When it comes to plastic Easter eggs, we often end up with way more than we know what to do with, so we looked around and found some fun and easy plastic Easter egg crafts and activities that kids will love. From using them as a soap mold or mini planter to festive bunny-themed décor, there are plenty of ways to reuse plastic Easter eggs. 

Looking for more crafts for kids? Check out our favorite egg carton crafts, the best crafts for toddlers, and crafts that use upcycled materials.

Rolled Easter Egg Painting

Tinkerlab

No brushes are needed when you paint with Easter eggs! This creative plastic easter egg craft from Tinkerlab lets your littles express themselves with lots of color. 

Egg-Shaped Soap

Mad in Crafts

Why buy soap when you can make it, and in an egg shape at that! This easy-to-make plastic easter egg craft from Mad in Crafts takes simple ingredients to whip up soap and uses plastic eggs as a mold. After four hours in the fridge, you have your own (festive) soap.

Bath Bombs

a picture of easter egg bath bombs, a fun plastic easter egg craft
Bitz & Giggles

There are bath bombs, and then there are Easter egg bath bombs. While this DIY from Bitz & Giggles requires adult supervision (there's citric acid involved), your kiddos will get a kick out of making, decorating, and using these bath accessories in the tub or for some fun science experiments.

Plastic Easter Egg Succulent Planters

You had us at succulents. Click through the Instagram post above to see the stylish mini planters, and check out the tutorial from Kailo Chic. You'd hardly know these planters were once plain, plastic Easter eggs!

Plastic Easter Egg Flowers

Make and Takes

Plastic Easter eggs and pipe cleaners are all you need to whip up a bouquet that lasts forever. Marie from Make and Takes whipped up a simple array of flowers in a flash, and your kids can too—this would be one fun afternoon activity.

Plastic Easter Egg Spring Garland

The How To Mom

Those plastic Easter eggs aren't just for hunting! You can turn them into festive decor like this adorable garland from The How To Mom. String up with some simple pom poms and you have a simple decoration that kids can help make. 

Plastic Easter Egg Maracas

a picture of easter egg maracas
Made Everyday

This genius plastic Easter egg craft from Made Everyday is bound to be a hit with your budding musicians. They’ll have a blast filling and decorating the maracas, not to mention the hours of entertainment once they’re done. 

Round Rockets

Inspiration Laboratories

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a plastic egg? Using stuff you probably have in your desk drawers (tape, paper, etc.), you can make a few rockets and let the kids race them in two ways—into the sky or back down to earth. Find out what you’ll need for this fun project at Inspiration Laboratories.

Bird Feeder

Playing House in Maryland

Why should bunnies have all the fun? With some bird feed, it’s a cinch to make a yummy snack for feathered friends. Want to know exactly what’s needed for this project? Get the answers over Playing House in Maryland.

A Spring Wreath

Crazy Little Projects

Craft a colorful wreath perfect for spring like this one from Crazy Little Projects. It’s easy to make using just a few craft store supplies and cute enough to display all season long. 

Tea Light Flight

Taylor Made Creates

We are still blinking in amazement over this upcycled DIY. You can make a gorgeous tea light flight for next to nothing with a few supplies (including hot glue and paint). Find the how-to, and the answer to the question “will the eggs melt?,” over at Taylor Made Creates.

Hot Air Balloon Eggs

Snowdrop and Company

Easter eggs become entirely new with these adorable hot air balloons from Snowdrop and Company. They’ll make a whimsical decoration for your little one’s room or can be used to stash secret treats. 

Plastic Easter Egg Mini Terrariums

The House that Lars Built

Keep the spring feeling around longer by creating a mini terrarium. We love this version from The House that Lars Built; not only are the eggs gorgeous, but the flowers aren’t real, which means you and the kids can enjoy the fruit of your labor for more than a few days. 

Eggs as Stamps

picture of an plastic easter egg craft which is egg stamps
Buggy and Buddy

Perfect for toddler hands, easy-to-grip plastic Easter eggs make an awesome addition to any artsy afternoon. Find out what kind of paint to use, and other handy tips, over at Buggy and Buddy.

Little Bees

Tried & True

How cute are these little bees from Tried & True? We love how simple they are—you can craft a flock of them in no time and string them up to add some color to your space. 

Make a Sensory Bin

Little Bins for Little Hands

Easter eggs … if you’ve got a few (or 100) laying around after the big day, you can easily set up this sensory project we spotted at Little Bins for Little Hands. All you’ll need is soap, water, and enthusiastic kids. 

