50 Easy Crafts for Toddlers (Low Prep & Low Mess Activities)

Looking for easy crafts for toddlers that don’t require tons of supplies or setup time? You’re in the right place.

As a busy parent, you want activities that are simple, engaging, and low prep—not crafts that take longer to set up than your toddler actually spends doing them. These 50 easy toddler crafts are perfect for ages 1–3, require minimal materials, and most use items you already have at home.

Whether you need a quick afternoon activity, a rainy-day idea, or something to keep little hands busy while you make dinner, this list has you covered.

If you’re looking for even more low mess activities, check out my full list of low-mess toddler crafts that parents love.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Why Low-Prep Crafts Are Perfect for Toddlers

Low-prep toddler crafts:

• Encourage creativity without overwhelming kids
• Support fine motor skills and sensory exploration
• Reduce mess (and parent stress 😅)
• Are easy to repeat again and again

👉 Pro tip: Toddlers care more about the process than the final product. There’s no wrong way to craft at this age.

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50 Easy Crafts for Toddlers (Low Prep)

🎨 Paper & Drawing Crafts

1. Crayon scribble art
2. Sticker collage on paper
3. Dot marker pictures
4. Stamp with sponge shapes
5. Tape-resist drawing (draw, then peel!)
6. Color with chunky crayons
7. Shape tracing with cookie cutters
8. Roll a toy car through paint
9. Draw with washable markers
10. Paper tearing collage

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🖐 Sensory & Texture Crafts

11. Finger painting in a ziplock bag
12. Bubble wrap painting
13. Cotton ball glue art
14. Texture rubbings with crayons
15. Sand painting with glue
16. Sensory paint using yogurt + food coloring
17. Feather painting
18. Rice sprinkle art
19. Fabric scrap collage
20. Foil emboss art

💡 Want these ideas organized and ready to use?
Grab the free Toddler Craft Supply Checklist + Weekly Planner and make craft time stress-free.

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🧻 Recycled & Household Crafts

21. Paper towel roll painting
22. Egg carton color sorting
23. Cardboard box coloring
24. Lid stamping with paint
25. Cereal box collage
26. Bottle cap art
27. Muffin tin color sorting
28. Newspaper painting
29. Toilet paper roll stamping
30. Coffee filter coloring

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🌈 No-Mess or Low-Mess Crafts

31. Water painting on construction paper
32. Magic color reveal (white crayon + watercolor)
33. Sticker-by-number sheets
34. Dry erase board drawing
35. Reusable sticker scenes
36. Window clings play
37. Paint with water only
38. Felt board designs
39. Velcro shape matching
40. Busy binder coloring pages

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✂️ Fine Motor Skill Crafts

41. Pom-pom transfer with spoon
42. Threading beads on pipe cleaners
43. Large peg board designs
44. Playdough sculpting
45. Sticker peeling practice
46. Tearing paper strips
47. Clothespin clipping game
48. Finger painting dots
49. Lacing cards
50. Stacking foam shapes

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Supplies You’ll Use Over and Over

You don’t need a craft closet to make these work. Most crafts use:

• Paper & cardboard
• Washable paint or crayons these are easy cleanup and perfect for stress-free crafting
• Stickers choose a selection of dots, animals and shapes for lots of variety
• Glue sticks you can never have enough glue sticks buy plain, purple disapearing and glitter glue sticks for variety
• Household recyclables, save egg cartons, toilet paper tubes and disposable food containers.
• Chunky crayons these are perfect for small hands and don’t break as easily
• Dot markers these provide bold color, minimal mess and lots of room for creativity.

👉 Keep a “toddler craft bin” stocked with basics so activities are always grab-and-go.

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Safety Tips for Toddler Craft Time

• Always supervise closely
• Use non-toxic, washable supplies
• Avoid small choking hazards
• Dress toddlers in an art smock or old clothes

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Make Craft Time Easier (Free Printable)

Want these ideas organized and ready to use?

👉 Download the free Toddler Craft Supply Checklist
Perfect for planning stress-free craft time all week long.

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Final Thoughts

Crafting with toddlers doesn’t need to be complicated. These easy, low-prep toddler crafts are designed to fit into real life—short attention spans, busy schedules, and all.

For more simple activities your toddler will love, don’t miss my favorite easy toddler activities at home.

Save this list on Pinterest, download the free supply checklist, and share with another parent who needs craft ideas! ❤️