21 Craft Kits and Ideas for Kids

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I spent the morning hanging out in Kindergarten. It’s a really fun place to be. There is always a fun song to sing and a fun craft project to do. Kids love crafts. I also teach art to students ages 8 to 14. Kids love art. It is a joy to watch them explore their creativity and produce some amazing work.

If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that March is National Craft Month. The kid’s craft market is flooded with kits and ideas to do with your little ones and not so little ones. Arts and crafts help kids express themselves, build self-confidence, and help to develop fine motor skills as well as bilateral motor skills. Studies have also found that integrating arts and crafts into academics can boost comprehension. And making crafts also help build problem-solving skills.

Spring break is just around the corner. Will you be cooped up inside because of the weather and need a creative outlet for your kids? Maybe you’ll be taking a road trip and need a project for the backseat. Or maybe you’re just looking for some fun, new ideas. Regardless of why you’re looking for kids’ craft ideas, I have found something for you. Below is a collection of top-rated kits, idea websites, and links to projects. Please note this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for details.

 

21 Art and Craft Kits and Ideas for Kids

Pre-Made Craft Kits

1. Mosaic Kits

There are loads of mosaic kits on the market. The Orb Factory sells a variety of kits that are all highly rated. The sparkles are self-stick.  For ages 4+

 

2.  Puppets

Do you remember making paper bag puppets? Here’s a fun kit to make monster puppets. Sure, we don’t need a kit, but this one has loads of fun ideas. Start with the kit and run from there. And paper bags are cheap! Recommended ages 3-5.

3. Masks

This one only contains the blank masks, but you’ll probably have paints or markers and other embellishments already. These masks would work for almost any age. They are sturdy and ready to decorate.

4. Minecraft Papercraft

Do you have a child who is obsessed with Minecraft?  Are you concerned about the amount of screen time they’re getting? This might be an answer. There are a variety of these sets available. They are printed on heavy cardstock and come with detailed instructions. Recommended age 6-15.

 

5. Safe in the Backseat

Melissa & Doug have provided reliable and fun creative toys for more than 25 years. These art activity books use water-filled pens. And the pages are  reusable! Inexpensive (about $5 per book) and safe for your furniture or car seats. Recommended for ages 3-6.

6.  For Your Little Star Wars Fan

Do you have someone who is Star Wars obsessed at home? This could make their rainy day! It comes with stickers and markers to decorate your very own Stormtrooper head. Recommended for ages 3-10.

 

7. Seedling Design Your Own

This company has some amazing kits. I only wish my own kiddos were still in the interested age range. These look like so much fun! There are kits to design your own butterfly wings, your own superhero cape, and even your own wooden peg dolls. I’ve included a few images, but check our amazon for even more fun kits. Recommended ages 4+.

 

8.  For Your Little Fashionista

I had these when I was a kid and loved them. I recently saw a set at a friends house. Her little girls are totally in to them. And, I must admit, I was excited to see they’re making them again. Recommended ages 6+

 

9. The New Pet Rock

Once upon a time, the Pet Rock was all the rage. This kit takes it up a notch. Recommended for ages 8+. Kids get to paint their pet rock turtle.

10.  Playing with String

Klutz is another great company for craft kits. This one is a fun string art set. Recommended ages 10+. Definitely for older kids. Little ones would probably get frustrated.

Websites and Blogs

 

11. PBS

Did you know that PBS has a whole section of their website dedicated to kids crafts?  There are enough ideas on this one site to keep a family busy all summer long. One of my favorite ideas was making a bubble wrap rug. How fun would that be!

12.  Enchanted Learning

This is a no frills website, but it has loads and loads of fun craft ideas. Most projects can be completed with things you already have around the house. I know some teachers and homeschoolers who use this site. You can subscribe to the site for a $20 fee, but many things are available without the subscription.

13. Michaels

The Michaels website has a section for project ideas. There are all sorts of cute things to make. And some gross ones too. Have you been sucked into the new slime craze yet?

14. Happiness is Homemade

This blog has been around since 2010. Heidi has so many fun ideas and tips for moms and kids alike. I love her bubble painting tutorial!

15. Pinterest

This one’s kind of a given. Just search up “kids crafts” and see what comes up. So many fun ideas. Since I teach art, I have an idea board for my class. You can check it out here.

16. Parents Magazine

Parents’ website has a whole section of craft ideas. I love the autumn leaves ideas (not going to get to use those any time soon). I also love the gift making ideas.

17.  DLTK’s Crafts for Kids

This website was created by a mom of two girls. She has a large number of holiday craft ideas. This would definitely be a good site for a homeschooler. She also has free printables.

18. Crafts for Kids

This website is the online home of public television’s “Hands On Crafts for Kids” You can also find many of their shows on Youtube. For ages 7-12. There is an amazing variety of projects here..

19. Hands On as We Grow

Another great website started by a mom. The main audience is toddler to kindergartner, but there are elementary school projects too. She has lists by age which is very helpful.

20. Free Kids Crafts

This site puts up a new craft every day! So if you have a really crafty kid, this could be the place for you. And it’s free! Says so right in the name. Just in time for St. Patrick’s day, I saw a beaded Irish flag project and a felt shamrock pin that were both really cute.

21. Your Local Bookstore or Art Supply Store

Check out your local book store or art supply place. They often have craft kits and art classes for kids. My favorite local bookstore carries some great items from Klutz, Melissa & Doug, and several other kid-craft-friendly companies. And they offer art classes too!

 

art quote

 

Wow, 21 great ideas for crafts for your kids. Hopefully, you’ve found something to spark their interest here. Remember, being creative is part of being human. Sometimes kids are the best creators of all. Their creativity hasn’t been squashed yet. I am always amazed at what my art students come up with.

Thanks for reading and please share.

 

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