Popsicle Molds

Mama. Papa. Bubba

How awesome are these frozen yogurt molds from Mama. Papa. Bubba? The hardest part of this brilliant idea is making a place for the popsicle sticks. With just a little planning (and an electric tool), you’ll be on your way. 

Plastic Easter Egg Number Snake

I Can Teach My Child

We love this craft-meets-learning activity from I Can Teach My Child. Kids will have a blast practicing their numbers while building fine motor skills. Once it’s done, they’ve got a cute playtime-ready snake. 

Plastic Easter Egg Toss Game

A Mom with a Lesson Plan

You can’t go wrong with good old-fashioned competition, and this idea from A Mom with a Lesson Plan will keep the kids occupied for hours. Gather your plastic eggs and empty water bottles, and you’re halfway there.

DIY Easter Egg Mobile

Jen Perkins

This adorable mobile made from recycled plastic Easter eggs is not only the perfect touch to a kid's room, but it's also pretty simple to do. Jennifer Perkins breaks it all down for you, including the how-tos and the supplies you'll need, here

 

 

 

Start your family band by crafting some awesome homemade instruments. Most of these are super easy to make, and kids will have a blast banging on a tin can drum, shaking DIY maracas, and making some tunes. Looking for other creative projects for kids? Check out our collection of crafts for toddlers, classic paper crafts for kids, and things kids can make with toilet paper rolls.

Why Are Homemade Instruments Important?

Making and playing homemade instruments allows kids to use not only their artistic creativity but their musical creativity as well. In addition, according to the Ethnomusicology Review, “When fully engaged in musical invention, children can develop their naturally imaginative and participatory approach to learning.”

Our Favorite DIY Instruments You Can Make at Home

Cardboard Rain Stick

A rain stick makes the prettiest sound, and it’s very easy to make one at home with a few simple items. We love the tutorial for this found over at Kid Made Modern.

Cardboard Guitar

a picture of a cardboard guitar, a homemade instrument
Pink Stripey Socks

Perfect for toddlers who aren't ready for the real thing, we love this cardboard guitar spotted over at Pink Stripey Socks. You can paint it in any design, too! 

Hand Drums

a picture of DIY drums, homemade instruments
Minted

Kids can twist and twirl these homemade hand drums to their heart's content! Find the tutorial over at Minted.

Bongo, Shaker, Güiro All in One

Mama. Papa. Bubba

This fun little instrument is really three in one! Kids will enjoy shaking it or playing it as a drum and it's super easy to make. Get the tutorial over at Mama.Papa.Bubba.

Jingle Ring

picture of jingle rings, which are a homemade instruments
Buggy and Buddy

This adorable nature-themed tambourine-like DIY instrument is the perfect addition to a May Day celebration or even just a day outside. Easy to make, you can find the tutorial from Buggy and Buddy.

"Do-Re-Mi" Xylophone

Chelsea Foy of Lovely Indeed, in Partnership with The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization

If you've got a serious hankering for DIY projects, this adorable xylophone kids can play along to "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music fits the bill. From Lovely Indeed, you'll need to make a trek to the home-improvement store for all the materials, but the chic design and good sound quality mean you'll want to keep it out instead of stashing it away somewhere. Be sure to check out all the other adorable projects over at the Sound of Music Crafting Corner

CD Cymbals

picture of little girl using homemade CD symbols
Jackie Currie via Happy Hooligans

Happy Hooligans makes good use of CDs. We especially love these "cymbals" because they don't sound like real cymbals. 

Singing Straws

Handmade Charlotte

We love Handmade Charlotte's take on the pan flute. Not only does this homemade instrument make music, but it's also as bright and colorful as can be.

Rainbow Xylophone

a picture of a rainbow xylophone, a DIY instrument you can make at home
And Next Comes L

This super cute and colorful homemade instrument is as much fun to make as it is to play. Get the scoop on how to do it yourself over at And Next Comes L

Paper Plate Tambourine

a picture of a paper plate tambourine, a DIY instrument
Gabby Cullen

This little DIY instrument packs a jingle and it's a great use for paper plates left over from a birthday party. If you have the plain white ones, even better, though because then your little maestro gets to decorate her own. Get the complete step-by-step here

Didgeridoo

courtesy KiwiCo.

