates}
This iguana craft is more than it appears at first glance. First of all, it uses one of my absolute favorite craft supplies…washi tape! Seriously, if you have not used washi tape in crafting before, it is life changing. I love it because it is, first of all, cheap. Plus it comes in every color…
Our Best Tips for Making Toddler Crafts
Making toddler crafts can be tricky. I mean, toddlers are notoriously always on the move. I’ve heard it said that managing a toddler is like nailing jello to a tree or herding cats. It’s difficult! But that doesn’t mean that they won’t benefit from doing crafts. There are just so many good reasons to make…
Paper Plate Football Craft {with Lacing}
This paper plate football craft is a quick project to put together. So, you will have time to make several if you want. We used the traditional brown color, but maybe you will make yours in your favorite team colors. For us, that would be black and gold for the Steelers (Go Team!). And if…
Constellation Activity for Kids {Salt Painting!}
I have yet to meet a kiddo (or adult for that matter) who is not fascinated by space. This constellation activity encourages children to explore beyond our world. The printable constellations are great for teaching, story telling and just growing the imagination. And salt painting is super satisfying as you watch the colors spread through…
The Importance of Fine Motor Skills {what you should know}
The Importance of Fine Motor Skills You may not realize the importance of fine motor skills for your little ones and how challenging every day activities can be when those skills are not functioning at 100%. Take the next 5 minutes and go about your business, paying attention to how many times you use your…
Printable Animal Crafts (Great Sensory Activity!)
These super simple printable animal crafts are so much more than they seem. So many kids seek out sensory input to feel “just right”. And then there are those that are sensory averse and try to avoid sensation. In both instances, one of the most effective forms of sensory input to achieve regulation is proprioceptive…
Preschool Christmas Crafts Oversized Ornaments
Not only are these oversized ornaments great preschool Christmas crafts, but they are also perfect Christmas crafts for toddlers. For little ones who can’t manipulate a stapler, a grown up will have to take over putting the plates together (step 3), but placing the little tissue pieces is ideal for promoting fine motor coordination in…
Christmas Stocking Arts and Crafts for Kids
You are just going to absolutely love these simple Christmas crafts to make! I know you will because I thoroughly enjoyed making them. Who knew that basic Christmas stocking arts and crafts could look so fabulous made out of some old newspaper. Kids Christmas crafts come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. These stockings are…
Fingerprint Christmas Cards
These fingerprint Christmas cards are so fun and simple to make. We will demonstrate two designs, but you can take this same concept and make as many designs as you can think. Use your imagination! These DIY Christmas card ideas are just a starting point. I cannot wait to see what you make. These are…
How to Make Christmas Hats
Let’s learn how to make Christmas hats. Yay! You will see examples of three, and each of those have printable templates available. But you can make your hat any design that you want. The only limit is your imagination. These Christmas hats ideas start with some basic shapes, like a tree, a gingerbread guy and…
Circus Craft for Preschoolers (Printables)
This is such a fun and simple circus craft for preschoolers. Of course, it doesn’t have to be just for preschoolers (confession: I enjoyed making it even as the adult that I am). Really, kids of any age can enjoy these fingerprint worksheets as they create the circus and carnival scenes, using their imaginations and…
Sunset Crafts {with FREE Printable Silhouettes}
One of the most serene experiences I’ve ever had was sitting on the beach during while the sun was setting and seeing dolphins jumping in the water in front of us. These sunset crafts help you experience these beautiful moments using just a few basic craft supplies. Get out the tissue paper squares and create…
Eagle Craft (with Free Printable Template)
Have you ever seen a bald in eagle in real life? Needless to say, they are IMPRESSIVE! This eagle craft is simple and fun to make, and I hope that it does this regal bird at least a little bit of justice. Looking for a patriotic craft, something to make with your kids for Memorial…
Cow Craft for Kids (with Newspaper Details)
Maybe it’s just me, but this cow craft is made extra cute with the newspaper details. Seriously, newspaper crafts are absolutely the best…and a great way to recycle too. Some of my very favorite crafts on this site are farm animals, like a rooster, pig, sheep and horse. You should definitely check them out. But…
