27 Adorable Toddler Crafts You Can Pull Out Anytime

by Aimee Della BittaMarch 5, 2024

Toddlers are always busting at the seams to score some fun. So why not turn downtime at home into an opportunity to expand their imagination with crafty projects that are both simple to pull off and highly entertaining? We’ve gathered more than 25 arts and crafts for toddlers that parents can turn to whenever their little one craves instant amusement.

The Best Arts and Crafts for Toddlers That Don’t Take Much Prep

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1. 3D Flower Cards
Look for bright days ahead with this 3D Flower Card craft for toddlers from Hello Wonderful. Help your little one draw vases on the card and then tape a single bloom inside the vase. Whether you get outdoors to pick flowers or you use silk flowers, it’s a simple craft to inspire all the senses.

2. Counting Hands
Fun and educational crafts? Yes, please! If you have a toddler that’s learning to count, check out this cute counting hands craft that offers a visual way to learn.

3. Rainbow Bookmark
Foster your kiddos’ love of books with a cute and colorful felt rainbow bookmark. Growing Up Gabel whipped up these easy-to-follow instructions for this sweet project that can be completed in just 20 minutes, with help from an adult.

4. Popsicle Stick Tent
Get your little adventurer excited for the next camping trip with this easy DIY toddler craft from Glued to My Craft.

art activities for toddlers can be simple like this sticky paper wall where a kid is hanging paper on a brown felt board — The Artful Parent

5. Sticky Wall
Combine arts and crafts with hand-eye coordination skills and set up a Sticky Wall. The Artful Parent shows us how you can create hours of fun with a simple roll of contact paper and just about anything you have that can stick to the paper. Find, stick, repeat. This is a very low-mess activity and very simple to set up. And did we mention so much fun?

6. Paper Plate Dragons
Take to the skies when you engineer flying dragons. To complete this simple project, grab paper plates, paints or markers, and download this template from Pink Stripey Socks. Print, cut, color, play!

7. Stamped Paper Sheep
Make sweet sheep with paint, paper, and a few of your child’s other favorite art materials. This springtime craft is perfect for preschoolers. And bonus: it’s easy to adapt to your toddler or grade-schooler. Get the details on how to get artsy with DIY stamping from Buggy and Buddy.

8. Medieval Crown Craft
This craft from First Palette is fit for the pint-sized royalty in your life. You’ll have a new addition to the dress-up bin with construction paper, crepe paper, and as much sequin bling as you can find. Head here for the full instructions.

one of the easiest toddler arts and crafts is salt painting like this example that says be kind in colorful salt — A Girl and a Glue Gun

9. Salt Paint
Draw a pretty picture with glue. Load up color and water. When you touch the salt—the paint spreads like magic. If you need help trying to figure out what to draw, check out A Girl and a Glue Gun for ideas and a full salt paint tutorial. Just remember to keep it simple. It takes forever to dry.

10. Crayon Resist Art
An oldie but a goodie, this crafts technique is often used because it’s easy, quick, and adaptable. Simply draw on paper with crayons or oil pastels, and then paint over with watercolors and watch as the paint resists the wax. Check out a full how-to here, and for more resist techniques, check out these from the Artful Parent.

11. Magic Torch Reveal
This one takes a little more work from parents, but is so cool, and toddlers and preschoolers will love it. Plus, more than likely, you have everything you need already at home. Check out the YouTube tutorial and step-by-step instructions at Paging Fun Moms.

12. DIY Mini Roads Set
Pick a lane, any lane. This ten-minute craft becomes a DIY game you can break out and play anytime. Check out all the ways this mini road set, made out of popsicle sticks, can stimulate your little one’s imagination and spark joy.

13. Egg Carton Catepiller
Help your toddler transform an empty egg carton into a colorful caterpillar while filling an hour of downtime with good old fashion fun. This little project from My Bored Toddler is almost too easy to set up.

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14. Paper Plate Crafts
This cat craft is a great evergreen activity you can bust out any time of the year, and the best part is it’s made out of a paper plate, that you probably already have on hand. I Heart Crafty Things has many adorable ideas for paper plate crafts, so once you perfect your cat, you can keep crafting. We love this Panda Bear too.

15. Footprint Unicorn
Those toddler hands and feet get so big so quickly. Use your downtime at home to make some hand and foot prints. As a bonus, you can save these to give to the grandparents the next time they visit. This unicorn from Live Learn Eat Love may inspire other ideas like dinos, birds, or trees.

16. Mosiac Earth
Don’t wait until Earth Day to celebrate and teach kiddos the importance of taking care of our planet. This Earth Craft Mosiac from Crafts by Amanda is a great way to talk to your toddler about ways to protect the planet while having fun and making something special together.

17. Cardboard Rain Stick
A rain stick makes the prettiest sound, and making one at home with a few simple items is very easy. We love the tutorial for this musical craft found over at The Imagination Tree.

18. Simple Nature Prints
The best post-walk arts and crafts activity is nature prints. Besides breaking out Play-Doh in various colors, gather a bit of nature like twigs, flowers, and leaves, and then get ready to combine two things toddlers love: crafting and the great outdoors.

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

a pink paper pig using newspaper is a great art activity for toddlers — Oh Creative Day

20. Paper Pig Activity
Have friends over and set out enough materials so each kid can paint their own pig. It’s super simple, and you probably already have everything you need on hand. Plus, the easy tutorial from Oh Creative Day takes the pressure off of you.

21. Fork Tulips
Who says your crafty kid needs a brush to paint? This paper art activity celebrates spring with a paint print and a fringe of green grass. Learn how to make these cute tulips with Growing Up Gabel’s tutorial.