It's one of the world's oldest instruments, and your kids can make their colorful version in one afternoon. The secret to making it look real? Earth-toned paint colors. You can find the entire tutorial over at KiwiCo

Chicken in a Cup

homemade instruments
All for the Boys

For an outside-the-box take on a homemade instrument, you’ve got to try this “chicken in a cup” from All for the Boys. It’s super easy to put together using household items, and kids will get a kick out of the squeaky sound it makes.

Cereal Box Guitar

Made by Joel

If you've got a cereal box and a couple of rubber bands lying around, you've got a guitar! Made by Joel has the super simple how-to. Older babies and toddlers can help you decorate the cereal box with stickers or washi tape, then get to strumming. No cereal box? Rubber bands stretched around a loaf pan will produce a similar effect.

 

Homemade Tin Can Drums

Keep it simple (but still super fun) with this sweet DIY instrument idea from Red Ted Art. Kids can paint the “drums” however they want, and then they’ll have a blast discovering the different sounds they can make with kitchen utensils.

Backyard Concerts

homemade instruments
PreK K Sharing

Banging on a pot with a wooden spoon is practically a rite of passage in babyhood. Why not take it a step further and construct an outdoor music wall for your kids like this one from PreK + K Sharing? Scour your house for any seldom-used odds and ends that make a fun sound (or hit up your favorite thrift store), then use a hammer and nails to secure a section of fencing. 

Easter Egg Maracas

Picture of Easter Egg maracas, which are a homemade instruments
iStock

Shake to the sound of rice with these easy-peasy maracas. All you need is rice, plastic spoons, easter eggs, and tape! Best part? These shakers have been tried and tested by lifestyle blogger and mom of three, Katelyn Fagan of What’s Up Fagans, and they are certified to play at a decent volume without being too annoying. 

Kazoo

homemade instruments
Buggy and Buddy

Explore sound and science with Buggy and Buddy’s homemade kazoo. With simple materials that you’re bound to have at home, this kazoo is perfect for vocal tots who love to spend their days humming and singing. What a fun homemade instrument!

Shoebox Guitar

picture of a shoebox guitar, a fun homemade instrument
Minieco

Did you know empty containers hold a secret melody? All you need are some rubber bands, a shoebox, and split pins; then your quick-fingered tot can get their twang on. For the key to perfect, magical sound, check out the tutorial over at Minieco.

Mini Mandolin

Picture of a homemade mandolin, a fun DIY instrument
Hello Bee

With a little more time and effort, your wooden mandolin is set to last much longer than your musician’s first gig. Hello Bee has an awesome tutorial on making a mandolin that’s worthy of being part of a kid-sized Philharmonic. 

Pin Strummers

homemade instruments
Josie via Pi'ikea Street

Strum up a tune with bobby pins. This experiment and discovery project by Pi'ikea Street explores how different sounds can become just by changing one object.

Bell Shakers

homemade instruments
Hello Bee

Ring in a merry afternoon with these bell shakers. This tutorial from craft blog Hello Bee requires some drilling, but the modern look and long-lasting build are worth it. Now your littlest can join the family band with just a wriggle of the wrist!

Sensory Bin Shakers

a picture of sensory bin shakers, an easy homemade instrument
Fun-a-Day

We love these sensory bin shakers because they'll extend sensory play time. It's also easy for your kids to make on their own. Head over to Fun-a-Day to see how to make your own. 

with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton, Amber Guetebier, and Gabby Cullen

 

 

As parents, there’s nothing quite like a homemade Valentine’s card for mom. We’ve searched the web and carefully curated everything from Valentine’s Day crafts for toddlers to easy Valentine’s Day cards for school, and all of them are sweet as can be. These Valentine’s Day recipes will sweeten any Valentine’s Day plans and these Valentine’s Day games will tucker them out. Choose your favorite ideas for making homemade cards for Valentine’s Day 2024.

1. Seed Paper Hearts

Who doesn’t love plants? This homemade Valentine’s card can grow! Follow the instructions to make a seed heart that can be planted. Grow plants like wildflowers, herbs, and small vegetables.

2. Hot Air Balloon Heart

Try out this adorable hot air balloon card that can easily serve as a decoration for February.

3. Embroidered Hearts

a picture of a homemade valentine's card
Hello, Wonderful

Kids can hone their skills with a needle and thread to make these cute homemade Valentine's Day cards from Hello, Wonderful

4. Goldfish Snacks in a "Bowl"

Backless Shirt

How cute are these Goldfish-filled valentines from Backless Shirt? This candy-free idea doubles as a little afternoon snack, too.

