13 Unusual Craft Supplies Every Not-So-Crafty-Mom Should Know

Simple, budget-friendly must-haves for not-so-crafty moms who still want to create moments with their kids.

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So, you’re thinking of spending the afternoon crafting with your kids, but then you remember you don’t have any craft supplies available in your home, nor do you have the budget to purchase them just yet. Well, let me ease your worries and tell you that you do have the best craft supplies right under your nose. It took frequent crafting with my kids to realise that these supplies are a hidden treasure. And to top it all off, they are completely safe for your kids to use.

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Here’s my list of unexpected, affordable craft supplies I swear by. Some are from the euro store, and some are straight out of the recycling bin.

1. Toilet Paper Rolls (Yes, Seriously.)

Toilet paper rolls are my favourite craft materials. I’ve used them to make butterflies, bunnies, binoculars, bugs, even a full-on octopus. They’re free and great for tiny hands to manage, plus my post, easy toilet paper roll activities, will make you cherish them even more.

2. Actual Toilet Paper

Yep, real toilet paper. It makes the cutest tissue clouds, snow, or animal fur textures. You can crumple it, tear it, and glue it, and it’s surprisingly versatile, especially for toddlers who love to rip things apart.

3. Yoghurt Lids

I use transparent ones as mini colouring dry erase boards and to outline my perfect circle (because I make the most crooked circles). Plus, you’d be shocked at how many uses these have once you start saving them.

Try this: Glue a photo to the centre and let your kid decorate the rim for an easy DIY photo frame.

4. Old Socks

Instead of throwing away the lost sock again, turn it into a puppet, and put on a puppet show. This is something your kids would really love doing.

5. Kitchen Sponges

Yes! Your kitchen sponges made the list, too. You can cut them up into different shapes for fun stamping or paint dabbing. They’re soft, washable, and honestly make the cutest flower or heart prints.

6. Cotton Swabs + Clothespins

We use cotton swabs for dot painting, clothespins as paintbrush handles, and for caterpillars and butterflies’ bodies. Both are cheap, plentiful, and weirdly satisfying to craft with.

Check out my 10 Easy Butterfly Crafts For Kids post to see how I used a clothespin as a butterfly’s body.

7. Paint Markers

Okay, okay, this is not exactly a hidden item. However, I think they are underrated, because most times, they are overlooked for the traditional paint set, but I can tell you hands down that these paint markers have saved me so much cleanup time. They don’t spill, they’re easy for small hands to hold and less intimidating for not-so-crafty mamas.

Pro tip: If you want to invest in one new item, make it these.

8. Recycled Boxes

Any box at all, cereal boxes, shipping boxes, snack boxes, etc, all of them can be cut up and turned into craft canvases, puppet theatres, mazes, or even a cardboard city.

Here’s what we made with toilet paper rolls and a cut-up Amazon box.

9. Empty Egg Cartons

You throw these out every time. Maybe it was time you paused that because empty egg cartons are hands-down one of the best craft supplies you can have, for free. I’ve used them to make flowers, picture frames, bugs, and caterpillars. And also used them as paint palettes and counting cups for our learning days.

10. Shaving Cream

You already have this in your bathroom cupboards, and there’s a lot you can do with it, one of which is this cute puffy paint activity I set up for my kids. It’s great for sensory play (just mix it with glue and food colouring),or writing practice on a tray.

Mama-to-mama note: Shaving cream is fun, but it’s not snack-safe. So please, keep an eye on your little ones while they play, especially if they’re still in the “I taste everything” phase. And if your kid has sensitive skin, do a quick patch test first. We want giggles, not rashes!

Also,you can take a peek on my post 5 summer activities your three year olds will love to find more for fun play ideas.

11. Food Colouring

A tiny drop goes a long way. Mix it with water for painting, colour your homemade playdough, or tint shaving cream for sensory activities. It’s great

(Image coming soon)

12. Old Toothbrush

You don’t need to toss your old toothbrush, because It makes a good texture brush. Also, your kids will love the “spray paint” effect when they flick it over paper. Plus, the bristles are great for tactile painting activities.

13. Actual Toilet Paper

Okay, so this one might not be totally unexpected, but it is a total game changer. Washable glue is one of those basic supplies that just makes everything easier. I use UHU’s washable glue because it sticks quickly, dries fast and washes off easily too.

Want something fun for a quick craft session with your kids?

I put together some fun and easy butterfly template designs that you can use with a toilet paper roll, perfect for a simple craft with your child! You can grab one of the designs for free right here, and if you’d like more styles to choose from, you can check out the full collection in my Etsy store.

Final Thoughts for My Not-So-Crafty Mamas

Once I leaned into using what I already had, crafting became less about spending money and more about making memories with my kids. So let this list be your gentle reminder to start saving those toilet paper rolls and rinsing out those yoghurt lids, because you don’t need a cart full of supplies to enjoy fun, meaningful craft time with your little ones.

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