22. Crazy Hair Toilet Tubes
For all the scissor-obsessed toddlers, grab a kid-friendly pair and let your tot practice their fine motor skills by giving their toilet paper pal from My Bored Toddler a funky haircut.

23. Paper Cup Whale
Paper cups are such a handy resource to have amongst your craft supplies. This play idea transforms a humble paper cup into a fun-having whale that can add an element of drama to your child’s play.

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24. DIY Animal Necklaces
Grab a few plastic animals and get crafting. These DIY necklaces from Hello Bee are colorful, adorable, and wearable.

25. Book Monsters
If you’ve got a budding bookworm in your family, you’ve got to make this adorable project from Easy Peasy and Fun. There’s lots of room for creativity—you can add eyes, teeth, horns…the sky’s the limit.

26. Painted Pasta Necklaces
Dip into the pantry for this colorful craft. Then, pop over to Pickle Bum for all the details. You’ll quickly see the options are endless and the results are five stars.

27. Paper Tube Caterpillar Pom Pom
Craft and learn colors with this adorable paper tube caterpillar. Color coordination never looked so fun.

Make sure to capture all the photos of your crafty tot—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

29 Holiday Gifts That You Can Make at Home

by Abigail MatsumotoDecember 7, 2022

From Christmas ornaments to pillowcases, here are some homemade holiday gifts that are easy to create with kids

Get ready to get gifting! And no, you don’t need to brave the crowd-packed mall just to buy the perfect presents for your extended fam. Instead, your creative kiddos can cook, craft, and more. These homemade holiday gifts include cute keepsakes, holiday-themed treats, and imaginative art perfect for surprising your nearest and dearest.

Christmas Truck Ornaments

Upcycle your child's old toy trucks and turn them into these awesome auto-inspired ornaments from Mama Papa Bubba. This eco-friendly craft is a gift your friends and family will cherish for years to come.

Chocolate Face Scrub

Hot chocolate goes glam with this at-home spa-like skincare gift. Sweeten almost anyone's beauty routine with this make-your-own chocolate sugar face scrub. Learn how to whip up a batch from Mini Monets & Mommies.

Ginger Cookies

homemade holiday gifts — The View From Great Island

Yum! Ginger cookies are a family fave. Give the gift of a super-tasty treat and bake a batch of this chewy goodness from The View From Great Island.

Sugar Cookie Cake Bars

What's a better gift than Christmas cookies? A Christmas cookie cake bar! This holiday treat is sweetness at its sugary best. Get the step-by-step how-to from Bitz & Giggles.

Paper Poinsettias

Give family and friends a sweet paper craft to adorn their holiday tree! These paper poinsettias are fun to create and even better to give as a heartfelt gift. Learn how to make these ornaments from Mini Monets and Mommies.

Christmas Teacup Garden

A teacup garden is an awesome DIY Christmas gift because it a) brings a bit of greenery to any space, b) is easy to make, and c) is oh-so-cute! You and the kiddos may even be able to craft your own with things you have on hand. For full instructions, visit Fireflies + Mud Pies.

Gingerbread Ornament

Your littles can get crafty and create this photo gingerbread ornament. Sculpt, paint, and add a cute portrait to this holiday-themed gift. Get the how-to from Mini Monets and Mommies.

Jewel Box Truffles

We love how these truffles (courtesy of The View from Great Island) look like pretty little ornaments ready to go on a tree. These sweet treats are surprisingly easy to make—if you have kitchen-savvy kiddos, they can help roll and decorate!

DIY Star Wars Garden Pots

We have just the thing for the Star Wars fan in your life! These sweet little planters are a fun way to add the Force to any garden, desk, or windowsill. Get the full instructions at Lemon Lime Adventures.

Reindeer Peppermint Bark

It's hard to resist peppermint bark around the holidays, and this reindeer version is sure to go down in history as a truly tasty gift. It's Always Autumn even has "quick and dirty" tips for melting chocolate the easy way. Box up your bark, and you'll be all set for any gift exchange!

Book-Inspired Playdough Kit

A literary playdough kit? Um, genius! This idea from Mama Papa Bubba is perfect for inventive bookworms, curious kiddos, and anyone who likes to tinker! It's inspired by the classic Little Blue Truck, though we bet any book could serve as inspiration.

Candy Cane Bath Salts

When the weather outside is frightful, give the gift of an at-home spa day! These pepperminty bath salts are simple to make and a perfect present for loved ones who could use some R&R. Get the instructions over at Boulder Locavore.

DIY Photo Gifts

This gift idea from A Subtle Revelry is perfect for your little Picasso. It involves printing off cherished family photos (you've been meaning to do that anyway, right?) and letting your littles get their coloring on. We guarantee friends and family alike will love the personalized result.

Personalized Candle

Psst! Did you know that you can make personalized candles for cheap—and it's easy enough that kids can do it on their own? It's Always Autumn has everything you need to know to make these great gifts, so start gathering your fave photos now.

DIY "I Love You" Pillowcase

The best way to guarantee sweet dreams this holiday season is with this sweet homemade pillowcase. All you need to make this keepsake is fabric markers, a pillowcase, and a creative kid. Get the full (easy) instructions over at Mama.Papa.Bubba.

Reindeer Rootbeer

Not only is this the cutest herd of reindeer we've ever seen, but it's also an absolutely brilliant last-minute gift! If you have pipe cleaners, you're halfway there. Low on googly eyes? Use paint or stickers instead! Learn more at Life of a Modern Mom.

Duct Tape Beads

Who knew that duct tape makes a great fashion accessory? This craft from Clumsy Crafter is so simple, even a preschooler can help—but it's fun enough for big kids, too. Perfect for all the fashionistas in your life!