5. Cutie Valentines

It’s Always Autumn

Our kids love mandarin oranges (aka cuties), and this easy homemade Valentine's card from It’s Always Autumn is the perfect way to use them. Buy a big bag at the grocery store and you’re halfway there. 

6. LEGO My Valentine

a picture of a cute homemade valentine card
The Resourceful Mama

Build super cute homemade Valentine's Day cards this year with this printable from The Resourceful Mama. The only other things you'll need are LEGO bricks and plastic bags. 

 

Related: 12 Creative (& Easy) Valentine’s Day Card Box Ideas

7. Toy Plane Valentines

Crap I've Made

Your littles will soar to the top of the class with these awesome plane valentines from Crap I’ve Made. Snag toy planes on the cheap on Amazon or at a party store. 

8. Rubber Duckie Valentines

a picture of homemade valentine cards
Simple Enchantments

We love a good pun, and this card from Simple Enchantments is definitely a winner.

9. Candy-Free Valentines

homemade valentine's cards
Pretty Prudent

Since kids will be loading up on candy all day, we love this change of pace from Pretty Prudent. Pick from crayons, bubbles, glitter, or bandaids—all of which have their own clever puns. 

10. Pirate Puns

MerMag

Pirate-obsessed kids will love this clever valentine from MerMag. A pirate pun, a heart eye patch—it just doesn’t get much cuter than this. 

11. Glow Stick Valentines

homemade valentines cards
Eighteen 25

Check out this cute idea from Eighteen 25—with a few packs of glow sticks, it’s pretty easy to put together. 

12. Kool-Aid Fun

My Name Is Snickerdoodle

If your little one is a Kool-Aid lover, they’ll get a kick out of these cute Valentine's Day card idea from My Name Is Snickerdoodle

13. Star(burst) Cards

It’s Always Autumn

Fancy up your valentines this year with this idea from It’s Always Autumn. Crafty kids will enjoy decorating each card with a potato stamp. 

14. Origami Cards

homemade valentines cards
Omiyage Blogs

Whether you’re an origami expert or just a beginner, these easy DIY valentines from Omiyage Blogs will be a winner. 

Related: 19 Sweet Valentine’s Day Recipes for Kids

15. Crayon Cards

The Nerd's Wife

If you want to get crafty for your Valentine this year, this idea from The Nerd’s Wife is an awesome option. Plus, you’ll get to put all your broken crayon stubs to good use. 

16. Blow Pop Butterflies

Skip to My Lou

We love this fun (but super easy) take on valentines from Skip to My Lou. The kids will love the sweetness and creativity of this one.

17. Cute Sheep Valentines

Hello, Wonderful

Crafty kids will love making this valentine—just print out the cards from Hello, Wonderful, and then let them glue on pom poms for the sheep’s “wool.” 

18. Play-Doh Packages

Random Thoughts from a Supermom

Here’s another gift that keeps on giving: Play-Doh. Just add a fun label to the carton (Random Thoughts from a Supermom has a convenient printable), and the whole class will be sculpting hearts and flowers for their special someone.

19. Valentine "Cards"

My Paper Crane

We love the quirky character of these homemade Valentine's Day “cards” from My Paper Crane. The supplies are easy to round up, there's lots of room for kid participation, and the results are oh-so-cute.

20. Toy Snake Valentines

A Subtle Revelry

Good news for little snake charmers! A Subtle Revelry has ultra-cute easy Valentine's Day cards that only require a teensy amount of effort and a handful of Dollar Store snakes.

Related: 41 Hilariously Sweet Valentine’s Day Jokes for Kids

21. Cupcake Liner Creativity

Urban Comfort

What, you didn’t think those festive Valentine’s Day cupcake liners were only good for cupcakes, did you? Urban Comfort has a crafty idea that’s easy to make but oh-so-impressive.

22. I Spy Surprise

A Mom With a Lesson Plan

A loving message and a treasure hunt all in one? Yes, please! A Mom with a Lesson Plan has a great idea for adding a little “I Spy” to your V-Day. It’s a great excuse to roam the neighborhood (or a good way to entertain house-bound little cupids).

23. Upcycled Valentines

Art Bar Blog

You can’t help but love this idea from Art Bar Blog. With washi tape, alphabet stamps, and lots and lots of upcycled hearts, you can make gift bags for storing cards or holding other V-Day treats.

