Introduction
Working from home while keeping kids entertained can be tricky.
Maybe you have a part time online job and need a way to keep them engaged without constant supervision.
In that case, DIY crafts are a great solution!
These fun activities don’t just keep kids busy, but also spark creativity and develop new skills—all while giving you some quiet time to focus.
With simple materials, any parent can set up easy crafts that their little ones will love:
Importance of creative activities for kids
Engaging kids in creative activities helps them develop problem-solving skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and cultivate a vivid imagination. It also boosts confidence and patience while making learning fun and engaging.
Benefits of DIY crafts (creativity, problem-solving, motor skills)
DIY crafts go beyond just entertainment—they encourage creativity, enhance problem-solving abilities, and strengthen motor skills. Plus, they give kids a sense of accomplishment as they bring their ideas to life.
Let’s get started!
Essential Craft Supplies to Get Started
Before diving into DIY crafts, having the right supplies on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Here are some basic materials to keep in your craft kit:
Basic materials every parent should have on hand
- Paper & Cardboard – Colored paper, construction paper, and recycled cardboard.
- Glue & Tape – Stick glue, liquid glue, and tape for assembling projects.
- Scissors – Child-safe scissors for cutting shapes.
- Markers, Crayons & Colored Pencils – For adding color and creativity.
- Paint & Brushes – Washable paints for fun, mess-free painting.
- Popsicle Sticks & Pipe Cleaners – Great for building and decorations.
- Beads, Buttons & Sequins – Perfect for adding texture and detail.
- Cotton Balls & Pom-Poms – Soft materials for extra fun.
- Googly Eyes & Stickers – To bring crafts to life.
- Recycled Materials – Egg cartons, bottle caps, and toilet paper rolls for eco-friendly crafts.
Budget-friendly alternatives
You don’t need expensive materials to keep your kids entertained with DIY crafts. Here are some affordable alternatives using everyday household items:
- Paper & Cardboard → Use old newspapers, magazines, or cereal boxes.
- Popsicle Sticks & Pipe Cleaners → Collect sticks from ice cream treats or use straws instead.
- Cotton Balls & Pom-Poms → Use tissue paper or fabric scraps for similar effects.
- Googly Eyes & Stickers → Draw eyes on paper and cut them out; make DIY stickers with tape.
- Recycled Materials → Save toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and scrap fabric for free craft supplies.
Organizing your craft station
A tidy craft space makes it easier for kids to create and clean up. Here are simple tips to keep things tidy:
- Use Containers – Store supplies in jars, baskets, or food containers.
- Label Everything – Mark boxes for easy access.
- Sort by Type – Keep paper, glue, and small items separate.
- Repurpose Storage – Use shoeboxes, egg cartons, or tin cans.
- Create a Craft Corner – Set up a small, accessible space.
- Quick Clean-Up – Place a mat under the craft area for easy mess control.
A well-organized space keeps crafting fun and stress-free!
Fun and Easy DIY Craft Ideas for Kids
After getting the materials ready, let the creativity begin! These simple crafts will keep kids entertained while they learn and explore new skills:
Paper-Based Crafts
Paper crafts are a simple, affordable, and creative way to keep kids’ entertained. With just a few basic materials, they can make fun decorations, toys, and artwork.
Here are some easy and exciting paper crafts to do at home!
Origami Animals
Origami is a fun way to make animals and other shapes out of paper. Here’s how to get started:
What You Need:
- A square sheet of paper (any color or pattern)
- Markers (optional, for adding details)
Here are video tutorials to make simple origami animals:
- Origami Dog – Fold a triangle, then fold down the top corners for ears.
- Origami Cat – Similar to the dog but with pointy ears and a smaller nose.
- Origami Frog – A hopping frog made with layered folds.
- Origami Butterfly – A symmetrical, elegant design with wing folds.
Paper Plate Masks
DIY paper plate masks are a fun and easy craft that lets kids transform into their favorite animals or characters.
With just a few materials, they can create unique designs and have hours of imaginative play.
What You Need:
- Paper plates
- Scissors
- Markers, crayons, or paint
- Glue or tape
- Craft sticks, string, or elastic (to wear the mask)
- Extra decorations (paint, feathers, stickers, glitter, etc.)
Here are some video tutorials for creating fun and easy paper plate masks:
Handprint art
Handprint art is a simple and fun way for kids to create memorable crafts using their own hands. It’s a great kids’ activity to capture their creativity and is perfect for making gifts or decorations.
What You Need:
- Paper or Illustration Board
- Washable paint (any color)
- A paintbrush or sponge
- Markers or crayons for extra details
Watch these tutorials to create fun and easy handprint art:
Recycled Material Crafts
Recycled material crafts are a fun and eco-friendly way to keep kids entertained while teaching them about sustainability.