Bird Nest Craft for Preschoolers
We are saying that this a bird nest craft for preschoolers because what preschooler doesn’t love to stick their fingers into paint and go at it? But this bird nest art and craft is also a great little project for children of any age. Add a message to the project and it turns into a…
7 Lacing Activities for the Win
As a pediatric Occupational Therapist, I can think of few activities that pack more of a punch for learning developmental hand skills than lacing activities. I mean they have it all, and most kids that I have come across really enjoy the activity. There is a sense of accomplishment when they get their project all…
Easy Tiger Craft for Kids
This easy tiger craft is so fun and simple to make. The newspaper details push it over the top. Plus, tearing paper is a great activity for little ones who are about to start to use scissors. It is great for promoting fine motor skills and bilateral coordination. You can keep this art and craft…
Clover Crafts for St. Patrick’s Day
These clover crafts make the perfect St. Patrick’s Day activity and are so incredibly simple! Each little creation is totally unique…just like your little ones! Even preschoolers and toddlers can decorate a shamrock once it is cut out by a grown up. And there are so few “rules” on this one. Really, once you are…
How to Use Flashcards for Developmental Skills
Learning how to use flashcards to promote developmental skills in children is so simple. And, I know what you’re going to say…”Where can I find flashcards that do that?” Well, HERE, of course. Why else would I be talking about this? You may have noticed that there are a few flashcards for various craft projects…
Learning About Shapes with This Monster Flipbook
There are so many fun activities out there for learning about shapes and colors. But this one includes MONSTERS! Well, sweet friendly monsters who you can change up and make your own. I have found that the best way to teach these preschool skills is not through worksheets or sitting and telling but through play…
Easy Newspaper Crafts for Kids
I promised that I would bring you a super easy craft that takes only a couple of supplies. Even if you have zero crafting supplies in your home, you likely have these things. These easy newspaper crafts for kids are so simple, most kids will finish one in about 5 minutes. So, plan to make…
6 Easy Valentine Crafts for Kids
Sometimes it just takes a few tweaks to turn your favorite craft into one of these Valentine crafts for kids. In this article, we are going to look back at some of my favorite arts and crafts projects for kids to get inspiration for new easy Valentine crafts. We will be changing up the colors,…
Elmer Elephant Craft
“Elmer” by David McKee is a heartwarming book about a very special elephant. If you have never read it before, you are missing out. Elmer is different from other elephants. He is covered in patchwork. And at first all he feels is different, but by the end of the book he realizes that he is…
Screen Free Activities for Kids Paper Chain
There is a lot of togetherness right now. And that can be a good thing…but it can also be A LOT sometimes. This simple little paper chain craft is designed to help break up the boredom. It is filled with screen free activities for kids (free list to get your start available). One the paper…
Free Printable Christmas Craft
This free printable Christmas craft makes it so simple and fun to make a 3D holiday scene come to life! Just a few basic supplies (which you will find in your bag if you have followed our master list to stock up). Get the free printable Christmas templates for this version, but feel free to…
DIY Wrapping Paper for Christmas
Today we are going to learn how to make Christmas wrapping paper that is unique to the maker and an extra little present to the recipient of your gift. This DIY wrapping paper starts with newspaper (a great alternative wrapping paper on a budget) as its foundation and then we add a little paint for…
5 Favorite Christmas Card Ideas for Kids
Here at “In the Bag Kids’ Crafts” we have been developing all kinds of Christmas card ideas for kids. Because who doesn’t love receiving a handmade card? It is the perfect little gift from the heart. And making creative Christmas cards is something that kids can easily do and use their imagination in the process….
11 Excellent Activities to Develop Fine Motor Skills
Let’s start out by talking about the importance of fine motor skills. Just imagine if you had limited use of your hands, that every time you tried to use them they just did not cooperate or were not strong enough to accomplish the task. In our hand and forearm there are more than 30 muscles….