Toddler Art T-Shirt

Now this is what we call a graphic tee. It's a simple toddler art project (courtesy of Small + Friendly) that yields a totally cool gift that any loved one would be stoked to wear. You only need three materials (nothing fancy) and artistic kiddos.

Painted Rock Craft

This Christmas present really rocks. Have your kiddos paint rock portraits for each member of the family and gift them as worry stones, paperweights, good luck charms, or simply works of art. Get the how-to (and a free printable!) over at Mer Mag.

Egg Carton Succulents

Give your loved ones some greenery to tide them over until spring! It's easy with this idea from Bit Square. And we love how this eco-friendly craft involves repurposing an egg carton!

Superhero Build-A-Fort Kit

Bam! Pow! Your little caped crusader will go bananas for this superhero build-a-fort kit from Megan + Andy. It's incredibly creative and uses simple materials like a sheet, glow sticks, and a flashlight.

Cookies in a Jar

Making this delicious and delightful gift from Post Punk Kitchen is as easy as funneling the ingredients for a batch of homemade cookies into a glass jar. For an extra personal touch, send a faraway friend or family member their favorite deconstructed cookie recipe!

Thumbprint Christmas Ornament

These adorable thumbprint ornaments from Little Bit Funky can get even the tiniest hands (or thumbs!) involved in the DIY gift-making process. They're super easy to make, and you can even make them in bulk for everyone on your list! Bonus: it's a great keepsake for years to come.

DY Monogram Mug

Mugs really are everyone’s cup of tea, especially design-savvy monogram mugs. These classic cups are easy to pull off if you follow the DIY tutorial from Design Mom. (She scored her inexpensive white mugs at a Goodwill shop, making these gifts thrifty and eco-friendly too.) Recipients will think of you with every sip!

Tea Wreath

Earl Grey or green all the way? Tea connoisseurs will love this clever idea from Dollar Store Crafts and you can easily personalize it with their favorite flavors and alternate the teabags with notes and kid-made art. You can even have your youngster color the clothespins.

Homemade Sugar Scrub

This cinnamon vanilla body scrub is easy to whip up and is even edible. It also smells like the holidays, so it's an extra festive treat for loved ones. Try making a large batch and giving this out to anyone you know who could use a little pampering. Get the how-to at Food Renegade.

Painted Wooden Spoons

We love the idea of giving personalized gifts that are useful, like this painted serving ware. These spoons could be a great host gift if your family is booked up with holiday parties. Get your kiddos involved and make the stems of these utensils as colorful as they want! Learn more at Infarrantly Creative.

Ice Cream Sundae Kit

This gift looks as good as it tastes! Include all the trimmings for making a killer ice cream sundae, including the waffle cone, chocolate sauce, and of course, sprinkles. Find out how to make your own incredible, edible kit from Jan Scott over at Savvy Mom.

Easy Reindeer Hot Cocoa Gift

This adorable gift idea is easy to make and who doesn't love hot chocolate? Courtesy of Forever Freckled, you can see what you need to get started by clicking here.

16 Unique Upcycled Crafts for Kids

by Allison SutcliffeMarch 30, 2022

When it comes to upcycled crafts for kids, there’s no need to head to the craft store to stock up on supplies. You and your little tree hugger can get creative with upcycled crafts using items you already have! From toilet paper roll crafts to K-cup planters, we’ve found unbelievable projects that give your recyclables a second wind. Keep scrolling to see some of the most unique upcycled crafts that are perfect for an Earth Day 2022 activity.

Tin Can Planters

using tin cans for upcycled crafts — Julietta Watson via Unsplash

Not only will you give your used tin cans a new life, but you'll bring joy to a windowsill, back step or fire escape! The kids can paint each can the way they want, then plant and watch your herbs, flowers or succulents grow. Get a tutorial (you'll need to make sure there's enough drainage) from Home Edit by clicking here.

Upcycled Under the Sea Charm Necklace

Using old strips of fabric and clear plastic containers, these upcycled Under the Sea Charm Necklaces from Handmade Charlotte make for perfect Earth Day attire. Kiddos can braid old T-shirt scraps and cut out and paint plastic shapes in this easy afternoon craft.

Mini Drums

using K-cups for upcycled crafts — Sunny Day Family

Don't toss those used K-Cups! These adorable mini drums from Sunny Day Family reuse those old coffee containers in a fun (and not too loud) way.

Maracas

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

Window Mobile

The ceiling's the limit with this ultra-pretty mobile from Buzzmills. This easy-breezy creation uses watercolors to create hanging flowers out of egg carton cups. The result is something worthy of a fancy window display—or maybe even a relaxing nursery.

Creative Crayons

Having children always means plenty of crayons on hand, many of which have seen better days. Instead of tossing the broken nubs, you and the kiddos can spend the afternoon melting them down into colorful new works of art that not only serve a purpose but cut down on waste––and look pretty, too! Get the full details over at The Everyday Mom Life.

Darling Dream Catchers

using CDs in upcycled crafts — Pink Stripey Socks

Music and movies have gone digital which is why that pile of CDs has probably been gathering dust in your closet. With a few supplies that include yarn and beads, your kiddos can turn those dinosaur compact discs into upcycled crafts. Get the full details on making your own dream catchers over at Pink Stripey Socks.

Play With Plastic

Turn empty water bottles into a dynamic water wall just in time for summer. Your little engineer can get hands-on, helping to mount the bottles at just the right angles to create drops and splashy turns for maximum water flow. Get the know-it-all deets from Rachelle at Tinkerlab.