24. Joke Boxes

The Artful Parent

Brace yourselves, this idea from Delia Creates combines puns, Laffy Taffy, silly bands, and LEGO-inspired boxes. It sounds like a win-win to us. 

25. Bear-y Cute Valentine

homemade valentines cards
Domestic Mommyhood

We can’t get over the cute factor of these Valentine's Day cards for school from Domestic Mommyhood. They’re easy as pie to print, cut, and distribute—and they also make excellent lunchbox love notes. 

26. High Fives

A Subtle Revelry

What’s the ultimate show of support for your special valentine? A Subtle Revelry has the answer in the form of a printable high five. This nifty idea is easy and sure to be a classroom fave. 

27. A Homemade Valentine’s Card for Tweens

Even big kids like getting Valentine’s Day cards, and this one is cute, to the point, and includes a fun beauty gift. Get the printable from All Things Thrifty.

Put those leaves, acorns, and fall colors to perfect use

After months of sweltering temps, we wouldn’t be shocked to hear you’re looking forward to fall. Celebrate the season of pumpkin spice, snuggly sweaters, and golden leaves by making a cornucopia of fun fall crafts with your kids. We’ve rounded up a huge list of autumn-appropriate arts and crafts that’ll keep you going all season long. Happy crafting!

Fall Crafts for Toddlers and Preschool Kids

Mud Monsters

How cool is this idea? Your kids can make a new creature every time, and it makes for a great outdoor activity when the fall weather is just right.

Watercolor Leaf Craft

This watercolor fall craft is super easy and the results are stunning! Snag a white crayon, paper, paint, and head outside to pick their leaf design.

Abstract Leaf Art

abstract leaf art is a fun fall craft for kids
Mini Monets and Mommies

If your pint-sized Picasso was obsessed with the negative space leaf print, give this one from Mini Monets and Mommies a try too. It starts with the same idea (using the leaves to make negative space paintings) but adds an overlapping, abstract art aspect to it. Try it using fall colors or use a rainbow of hues. It’s totally your child’s choice. 

Apple Pom Pom Fall Craft

This simple art project is perfect for toddlers and preschool kids. No fancy supplies are needed and zero artistic ability is required from parents!

Sweet Suncatcher Pumpkin

pumpkin suncatcher is a fun fall craft
Crafts on Sea

It’s a jack-o'lantern that will glow all day. Decorate the windows with a vibrant “stained-glass” pumpkin. Check out the how-to at Crafts on Sea.

Corn Husk Paintbrushes

Pink Stripey Socks

Have you ever had a delish corn feast and then been left with a bunch of husks? You’re in luck because with this clever idea from Pink Stripey Socks you can whip up some DIY brushes and paint the day away. 

Handprint Spiders

handprint spider
Fun at Home with Kids

Let the kids lend a hand (or two) to create these adorable arachnids from Fun at Home with Kids. Make a new one every year to document growth! Crawl over to the blog for materials and instructions.

Fancy Feather Painting

No Time For Flashcards

Art time can be as easy as a duck taking to the water. Farm feathers paired with paint, paper, tray, and tape let your little birds find their inner Picasso. Find out more from Allison over at No Time For Flashcards.

Corn-y Art

Indian corn painting is a fun fall craft for kids
Things to Share and Remember

Roll with a little messiness on this colorful creation from Things to Share and Remember. Pluck field corn, add orange, brown, and yellow paint, and let your little farmhand get to it! 

Veggie-tastic Art

Buggy and Buddy

Let them play with their veggies (maybe they’ll eat more too!). Grab green paint, chop a flat surface on celery, brussels sprouts (or other pulled up crops), then stamp and stomp until the cows come home. Artful inspiration from Chelsey over at Buggy and Buddy.

Apple Print Craft

apple printing art is a fun fall craft for kids
Simple Fun for Kids

Who needs a paintbrush anyways? Paint, an apple, and oh-so-much fun! This is one that you might remember from way back when you were a tot, too. Head over to Simple Fun for Kids for … well, some simple fun for kids. Literally.

A is for Apple

tree print
Crafts on Sea

Explore textures and more with this artsy apple activity! Take a look at how Crafts on Sea turned paper plates into fab fruit.

Not Quite Grandma’s Apple Pie

pie craft
The Best Ideas for Kids

If your kiddos are looking for pretend play awesomeness, this craft from The Best Ideas for Kids is pretty rad. Now we're just going to need some real apple pie to go along with it.

