Egg Carton Bulletin BoardRecycle egg cartons and make them into an interesting bulletin board.
Christmas Glitter Candle HolderI made this candle holder out of a baby food jar. The smallest baby food jars work the best.
Dry Erase TileThis is a really fun project to give as a gift for kids or parents. You can make anything from count down to Christmas or birthday tiles or count down to baby tiles.
Coffee Filter FlowersYou and children of any age can make these simple flowers with just a coffee filter, construction paper, cotton balls, a small ring from a toilet paper roll and some glue.
Edible IgloosYou and children of any age can make these simple "igloos" with 1/2 of an apple (or orange), peanut butter (or marshmallow fluff) and mini marshmallows.
Bubble PrintsYou and children of any age can make these simple "paintings" with just some bubble solution, bubble wands, food coloring, disposable cups, and white paper.
Photo Fun PlacematIf you have a lot of extra photos and dread putting them all in albums, a photo placemat is a great way to show them off to everyone. You can use your scrapbook skills and supplies to create an entertaining place at the dinner table. The photo fun placemat is a great gift to give to friends.
Paper Plate SuncatchersYou and children of any age can make these simple suncatchers with just some mini paper plates, tissue paper, clear contact paper, scissors, a hole punch and yarn.
Safari BinocularsYou and children of any age can make these simple binoculars with just some toilet paper rolls, green/brown/black crayons and markers, stapler, a hole punch and yarn.
"This Is Me" CollageYou and children of any age can make these simple collages with just some construction paper, scissors, glue, old magazines, and newspaper ads.
Stamp or Potato Print PicturesYou and children of any age can make these simple paintings with just some construction paper, paint, and stamps (or cut potatoes).
Old-Fashioned Fun RecipesThere are just too many toxic chemicals in some of the things that our children play with. They are also very expensive. Here are a few safe products that will delight your youngster for hours.
Frog HatThis band hat project will delight your child. It's simple to make, fun to wear, and you probably have everything you need to make it right at home.
Preschool Bead KitMakes a great big sister/big brother gift when the new baby arrives or a nice stocking stuffer.
Collage "Teach Me" Book For KidsThese books can be made on any subject and your kids can help make them. Cut out pictures from magazines about your subject: colors, numbers, animals, etc. Great for preschoolers.
Paper Bag (Rudolph) Reindeer PuppetThis cute Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer paper bag puppet is easy to make with kids.
Birthday Tablecloth KeepsakeEvery year for my son's birthday we have used the same vinyl tablecloth. Each year with a different colored marker we ask his guests to write him a birthday message.
Easy "Gingerbread" People That I KnowUse brown paper grocery bags, or the piece of brown paper you often find rolled up after the gift wrap is gone to make these personal gingerbread people with faces that your child knows.
Beaded BookmarksThis is a fun craft that kids can do in minutes. These bookmarks make great gifts.
Paper Plate PuzzlesThere are two ways this simple project can be done. It's the perfect thing for days when there's "nothing to do".
Friendship MobileYour friends will be hanging around all the time with this fun and easy project. Cut your friends faces from the photos. Cut two construction paper shapes for each photo, on one of the shapes you will glue a photo, and on the other you will write your friend's name.
Cereal Box ToteRecycle your cereal boxes into something useful.
Bunny PencilThis craft is so easy you can make one for fun, or a batch for class party favors.
Gel AquariumThese pets never have to be fed and no aquarium to clean!
Bunny Hat from Cereal BoxHere's a fun project for every "bunny".
Baking Tin Primary Colour GameAttach the hook and loop to the back of the tin and hang it at kid level. Place one magnet in each cup. Help your toddler arrange them so the each colour is all together in line.
Sparkle OrganizerThe photo does not do this project justice, but it's an organizer that is very easy to make, uses materials you already have on hand, is very nice to look at, and best of all will help your kids keep their things in order.
Using Colored Construction PaperColored construction paper! This is affordable almost anywhere you get it and it usually comes in a rainbow of colors.
Egg Carton FlowersHere's are some cute flowers that kids can make for their mothers and grandmothers.
