Craft Ideas for Younger Children (Toddlers & Preschoolers)
Handprint/Footprint Crafts
Creating art with young children is a joyful and rewarding experience. Even the simplest projects become masterpieces when they’re made with love and tiny hands. For toddlers and preschoolers, the focus should be on easy, engaging activities that encourage exploration and creativity. Safety is paramount, so always supervise and use non-toxic materials.
Handprints and footprints are timeless keepsakes that capture a moment in time. These crafts are especially touching because they commemorate how small our little ones once were.
Handprint Flower Bouquet
This classic craft is always a winner. To make it, you’ll need construction paper in various colors (green for stems, and any color the child prefers for the flowers), non-toxic paint (tempera paint is a good choice), a paint brush, glue, and a vase or a sheet of paper to glue them on.
First, paint the child’s hand with paint.
Gently press the painted hand onto the paper (or directly onto a vase, if using). Repeat this process to create several handprints, forming the petals of your flowers. The number of handprints per flower can vary.
Let the paint dry completely.
Use green construction paper to cut out stems and leaves, and glue these to the paper, connecting them to the handprint flowers.
You can add a personalized message to the bouquet for an extra-special touch.
Footprint Butterfly/Card
Footprints can be transformed into adorable butterflies or used as part of the decoration for Mother’s Day card. You will need construction paper, paint (non-toxic), paintbrushes, markers, and maybe some googly eyes or glitter.
Paint the child’s foot with a paint color of your choice.
Carefully press the foot onto paper, creating two footprints side by side. These will form the butterfly wings.
Let the paint dry.
Add a body to the butterfly using markers or glue.
Attach googly eyes or draw your own.
Add antenae with marker.
Write a lovely Mother’s Day message!
Simple Card Making
Cards are a fantastic way to express love and appreciation. They provide the perfect canvas for children to express their feelings and create a one-of-a-kind message.
Fingerprint Flowers
These are easy and incredibly cute. You’ll need cardstock, non-toxic paint in various colors, a paintbrush, and a marker or pen.
Fold the cardstock in half to create a card.
Use a paintbrush to make a stem on the card.
Dip your child’s finger into different colors of paint.
Press their fingertip onto the card, around the stem, to create the flower petals. Experiment with different colors.
Let the paint dry completely.
Use a marker to write a personalized message on the card.
Decorated Card
Even the youngest children can create beautiful cards with simple materials. Provide them with cardstock, crayons, markers, stickers, and glue. Encourage them to decorate the card with whatever inspires them. You might even provide them with pre-cut shapes like hearts or stars. The goal is to let them have fun, explore color, and show their love.
Personalized Photo Crafts
Photos are a wonderful way to capture cherished memories. Incorporating photos into Mother’s Day crafts adds a personal touch that is sure to be appreciated.
Photo Frame Decorating
Purchase simple wooden or cardboard picture frames. Provide children with paint, markers, stickers, glitter (with supervision!), and anything else they’d like to use to decorate the frames. The frames can then hold pictures of the children with their mom.
Paint the frame.
After the paint dries, let the child add the decorations.
Insert a photo of the child and their mother.
Photo Collage
Photo collages are easy and fun. Provide children with photos of themselves with their mother. Provide them with construction paper, glue, scissors, and any decorating materials they like. Let the child create the collage however they wish. This can be a great way to show how special a mom is.
Craft Ideas for Older Children (Elementary School)
Older children are ready for more intricate projects and are often able to follow more complex instructions. This is a great time to introduce new techniques and materials.
Paper Crafts
Paper is a versatile and inexpensive crafting material. There are endless possibilities with paper crafts.
Pop-Up Mother’s Day Card
Pop-up cards add an element of surprise and delight. You’ll need cardstock, scissors, a ruler, a pencil, and glue. Search online for easy-to-follow pop-up card templates or tutorials. You can create a pop-up flower, heart, or even a message.
Paper Flower Bouquet
Paper flowers last much longer than real flowers and make a beautiful gift. There are many types of paper flowers you can create, from simple rolled roses to more intricate origami flowers. You will need construction paper or crepe paper, scissors, glue, and floral wire or pipe cleaners for stems.
