The Toddler Craft Kit That You Actually Need
As a SAHM of three, I know how chaotic things can get sometimes. Between breastfeeding, meal times and the constant sibling squabbles, sometimes the idea of pulling out craft supplies feels overwhelming. But, but over time, I’ve realised that it doesn’t have to be chaotic or complicated. That’s why I created the toddler craft kit you need. stocked with supplies I use and love, and I’ve got it sitting on a shelf for those “Mama, I’m bored” moments.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only share products I use and love to help make crafting easier for you and your little ones
Grab your freebie at the end of this post👇🏾
Let’s dive in…….
Why You Need a Toddler Craft Kit
(I’ll give you five good reasons)
- Firstly, it saves your sanity + your time when you’re tapped out.
- Secondly, you can put something fun together for your child really quickly without having to overthink it.
- Thirdly, hands-on craft time helps toddlers and Preschoolers with creativity, focus and fine motor skills.
- Fourthly, it reduces the mess and chaos, and it encourages independent play
- Lastly, even if you’re exhausted, it’s a quick way to say “yes”, let’s learn, bond and have fun.
Here’s how to build your own craft kit that will save your sanity.
Build By Purpose:
Start by organising your supplies based on purpose. That way, you’re not just throwing random items in a box, but one that supports learning and keeps your child busy.
Let’s begin with fine motor skills. Here’s what to include:
- Pom-poms – Great for pinching, sorting, glueing, or painting. We use them all the time.
- Kid-safe scissors – Toddlers and preschoolers love snipping paper and playdough (with supervision, of course).
- Clothespins or mini tongs – Awesome for picking up pom-poms, and they double as paintbrush holders.
These supplies strengthen their little hands and build coordination, and sneak in learning.
Sensory Play Supplies. Here’s what to include:
- Playdough – Homemade or store-bought. Include cookie cutters and rolling pins, too. It adds to the fun.
- Cotton balls or sponge pieces – They’re great textures for glueing, dabbing paint, and sorting.
- Pipe cleaners – Great for putting those little hands to work. Easy to bend, twist, or thread through beads.
These soft, squishy, bendy materials are perfect for engaging their senses.
Low-Mess Crafting Essentials. Here’s what to include.
- Glue sticks – So much easier for little hands than liquid glue. Less sticky, less drama.
- Stickers & Dot stickers – Honestly? Lifesavers. Dump some on a table with paper and sip your coffee in peace.
- Washi tape – A no-mess way to “glue” and decorate. It peels off easily and comes in cute colours.
- Googly eyes: These can literally bring anything to life. Just peel and stick; they’re perfect for working little fingers.
I love these low-mess ones because, if it takes longer to clean than to craft, it’s a “nah” from me.
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Learn-Through-Play. Here’s what to include:
- Coloured construction paper – Cut shapes, make cards, craft backgrounds, butterfly wings…
- Washable markers or jumbo crayons – Only choose washable ones, because they easily come off.
- Toilet paper rolls – Save them! They become paint stampers, binoculars, tunnels, butterflies, and mazes.
- Popsicle sticks – These are good for building bridges, puzzles, puppets… they’re magic.
But just in case you’re wondering what you could do with them and might need some inspiration on how to use them all, try these easy, no-stress activities :
- Sticker Sorting Activity – Grab any stickers, or dot stickers and paper, and let your toddler peel and stick. Draw shapes or numbers and let them stick along the lines.
- Popsicle sticks match – Draw different shapes on a sheet of paper, and give your child popsicle sticks to build the shapes they see.
- Toilet Roll Puppets – Paint them with paint markers or cover them in washi tape, stick googly eyes on them, use pipe cleaners for ears and enjoy a time of pretend play.
- Pom-Pom Counting Game – Glue toilet paper rolls on cardboard, write numbers in front of each one, bring out your pompoms and let your toddler count one to ten.
- Playdough Shape Hunt – Hide small beads or buttons in playdough and let them squish and find.
Now, you’re ready to start building your own toddler sanity saver craft kit, and trying the easy, no-stress activities with them
FREEBIE ALERT ✅✅✅
To make things even easier for you, I’ve put the whole list in one cute, fridge-ready printable plus 6 bonus quick activities you can do with your kit.
One Last Thing……Organising Your Toddler Craft Kit
If you’re wondering how to store or organise your toddler craft kit, the first and only thing you need to do is KEEP IT SIMPLE
Here’s my real-mom setup:
- Ziploc bags for small supplies like buttons, googly eyes, pom-poms, cotton balls, sponge pieces, washi tape, clothespins, and stickers.
- Recycled coffee bottles or containers for scissors, pencils, markers, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, crayons.
- An airtight container or a plastic bag for your homemade or store-bought playdough.
- All of it lives in a shoebox, clear bin or any empty carton you have at home – out of reach from tiny hands.
Just make it, grab it and go!
Final Thoughts (From One Amazing Mom to Another)
This kit has saved me more times than I can count. It’s my “We need something to do right now” solution, and it works every time. Your child doesn’t care if it’s fancy; all they care about is having fun with you. And, of course, something to poke, squish, stick, or scribble on.
Print the checklist. Build your box. And next time your toddler is… well, being a toddler, you’ll be ready.
If this post helped you, please share it with a fellow mama.