Powerful Paper

In case you hadn’t heard, newspapers aren’t just for reading anymore. They also upcycle into structurally sound geodesic shapes perfect for indoor play on a rainy day. Find out how to make this dome from Annie over at Motherhood and More. Then unleash your little engineers for hours of imaginative play in their cozy new dome sweet dome!

Sweet T-Shirts

Your kiddo grows like a weed. So it’s not surprising last year’s summer shirts don’t fit her anymore. Don’t hand all of them down…yet. Hold on to a few of the more colorful ones to make these adorable bracelets designed by Stephanie at Hello Glow.

Cereal City

Learn how to turn this breakfast staple into a bright-light, big-city playscape with paint and a little imagination, thanks to Dinner: A Love Story. Add a few Mini Figs or other plastic people and the door to a whole new world of play just opened up.

Top Time

Finally! Something to do with all those squeeze pouch caps your sidekick leaves on the table, in the car and under…well, pretty much everywhere! Laura at Lalymom has a simply brilliant craft project to turn caps into wearable art for all.

Eye Spy TP

After hanging up the aluminum can birdfeeder, why not make binoculars so your sidekick can take in all the action? Who knows where this simple craft we found at Lu Bird Baby will lead. From the wilds of your backyard habitat to the jungles of the neighborhood park, your little explorer will see it all through these creatively colored glasses.

Bag Jumps

Take those plentiful plastic bags piled up under the sink and put them to good use beyond picking up after Fido. Little hands can help cut and braid them into a colorful jump rope perfect for park play. Simply follow Katie’s easy tutorial at A Childhood List for a reuse project that tips the genius scale.

Coffee Containers

Whether you’re planning a new garden or adding to the old one, K-cups make for easy-peasy indoor seed sprouting. Add dirt, water, and of course, let your little green thumb bury those seeds deep before setting these dainty cups on a sunny windowsill. Between planting, growing and replanting, this cycle is sure to keep your little sprout entertained the whole season.

Egg-citing Art

Set your petite Picasso to task with paints and egg cartons, cut into bird-like masks by your skillful hand. Kate at Picklebums has all the tips and tricks you need to make this egg-cellent project.

—Taylor Clifton, Allison Sutcliffe & Karly Wood

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How-To Guide: Throw the Perfect Playground Birthday Party

by christine knight-thomasMarch 14, 2022

Were you lucky enough to have a spring or summer, or even early fall baby? That is, do birthday-month temperatures accommodate the budget-friendly option of having a birthday party in the park or at a playground? An especially good choice for the toddler set (because, just add cake and friends) a party at a public park can be a real cost-saver, loads of fun and even, with a little planning, easy to pull off. Here’s our guide to throwing a NYC park birthday party with ease! If you are looking for even more outdoor birthday party ideas, we’ve got lots here! (And hey, if you do want to buy a cake, we think these are NYC’s best!)

Choose Your Birthday Party Park Wisely

You can have a party at any NYC public park. You’ll want to suss out your options carefully before deciding on the perfect location. Look for a playground with age-appropriate equipment and a fence that locks securely. You’ll want the playground to be big enough to hold all the kids at the party, but not so big that you can’t see where your kid is at all times. If your party is in the summer, look for one that will be at least partially-shaded at the time of your party. (For both you, and the kids.)

A few other things to consider about your venue: does it have tables you can use? Are there bathrooms? A water supply? Does it have sprinklers to cool kids down? How busy does the playground get? And one very important detail to consider: how far away from is the playground from your home? Don't forget that you’ll be trekking there and back with a lot of stuff, so the closer the better.

Have a Rainy Day Backup Plan

You can never rely on the big party day being sunny and dry, so get your rainy day plan in order. Can you hold it in your home in a pinch? Is there a room in your apartment building you could use if needed? If not, you might want to consider a rain date. Either way, make sure you tell your guests your backup plan, and let them know as soon as you can if you are switching dates or location.

Get a Permit for Your Party

If you plan to have 20 people or more in a NYC park, or want to reserve a specific area, you'll need a Special Events Permit. The permit is easy to get and costs $25. Just head to this page on the NYC Parks Department web site, create an account and apply online at least a month in advance. Be advised: permits are not issued on major holiday weekends.

Playground & Park Party Decorating Tips

Obviously it’s a lot different decorating a shared outdoor space than your home, but it can be done. Print out (or buy) a birthday banner and tie it on the playground's fence. Attach balloons behind the table so people can find you. Turn the food into decorations with cute cupcake toppers (which can also be stuck into other food, like fruit). Gift bags also add color and festivity to the area, as do little stuffed animals placed on the table (which make great take-home gifts for kids who get particularly attached to them by the way!). Here's a lesson we learned the hard way: spend a few dollars on balloon weights—or make them yourself using rocks and decorative bags—to keep items that might blow away (plates, napkins, tablecloths) in place.

Playground Party Extras

Consider bringing some fun things for kids to play with around the party area like balls, chalk and bubbles. Michael's is great for inexpensive options or a simple craft if you're feeling ambitious. Activities a key for keeping little kids occupied so you and the other parents don’t have to chase them around the playground the whole time. If there’s a sandbox, bring a few buckets and shovels. Buy enough of one simple craft or activity so that it can serve as the favor, which is nice and simple and lightens the load of what you have to carry back to your place.

Playground Birthday Party Food

Don’t get carried away with food, unless you’re having it delivered. Carefully assess how you’re going to get everything there first. One easy idea is to host an afternoon tea party because you can get away with simply offering cupcakes, fruit and crackers. Finger food is the easiest to supply and the easiest for busy parents to grab and eat with one hand. Even easier (to serve and clean up)? Individually-wrapped snacks like mini bags cheddar bunnies, fig bars, etc. For slightly older kids (and parents) many places will deliver pizza to parks. Call the nearest pizza place and ask—chances are they've done it before.