Make a Bear at HomeFor my daughters 6th birthday, she wanted to take her little friends to Build a Bear Workshop. That's way out of my price range! So while I was shopping for things to do for her party, I was in JoAnn Fabrics and I saw Make a Bear kits.
Mother's Day Flower PlateThis is a little bit harder craft for older kids to make for Mother's Day. It's inexpensive but very pretty.
Decorating Paper Lunch SacksThese bags make great inexpensive gift bags or you can use them for parties.
Stained Glass Patterns For ColoringAre the kids bored? Print out stained glass patterns for coloring!
Paper Bag PuppetOutline or draw your head (you can trace the basic shape from a picture book too.) Outline or draw a basic body shape and or feet. Cut these out and color them in.
Jesus Saves Picture FrameHere's an easy craft for Vacation Bible School. First trace a circle around the middle of the lid. I used a small cup to make my circle. Cut it out with a box cutter on a scrap piece of wood so you don't ruin your table.
Miniature Soap BibleThis is a great project for Vacation Bible School. Fun for the little ones. It is a Bible made from a bar of Ivory soap. Wrap ribbon around edges of soap, beginning midway on a long side. Tuck in corners and pin in place.
Sombrero BirdfeederThis is a cute recycled craft for "Fiesta" Bible School or if you're having a Dora the Explorer or Go Diego Go party, this could be a decoration for your party or craft for the kids to do at the party.
Felt Mouse PinHere's a cute little mouse your kids can make to wear, or to use as a gift for someone special, like grandma. Draw and cut a gumdrop shape from cardboard. The sample measures about 3 x 3 inches, is narrower at the top than the bottom and has rounded bottom corners.
My Own CookbookIf your kid loves to cook, he or she will have fun making this book. You can make one general cookbook or several smaller ones for specific recipes, such as beverages, desserts, snacks, etc.
Paper Strip TurtleHere's a great rainy day or "I'm bored!" project for your kids. Cover your 1 x 4 inch cardboard strip with green card stock or construction paper. Measure and cut a 1 x 9 inch strip of green paper.
Christmas Craft Ideas for Toddlers?Christmas gifts that your small children can help make. Here are some ideas posted from the ThriftyFun community. When my boys were little we took glass ornaments, these were the ones that were colored, now you can buy clear ones.
Sewing Cards for YoungstersHere's a great, inexpensive gift idea to keep youngsters entertained. Create cute sewing cards that are super easy to make. You can use the fronts of old greeting cards or glue calendar pictures to cardboard. Kids can sew lengths of ribbon or yarn through holes punched in the cards.
Ziplock Garden or AquariumTake small snack size baggie (I used larger as that is what I had). Fill up with a little bit of hair gel. I used green as I was doing a garden. Add pre-cut flowers and, there you go, a portable squeezable garden.
Craft: Polka-Dot PensThis photo came out a little fuzzy, but I think you get the idea. This project is much easier and less time consuming than it initially appears. It's a great way to use up scraps of construction paper, keep little fingers busy, and turn ordinary pens into something special.
Recycled Barnyard AnimalsKids are fascinated with barnyard animals. Now they can make their own set of cute little critters with just a few simple materials.
Happy Flower Face MagnetsThese joyfully smiling flower faced magnets are adorable in the kitchen, not to mention easy and fun for kids to create.
Door Knob HangerStencil or free hand design on your door hanger. Let dry thoroughly. Seal and hang on door.
Coffee Filter Butterfly MagnetsThese are cute little magnets that are a blast for the kids to make. They love spraying their artwork with water and watching the colors soften and blend.
Craft Project: Scrap Fabric Pencil HolderDon't throw out those small pieces of fabric that are leftover from other projects. Save them for new projects, such as this cute pencil holder made from a tin can.
Craft Foam PursesThese little purses are made from craft foam. You could make other shapes than the ones I used. A fun summer craft idea to make for the girls.
Fun Slogan Doorknob SignsMost kids love to make their own doorknob signs and decorations. But these fun foam signs also incorporate a sense of humor into the craft.
