111 Fun DIY Kids Craft Ideas for the New Year

Okay, listen.

The New Year is here, and we’ve all got that resolution buzz, right? “This year, I’ll be more creative with my kids,” “I’ll spend more quality time,” or “This year will be totally screen free.”

Yep, me too. So I’ve thought about all the things that I can try with Luca as he is getting older. I’ve done a lot of crafting with my mum and grandma as a kid. And have really fond memories of that time.

I collected this ultimate list of 100 DIY kids craft ideas that are fun, doable, and something for every age.

I also included some started sets I’ve found on Amazon to get started (optional). A lot of stuff doesn’t need fancy materials.

Just a heads-up! Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. This means if you click and purchase something, I might earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you (yay for you, yay for me!). I’m all about recommending products I truly love or think you’ll find super helpful. Every little bit helps keep this blog running, so thanks for the support! 💖

Paper Crafts (a.k.a. The Glue-and-Cut Madness)

You know that pile of random papers you’ve been hoarding? I am the kind of person, who has a hard time throwing stuff away. Seriously I still have some paper from when I was a student. So yeah, time to put those to good use.

1. Paper plate crafts: Aka lions, tigers, and pandas—oh my! Get cheap paper plates here.

2. Origami animals and Co: Start with a simple frog or crane here is a starter set. (YouTube tutorials are your BFF.) Or make paper Planes. I loved those as a kid.

3. Handprint art: Trace, cut, glue—boom, you’ve got a masterpiece.
4. DIY greeting cards: Perfect for birthdays, New Year’s, or just because you want to send gratitude. For more gratitude ideas check this post on teaching gratitude.
5. Paper lanterns: Add some sparkle with glitter (if you dare).
6. Tissue paper collage: Think stained glass windows… but stickier.
7. Newspaper hats: Pirate vibes for everyone! My grandma used to make those for me <3
8. Paper Weaving Mats: each weaving by cutting slits into one paper sheet and weaving strips through it.
9. Confetti poppers: Pop into the new year with a bang (literally).
10. Paper bag crafts: Bring those lunch bags to life.
11. DIY Paper Kites: Make small, simple kites out of craft paper, string, and some popsicle sticks or get a starter set here:

12. Paper Chain Garlands: Create colorful garlands by looping and gluing paper strips together.

Nature Crafts (Because Leaves and Rocks Are Free)

Step outside, grab some supplies, and channel your inner wilderness explorer.

25. Tree bark rubbings: Textures galore!
26. Leaf rubbings: A classic that never gets old.
27. Rock painting: Faces, animals, or abstract designs. Perfect for grandmas plants.

28. Stick art: Build a mini teepee or a picture frame.
29. Pinecone animals: Add googly eyes and voila!
30. Pressed flower bookmarks: Fancy and functional.
31. Nature mobiles: Hang sticks, leaves, and feathers for a rustic vibe.
32. Seashell wind chimes: If you’ve got shells from summer, use ‘em!
33. Mud painting: Yes, it’s messy, but kids LOVE it.

Upcycled Crafts (a.k.a. Trash to Treasure)

Let’s be eco-friendly and turn that junk into art.

34. Bottle cap magnets: Paint ‘em, stick a magnet on, done.
35. Toilet paper crafts Blast off into creativity.
36. Cereal or card board box houses: A dollhouse or garage—your choice.
37. Tin can planters: Fancy up your empty cans.
38. Milk jug birdhouses: Birds will appreciate your efforts.
39. CD art: Old CDs + markers = shiny fun.
40. Plastic bottle flowers: Cut, shape, and paint.
41. Jar snow globes: Add glitter and tiny toys for a magical touch.
42. Crayon remelts: Melt broken crayons into fun new shapes.
43. Egg carton caterpillars: Add googly eyes for extra cuteness.

Holiday-Themed Crafts (Because Every Day Is a Celebration)

Got a holiday coming up? We’ve got crafts for that.

45. New Year’s crowns: Sparkly and fabulous.
46. Valentine’s Day heart garlands: Awww, so sweet.
47. Easter egg painting: Goes beyond basic dyeing.
48. Halloween masks: Scary or silly, you pick.
49. Thanksgiving turkeys: Handprint turkeys never go out of style.
50. Christmas ornaments: Start a new tradition.
51. Diwali lanterns: Brighten up the room.
52. Hanukkah dreidels: Paper, clay, or whatever you’ve got.
53. Lunar New Year dragons: Long, colorful, and so cool.
54. Birthday banners: Personalized and festive!