An easy drink is juice boxes in bulk, or bottled water. The economical (and environmental) choice is of course to bring a pitcher and fill it up on site. (Bring cups if that's the case.) Also recommended is some water, seltzer, etc. for steamy adults. FYI: If you're celebrating in the afternoon and you're thinking about providing parents some adult beverages, that's not allowed. (i.e. it's illegal.)

For sweets, offering cupcakes instead of a cake eliminates the need for forks and plates, which is helpful. If you think your kid will be heartbroken without a cake, make a small one for the big song-and-candle moment, and do cupcakes, etc. for the rest. (If you don't own a cupcake and/or cake carrier and collapsible display stand, it might be a good idea to get them. Even if you're not super PTA mom, they come in handy, and will prevent infuriating and heartbreaking mishaps with baked good in the future. The stand is just cute and will take your party game up a notch.)

Playground Birthday Party Music

You've gotta have some tunes! Try this one for a lot of "happy", or this one to get kids dancing!

Boring But Important

There are several things you don't want to be caught without and others that will be nice to have. Make yourself a "go-bag" of these essentials and just-in-case items.

Garbage and recycling bags (those trash cans in playgrounds get full, fast.)
Paper towels
Wet wipes
Band aids
Scissors and tape

Transportation To and From the Party

If you don’t have a car or don’t want to hire a car service, you can get creative with transporting your party supplies. One idea: load up your stroller with the party goods. Your child can be put in a carrier if they’re not old enough to walk the distance on their own.

First Birthday Party Decorations You Can Make in a Flash

by Christal Y.July 3, 2021

Save money with DIY decorations that make your babe’s first birthday party look spectacular. Yes, they’re quick to make. And no, you don’t need to be super crafty. Read on for ideas on how to perk up your party with cupcake garlands, light-up signs, baby pics and more.

Click here to save to your fave DIY boards on Pinterest.

Fly, Baby, Fly

Remember how to fold paper airplanes? This simple craft becomes whimsical decor for a birthday party. Allie of The Brimblecom Blog swept us off our feet with her fleet of paper airplanes on the wall.

Topsy Turvy Garland

Cupcake holders make an amazing garland. First, collect leftovers from your cupboards and friends. Then make Rachel Hollis's vibrant garland—it takes a little patience and time to string everything together, but the results are kooky-fabulous in the most Alice-in-Wonderland of ways.

A Bouncy Entrance to Fun

Who needs helium? String balloons upside down with colored streamers of your choice just above those little outstretched hands to really get tots jumping. High-fives to Saar Manche for remastering these two common props with originality.

Tassels in the Air

If your high chair, table or countertop needs a little pizzaz, Callie Manion has solved your problem. Elevate that furniture to festive status with a shiny line of tassels embellishments.

Feed Them Fun Facts

Fun facts on your food table signs take them to the next level. Lavender's Blue Designs shows us how. Whether you choose interesting info from around the world about babies and birthday parties or funny memories about your special babe, it's a great way to keep your guests engaged and give them something to talk about.

Show 'Em Your Mug

When it's your child's birthday, everybody is there to see them, so there is no better theme than their own cute face. Ice Cream Off Paper Plates featured Owen's expressive face everywhere, from mantel garlands to cake toppers.

Always Your #1

Finally, a way to show off all those photos you took of your beloved babe. Add visual joy by using your fave photos (or all of them!) to build a gigantic number uno.

Fold Up Fun

Ellia had a radiant birthday filled with neon colors and cool geometric shapes. The wall of triangle origami by Darling & Daisy really caught our eye. Turn any empty wall into a psychedelic cavern by folding square sheets of paper diagonally in half. Then fold the edges about 1 centimeter in, allowing you to stick it on the wall and let it pop! Check out more of this 3D display at 100 Layer Cake.

Showstopping Lights

All you need is one showstopper to wow the crowd, and everything else will fall into place. The mom-crafter from You Are My Fave lit up the room with a glowing marquee sign that elevated even the most simple decorations without going over the top. The tutorial from Oh Happy Day requires a bit of work and wiring, so opt for making the number 1 or the just first letter of your child's name.

Reach for the Sky Decor

No helium for floating decorations? No problem! Hang your baubles from your chandelier or fan for ceiling-to-floor flair. Leah of Love & Lion spraypainted these plastic animals with bright colors and hung them from her lights for a colorful, creative effect.

Center of Attention

Your superstar deserves all the attention he or she can get on the big day. Show off candid photos as centerpieces at your guests’ tables. A Little Savvy Event propped up their photos with a colorful clothespin for this birthday social.

Streaming Pink Throne

The seat of honor is a very important spot indeed. Crafting mama Courtney of Joyful Joyful Designs gave her one-year-old the spotlight with this stunningly decorated high chair. Fun fact: This was actually Mom’s childhood high chair (refurbished) before Hudson sat in it!

—Christal Yuen

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17 Activities That Double as Birthday Party Favors

by Oz SpiesJune 2, 2021

Fun activities that double as party favors are two-in-ones that make for party planning perfection. They give the kids something to do at the big bash, plus, it’s also a take-home treat. Now, that’s a parenting hack we can get behind. From darling paper dolls to super slime, scroll down to see our favorites.

Homemade Lightsabers

Every Jedi-in-training needs a lightsaber. We love that these pool noodle lightsabers are lightweight and affordable. Keep the fun going with a challenge: can they use the Force (and their lightsabers) to keep a balloon from touching the ground? Fly over to Muddy Boots to find out how to make lightsabers.