Mr. WhiskersThis is a cute, very inexpensive craft for kids of all ages.
Sports Party CrownIf you have a child who loves sports, this is a great project he or she can do in preparation for his or her birthday party--OR--if you like to do a craft at your parties, it's simple enough for a small group of kids to do so everyone can make their own party hat.
All-American Desk Sitter KidsMy daughter Julie is volunteering this summer, teaching English to under privileged kids in Egypt. She was looking for craft ideas, so I came up with these kids to sit on their desks.
Race Car GameThis game is simple to make and fun to play. It will also give your kids practice in addition.
Colorful CaterpillarThis fluffy and colorful caterpillar craft is a perfect quick activity. It's cheerful pom-pom body and sweet red foam smile helps bring charm to any room.
How to Create a Child's Dress Up BoxKids love imaginative play, and one of the best ways to encourage creativity and self expression is through dress-up. Allowing kids to be their favorite action hero, cartoon character, or even an imaginary friend with the help of a few costume props helps to keep kids away from TV and video games, too.
Homemade CSI Kit for that Aspiring CSIDo you have a budding CSI in your midst? Have you recently priced a toy CSI detective kit? My 8-year-old grandson William loves to watch CSI and recently asked me to go online and find him a CSI kit.
Denim Locker PocketsIn just a few easy steps, your child can turn an old pair of jeans or shorts into a couple of pen and pencil holders that mount easily in a school locker.
Craft Project: Paper Sand DollarsThe kids will think they're still at the beach after making these easy sand dollars.
Rainy Day Paint ActivityJust because it's raining doesn't mean you can't take the kids outside to play. Slap on a raincoat and boots and head outside. Put some food coloring or paint on a paper plate and hold it in the rain. Watch how the wet splatter mixes the colors.
Noodle FishThese noodle fish are super fun for kids to make. They will be so excited with the finished product. Use macaroni noodles as scales on this cute fish craft. Then hang the fish from the ceiling so you can be swimming with them in your own home.
Coffee Filter ArtEasy and inexpensive, children of all ages can enjoy this craft. Use everyday household supplies to make lovely kid designs. This craft can also be used to teach colors and color blending.
Fall Foliage FriendsUse your imagination and some paper, glue, and a marker to turn ordinary backyard leaves into whimsical note cards. Collect various leaves from your yard and/or trees. Artificial leaves work well too.
Autumn Leaf Print PlacematsBring the beauty of fall indoors with these easy to make, leaf-printed placemats. The kids will have a ball making these.
Picture MeThis is an easy craft for kids of all ages and something we just did with the kindergarten class that I volunteer in. It does not take much time but makes a beautiful gift for parents, grandparents or someone special. This craft can be done anytime of the year.
Pom-Pom AliensThese adorable aliens are a great way to use up left-over craft supplies. A few pom-poms, chenille stems, and googly eyes is all you need to whip a little critter up. Well, those items and lots of good, old white glue!
My Little DrumThis is an updated version of an old favorite that starts with a fun painting technique and ends with the addition of drumsticks. It's the perfect project for your little Thanksgiving "Indian" or your little holiday "Drummer Boy" (or girl!). The best part? This is a VERY quiet drum.
Sponge ArtTry this different style of painting with your child. I'm sure they will have fun with it, and you just might get into it yourself!
Pom-Pom and Paper ButterflyThis cute butterfly has pom-poms as a body and as decorations on its wings. The wings are made from paper and the antennas are made from chenille stems and beads.
Jingle SpoonsThis is an easy craft for a musical instrument, using items you probably already have at home. Crafts like these are an easy way to occupy your kids when it's too cold to play outside.
Edible JewelryThis craft is easy, inexpensive, and makes for a great way to occupy your child when you need it most. You will want to make several to store so they are ready to use when you need them!
Balloon And Paddle GameHit a balloon with homemade paddles, like tennis or badminton.
Snowman SceneEasy for the youngest of crafters! First, make a snowman. I wanted to use big marshmallows dipped in paint to make the print of the snowman body, but we were out. Instead, we glued on cotton balls. I used the large type. Then use a marker to add a hat, eyes, nose, buttons, and arms.