Miscellaneous Crafts (Because Why Not?)

These don’t fit neatly into a box, but they’re too fun to leave out.

55. Slime making: Sticky, stretchy fun.
56. DIY playdough: Endless hours of squishing.
57. Marble painting: Roll marbles in paint for abstract art.
58. Bubble wands: Bend wire into fun shapes.
59. DIY puzzles: Draw a picture, cut it up, and put it back together.
60. Shadow puppets: Craft animals for bedtime stories.
61. Glow-in-the-dark jars: A little magic for nighttime.
62. Foam crown tiaras: Because every kid is royalty.
63. Button art: Glue buttons to make patterns or pictures.
64. Treasure maps: Burn the edges for an authentic vibe.

Jewelry Making Crafts

If you want to accessorise up, those crafts are perfect.

65. Resin pendants – Encapsulate flowers or glitter in resin for pendants.
66. Clay earrings – Shape lightweight clay into fun, quirky designs.
67. Macramé necklaces – Knot intricate patterns for bohemian-style necklaces.
68. Hand-stamped metal pendants – Stamp initials or quotes onto metal pieces.
69. Wooden bead necklaces – Use natural materials for eco-friendly jewelry.

Pottery Crafts

I took a pottery course with my bf once. It’s harder than it looks, but a lot of fun.

70. Ceramic bowls – Throw functional bowls on a pottery wheel.
71. Clay coasters – Carve designs into coasters before firing.
72. Animal figurines – Shape cute animals to display or gift.
73. Jewelry dishes – Make mini dishes for rings and small items.
74. Garden gnomes – Sculpt whimsical gnomes for outdoor fun.
75. Wind chimes – Use clay pieces to make musical outdoor décor.

On Amazon I found this cute Pottery Set for kids. It has really good ratings. I wonder if it’s good for adults too?

Painting Crafts

If you just want to draw there are a lot of creative ways to make it more interesting.

76. Watercolor bookmarks – Paint delicate designs to mark your favorite book.
77. Glass jar art – Transform old jars into decorative candle holders.
78. Painted tote bags – Customize fabric totes with your own designs.
79. Paint-by-numbers – Relax while creating detailed paintings with guidance.
80. Mandala art – Paint intricate mandalas for relaxing creativity.

Decorative Crafts

Do you need some decoration for your home? You’ll love these ideas:

81. Wreath making – Craft seasonal wreaths for your front door.
82. Macramé wall hangings – Knot intricate patterns for boho-style décor.
83. Shadow boxes – Display meaningful items in custom-made frames.
84. Paper flowers – Create lifelike blooms that never wilt.
85. String art – Hammer nails into wood to design colorful string patterns.
86. Wind chimes – Assemble chimes with beads, shells, or bamboo.
87. Candle holders – Decorate glass jars or tins to hold candles.
88. Table centerpieces – Build unique displays for festive dining.
89. Mosaic art – Use broken tiles or glass to create beautiful patterns.
90. Dreamcatchers – Weave traditional or modern designs for peaceful vibes.
91. Decorative mirrors – Frame mirrors with seashells, twigs, or rope.
92. DIY picture frames – Customize frames with paint or embellishments.
93. Wall stencils – Paint stenciled designs on walls for an artistic touch.
94. Fairy light jars – Fill jars with fairy lights for magical ambiance.
95. Painted coasters – Add flair to plain coasters with vibrant designs.
96. Hand-painted vases – Transform plain vases into artistic statements.
97. Origami mobiles – Fold paper into shapes and hang them decoratively.
98. Seasonal garlands – String up paper, fabric, or natural materials.
99. Pressed flower art – Arrange dried flowers into frames or bookmarks.
100. Decorative cushions – Sew pillow covers with bold, fun patterns.

Culinary Crafts

So my niece and nephew introduced me to those chocolate making starter kits. They were super cute (thought a bit difficult for the kids). I think they are great to make together.

101. Cookie decorating – Ice cookies with intricate designs for special occasions.
102. Chocolate truffles – Make and decorate homemade truffle chocolates.
103. Homemade jams – Jar up and label sweet spreads as gifts.
104. Bread shaping – Sculpt bread dough into unique shapes before baking.
105. Gingerbread houses – Decorate festive houses with icing and candies.
106. Flavored butter – Infuse butter with herbs, honey, or spices.