With items you likely already have at home, you can make the following projects:
Cardboard castles
Creating a cardboard castle is an exciting and hands-on project that allows kids to explore their creativity while making a fun playhouse. Using simple cardboard and craft supplies, they can design their own royal fortress!
What You Need:
- Large cardboard boxes
- Scissors or box cutter (adult supervision required)
- Glue or tape
- Markers, paint, or colored paper for decoration
- Craft supplies for extra details (glitter, stickers, fabric, etc.)
You can check out this video for a simple and more detailed guide on making a cardboard castle!
Bottle cap paintings
Bottle cap paintings are a creative way to reuse bottle caps and turn them into colorful artwork. These fun crafts are perfect for kids to explore patterns, colors, and textures while making something beautiful.
What You Need:
- Bottle caps
- Paper or canvas
- Paint (acrylic or washable)
- Glue
- Markers or pens for detailing
How to Make Bottle Cap Paintings:
- Prepare the Bottle Caps – Collect different-sized bottle caps. You can clean and dry them if needed.
- Create the Design – Arrange the bottle caps on paper or canvas to form a pattern or shape. It could be a flower, abstract design, or even a simple landscape.
- Glue the Caps – Once you’re happy with the design, glue the bottle caps in place.
- Add Color – Paint the bottle caps in different colors to make your artwork vibrant. Let the paint dry.
- Detail the Artwork – Use markers or pens to add extra details like outlines or patterns on the bottle caps.
Here are sample videos you can follow:
Tin can wind chimes
Tin can wind chimes are a fun and eco-friendly craft that lets kids turn old cans into colorful, musical decorations for the backyard or balcony.
What You Need:
- Empty tin cans (cleaned and dried)
- Paint and brushes
- String or fishing line
- Beads or bells (optional, for extra sound)
- Hammer and nail (for making holes, adult supervision needed)
Here’s a video for the step-by-step guide to making tin can wind chimes, with easy steps for painting, assembling, and hanging them up.
Nature-Inspired Crafts
Nature-inspired crafts let kids explore the outdoors while using natural materials to create beautiful and fun art projects:
Leaf painting
Leaf painting is a simple and creative craft that lets kids explore nature while making colorful artwork. By using real leaves as stamps or painting directly on them, they can create unique designs with beautiful textures.
What You Need:
- Leaves of different shapes and sizes
- Paint (acrylic or washable)
- Paintbrushes or sponges
- Paper or fabric (for printing)
Check out this video to see easy step-by-step guides on how to create beautiful leaf paintings using different techniques!
Rock art
Rock art is a fun way for kids to transform ordinary rocks into colorful, unique works of art. Whether they’re painting animals, flowers, or abstract designs, rock art is a great way to express creativity while exploring nature.
What You Need:
- Smooth, clean rocks
- Paint (acrylic or washable)
- Paintbrushes
- Markers or pens for fine details
- Optional: Sealer to protect the paint
Watch these videos for simple steps to create colorful rock art with easy designs and fun patterns!
- Flipflop, Emoji, Watermelon, Food, Butterfly
- Simple & Easy Acrylic Painting on Stone
- Easy Stone Art Ideas
Pinecone decorations
Pinecone decorations are a great way to make nature-inspired crafts. With just a few materials, kids can transform pinecones into charming ornaments, wreaths, or even small animals.
What You Need:
- Pinecones
- Paint (acrylic or washable)
- Glitter or beads (optional)
- Glue
- String or ribbon (for hanging)
- Scissors
Explore these videos to learn how to make fun and easy pinecone decorations:
DIY Sensory Crafts
DIY sensory crafts are a great way to engage kids’ senses and improve their fine motor skills through creative play.
These crafts stimulate touch, sight, and even sound, making them ideal for younger children or anyone who enjoys hands-on activities.
Here are simple DIY sensory craft ideas to try:
Homemade playdough
Homemade playdough is a classic sensory craft that kids love. It’s easy to make, customizable in color and texture, and offers endless hours of fun for creative play.
What You Need:
- water
- flour
- salt
- cream of tartar
- vegetable oil
- Food coloring (optional)
- Essential oils (optional for scent)
Here’s a tutorial video on how to make homemade play dough.
Slime making
Slime making is a fun activity where kids can create stretchy, squishy slime that can be molded into various shapes.
What You Need:
- white glue
- water
- Borax
- Food coloring or acrylic paint (optional)
- Glitter (optional for extra sparkle)
Watch this tutorial for the step-by-step process for making slime.
Sensory bins with everyday items
Sensory bins are fun, hands-on containers filled with everyday items that let kids explore textures, colors, and shapes.
They encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and sensory learning through play.
What You Need:
- A large container or bin
- Everyday items like rice, pasta, dried beans, or cereal
- Small toys, figurines, or household objects
- Measuring cups, spoons, or scoops
- Soft materials like cotton balls or fabric scraps
Check these videos for easy sensory bin ideas:
Seasonal and Holiday-Themed Crafts
Celebrate the seasons with fun and creative holiday crafts! From decorations to gifts, these projects make every occasion extra special.
