Craft Ideas for Toddlers

Simple craft and play ideas for children ages 1-4. Many activities use everyday materials. Review each activity's notes and supervise throughout.

Sponge Shape Stamping

2-3 yearsEasy20-25 mins

An adult holds a large, intact sponge while the child observes or chooses where to place a print with age-labeled washable paint.

Materials:

Large intact spongeAge-labeled washable paintLarge paperStable shallow paint container

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Check that the sponge is intact; do not cut it into small pieces.
  2. 2An adult places a small amount of age-labeled washable paint in a stable container.
  3. 3The adult holds the sponge and makes a print on paper secured to a stable table.
  4. 4Keep the sponge and paint out of the child's mouth and stop if mouthing cannot be prevented.
Click for full tutorial

Leaf Rubbing Art

2-3 yearsEasy25-35 mins

Place an identified leaf beneath paper and rub a crayon across it to reveal its surface pattern.

Materials:

Large identified leavesPaperAge-labeled crayons

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Choose a large, identified leaf with an adult; leave unknown plants and small finds aside.
  2. 2Place the leaf under a sheet of paper on a stable surface.
  3. 3Rub an age-labeled crayon sideways over the paper to show the leaf's surface pattern.
  4. 4Keep leaves and crayons away from mouths and wash hands after outdoor play.
Click for full tutorial

Paper Plate Faces

2-3 yearsEasy25 mins

Draw a face on a paper plate with age-labeled crayons and markers.

Materials:

Paper plateAge-labeled crayonsWashable markers

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Use crayons or markers to draw facial features on the plate.
  2. 2Invite the child to choose colors or add more drawn details.
  3. 3Avoid loose decorations if the child mouths objects.
  4. 4Display the finished plate out of reach if any parts could detach.
Click for full tutorial

Finger Painting

1-2 yearsEasy15-25 mins

Offer a small amount of washable paint labeled for the child's age on a prepared surface. Paint is not food.

Materials:

Age-labeled washable finger paintLarge paperStable work surfaceDamp cloth

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Cover the work area and secure large paper to a stable surface.
  2. 2Offer a small amount of paint and stay within arm's reach.
  3. 3Let the child make marks at their own pace without inviting tasting.
  4. 4Stop if mouthing cannot be prevented, then clean hands and the work area.
Click for full tutorial

Nature Collage Creation

2-3 yearsEasy30-40 mins

Arrange adult-screened nature finds on a base with age-labeled glue for a supervised collage.

Materials:

Cardboard baseIdentified leaves or petalsAge-labeled white glueGlue brush

Simple Steps:

  1. 1An adult selects identified, suitable leaves or petals; avoid unknown, thorny, moldy, or irritating plants.
  2. 2Keep small loose finds away if mouthing cannot be prevented.
  3. 3Apply age-labeled glue to a cardboard base and place the selected materials.
  4. 4Supervise throughout, let the glue dry out of reach, and wash hands after handling outdoor items.
Click for full tutorial

Cardboard Box Castle

3-4 yearsMedium1 hour

Decorate a large cardboard box to use as a castle or another pretend-play space.

Materials:

Large cardboard boxAge-labeled washable crayons or markersScissors (adult use)

Simple Steps:

  1. 1An adult checks the box and removes staples and loose tape.
  2. 2An adult cuts any openings, then checks every edge for rough cardboard.
  3. 3Invite the child to decorate with age-labeled crayons or markers.
  4. 4Supervise pretend play and remove the box if it becomes damaged.
Click for full tutorial

Bubble Wrap Texture Prints

2-3 yearsEasy20 mins

Press a securely placed piece of bubble wrap onto washable paint and paper to make a textured print without walking on a slippery surface.

Materials:

Bubble wrapAge-labeled washable paintLarge paperPaper platePainter's tape

Simple Steps:

  1. 1An adult tapes paper to a stable table and places bubble wrap flat on the paper.
  2. 2Put a small amount of washable paint on a paper plate.
  3. 3With close supervision, press the bubble wrap into paint, then onto the paper; do not step on it.
  4. 4Stop if the wrap tears or the child mouths it; clean spills promptly.
Click for full tutorial

Pinecone Bird Feeders

3-4 yearsEasy25-35 mins

With adult-led preparation, coat a pinecone with a spread and birdseed, then observe from a distance to see whether birds visit.

Materials:

Large pineconeSpread checked for allergies and cross-contactBirdseed with ingredients checkedShort cord handled by an adult

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Check with the caregiver and read product labels for allergies and cross-contact; do not assume a substitute is safe.
  2. 2An adult handles the cord and prepares the pinecone with the selected spread and birdseed.
  3. 3Hang it out of children's reach and keep birdseed away from mouths and younger siblings.
  4. 4Observe from a distance; remove the cord after use and wash hands.
Click for full tutorial

Bead Threading

3-4 yearsMedium20-30 mins

Use an age-labeled lacing board or threading set only with continuous supervision and a child who does not mouth loose pieces.

Materials:

Age-labeled lacing board or threading set

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Check the age label and inspect the set before use.
  2. 2Work at a clear table while an adult supervises continuously.
  3. 3Use the board or set as supplied; do not make wearable jewelry or place cord around the child's neck.
  4. 4Stop if the child mouths pieces and put all components away from younger siblings.
Click for full tutorial