Top 9 Best Fall Crafts for Kids
It’s time for a round-up! You can argue with me if you want, but Fall is by far the best time of the year! There is so much beauty and (in the words of one of my favorite fictional characters) scope for the imagination. And so, today we will take a look at some of…
School of Fish DIY Banner Craft
Banners are such a great way to brighten up any space. We have several in our home. If you don’t already have a space in your home that is creative friendly or a nook where your kiddos do their homework, this would be a great time to make that space and spruce it up with…
Bonus Circus Craft: The Acrobat
Earlier this week we made an entire circus full of characters, which all started off with a triangle popsicle stick triangle frame. They are so cute, and you can find the instructions HERE. But…there was one performer missing from the bunch (actually, you could go on and on with circus characters. I would LOVE to…
11 Fun and Easy Paper Plate Crafts
In my kids’ craft bag I keep a limited number of supplies, and paper plates are one of my common go-to items to begin a project. Here at “In the Bag Kids’ Crafts” we use a master list of supplies that we stick to for every single craft on the site. And we do this…
DIY Fishing Game
This DIY fishing game is so fun and simple to make but even more fun to play! And if you read to the end you will find all kinds of ways to play this game and turn it into whatever you want it to be…a way to practice social skills, a competition or a learning…
Oyster Craft for Kids (with a Pearl)
This oyster craft (with a pearl) for kids is part of our ocean animal crafts series. And, even though it is super basic, I think that it might be my favorite. Anything that is interactive is more fun to make and then play with after. And I had another idea…you can turn this oyster craft…
Easy Fish Craft for Kids
You are going to love where this triangle frame takes us this time as we create a super easy fish craft from this basic shape! Make lots of fish in different colors and have the go to “school”. Make up stories and put on a puppet show. There are just so many ways to play…
Sea Turtle Craft for Kids
This sea turtle craft for kids is part of a week-long series of ocean animals…only one more to go. They are all so cute! And working through this series is a great way to teach your child about the amazing creatures of the sea and their ecosystem. If you like this turtle craft, you will…
Dolphin Craft for Kids (with FREE Template)
You might have noticed that this dolphin craft starts with the basic shape of a triangle. Here at “In the Bag Kids’ Crafts” we love to see what our imaginations come up with when we start with something super simple and basic, like the shape of a triangle. Give a try and see what you…
Octopus Craft for Kids
This octopus craft starts with a basic shape, the triangle. I just love starting with something so basic and seeing where it will take us. And this time it took us to the deep see with this super fun and easy octopus craft. If you like this octopus craft, you will LOVE this collection of…
11 Easy Summer Crafts for Kids
Summertime is just around the corner (Finally!) which means it is time for cute crafts all about the season. And, like always, every craft we will make uses the same master list of supplies that fit into one bag. This approach makes crafting with your kids actually do-able. We all know that kids learn best…
Learning Craft with Resist Painting
Learning with resist painting is one of the funnest ways to work on a difficult problem. Doing school work will no longer feel like “work” when you do it this way. The first thing that came to mind when I was creating this project were the times tables. I feel like it took me FOREVER…
Shape Paper Bag Puppets
These super simple shape paper bag puppets are fun to make but even more fun to play with when they are done. Not to mention the enormous learning potential from these little puppet characters. After all, children learn best through play! It has been proven to be true. Here are a couple of great articles…
7 Easy Bug Crafts for Kids
I never thought that I would say bug crafts are “cute”, but these ones really are. And I know that you will use your imaginations and make them your own. Who says that your bee has to be yellow…maybe yours is bright green or pink? The instructions for the easy insect crafts for kids are…
Educational Lacing Kids Activity
With so many parents now taking on the task of home schooling their kiddos, I want to give you as many tools as possible to help in that process. So, you might have noticed that a lot of educational crafts on the site in recent days…you’re welcome! And today’s craft is meant to be fun…
Paper Food Crafts