Cork Apple Painting

The Gingerbread House

So you say you’ve got a cork or two sitting around? Put them to use, and try out this perfect-for-preschoolers fall apple art activity from The Gingerbread House. This easy art activity lets kids explore printmaking without having to take a college class in some sort of complicated medium. No screens, pricey tools, or expert knowledge are required.

Apple Tree Craft

this pom pom apple tree is a fun fall craft for kids
Crafts on Sea

Sometimes you just can’t grow your own apple tree. In case your mini Johnny Appleseed is interested in trees, this activity from Crafts on Sea lets them explore in a creative, crafty way.

Sparkly Apple

sparkly apple fall craft for kids
What Can We Do with Paper and Glue

A little sparkle is always welcome. Seriously. If your kiddo is obsessed with everything that shines, you know all about how inviting materials such as sequins or glitter can be. This art activity brings the sparkle—in spades. Get the steps to creating a crafty, and super-shiny apple from What Can We Do with Paper and Glue.

Negative Space Leaf Craft

paper crafts for kids
Mini Monets and Mommies

Kids can get artsy with negative space. And, of course, fall leaves. Okay, so you’re not really making art out of leaves. Your child is actually making art out of the absence of the leaves. Of course, if your creative kid wants to keep the leaves she’ll remove from her negative space painting, she can always collage them onto another piece of paper or hang them together with yarn to make a garland. Get the full instructions from Mini Monets and Mommies.

Autumn Leaf People

autumn leaf people are fun fall crafts for kids
Thimble & Twig

Turn fall leaves into adorable little autumn friends with this cute craft. Inspire hours of pretend play (or at least an afternoon of it) with these puppet-like people who are made out of leaves. Get the complete how-to from Thimble & Twig.

Footprint Bunting

Mama.Papa.Bubba.

Put your left (and right) foot in to create this adorable party decor from Mama.Papa.Bubba. From ghosts to cats, candy corn and more, let the kids decorate each footprint as their favorite Halloween characters. Take a stroll over to the blog for the how-to.

Crafty Critters

Powerful Mothering

Lois Ehlert’s beloved children’s book Leaf Man is the autumn-y inspiration behind this these creative little creatures. Your little artist can use fall leaves to create almost any type of fall friend that she can imagine. Get the deets at Powerful Mothering.

Related: 27 Adorable Toddler Crafts You Can Pull Out Anytime

Fall Crafts for Older Kids

Forest Friends

Handmade Charlotte

Your child can create furry woodland friends—using leaves! This fab fall craft is ideal for kids who are into learning about animals, or for any child who just loves to create. Learn how your crafty kid can make these adorable creations at Handmade Charlotte.

Popsicle Scarecrow

If you’re looking for a way to use up all those popsicle sticks you bought that one time for that one thing, this fall craft for kids is perfect. You don’t need too many extra supplies, and the results are super cute. Get the tutorial over at Crafty Morning.

Watercolor Fall Leaf Wreath

this watercolor leaf wreath is a fun fall craft for kids
Happiness Is Homemade

How pretty is this wreath from Happiness Is Homemade? Your kids will be amazed when you help them transform their watercolors into a gorgeous fall decor piece. 

Crafty Bats

Buggy and Buddy

These happy nocturnal creatures are the perfect Halloween decor for your bat cave. You might even have everything you need lying around the house, too! Fly over to the tutorial at Buggy and Buddy.

Feed the Birds

bird feeder
Mothering with Mindfulness

Are your kids up for a little bird watching? Well, you need to attract the local flying wildlife to your yard. The kids can use fresh fruit to make a feeder that the birds will totally enjoy. Visit Mothering with Mindfulness to learn how to create your own.

Halloween Rock Magnets

This Heart of Mine

This rockin’ craft from This Heart of Mine is perfect for hanging your little monster's artwork on the fridge. Check out the how-to and make a set of your favorite creatures.

Mum-pkin

halloween crafts
The Everyday Home

This Mummy Pumpkin from The Everyday Home is hauntingly cute. Perfect for trick-or-treating or outdoor decor, have your mini-mummies create their own faces for a fun pre-candy collecting project.

Simple Suncatcher

Sloely

Let the light shine in! Even though it’s fall, that doesn’t mean the sun is suddenly hiding behind a storm of clouds. Hey, it’s still there. And it’s streaming through your windows. Take advantage of the bright light and try this suncatcher leaf craft from Sloely.

Colorful Crowns

leaf crowns are a wonderful fall craft for kids
Twig and Toadstool

It’s time for princess or prince pretend play. Your child can magically transform into autumn royalty with this maple leaf crown craft. Learn about this imaginative autumn art activity at Twig and Toadstool.