DIY Bracelets

These DIY unicorn bracelets from Buy Some Love will make your kiddo's birthday party extra magical. Each kit is stocked with enough beads for ten bracelets plus silver unicorn charms and beading string. Plus, Buy Some Love lets you request beads in your unicorn superfan's favorite colors, or go with classic rainbow-colored beads.

Available at Etsy seller Buy Some Love, $25

Slime

It's slime time! We love that I Heart Naptime's Fluffy Slime recipe takes just three ingredients, so it'll be easy for your party animals to make it in a few different colors. Pick up a pack of containers like these and pack them full of your party guests a personal batch of slime.

Individual Canvases

For budding artists, nothing could be better than a painting party. Order up a bulk pack of canvases, cover your table with newspaper and paints, and wait for inspiration to strike. Then, each mini Michelangelo guest can bring home their own masterpiece.

Design-a-Truck

Beep Beep! We love this four pack of wooden trucks and wheels that lets little drivers build their own vehicles. After they're done assembling, extend the fun by setting out paints so kids can give their trucks custom paint jobs before they hit the road.

Available at Etsy seller EndeavorToys, $20 for four.

Paper Dolls

Mer Mag's sweet, retro craft will have the guests at a dance-themed birthday party cheering bravo. With the help of a printable template, you can prep chains of paper dolls, and each kiddo can then decorate her own troupe of tiny dancers. Leap over to Mer Mag to download the paper doll template and find out how to set up this activity.

Name Letters to Paint

And A is for awesome! We love the idea of giving each guest a letter to decorate. Since your VIPs will probably want to do their own name, you’ll have to be sure the RSVP list is set a few days before the big bash. See how Puerta Bella Design principal Susan Crabtree set up her kiddo’s party by clicking here.

Yarn Dolls

This simple craft is so sweet. Let your party people design their very own stick dolls in any theme: mermaids, pirates, animals, and more! Craftmaster Jackie Currie suggests using a low-heat glue gun (so the kiddos can handle it) and explains the rest of the how-to over at Happy Hooligans.

A Bottle of Pixie Dust

Set up a pixie dust making station and let your little guests mix up their own bottles to take home after the magical affair. Click here to find out what you’ll need.

Sweet Salt Dough

With a little advance prep, you can easily make a batch of salt dough in all sorts of shapes: dinosaur fossils, leaf prints, stars and more. Bring out the batch during the party and let kids paint to their heart's content. We are especially head over heels for the bright and cheerful salt dough leaves from Hello Wonderful.

Take-Home LEGO Creation

We all know kids can easily spend an afternoon building with LEGO. This time, let them take home their creation after the party is over. You can choose to buy a small set for each guest or—if your kids are cool with it—select bricks from your own overflowing stash.

Crowns to Go

Fairies-in-training will love making these DIY Flower Crowns, and you'll love that everything you need for this party activity comes in one kit. If your birthday kid's crown style leans more towards kings and queens than flower halos, then order a pack of cardboard crowns. Set them out with stick-on jewels and markers, and you'll soon have a house full of tiny royals.

available at Etsy seller Celebrated Parties, $15 for three.

Tiny Treasures

Whether you’re entertaining pirates, mermaids or even Indiana Jones-style adventurers, your party guests will totally dig designing their own treasure chest. Your local craft supply store—like these from Michael’s—should have plenty on hand. Add paint, jewels, stickers, and that’s it!

Mini Microphones

For a quick and easy solution that doesn’t require any prep, consider these adorable DIY microphones from Pretty Mini. There are 14 different colors to choose from and the mics arrive with everything your superstars need to shine. Click here to order a set or two.

Personalized Pots

A personalized flower pot is a gift that keeps on giving. Giving your guests some seeds or a small flower to plant is a nice touch, but it’s the paint that’ll keep them occupied during party time.

Make Mug Art

The classic holiday gift just got a party makeover. This is an easy and fun project for kids of all ages (supervision of super-littles is recommended) and takes just 30 minutes in the oven to set the ink. Hop over to Handmade Charlotte to see the entire tutorial.

Aprons to Decorate

Perfect for a Sugar Rush-worthy bake-off or just a chance to show off cupcake decorating skills, outfit your party guests with their own aprons. Pick up a bundle of aprons in bright colors or simple white, and pass out fabric markers or puffy paints so that your guests can add a little flair. It's a perfectly delicious activity for your chefs.

Available at amazon.com, $2.88.

— Oz Spies

Featured image: Lidya Nada via Unsplash

Our Favorite Trending Spring Birthday Party Themes

A Simple Way to Expand Your Kid’s Imagination

by Jamie AderskiMay 22, 2020

This is sponsored content from our partner. The reviews and opinions published are solely ours.

Every parent who has planned an engaging activity for their family has inevitably heard the same phrase afterward: “What’s next?” Finding ways to entertain kids can be exhausting at times, especially when you want them to spend their time on something meaningful.

YouTube has your back… which is why it has a separate app made specifically for kids! YouTube Kids is designed for little ones, making it easy for kids to confidently navigate the app on their own. The app provides settings that let parents customize their kids’ experience, choose a content level setting based on their kid’s age group (4 & under, 5-7, 8-12), set time limits, and even approve specific videos and playlists.

YouTube Kids is a separate app made just for kids that lets little ones explore and gives parents peace of mind! Download YouTube Kids for free here.

The magic of YouTube Kids isn’t the video…it’s what happens next.