Here are some you can try:
Halloween pumpkin crafts
Halloween pumpkin crafts are a great way for kids to get creative and celebrate the spooky season.
Whether using real pumpkins or craft materials, they can make cute or spooky decorations for Halloween.
What You Need:
- Paper, cardboard, or mini pumpkins
- Paint, markers, or crayons
- Scissors and glue
- Knife (need adult supervision)
- Googly eyes, stickers, or other decorations
Watch these videos to find easy and fun pumpkin craft ideas that kids will love:
Christmas ornament DIYs
Making Christmas ornaments is a wonderful way for kids to express creativity while celebrating the holiday season.
These easy crafts can be made using everyday materials, and they make great gifts or decorations for the tree.
What You Need:
- Paper, felt, or cardboard
- Paint, markers, or crayons
- Glue, scissors
- Ribbons, beads, glitter, or buttons
- String or hooks for hanging
- Socks
Explore these videos for step-by-step guides for creating festive and fun Christmas ornaments with your kids:
Easter egg decorations
Easter egg decorations are a fun and colorful craft for kids to celebrate the holiday. Kids can create unique, personalized Easter designs using either real eggs or craft materials.
What You Need:
- Real or plastic eggs
- Paint, markers, or crayons
- Glitter, stickers, or sequins
- Glue, glue dots, or tape
- Ribbons or string for hanging
Get inspired with these videos to make your own Easter egg decorations:
How DIY Crafts Benefit Parents Too
DIY crafts aren’t just fun for kids—they offer several benefits for parents as well!
If you’re balancing a full time or part time job online, crafting can keep your kids entertained and engaged, giving you the focus you need for work.
For example, let’s say you’re a transcriptionist. You need focused, uninterrupted time to type out recordings.
While you’re immersed in your work, crafting can keep your kids busy with hands-on activities, giving you the peace and quiet you need to do your main and microtask, meet deadlines, and stay productive.
At the same time, participating in craft activities with your children can be a great bonding experience and also helps you relax and take a break from your usual routine.
Moreover, not only do DIY crafts benefit parents, but they also play a key role in helping kids develop independence.
Teaching kids independence through crafting
Crafting helps kids become more independent by letting them make choices, solve problems, and follow instructions on their own.
When they choose materials, designs, and work through projects with little help, they develop important skills like decision-making and problem-solving.
Completing a craft boosts their confidence and sense of achievement.
These experiences encourage creativity and help kids build independence that benefits them in other areas of life.
Monetizing DIY Crafting as a Mom
Did you know that you can turn your love for DIY crafting into a source of extra income? Here are some creative ways you can monetize your crafting activities:
Start a Crafting Blog as a Freelance Writer
Love writing – and crafting with your kids?
Start a blog to share DIY projects and tutorials while earning from ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate links. As it grows, you can sell e-books or online courses for extra income.
Prefer not to run your own blog, but still want to write? You can try being a freelance writer for blogs, parenting websites, or magazines.
Many platforms hire writers for how-to guides, reviews, and DIY content, allowing you to earn with a full time or part time job online while growing your craft-writing skills.
Sell Handmade Crafts Online
Turn your DIY bonding session into income by selling handmade crafts online.
Platforms like Shopee, Lazada, Carousell, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to reach customers looking for unique, handcrafted items.
From personalized gifts to home decor, you can sell what you love making while earning extra income—all while enjoying quality bonding time with your child.
FAQ – Common Questions About Kids’ Crafts
Here are answers to help you get started:
What are the best DIY crafts for toddlers?
The best DIY crafts for toddlers are simple, safe, and fun, focusing on activities that enhance motor skills and creativity.
You can check the list of crafts above to find easy ideas that are perfect for little ones!
How can I make crafts more engaging for older kids?
More complex projects that let them be creative can be especially engaging for older kids.
Use different materials and techniques, or let them pick their own designs. Giving them the freedom to experiment will keep them interested.
What are some mess-free craft ideas?
Most craft projects aren’t mess-free, but you can try activities like coloring with crayons or markers, making paper crafts, using stickers, or creating bead or button art to keep things clean and simple.
Conclusion
DIY crafting is a great way to keep your kids entertained and boost their creativity—while giving you the quiet time you need to focus on your full time or part time job online.
With simple, affordable materials, you can create fun projects that engage your child and teach them valuable skills.
Whether you’re crafting with them or managing a part time job online, these activities allow for quality bonding moments and independence-building.
However, if you’re seeking even more flexibility in your work life, Remote Staff provides a variety of full time and part time jobs online that can easily fit into your parenting routine.
From virtual assistant roles to more specialized technical positions, Remote Staff offers opportunities that allow you to work from home, stay productive, and still be there for your kids.
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