If you’re searching for the best craft starter kits for kids but feel overwhelmed by endless Amazon options, you’re not alone. When I first started intentionally crafting with my kids, I didn’t even own basic supplies, so I bought two different kids’ craft starter kits, one before 3craftmama even existed, and one recently, after years of crafting experience.
Here’s my honest comparison of both, what worked, what didn’t, and which one I’d recommend for not-so-crafty moms.
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What to Look for in the Best Craft Starter Kits for Kids
Before we talk about specific products, here’s what actually matters when I’m choosing a kids craft supply kit:
- Age-appropriate materials: I like to check that the pieces aren’t too tiny or complicated, because I want my kids to craft independently without me hovering every second.
- Practical supplies (what actually gets used): It has to include glue, paper, googly eyes, or pipe cleaners, the things we’ll actually use; otherwise, it’s probably just filler.
- Organised storage: If everything isn’t contained in a proper case, it ends up scattered in random drawers, and I lose motivation to craft.
- Beginner-friendly idea prompts: When a kit includes simple craft ideas, it saves me from that awkward “Okay… now what?” moment.
- Budget-friendly pricing: I don’t mind investing in something useful, but I want to feel like we’ll actually use most of what we paid for. a mom who wants low-prep crafting, the goal isn’t “more stuff,” It’s usable stuff.
When you’re a mom, all you want is low-prep crafting, anything that won’t stress you. So the goal is usually to get stuff that’d actually get used,” not “more stuff.”
1500+ Piece Kids Craft Starter Kit Review
This was the first craft starter kit I bought, before content creation, and before I even knew which supplies mattered. At the time, I just wanted something that would keep my kids busy without planning anything.
A 1500+ piece children’s craft set packed with colourful DIY supplies for creative projects at home. Includes a wide variety of basic craft accessories perfect for open-ended crafting and rainy-day activities.
What I Liked
- The Huge variety of materials
- There were enough supplies to last weeks
- It encourages open-ended creativity
- It felt exciting to open
What I Didn’t Love:
- Some items felt random (I never figured out the metal animal pieces).
- 1000+ pieces of supplies, which were overwhelming to me at first.
- Not everything got used (the feathers and number stickers mostly sat untouched).
But….this kit is great if:
- Your kids love throwing everything out on the table.
- You don’t mind controlled chaos
- Crafting happens frequently in your home. But if you prefer structure? It can feel like too much.
But if you prefer structure, this can feel like too much for you.
Lulubug 600-Piece Craft Starter Kit Review
The second time I bought a craft starter kit, I wasn’t shopping from excitement, but I was shopping from experience, because this time around, I knew what actually got used in our house.
A 600-piece children’s craft kit with DIY supplies for intentional and creative crafting. Includes manageable basic craft accessories and crafting tips, perfect for lazy days.
What I liked:
- It has 600 manageable pieces that are not too overwhelming, and it feels balanced with enough variety, but does not make an instant mess.
- I loved its soft pastel colour palette that feels more calm than overstimulating. Even random creations still look decent.
- It includes craft idea prompts. This is huge for me because one of the hardest parts of crafting as a mom is the “What are we making today?” phase, so having ideas removes that blank-stare moment.
What I Didn’t Love:
- I thought it was slightly pricier than bulk kits.
But for a not-so-crafty mom, it’s calmer, more intentional and easier to manage.
1500+ piece vs 600-piece craft starter kit: Which is better?
| Feature | 1500+ Kit | 600-Piece Kit |
|---|
| Best for | Open-ended creativity Creative freedom | Structured and Intentional Crafting |
| Age range | 4+ | 4+ |
| Overwhelm factor | High | Low |
| Messiness | Moderate | Low |
| Beginner friendly | Not really | Yes |
| Includes idea prompts | No | Yes |
What I realised after buying both
After buying and using both craft kits, I realised that a simple craft session truly doesn’t need 1000+ supplies to be fun. Besides, most of my go-to crafts with my kids only use:
- Glue stick
- Child-safe scissors
- Coloured paper
- Googly eyes
- Pipe cleaners
- Pom poms
- Paint (sometimes)
That’s like 80% of what we actually use, which is why starter kits can be helpful, but you don’t need the biggest one to make meaningful things.
How I Use Starter Kits Now
Now, when I buy a craft starter kit, I don’t expect it to create ideas for me magically; I use it as my base. The kit gives me the simple supplies, paper, glue, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and then I pair those basics with easy printable activities when I want something more structured.
For example, in spring, I might grab a simple bug craft template from Etsy and use the supplies from our starter kit to put it together. On other days, we open the box and create freely; that’s where experience helps. After years of crafting with my kids, I can quickly turn basic supplies into something fun without overthinking it.
But what I’ve learned is this: The supplies don’t have to be overwhelming; all you need is a starting point, and craft kits give you the materials, while printables give you direction – and together, they make crafting feel simple, even if you don’t think you’re a “crafty mom.” If you prefer ultra-low-prep ideas, check out my 5-minute mess-free craft for toddlers.
Are craft starter kits worth it for toddlers?
Yes, they are, only if you want:
- Convenience
- One-time purchase
- A simple craft foundation
- Something ready for rainy days
And no, if you:
- Already own basic supplies
- Prefer ultra-minimal setups
For not-so-crafty moms starting from scratch, I personally recommend the more organised 600-piece kit, because it feels less overwhelming and a lot more practical.
Frequently asked questions about craft starter kits
At what age are craft starter kits best for?
Most craft starter kits are ideal for ages 3–8. Toddlers will need supervision, especially with small pieces.
Are large craft kits overwhelming for beginners?
Yes, 1000+ piece kits can feel overwhelming if you’re new to crafting, but the smaller, curated kits are often easier to manage.
What basic supplies should every mom have at home?
The most basic supplies every mom should have are a glue stick, child-safe scissors, coloured paper, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners, because these cover most simple kids’ crafts.
Do you need a craft starter kit to begin crafting?
Absolutely not, but they simplify decision-making and remove the “what do we need?” problem.
Finally
Starter kits can remove the decision stress, and that alone can make them worth it. So, if you’re choosing one, think about your energy level and choose the kit that matches you and your kids.