Is your kid “curious”? YouTube Kids has something that even the most particular kid will get excited about. It’s like a buffet, but you never get stuffed!

YouTube Kids engages a mix of ages with videos that cover everything from the complex details of construction for your young but aspiring engineer to a simple DIY volcano project for little hands! And when your kids learn something new or uncover budding interests, it isn’t just fun for them—your whole family gets to hear them tell their new favorite joke or decorate a cake together after watching a how-to video. Get a peek at how they’ll bring these videos to life in the video below.

So much more than just a video library.

Children can explore on their own by selecting one of the categories at the top of the screen which include options like Learning, Music and Shows. From there, they have access to YouTube Kids’ playlists and videos that are bound to spark creativity and help develop their unique interests.

Here’s just a sample of what’s “on the menu!”

DIY delights!

When your kid loves to be creative, you never know what’s going to end up on your walls. Your stress-saving solution: Videos that feature easy-to-follow tutorials and are perfect for keeping little hands busy! Art for Kids Hub makes it easy to learn how to draw. Bonus: just a minimal amount of supplies needed! There’s also Crafty Kids, which has nearly 40 million views for a reason! They offer tons of simple craft tutorials, with new uploads on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If your kid can’t get enough of comic books, Muffalo Potato helps your kids make their own cartoons.

Learning that turns into exploring

Videos created by experts make it possible for your kids to learn in an engaging way! If your little one is the type who loves hands-on learning in the classroom, Crash Course Kids is “Science with a side of awesome!” that models science experiments that kids can try out at home. DIY Volcano, anyone? For your kid who is missing art class, Cool School has exciting videos that’ll inspire them to learn while being creative, whether they’re watching how to make ice cream at home or learning how to create their own bubbles! And if your kid is constantly curious, SciShow Kids host Jessi and her robot rat Squeaks answer those “why” questions kids love to ask. You might even learn something new yourself!

Keep active and move.

If your yard is covered in soccer balls and jump ropes, or has ever been turned into an obstacle course, your energetic family will love exploring the active videos on the YouTube Kids app! Warning: After your kids discover videos with yoga or dancing, be prepared to hear “Mom, watch this!” even more often. If your kids are the type to test their handstand skills, Cosmic Kids Yoga offers fun storytelling-based yoga, with some mindfulness and relaxation thrown in too. For those bursts of toddler energy, GoNoodle has videos that get kids dancing, stretching, and jumping! Soon, you may find yourself joining in the fun.

Endless ideas for play.

Every family has their favorite shows and movies to watch together, but there’s only so many times you can sing along to the same songs and laugh at the jokes you’ve heard before. When you’re ready to mix it up, YouTube Kids has a jam-packed library of engaging, interactive videos that’ll introduce your family to new characters and melodies. If you just can’t listen to that song anymore, Super Simple Kids Songs will teach younger kids new tunes they can share with you. For something you can watch together, Oddbods are an entertaining and silly bunch of cartoon characters that’ll have the whole family in giggles.

For the parent that wants to support and develop their kid’s interests, YouTube Kids has an ever-growing library of content! From the ABCs to HTML for kids, you’ll be able to find family-friendly, engaging videos that help your kids get learning and exploring.

Learn more at YouTube.com/Kids!

23 Kid-Friendly Crafts to Celebrate Earth Day

by Susie ForesmanApril 22, 2020

Earth Day is Apr. 22 so naturally we’ve rounded up a bunch of crafts that honor this great planet we live on. From recycled crafts for kids that include pressed flower bookmarks to leaf art and a bird bath, these EarthDay crafts are some majorly inspirational ways to reuse, repurpose, and really have fun this April.

Earth-Friendly Milk & Vinegar Plastic

What happens when you combine milk and vinegar? Earth-friendly plastic! This simple to execute kitchen science experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands uses natural products and results in a fun craft when you shape and color to look like the earth.

Earth Day Slime

While not every parent is in love with this ooey, gooey trend, this Earth Day Slime from A Sparkle of Genius is a fun way to celebrate. Water, borax, glue and lots of fun glitter come together to make this festive craft come to life.

Pressed Flower Bookmarks

Gather up some flowers and leaves and preserve them forever! This easy craft can be done using a laminator or contact paper and celebrates the great Earth's beauty. You can find an easy tutorial over at Buggy & Buddy.

Leaf Art

Celebrate the beauty of our wonderful planet by creating art! Use natural ingredients like grass, leaves and sticks pairs with a little paint like this cute craft from Fireflies & Mudpies.

DIY Bird Bath

This bright and cheery craft from The Chirping Moms welcomes little birdies to the neighborhood. Basic terra-cotta pots are painted and assembled before adding water. Let the bird-watching begin!

Painted Wood Slices

Settle in for some therapeutic painting with this wood slice craft from Homegrown Friends. Kiddos will enjoy using a new art medium and learning about the different textures found on each slice of wood.

Grass People

Commune with nature and use materials you have on find to make your own tin can salon. This fun craft from Toddler Approved uses recyclable materials and some fun crafting supplies to make the cutest grass people you'll ever see.

Stained Glass Earth Painting

This easy peasy craft from Royal Baloo just requires wax paper, paint, brushes and a little black paper. Kiddos can express themselves creatively, then trim into an earth shape and hang in a window for a gorgeous stained glass effect.

Eco Bead Bracelet

Turn your creativity into fashion with an eco bead bracelet like this one from In the Playroom. You can purchase a fun kit like this one from Amazon that turns strips of paper into works of art in a flash.

DIY Garden Stakes

Spend some time celebrating the bounty of our great planet Earth with a fun DIY craft like these Garden Stakes from Mod Podge Rocks. Upcycle those mason jar lids and either print out a cute label or let the kiddos make a sweet drawing to mark each of your home grown veggies.

