Fun, Easy Craft Kits for Kids Who Love to Create
Keeping the littles occupied when you’re stuck inside can be challenging—to say the least. Luckily, fun craft kits for kids offer hours of screen-free play and entertainment. The best DIY kits come with simple instructions and all the supplies you need, making it a stress-free process for parents that lack the artistic skills to DIY projects, and a streamlined effort for those that don’t have time to peruse the aisles of a hobby shop (we got you!). In addition to keeping kiddos engaged, arts and crafts offer a great way to introduce children to new shapes, colors and textures with the extra bonus of boosting creativity and fostering fine motor skills.
Ready to take your indoor activities to the next level? Check out our picks for the best craft kits for toddlers and preschoolers below, including some awesome mess-free paint sets and age-appropriate building projects.
Painting with your kids has never been easier thanks to this cool craft set by Floss & Rock. Simply fill up the pen with water, and color in the jungle designs to see them magically appear, then disappear once dry. The reusable pad even has a built-in easel so your kid can exercise their creativity like a proper artist.
Age: 18 months+
Buy it: $17, Maisonette.com
Your little one can illustrate their very own picture book with the help of this easy, mess-free mosaic kit. Simply match the shapes of the foam stickers with the animals in the two farm scenes and stick them into place. Finish it off with some fun, googly eyes and enjoy!
Age: 3+
Buy it: $7, FatBrainToys.om
Handprint paintings are so cute and easy to make. That’s why we’ve included this family tree DIY project in our list of the best craft kits for kids. It comes with a magnetic board, stickers, washable paints, detailed instructions and more. All you need to do is add your tot’s palm print and your favorite family photos. Display the finished project on the wall or present it as a handmade gift for grandparents.
Age: 3+
Buy it: $30, Crayola.com
Kids Made Modern makes tons of craft kits for kids of all ages. We like this set designed with the youngest crafters in mind. The high-quality art supplies in this set are large enough for little hands to grasp and manipulate while they work. It comes with 200 pieces including reams of paper, stick-on jewels, googly eyes and stickers. This is the best option for creative parents that like to design their own craft projects or those that prefer to let their little’s imagination run wild.
Age: 3+
Buy it: $30, Maisonette.com
Searching for reusable craft kits for kids? Check out this cool set of lacing cards by Wee Gallery. The set includes different colored cords and six sturdy cards illustrated with cute critters. Little designers can “dress up” the baby animals by threading the cord through the holes in each card. The best part? You can use this crafty play set again and again.
Age: 3+
Buy it: $19, StandardDose.com
Stamps are an easy way to add some flair to crafts. Plus, toddlers adore the repetitive action of stamping pretty pictures. This easy craft kit for kids features two washable inks, plus eight fun animal-themed stamps with flat wooden handles that are easy for young kids to grip and maneuver. And, once playtime is over, each individual piece can be packed into the wooden box for safekeeping.
Age: 3+
Buy it: $19, MelissaandDoug.com
Here’s yet another reusable, mess-free craft kit for kids: The Build-a-Tree Kit by Let Them Play. This Montessori-inspired activity set allows your little one to build a tree in a variety of ways. Complete with branches, leaves and flowers, this hand-crafted set is made from sustainably sourced wood and helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, while encouraging open-ended play. Plus, it doubles as a beautiful ornament when your kid’s not using it.
Age: 3+
Buy it: $38, TheTot.com
Parenting can be a messy business—especially when sticky glue and art supplies are involved. Limit the cleanup time with this easy craft kit for kids. It includes three felt pictures featuring colorful animals in need of a little jazzing up. Challenge your little one to fit the pom poms into the precut holes, matching them by size and color, before finishing it off with a set of silly googly eyes. The end result? A fun, fuzzy masterpiece ready to take pride of place.
Age: 3+
Buy it: $14, FatBrainToys.com
Drawing is easy-breezy with this step-by-step art kit for kids. The book has simple pictorial instructions that teach kids how to sketch their favorite farmyard animals. Plus, wipe-clean pages and dry-erasers let your mini artist practice as many times as they like. Genius!
Age: 3+
Buy it: $14, FatBrainToys.com
Searching for children’s craft kits that adults can enjoy together? Look no further than this DIY play dough set. This kit comes with easy step-by-step instructions and three boxes of dry mix to whip up a fresh batch of play dough at home. Better yet, it’s made from natural, food-grade ingredients colored with plant dyes. It’s fun to make and fun to play with—what more could you ask for?
Age: 3+
Buy it: $30, Maisonette.com
Open-ended play offers a wonderful way for tots to develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills. That’s why this felt craft kit for kids is one of the best we’ve seen. With over 100 felt pieces that can be arranged on the board to create animals, monsters and shapes, this set provides endless play possibilities. Plus, it’s easy to tidy up thanks to an included storage bag.
Age: 3+
Buy it: $17, Michaels.com
Designed for slightly older children, this rainy day craft kit has everything you need to keep kids occupied. From origami paper and paints to a 60-page activity book designed to foster creativity and emotional intelligence, this pack is crammed full of fun things. Not bad for $25 huh?
Age: 4+
Buy it: $25, Nordstrom.com
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