The best crafts are those that lead to hours of imaginative play…fun to make…even more fun to play! These paper food crafts are made with just a few items from in your supply bag. And these are really just examples of what you can do with the items from the master list that we use…
Earth Day Kids’ Craft
Earth Day is coming around again, and it is such a great time to remind children of wonders of our world and our responsibility to take care of it. The Earth Day kids’ craft today is not all that new in concept, but we are making it with a twist. We will only use things…
Bird Nest Craft Activity
All day long I have been working from home, blessed to have a job during this crazy time of isolation. But the down side is that I didn’t have a chance to enjoy this amazing day. Spring is actually finally here (at least for a few days since they are calling for snow by the…
Easter Egg Art for Kids
This Easter egg art is so fun and simple to make!!! And it might just tell you something about yourself as you see the Warshak test design that it creates. Of course, you can use this interesting painting technique for other things too. Really, cut out any form, squeeze a little paint and squish away…
Fun With Shapes Artwork
I think the best crafts also teach. Of course, in my opinion, every craft has something to teach our kids, but this one happens to be a little more academic than most. It is an interactive way to teach shapes, colors, and sizes. And then we just add a little imagination to make this amazing…
Bunny Silhouette Kids’ Craft
Today’s craft is so simple and easily adapted for kids of all any age! And the finished project will be a fun Spring or Easter decoration for your home to brighten things up as we move out of a long dreary winter. We will be adding a bunny silhouette to our craft today, but feel…
Simple Paper Flowers
These simple paper flowers are one of the easiest and fastest crafts you will ever make with your kids. If you have 5 minutes, you can make a flower. So, make LOTS…a whole bouquet. A beautiful and unique collection of 3D paper flowers makes a great gift for someone you love. You can even save…
Paper Easter Wreath
Washi tape is one of my favorite craft supplies to use, and it really brings these Easter decorations to life! Plus, it is one of those things that kids just love, even the very little ones! Of course, they never seem to want to leave the tape where they put it. Be warned, your toddlers…
Easter Egg Art
Spring has got to be the absolute best time of the year! Don’t you agree? Today we are making the final craft in the popsicle stick Easter craft series…and it is also the simplest! Learn how to make this abstract Easter egg art and then continue with the rest of the collection: Easter Bunny, Chick,…
Paper Mitten Craft for Kids
Let’s get right to it…this simple kids’ craft will take about 5 minutes, is great for any age, and leaves plenty of room for imagination. The steps are few, but the results are pleasantly surprising. So, without further ado (yes, I said ado), enjoy this paper mitten craft! SUPPLIES FROM THE BAG Construction paper (color…
Heart Art Washi Tape Kids’ Craft
Washi tape is one of my absolute favorite craft supplies (Don’t you agree?) It is cheap, pretty, comes in any color or pattern you can imagine and is loved by children of all ages! So, I use it any chance I get. This HEART ART is such a fun way to feature this amazing supply…
DIY Snowman Bookmark
Sometimes it is the simplest crafts that are the best…don’t you agree? This adorable fingerprint snowman bookmark is easy for any age to make, from toddlers on up. And it can be made with just a few supplies in a brief period of time. Stick around to the end of the post to find out…
Handmade Christmas Greeting Cards with Stamped Snowflakes
Who doesn’t love handmade Christmas greeting cards. This card is extra special with its stamped snowflakes and woven paper cover. It is a little bit more advance than some of the other cards since it includes cutting, weaving paper, and making a homemade snowflake stamp. If you would like to do this with little ones,…
Christmas Stocking Card
Presenting the third the 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS CARDS series. I love making and giving cards. They are like little works of art from the heart. And your kids will be so proud of making this Christmas Stocking Card themselves. Just imagine their smile as they give it to someone they love. Can you see…
Christmas Tree Ornament Kids’ Craft
Christmas is a great time for kids’ crafting! For one thing, there is so much inspiration during the holiday season. Plus, kids end up home on an extended break from school complaining of boredom after about the first 8 minutes or so. You know what I am saying. You will never regret creating something together…
Christmas Tree Cards
