Budget-Friendly Cheap Crafts for Kids

Crafting is a great way to help kids be creative and use their imagination. Cheap Crafts for Kids let children explore art while also improving skills like hand-eye coordination and problem-solving. These crafts give kids a fun way to express themselves and take a break from screens by playing with their hands. The best part is, crafting doesn’t have to cost a lot! You can make lots of fun projects with just a few simple materials, many of which you might already have at home.

Cheap Crafts for Kids

Cheap Crafts for Kids are a fun and affordable way to spark creativity while helping children develop important skills. With just a few simple materials, you can create hours of entertainment without breaking the bank!

Paper Plate Masks

Paper plate masks are a fun and easy craft that kids can personalize. All you need is a paper plate, some markers or paints, and a pair of scissors. These masks can be made to resemble animals, superheroes, or anything your child imagines!

Tips:

• Use string or yarn to create a mask that kids can wear.

• Add buttons, beads, or feathers for extra flair.

• Encourage kids to paint their favorite characters or animals on the masks.

• Let kids decorate their own mask to boost creativity.

• Use a hole punch to make eye holes before cutting them out.

Toilet Paper Roll Animals

Toilet paper rolls are perfect for creating fun animals. With just a few supplies like construction paper, glue, and scissors, kids can turn a simple roll into a tiger, owl, or giraffe.

Tips:

• Paint the toilet roll before decorating with paper for a fun texture.

• Add googly eyes and pipe cleaners for extra details.

• Make a zoo or farm by creating different animals.

• Use stickers to decorate instead of cutting out shapes.

• Attach a craft stick to the bottom to make the animals stand upright.

Rock Painting

Turn simple rocks into colorful masterpieces with rock painting! It’s an inexpensive craft that can be done anywhere. Kids can paint faces, animals, or abstract designs.

Tips:

• Use acrylic paint for bright, lasting colors.

• Let kids search for smooth, flat rocks to paint on.

• Encourage creating rock collections or themed sets.

• Use a varnish to protect painted rocks outdoors.

• Paint small rocks to make little painted animals or bugs.

Paper Bag Puppets

Make fun and silly puppets using brown paper bags! This craft is simple and great for imaginative play afterward. Kids can create different characters using colorful paper, markers, and fabric scraps.

Tips:

• Use buttons or beads for eyes.

• Add yarn for hair or fur to make the puppets come alive.

• Encourage kids to put on a puppet show after making the puppets.

• Create characters for different stories or make a puppet family.

• Let kids use fabric scraps, feathers, or glitter for more texture.

Bottle Cap Magnets

Turn bottle caps into cute, personalized magnets. All you need are bottle caps, magnets, glue, and craft supplies like glitter or stickers to make these colorful little decorations.

Tips:

• Use old bottle caps from soda or juice bottles.

• Decorate with photos, drawings, or tiny stickers.

• Attach strong magnets on the back to use on the fridge.

• Use a hot glue gun for a secure bond.

• Experiment with different themes, like nature or animals.

Cereal Box Puzzles

Instead of throwing away old cereal boxes, turn them into fun puzzles! Simply cut the box into pieces to create a homemade puzzle that kids can put together.

Tips:

• Cut the box into various shapes, from squares to random puzzle pieces.

• Decorate the front of the puzzle before cutting it for a fun design.

• Make puzzles of different difficulty levels for younger and older kids.

• Use recycled packaging from other products for different textures.

• Laminate the box before cutting to make the puzzle last longer.

Nature Collage

Collect leaves, flowers, twigs, and other natural elements to make a beautiful collage. This craft is perfect for a walk in the park or backyard exploration before creating the art.

Tips:

• Use glue to stick natural materials on paper or cardboard.

• Encourage kids to find different textures, colors, and shapes.

• Add extra details using markers or colored pencils.

• Press flowers between books before using them in the collage.

• Use a clear varnish or mod podge to preserve the collage.

Homemade Playdough

Making homemade playdough is a simple and inexpensive craft that kids can enjoy for hours. With common kitchen ingredients like flour, salt, and water, kids can make their own colorful dough to mold into different shapes.
Tips:

• Add food coloring to make the dough vibrant.

• Add essential oils for a fun scent.

• Store in airtight containers to keep the dough fresh for weeks.

• Let kids create their own playdough creations for imaginative play.

• Make scented playdough by adding extracts like vanilla or peppermint.

Egg Carton Flowers

Egg cartons can be transformed into a bouquet of flowers! Cut out the individual sections of the carton, paint them, and attach them to pipe cleaners or sticks to create a fun flower arrangement.
Tips:

• Paint each section with bright colors for a cheerful look.

• Use green paper or pipe cleaners as stems.

• Add buttons or beads to the center of each flower for detail.

• Create a whole garden of different-colored flowers.

• Use glitter to make the flowers sparkle.

Paper Cup Telephones

Turn paper cups into a working “telephone” by connecting them with a string. This simple craft sparks creativity and lets kids play pretend while learning about sound waves.
Tips:

• Make sure the string is taut for the best sound quality.

