25 Of The Best Toddler Crafts For Little Hands

This collection of arts and crafts is perfect for little hands. And big hands, too. Because let's be real, you're going to want to join in.

1. Homemade Scented Play Dough

lilsugar.com

Um, remember Play-Doh? It was always so fun until it hardened into a rock or you tried eating it and couldn't feel your tongue for a few weeks. Well, now there's a recipe that's just as fun and probably a lot less toxic! Plus, this recipe is made with powdered drink mixes, which means it smells good. It's like smelly markers and Play-Doh all mixed into one. Please don't eat it, though.

2. Handprint Fall Tree Craft

lilsugar.com

Trees are probably the most drawn object in the entire world. Why not amp up the game a bit with some paint and cotton swabs? Plus, who DOESN'T want to turn their hand into a tree? It beats that old hand-as-turkey project any day.

3. Torn Paper Shape Collage

lilsugar.com

If you're feeling "torn" about what kind of picture to do (sorry, that joke was begging to be made), you can go for some minimalistic shapes, or try to copy another image. It's easier than it sounds, promise.

4. Wooden Block Prints

lilsugar.com

Are you ashamed of the blocks gathering dust in a box in the hall closet? Ever since iPads happened, blocks probably aren't the first option. Here's an opportunity to dust 'em off and put 'em to good use in a fun and colorful way.

5. DIY Stamps

playbasedlearning.com.au

You can't deny the satisfaction stamping gives you. Here's a way to make artistic, abstract stamps using everyday objects. From Irresistible Ideas For Play Based Learning.

6. Plastic Bead Suncatcher

artfulparent.com

Get ready to take arts 'n' crafts to the next level. That's right, we're talking some bead-melting genius that will melt your face with its awesomeness. This DIY comes from The Artful Parent, and will help your child feel like the best new artist to hit the scene.

7. Negative Leaf Impressions

tinkerlab.com

There's finally a use for all the pretty leaves you found on the ground and didn't know what to do with. Instead of painting and pressing them onto paper, check out this exciting idea from Tinkerlab. Create negative leaf impressions while building fine motor skills by spraying leaves with liquid watercolor paints.

8. Homemade Chalkboard Paint Wall Hanging

lilsugar.com

If your children are the kind who color all over your beautiful white walls, this might help be a good form of therapy. Plus, who doesn't want to have a mini chalkboard at their disposal? With this special paint, you can transform just about anything into a fun (and acceptable) drawing spot. And you can use any color of paint for the base, so you can let your inner control freak loose and match your chalkboard wall (or tray) to your decor.

9. Poppy Painting

tonyastaab.com

Do you see how happy this young child is?! You (or your child) can achieve this much glee with a DIY from Tonya Staab. Any boy or girl will love cutting circles and painting on a canvas — just like a real artist. We're pretty sure the end result would look fine next to some of the modern art in the MOMA.

10. Sand Painting Creation

lilsugar.com

We will not soon forget the labor of love required to make black magic paper. Maybe you should just opt out of all the work and go for some magical sand painting instead. Using black construction paper looks just as cool and really makes the artwork pop.

11. Sticker Paint Creation

lilsugar.com

Use foam stickers and finger paint to mix together this colorful and fun art project. But you know, don't use too many colors or it'll just turn into a greenish-brown mess (we've all been there).

12. Paper Photo Frames

We say, "Screw those dry macaroni frames!" This is the dawn of a new era of frame making. Think outside of the macaroni-encrusted box with this craft from Martha Stewart. Your child will hone fine motor skills while cutting paper, plus they'll feel way more accomplished and you can still cook pasta for dinner.

Photo by Anna Williams, courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

13. Bubble Wrap Paint Print

lilsugar.com

Just when you thought bubble wrap couldn't get any more magical/mysterious/endlessly entertaining. This bubble wrap print (made from painting on the bubble wrap if you hadn't guessed) will have any child (and most adults) dying to order something fragile from Amazon and go to town.

14. Play Binoculars

lilsugar.com

While these paper towel tubes won't really enhance vision as play binoculars, they'll definitely enhance play time. You can get all Harriet the Spy on your neighbors or track new species of neighborhood cat.

15. Fossil Cookies

We're pretty sure that every child, at some point in his/her young life, fantasizes about digging up dinosaur bones. We all secretly suspect there are some remains in our back yards, don't we? Now you can relieve some tension with these fossil cookies from Martha Stewart, and eat them after. That way, you won't be tempted to eat real fossils when you find them. You never know.

Photo by Simon Watson, courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

16. Faux Stained Glass Window

lilsugar.com

All those stained glass windows in cathedrals ain't got NOTHIN' on this little project. All you need is a really fancy (not fancy works as well) plastic lid, and you'll have your own stained glass window in no time. Hang it up and the admirers will come from all corners of the world to bask in the glory.

17. Cloud Dough

tinkerlab.com

This dough is one of those strange science wonders that most adults can't even properly explain. It's powdery one moment and wet and sandy the next. Don't even ask, the most scientific explanation we have is, "Because, you know. Stuff mixes together to make stuff."

18. Rolled Golf Ball Paint Craft

lilsugar.com

There's something satisfying about rolling a golf ball through paint to create this easy golf ball painting. Maybe it's those little ridges.

19. Bubble Paint

lilsugar.com

Now this is something you don't see every day. We dare you to find one person who doesn't love blowing and popping bubbles (you can't). They'll love the effect of colorful bubbles to create this popping masterpiece. Even if you don't have a kid, we're pretty sure you'll be doing this like, tomorrow.

20. Comb-Painted Rainbows

notimeforflashcards.com

If trees are the most commonly depicted object in child artwork, rainbows follow shortly thereafter. Plus, every household has about 6 or 7 spare combs at all times for whatever reason we can't explain. Put them to use with this project from No Time For Flashcards.

21. Spray Paint Craft

lilsugar.com

Make your tot's name really pop with this colorful spray-paint craft. It's super awesome looking, and it might make up for the fact that you named your child Beiia. Oh, wait. Maybe it's Bella. We also recommend consistency in lettering.

22. Edible Finger Food

lilsugar.com

Finger paint that's also pudding?! We can't. Is this heaven? All you have to do to mix these edible finger paints is use pudding and a few drops of food coloring. We're mad that we've only used food coloring to make green eggs and ham and cookie frosting up to this point.

Source: POPSUGAR Moms

23. Acorn Cap Jewels

Make all the squirrels in the neighborhood jealous with your collection of luxurious acorn cap jewels from Paint Cut Paste! It's super easy and fun, and all the forest creatures will probably call you their new ruler (note: this isn't a guarantee).

Source: Paint Cut Paste

24. Colorful Apple Print Place Mats

lilsugar.com

Since apples are basically huge liars and eating one a day doesn't really keep the doctor away, you may as well show them who's boss by cutting them up and using them in your artwork. That'll teach 'em.

25. Homemade Goop

lilsugar.com

Have you ever played with this stuff before?! It's also known as oobleck, and it's sometimes a liquid and sometimes solid. Yeah, we don't get it either but it will keep you mesmerized for HOURS. We kid you not.

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