Paper Plate Crafts
Paper plates are a fun crafting base! You can have the kids do a simple weaving project, or make a decorative plate with their mom in mind.
Bead Crafts
Bead crafts allow children to create wearable art. They’re great for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Beaded Bracelets
Beaded bracelets are a classic gift. You’ll need beads (pony beads, seed beads, or other types), elastic string, scissors, and a small container to hold the beads. Help the child create a design that fits their mom’s personality.
Beaded Keychains
Keychains are also a great idea and will keep your mom’s keys looking pretty.
Use the same materials as the bracelet, but make sure the string is sturdy.
Encourage children to string beads onto the elastic string.
Once the chain is complete, tie a knot on each side and cut off any excess string.
Decorated Gifts
Personalizing gifts is a wonderful way for kids to show their creativity and make each gift more meaningful.
Personalized Picture Frames
Wooden picture frames are easy to paint and decorate. Using acrylic paint, children can paint the frame and add designs. Consider using stencils, patterned tape, or even small buttons or sequins to make it extra special.
Decorated Plant Pot
Small terra cotta pots are affordable and perfect for painting and decorating. Let your child use paint, markers, or even mosaic tiles to personalize the pot. They can then plant a small flower or herb inside for a lovely gift.
Craft Ideas for All Ages
These projects are adaptable and can be enjoyed by children of all ages, with some adjustments for younger crafters.
Painted Rocks
Painted rocks are a fun and inexpensive craft.
Heart-shaped rocks
Find some smooth, flat rocks. Clean them and let them dry. Paint the rocks with a base coat of paint. Once the base coat is dry, draw a heart on the rock, or create a design of your own.
Painted flower rocks
Use a similar process as the heart-shaped rock. You can paint flowers with paint or using markers.
Recipe Crafts
Baking and cooking with children can be a fun experience. Remember that the most important ingredient is love!
Instructions
Find a simple recipe for cookies or brownies that the children can help make.
Preheat your oven to the correct temperature.
Measure out your ingredients.
Follow the recipe to create a batch of yummy cookies or brownies.
Variations
Get creative with the recipe. Add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or frosting to the cookies or brownies. Decorate the finished product.
“Coupon” Books
Coupon books are a thoughtful and personalized gift.
Instructions
Get a piece of paper, and fold it into equal-sized sections.
In each section, write a coupon the child can give to their mom. For example, “One free hug,” or “Breakfast in bed.”
Examples of Coupons
“One free hug.”
“Breakfast in bed.”
“A day of no chores.”
“A walk in the park with Mom.”
“Help with dinner.”
“One free drawing”
Materials and Supplies
Having the right supplies on hand makes crafting much easier and more enjoyable.
Common Craft Supplies
Paper, Cardstock, Construction Paper
Markers, Crayons, Colored Pencils
Glue, Scissors, Tape
Paint, Paintbrushes
Embellishments (glitter, stickers, beads, etc.)
Where to Purchase Supplies
Craft stores, dollar stores, and online retailers like Amazon are all excellent places to buy craft supplies.
Tips for Keeping Supplies Organized
Organize supplies in bins, drawers, or clear containers to keep things tidy and accessible.
Step-by-Step Instructions and Tips
Clear, step-by-step instructions with accompanying photos or illustrations are crucial for successful crafting. Break down each project into manageable steps, making it easy for children to follow along.
For any activity, be sure to follow the safety precautions. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
Adding a Personal Touch and Making it Special
Encourage children to personalize their crafts with their own messages, drawings, and embellishments. This will add a personal touch.
Ideas for writing heartfelt messages
“I love you, Mom!”
“You’re the best mom in the world!”
“Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for everything.”
Suggestions for presentation
Wrapping gifts in colorful paper
Adding a handmade tag
Presenting the craft with a heartfelt hug and a smile
Conclusion
Handmade gifts are not just objects; they are tokens of love and appreciation. By crafting with their children, parents create memories and lasting bonds. This Mother’s Day, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and celebrate the amazing mothers in your life with a gift made from the heart.
Happy crafting!