• Decorate the cups with markers, stickers, or paint.

• Use different lengths of string to experiment with sound.

• Teach kids how sound travels through the string.

• Try using different types of paper cups for varied results.

Friendship Bracelets

Create colorful friendship bracelets with just string and beads. This easy craft helps kids practice their weaving skills and results in a beautiful, wearable piece of art.
Tips:

• Use embroidery floss or yarn for vibrant colors.

• Experiment with different knotting techniques for variety.

• Add beads or charms for extra flair.

• Make matching bracelets for friends or family members.

• Teach kids to follow patterns for a learning experience.

Puffy Paint Art

Make textured paintings with homemade puffy paint! Using simple ingredients like shaving cream and glue, kids can create fun, three-dimensional artwork.
Tips:

• Use food coloring to make vibrant puffy paint colors.

• Create fun textures by adding more shaving cream to the paint.

• Let kids paint on construction paper or cardboard.

• Experiment with different objects for added texture, like buttons or yarn.

• Allow the artwork to dry completely for the full puffy effect.

Stained Glass with Tissue Paper

Make colorful stained glass by using tissue paper and clear contact paper. This easy craft allows kids to create a vibrant window display that looks like a stained-glass window.
Tips:

• Cut tissue paper into small squares or shapes.

• Stick the tissue paper onto a piece of clear contact paper.

• Attach the contact paper to a window for a glowing effect.

• Use black construction paper to create outlines like real stained glass.

• Experiment with different color patterns to make unique designs.

Watercolor Resist Art

Use a white crayon to create designs on a piece of watercolor paper, then paint over it with watercolors. The crayon will resist the paint, creating fun effects and hidden designs.
Tips:

• Use thick watercolor paper to prevent warping.

• Let kids create shapes, letters, or doodles with the crayon before painting.

• Try using different colors of watercolor for a rainbow effect.

• Add extra details by using markers after the painting is dry.

• Make greeting cards or artwork to hang up at home.

Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough is a versatile and inexpensive material to make ornaments or sculptures. With just flour, salt, and water, you can create keepsakes or gifts that can be decorated and painted.
Tips:

• Roll the dough out flat and use cookie cutters for shapes.

• Make imprints with nature items like leaves or shells.

• Use a straw to make a hole for hanging ornaments.

• Bake at a low temperature to harden the dough.

• Paint or decorate with glitter, beads, or ribbon.

These fun and creative crafts are simple, inexpensive, and perfect for keeping kids entertained and engaged. The possibilities are endless, and most importantly, they offer a great way to spend quality time together while making something beautiful!

Tips for Crafting on a Budget

Crafting with kids doesn’t have to break the bank! By being resourceful and using what you already have, you can create fun and creative projects without spending a lot. Here are some tips to help you craft on a budget and still enjoy all the fun of making something special with your little ones:

• Use what you have around the house: Before you head to the store, take a look around your home for materials that can be repurposed. Old magazines, cereal boxes, leftover fabric scraps, buttons, or even kitchen supplies like paper towels and straws can be transformed into amazing crafts.

• Involve kids in gathering materials: Make it a fun part of the process by letting your kids help gather materials from around the house. Not only does this teach them to think creatively, but it can also be a great bonding experience as they search for things that can be turned into craft supplies.

• Host a craft swap with other families: If you’re looking for new materials without the cost, consider organizing a craft swap with friends or other families. You can exchange unused supplies, old craft kits, or extra materials that you no longer need, and in turn, receive new items to use in your next project.

• Reuse leftovers from previous crafts: Don’t throw away scraps from earlier projects. Leftover paper, fabric, ribbon, or even the small bits of yarn can be reused for future crafts. Create a box or bin for craft leftovers to keep them organized and ready for the next time inspiration strikes!

These tips not only save money but also encourage creativity and reduce waste. With a little planning and resourcefulness, crafting on a budget can be just as fun and fulfilling as any pricey project!

FAQ

What are some affordable Cheap Crafts for Kids?

Some affordable Cheap Crafts for Kids include paper (construction paper, scrap paper, old magazines), cardboard (from cereal boxes or packaging), toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, buttons, fabric scraps, and natural materials like leaves and twigs. You can also use common household items such as straws, bottle caps, and old clothes for crafting.

How can I keep kids entertained with crafts without spending much money?

To keep kids entertained without spending much, try using what you already have at home, like recycled materials or items from nature. You can also make use of everyday objects like cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, and even kitchen supplies. Additionally, encourage kids to create from their imagination and explore low-cost craft ideas, such as drawing, painting, or simple paper crafts.

Are there Cheap Crafts for Kids that require minimal supervision?

Yes! Many crafts require minimal supervision, especially when children are familiar with basic techniques. For example, simple tasks like coloring, tearing paper for collages, or sticking on stickers can be done independently. Crafting ideas such as painting on rocks or creating nature collages are also easy for kids to do with minimal help.