A well-stocked box of crafts materials that kids have access to gives them the opportunity to explore their creativity while working of problem-solving skills as they construct different projects.
It isn’t necessary to go out and purchase everything on this list at one time. Consider the child’s age and interests when organizing a bin of craft supplies. Provide access to items that children can pull out on their own without having to ask permission.
Build a Basic Bin of Craft Supplies
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Pencil sharpener
- Felt tip or rolling ball pen in black
- White correction fluid
- Crayons
- Markers
- Colored Pencils
- Watercolor Paint Palette
- Poster Paints – Supply washable paints for children under age ten
- Ruler
- Scissors
- A hole punch for children who possess the strength and dexterity to use one.
- Stapler
- Tape – Plan on kids “wasting” tape so buy inexpensive tape for them to play with. Give kids the opportunity to learn how to position tape to hold things together. Clear tape is easier for kids to use than masking tape, which is more difficult to tear.
- White glue – Kids will use more glue than necessary as they learn how to much they really need for different projects. Give them a small bottle and refill from a larger bottle tucked away.
- Glue sticks
- Craft sticks – Turn wood craft-sticks into picture frames, puppet bodies, buildings, etc. They are useful to run along paper to make sharp creases.
- Chenille stems
- Pompoms
- Feathers
- Pony beads
- Construction paper – Loose paper is easier to use than paper bound into a pad. Encourage children to keep a box of scrap paper.
- White paper for drawings
- White polymer clay that can be painted
- Stickers
- Rhinestone
- Glitter or Glitter Glue
Other Items for Craft Projects
- Brown or white lunch bags – Great for puppet making, decorating as gift bags, or stuffing with newspaper and turning into body shapes for animals.
- Paper plates – Either whole or cut in half, they are perfect for the base of masks, flowers, and animals.
- Aluminum foil, waxed paper, and plastic wrap – These are handy for some projects.
- Cotton Balls – Use to decorate clouds, sheep, or stuff small three-dimensional objects.
Storing Craft Materials
A tackle box-style art bin allows items to be sorted and separated, making items easier to find and use. Go with something a little bigger than might be needed so there is room for more stuff later on.
Select bright colors and avoid decorations so even as the child grows, they will still enjoy bringing the box out without thinking of it as something for a “little” kid. Even if the child stops doing craft projects, they can sort other small items into the box.
A plastic bin or simple plastic drawer unit is useful for organizing paper if the child works on a variety of paper craft projects.
Giving a Craft Box for a Gift
Set a budget beforehand and keep a running tally in mind as items are tossed into a shopping basket. Think of a theme – drawing/painting, sculpture, decorating, etc., so items go together.
The bright colors of chenille stems, beads, feathers and pompoms will look exciting in a gift bag. Paper, scissors, glue, tape, and markers offer the child opportunities to draw and do other paper crafts.
Providing a box of craft supplies allows a child to explore his creative side while working on fine motor and problem-solving skills. Consider a child’s age and interests when providing materials that she will have access to when she decides to work on a project.
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