Leafy Lantern

Chasing Supermom

Magically transform a mason jar into a light-up lantern. This oh-so-cute craft is the perfect way to dress up your dining room table or illuminate a family fall party. Get the how-to steps from Chasing Supermom.

 

Cue the fireworks—it’s the season for red, white, and blue!

Get into the patriotic spirit by getting crafty with the kids. We’ve gathered up a bunch of easy, festive Fourth of July crafts that will give your Independence Day a little extra oomph. They’re super simple and you probably have a lot of stuff on hand already. From DIY noisemakers to star-spangled slime, and even 4th of July crafts for toddlers, scroll down to see them all!

Fourth of July Painted Rocks

A sweet and simple way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Kids can paint them in advance and hide them around your neighborhood for their friends to find.

Fourth of July Popsicle Stick Garland

Check out the quick video above, and add this to your list of easy Fourth of July crafts.

Fourth of July Firework Rings

One of the best use of pipe cleaners we’ve seen in a while, this is another easy and fun project to add to your list of Fourth of July crafts for kids!

Paper Plate Purses

Your kids will be the most fashionable ones at the Fourth of July Parade with these simple paper plate purses from Pink Stripey Socks.

4th of July Firework Craft

Your kids will love the creative freedom of this Fourth of July craft and you’ll love the easy clean up. They can use the Q-tip to make fireworks with dots, lines, swirls, or anything they come up with.

Paper Towel Print Firework Craft

This simple firework craft is one of our favorite 4th of July crafts. It requires almost zero skills, takes little time, and is always fun for kids.

Coffee Filter Fireworks

This coffee filter craft is a simple and fun Fourth of July craft for your kids! Simply have them draw their firework design on the coffee filter, cut the edges, and spritz with water.

Rocket Launchers

a rocket launcher made from paper cups and rubber bands as a fourth of July craft
KiwiCo

Gather up cups and rubber bands and in minutes you’ll be watching a fire-free backyard rocket-launch contest. We love that this is an interactive, fun activity that you can do before darkness falls. Check out the easy-peasy way to make your own rocket launchers at KiwiCo’s blog.

 

Lollipop Topiary

a bouquet of lollipops for a fourth of July craft
Gluesticks

Expecting a crowd this Fourth of July? This delicious lollipop topiary dreamed up by Gluesticks is an easy, kid-friendly centerpiece sure to make any party pop. Don’t be surprised if they sample a few of the supplies as they work!

 

Patriotic Paper Chain

red, white and blue paper chain for a 4th of July craft
A Pumpkin and a Princess

We love this paper chain from A Pumpkin and a Princess because it’s so easy to make with the little ones. Drape this 4th of July craft over your mantle or table for an extra festive touch.

Firecracker Noisemakers

Metal cans decorated red, white and blue to look like firecrackers for a 4th of July craft
Paging Supermom

Let freedom ring with these firecracker noisemakers. The project comes together in less than five minutes and is sure to have your whole crew celebrating in style. Grab a metal can, wrap it in a patriotic pattern from Paging Supermom, then get ready for serious noise. 

Statue of Liberty Accessories

A Paper crown and torch like the Statue of Liberty as a fourth of July craft
Buggy and Buddy

America’s gal comes to life with this patriotic Fourth of July craft from Buggy and Buddy. Drama kings and queens will love getting the chance to dress up as the Statue of Liberty and parade around with a crown and torch. 

4th of July in a Jar

red, white and blue glitter in a jar to look like fireworks for a fourth of July craft
504 Main

Capture the spirit of Independence Day in a jar with this whimsical no-fire fireworks craft from 504 Main. It reminds us of a patriotic snow globe! 

Flags for the 4th

Cupcake liners colored to look like the American flag for a fourth of July craft
Make and Takes

This fun Fourth of July craft from Make and Takes will have everyone begging to sit at the kids' table. Leftover paper plates make the perfect canvas for this after-dinner activity. 

Red, White, and Blue Windchime

Metal cans painted like the American flag for a fourth of July craft
Creative Green Living

Forgo the craft store and instead scavenge materials for this eco-friendly project directly from your recycling bin. Using basic tools and a little craft paint, Carissa at Creative Green Living transformed tin cans into a festive and functional wind chime for the backyard.

