You probably have crayons and maybe a pair of scissors in a drawer somewhere, right? But what about the craft supplies that actually save your sanity on a rainy day? These 10 affordable craft supplies are my go-tos—and some of them come straight from the recycling bin or cost just a few bucks.
And I’ve included links so you can grab what you need without overthinking it. Let’s get into it
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1. Washable Markers
Why I love them:
They’re bright, bold, and clean up easily (yes, even from the table… or the wall). Perfect for toddler scribbles and preschool art projects.
What to make:
- Colour in sections on a paper plate
- Go on a colour scavenger hunt
- Decorate cups, craft sticks, or homemade cards
2. Paper Plates
Why I love them:
Strong enough for toddler hands, cheap enough to use daily, and super versatile. You can find them anywhere, but I keep this sturdy pack stocked at home.
What to make:
- Paper plate animals
- Lacing plates
- Rainbow shakers
Related post: 5 Easy Paper Plate Crafts For Toddlers And Preschoolers
3. Toilet Paper Rolls
Why I love them:
You already have these at home! They’re endlessly useful and totally free—or grab this eco-friendly craft tube pack if you need extras.
What to make:
Counting or stacking games
DIY binoculars
Animal puppets
Related post: 10 Easy Toilet Paper Roll Activities That’ll Keep Your Toddler Busy
4. Pom-Poms
Why I love them:
They’re colourful, squishy, and fun to touch. Kids love sorting and crafting with them, and you can reuse them for years.
What to make:
Pom-pom painting or pretend ice cream scoops
Colour sorting trays
Counting caterpillars
5. Kid-Friendly Glue Sticks
Why I love them:
Way less mess than liquid glue, and easier for small hands to control. My kids always reach for these Pritt glue sticks—they actually stick and dry fast.
What to make:
- Cut-and-paste activities
- Paper collages
- TP roll rain clouds
6. Popsicle Sticks
Why I love them:
They’re the unsung hero of craft supplies. You can build with them, paint them, and create endless, simple crafts.
What to make:
- Shape puzzles or Picture frames
- Mini fences or bridges
- Puppet stems or flower crafts
I buy this jumbo popsicle stick pack and it lasts forever.
7. Googly Eyes (Self-Adhesive)
Why I love them:
Add two eyes and BOOM—it’s a puppy, a monster, a unicorn! These peel-and-stick ones are mom-approved: no glue needed.
What to make:
- Puppet faces
- Toilet paper roll animals
- Funny sticker characters
8. Pipe Cleaners
Why I love them:
Bendable, twistable, and colourful—great for toddler fine motor skills. Plus, they’re cheap and last forever.
What to make:
- Butterfly antennae
- Thread through paper plate holes or beads
- Curly flowers or alphabet shapes
9. Construction Paper (Multicolour)
Why I love it:
If you only get ONE craft item—make it this. We use this paper pack almost daily. It’s the base for 90% of our crafts.
What to make:
- Shape collages or paper mats
- Rainbow strips
- Wrapping TP rolls instead of painting
- Mini cards
10. Stickers
Why I love them:
Zero mess. 100% entertainment. This is my go-to when I need a few minutes of peace. They’re great for fine motor skills, too.
What to make:
- Sticker stories
- Shape or colour sorting
- Line tracing and simple collages
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Final Thoughts
You don’t have to buy everything at once. Start with what you can, and slowly build your stash. The truth is, with just a few core supplies (and maybe a TP roll or two), you can keep your kids entertained.
Storage tip: Use a clear bin or even a decorated shoebox to store supplies. You can label it “Craft Kit” and stash it somewhere easy to grab.
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