Next time you are at the store pick up a bag of mini marshmallows and a box of toothpicks. Then when the kids say "we're bored" take them out and watch the kid's imagination and building skills soar!
Mitten Man PuppetA fun little project to make and to play with. Draw and cut a mitten shape from construction paper. Glue on large wiggle eyes, or you can make eyes from white paper and black marker to glue on.
Earth Day ToteRemember Earth Day is April 22. Let kids decorate a canvas tote to use when shopping to help keep the bags out of our landfill. We need to teach our kids to Reuse, Recycle and Reduce!
Fan-Fold ButterfliesSpring is here! I will be submitting different "buggy" crafts that my daughter and I worked on for her birthday party. This butterfly is made from paper that she painted.
Craft Project: April Showers Bring... Pretty...Children get to munch on a yummy snack while creating this beautiful rainbow. We used supplies we had on hand for this easy craft.
Spring Flower Mini WreathThis cute wreath is covered with foam flowers and pink pom-poms for a quick and easy spring craft. It can be made as simple or as elaborate as the child's patience allows.
Magnetic ButterfliesAnother "buggy" spring craft! These butterflies are so cute and so easy to make. Show them off on your refrigerator for lot's of comments from admirers!
Footprint ButterfliesKids will love it when they get to use their feet to make these cute butterfly prints. No matter the age, all feet will get a tickle from the paint being applied to their footsies. So much fun!
Ladybug Fridge MagnetThese adorable ladybugs will bring you much joy when you put them on your refrigerator. Use simple supplies to craft these beautiful insects.
Soaring ButterflyThis stick craft butterfly is fun to wave in the air like it is flying through your house. Or, use the stick as a plant stake to add something extra to an inside potted plant.
Egg Carton Picnic AntThis oversized ant is sure to cause a stir at your next outdoor picnic. Make them to use as table decorations.
Father's Day Memory BoxThese decorated photo boxes are a perfect place for dad to save all of the special cards and gifts he receives!
Father's Day Plant PokeGlue your hand print to the top of pencil or dowel and poke into a nice plant for Dad and he will smile all day.
Stained Glass ButterflyMake these butterflies with colorful, lacy wings, and use them to decorate your windows.
Summer PinwheelKids will enjoy making and playing with these pinwheels. They are very quick, easy and inexpensive.
Shrinky Dinks From Recycled ContainersUse recyclable #6 plastic containers to make your own Shrinky Dinks at home.
Foam Bead BraceletWhen my daughters were school age they were into making their own jewelry. One of the neatest projects they came up with was this bracelet made from the sheets of foam.
Sculpture PaintingAn unusual painting technique to get that 3D effect.
"Mouse" PadKids will enjoy making this cute mouse pad to decorate their desktops. A great study buddy that will be quiet as a mouse!
TP Tube ButterflyA simple craft for children to make with simple supplies, this butterfly is sure to delight children of all ages.
Back-to-School Braided BookmarksIn under 30 minutes, you can create these clip-on place keepers that won't fall out of your book!
Jean Pocket NotebooksCreate a pocket on a notebook to hold pens, pencils, notepads, etc. Kids will enjoy personalizing the pockets. A great way to recycle old jeans/pants pockets too!
Cardboard ArtTry this simple project you can make with things you have around the house.
Water BraceletClear plastic tubes filled with water, beads, and glitter to add sparkle. Move it back and forth and see them move.
Bag ButterflyA very simple project kids can make to decorate their rooms. Place some holiday garland or shredded tissue paper into a plastic sandwich bag.
Sparkle NecklaceTry this fun necklace your child will love to make and wear, made from things you already have on hand.
Egghead ClownCover the cardboard tube with white paper for the clown's body. Draw and cut arms and hands from white paper. Decorate these with marker.
Straw and Bead Elastic BandsString beads and straws cut up to make a cute necklace or bracelet and head bands. Cut the straws up in different lengths or the same depending on the look you want.