Star Stained Glass Window Decal

A patriotic window suncatcher in a star shape for a fourth of July craft
Kinder Craze

Maria of Kinder Craze created this awesome project to get her kindergarten class into the stars-and-stripes spirit. Your kids will love layering the red, white, and blue tissue paper to create their very own “stained glass” window, and this colorful Fourth of July craft doubles as great window décor for your celebration. 

Spark-less Sparkler

A plastic handle with red, white and blue metallic material gathered at the end to look like a sparkler as a fourth of July craft
Merriment Design

While the ’80s kid in us still mourns for real-deal sparklers (the fiery kind), the 21st-century parent in us is totally relieved that it’s no longer acceptable to send your kids out with fire sticks. That said, we’re thrilled to get our sparkler fix with a super cool craft like this sparkless sparkler from Merriment Design. Break out the chopsticks, ribbon, and party garland, then craft your way to the coolest, safest sparkler around. 

Super Cute Centerpieces

Cupcake liners connected to straws to become fourth of July craft flowers
Fireflies and Mudpies

We love a craft that does double duty, and these cute cupcake liner flowers from Fireflies and Mudpies do just that. They would make a really fun centerpiece for any backyard BBQ, and the kids will love that their Fourth of July crafts are taking center stage. 

 

This Halloween, forget store-bought decorations. Instead, get crafty with the kids and make seasonally inspired artwork featuring fall’s favorite gourd. From smiling jack-o-lantern sun catchers to pumpkin crafts for toddlers, these pumpkin crafts for kids are the perfect way to get your home ready for All Hallows Eve.

bargain-briana-pumpkin-puzzle
photo: Bargain Briana

Puzzled Pumpkin
Put all those puzzles with missing pieces to good use. This pumpkin shaped decoration is easy enough for crafters of any age to assemble. Check out the how-to over at Bargain Briana.

glue-sticks-gum-drops-beaded-pumpkin
photo: Glue Sticks & Gum Drops

Bibbity, Bobbity, Beads! 
Pipe cleaners and pony beads are all you’ll need to create this autumn craft. Great for exercising fine motor skills, check out the step-by-step instructions over at Glue Sticks & Gum Drops.

crafts-on-sea-stained-glass-pumpkin
photo: Crafts on Sea

Pumpkin in the Sun
There’s no need to wait until nightfall to watch this jack-o-lantern glow. Made to look like stained glass, you’ll find the how-to at Crafts on Sea.

mom-to-2-posh-lil-divas-pasta-pumpkin
photo: Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

Oodles of Noodles
Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas added food coloring to pasta pinwheels and macaroni elbows, transforming the classic crafting medium in the materials her girls needed to make pasta pumpkins. Find out how to color your own pasta here.

pumpkin-apple-stamps
photo: Frugal Mom Eh!

Squash Stamps
Using apples, another favorite fall produce, this easy art project from Frugal Mom Eh! definitely gets our stamp of approval. Perfect for making classic pumpkins, you can add faces to create jack-o-lanterns!

the-simple-parent-pumpkin-paper-plate
photo: The Simple Parent

Classic Plate Pumpkin
No scissors or glue means minimal cleanup for this super easy pumpkin project from The Simple Parent. Great for crafters of all ages, find all the materials you’ll need here.

this-girls-life-popsicle-stick-pumpkin
photo: This Girl’s Life Blog

Stick It to ‘Em
This festive magnet doubles as festive refrigerator decor. Easy to make, the kids will love using it display all their fall artwork. Part of a set that includes a wickedly cute witch and adorable scarecrow, check out the how-to at This Girl’s Life Blog.

buggy-and-buddy-toilet-paper-roll-pumpkins
photo: Buggy and Buddy

Green Pumpkins
This great upcycled craft from Buggy and Buddy puts empty toilet paper rolls to good use. Filled with stickers or sweet treats, they also double as seasonal table decor.

Glittery-Halloween-Pumpkin-Jars (2)
photo: Life is a Lullaby

Glittery Gourds
We love how Life is a Lullaby transformed tiny mason jars into whimsical, shimmering jack-o-lanterns that double as candy holders and decor. The kids will love crafting their own too\thy grins.  Find the how-to and materials here.

the-benson-street-pumpkin-magnets
photo: The Benson Street

Marvelous Magnets
Emily at The Benson Street knows that the refrigerator isn’t the only place to display magnets. These adorable pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns add a festive flair to any magnetic service. Check out the how-to here.

Which craft will you and your little pumpkins make this year? Share with us in the comments. 

— Lauren Hill