Making something personal and from the heart is the best way to give this Holiday season, and these Christmas Tree Cards are the perfect thing. They are a great project for children of all ages, and I love that every single one is unique. The only limits to creating these are your imagination! So, let…
Stuffed Thanksgiving Turkey Kids’ Craft
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…” Well, in my opinion that song was written for the wrong holiday. Because I absolutely LOVE Thanksgiving. I know that as a craft blogger, I am supposed to be moving on to Christmas ideas (and I promise there are LOTS on the way) but I just wanted…
Pumpkin Pie Kids’ Craft
Yesterday we made some adorable smiling pilgrims, and then I thought to myself “Why are they so happy? Oh ya…pumpkin pie!” It is one of the best things about the Thanksgiving feast. I really don’t know if it was part of the very first Thanksgiving, but it will be on our table this holiday, with…
5 Little Pumpkins Kids Craft
A take on the classic earworm “5 Little Monkeys”, the “5 Little Pumpkins” song and story are a frequent visitor to every preschool classroom across the country this time of year. Pair it with this 5 Little Pumpkins Kids’ Craft and create an entire lesson plan around it. Or just share it as a bedtime…
Fall Kids’ Craft: Stuffed Paper Jack-o-Lantern
A craft doesn’t have to be elaborate and take hours to be fun and turn out super cute! This easy fall kids’ craft is one that your kiddo can make in about 15 minutes. Or they can decide to add more decorations and details and spend a little bit more time with this project. It…
Halloween Monster Kids’ Craft
I think this may be the shortest post that I ever write. Don’t take that as a sign that I don’t care…because I care so much! It is my desire to see families crafting together. There are just so many benefits (if I need to convince you of that, check out THIS post). This is…
Three Scoop Ice Cream Cone Kids’ Craft
What is summertime without ice cream! I don ‘ t know about you, but around here we have way too much of it (if that is even possible). This ice cream cone kids craft is simple and leaves lots of room for imagination and creativity…the most important elements of any good craft! SUPPLIES FROM THE…
Kids’ Craft Wall Hanging
It has always been my belief that creating together is one of the best ways to spend family time. And in the case of this craft, you cannot make it without your family. It is a fun and simple way to bring everyone together. This version uses the handprints of grandparents and their grandchildren, but…
Paper Bag City Craft (With a Comic Book Theme!)
This paper bag city craft is about the easiest activity you will ever do with your child but this kids play idea will keep your guys and gals busy for hours! How many fun make believe games to play do you think they can come up from just these easy paper bag crafts? After you…
Patriotic Kite Kids’ Craft DIY
SUPPLIES FROM THE BAG 1 piece of white construction paper Scissors Glue stick White yarn 2 large popsicle sticks Glue stick Red, white and blue tissue squares Elmer’s glue Washi tape in red and blue designs Pencil Step 1 Glue together the 2 popsicle sticks into a cross Allow the glue to dry Step 2…
Rainbow Mask Kids’ Craft
Playing dress up is one of the many wonders of childhood. As a matter of fact, my youngest son wore his Spider Man costume for an entire year, really! He only stopped wearing it because all the seams were ripping out and the legs up to his knees (plus I threw it away while he…
Paper Bag Village Kids’ Craft DIY
I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS PROJECT THAT I COULD WRITE THIS ENTIRE POST IN CAPS TO EXPRESS MY EMOTION. But I will spare you. What is making me this paper bag village… just little paper bag houses? It’s because there is so much scope for imagination! (Shout out to my fellow Anne of Green…
7 Tips for Making Crafts with Sensory Seekers
How do you make crafts with children who are sensory seekers, constantly on the move? The benefits of crafting for kids is exponential. One bonus is that it helps children learn to attend to an activity for a period of time, bringing it from start to finish. And that is definitely a needed skill for…
Homemade Dominoes Kids’ Craft and Game DIY
I still have a fondness for dominoes to this day.
As you may know, if you have been around this blog for very long, the kids’ crafts that I like the most are those that lead to therapeutic play once completed. Dominoes are a game that has so many variations, it can be played by children and adults of all ages and skill levels. Even preschoolers can learn to match numbers or colors…and what a fun way to learn those skills. What makes this craft so special is that when it is completed it brings the whole family together. And what could really be more important than that?