Earth Day Newspaper Garland

The best way to celebrate Earth Day? With a newspaper garland, of course! Kitchen Counter Chronicle has the lowdown on how to top off your festivities with perfect paper planets.

Painted Garden Sticks

If you’re looking for an easy-peasy, earth-pleasing garden decoration, try this idea from Sweet Thing Designs. The kids will love finding sticks and then jazzing them up!

Tin Can Windchimes

This craft from Hands on As We Grow is music to our ears! All you need to make your own wonderful windchime is a few cans from your recycling bin. Let your little artists decorate before assembly for that extra special touch.

Egg Carton Millennium Falcon

Travel to a galaxy far, far away with the help of an upcycled egg carton and The Weisse Guys. Not only does this idea give new life to an item you’d normally toss, it also makes playtime worthy of a Wookiee.

Coffee Filter Earth

Here’s a simple craft idea that won’t require any crazy supplies. I Heart Crafty Things explains how to make a pretty earth using a coffee filter, markers, and a bit of water.

Coiled Magazine Paper Bowls

This craft from Frugal Upstate is a little more time consuming, but easy enough for little hands to master. Plus, it’s the perfect way to spend a rainy spring day.

Earth Day Collage

Make a cool collage for Earth Day! It's easy to repurpose old magazines to make a brand new piece of earth-inspired art. Hop over to I Heart Crafty Things to get the full instructions.

Gum Leaf Necklaces

It doesn’t get much simpler than this cute craft idea from Let the Children Play. Just gather a few leaves and let the kiddos decorate them with markers or paint, then string them together to make a swanky necklace.

Earth Mosaic

Let the whole neighborhood know that your psyched for Earth Day! Thanks to Make and Takes, you can turn cardboard into a magical earth mosaic for your window, .

Peanut Butter Bird Feeder

Gather some pinecones from your backyard or local park and make a few feathered friends very happy with these bird feeders. Head to Tinkerlab to get the instructions.

Puffy Paint Earth

Encourage the kiddos to get their hands dirty with this cute idea from No Time for Flashcards. Mix up some puffy paint using shaving cream, white glue, and green paint, and then give your little Picasso free rein.

Toilet Paper Roll Animals

Turn a toilet paper roll into a cute animal—from bunnies to butterflies, the sky’s the limit. Find a few different tutorials over at Untrained Housewife.

Recycled Paper Hearts

Make use of the scrap paper that’s hanging around the house by making your own recycled paper. Check out the (surprisingly simple!) directions at No Time for Flashcards.

–– Susie Foresman & Karly Wood

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It’s Witchcraft! Make This Little Broomstick Bookmark in No Time at All

by Erin FeherOctober 13, 2019

Little witch lovers will be over the moon for this sweet and simple craft that they can actually use all year long. With just a few supplies that most people will be able to scare up in the house, you and your witchy apprentice will be able to make this broomstick bookmark in no time flat. No magic spells required!

You Will Need:

–A wide popsicle stick
–Glue
–A small square of black construction paper or craft foam
–Short piece of string or twine
–Scissors

Make Your Broomstick

1. Cut the black paper or foam into a simple shape like the one shown below. On the larger end, make long vertical cuts to make the bristles of the broom.

2. Use just a dot or two of glue to glue to black broom bristles to the end of the stick.

3. Take the string and wrap it a few times around the narrowest part of the broom bristles, tying a small knot in the back. Trim the excess string.

Optional: decorate the broomstick itself with your child’s name, or even the title of her favorite book. But make sure you let the broomstick’s glue dry completely before using it in your book. There’s no reversing spell for sticky pages!

—photos and copy by Erin Feher

Do you have any witchy craft ideas you would like to share? Let is know in the comments below!

Play It By Ear: Easy Elephant Craft for Kids

by Amber GuetebierMay 2, 2015

It’s World Elephant Day so we’ve created a simple craft to help you dress your little animal in honor of the gentle giants. This craft is easy-peasy and requires just a a just a few things you can pull right out of your trunk. Read on for the tutorial.

You will need:

A paper bag (you can use a grocery bag, or even construction paper or wrapping paper. We used a cool gift bag.)
Crayons, pencils or markers
Scissors
Tape (or a stapler)
String
Optional: Elephant pictures, toys or stuffies for inspiration and fun!

1. Cut open the bag so it lays flat and draw an elephant ear shape on one side.

2. Cut out the ear, flip over and trace an outline for the second ear. Cut out second ear.

3. Use a piece of string to measure your child’s head circumference.

4. Use that string to measure along one of the edges of your paper bag. This is your headband. Cut out the strip, about an inch wide. Add an extra inch in length and measure again on your child’s head to make sure it sits where you want it to. Adjust measurement as needed and tape to make a circle.

5. Fold two small edges of your ear shapes. This is where you will be connecting your ear shapes to your headband.

6. Staple or tape an ear on each side of the headband. (We like tape because it won’t poke their heads if your material is thin). Now, just get your wiggle worm to hold still long enough to snap an elfie!

Did you try this craft? Share your results with us on Instagram #redtricycle.

—Craft courtesy Aubree Fairchild, SF Zoo’s Little Learner’s Program; Photos by Amber Guetebier

The Best Arts and Crafts for Toddlers That Don’t Take Much Prep

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The seat of honor is a very important spot indeed. Crafting mama Courtney of Joyful Joyful Designs gave her one-year-old the spotlight with this stunningly decorated high chair. Fun fact: This was actually Mom’s childhood high chair (refurbished) before Hudson sat in it!

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