Arts and crafts are more than just fun activities for toddlers—they’re essential for developing creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression. Engaging in hands-on projects helps little ones explore colors, textures, and shapes while building confidence in their abilities.
At daycare, we love incorporating simple, age-appropriate crafts that allow toddlers to create, explore, and have fun! Here are some great arts and crafts ideas you can try at home or in a childcare setting.
1. Handprint & Footprint Art
Toddlers love messy, sensory activities, and handprint or footprint art is a great way to create lasting keepsakes.
🎨 Ideas to try:
- Handprint flowers, animals, or trees
- Footprint butterflies or fish
- Holiday-themed crafts like handprint turkeys or footprint snowmen
Tip: Use washable, non-toxic paint for easy cleanup!
2. Paper Plate Crafts
Paper plates are an inexpensive and versatile craft supply that can be turned into fun animals, masks, or sun catchers.
✂️ Ideas to try:
- Paper plate ladybugs, fish, or lions
- Cut and decorate masks for pretend play
- Glue on tissue paper for a stained-glass sun catcher
Tip: Add googly eyes, pom-poms, or feathers for extra fun!
3. Sensory Collages
Encourage toddlers to explore different textures by making a sensory collage.
📌 Materials to use:
- Cotton balls
- Sandpaper
- Tissue paper
- Felt
- Dried pasta
Let your toddler glue the materials onto paper and feel the different textures while creating their masterpiece!
4. DIY Stamps with Household Items
No need for store-bought stamps—everyday objects can be used for stamping fun!
🖌️ Stamping ideas:
- Sponge stamps: Cut sponges into fun shapes and dip them in paint.
- Potato stamps: Slice a potato in half, carve a simple shape, and let kids stamp away.
- Toilet paper rolls: Bend them into heart, star, or oval shapes before dipping in paint.
This activity is great for hand-eye coordination and creativity!
5. Cotton Ball Painting
Instead of paintbrushes, toddlers can use cotton balls for a fun painting experience.
🎨 How to do it:
- Clip a cotton ball onto a clothespin (for easy gripping).
- Dip it in paint and dab it onto paper.
- Use different colors to make fluffy clouds, snow, or abstract art!
This activity is great for fine motor development and sensory play.
6. Sticker & Dot Marker Fun
Stickers and dot markers are excellent for strengthening finger coordination and grip.
🟢 Fun activities:
- Create a sticker collage on construction paper.
- Use dot markers to make rainbow patterns, animals, or letters.
- Let toddlers trace lines or shapes using stickers.
These activities are low-mess and perfect for younger toddlers!
7. Nature-Inspired Crafts
Take art outdoors by collecting leaves, flowers, twigs, and rocks for crafting!
🍂 Nature craft ideas:
- Leaf rubbings with crayons and paper
- Rock painting (decorate with paint or markers)
- Flower pressing to create bookmarks or cards
Bringing nature into crafts helps toddlers appreciate the outdoors while creating beautiful artwork.
8. DIY Playdough Creations
Homemade playdough is a fun, hands-on way to spark creativity!
🍪 Ways to play:
- Roll and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
- Use stamps, buttons, or beads to decorate.
- Make playdough “snakes” or pretend food items.
Tip: Try adding lavender or cinnamon to homemade playdough for an extra sensory experience!
Final Thoughts
Arts and crafts provide endless opportunities for learning and creativity in a toddler’s day. Whether it’s painting, stamping, or exploring textures, these activities foster self-expression, fine motor skills, and sensory exploration.
At our daycare, we love offering engaging, hands-on crafts that make learning fun! Want to learn more about how we incorporate creativity into daily activities? Contact us today!