School holidays are the perfect time to get creative with children. Crafts are not only fun but also help develop imagination, fine motor skills, and confidence. Whether you're looking for quick activities or longer projects, these ideas are simple, affordable, and perfect for keeping kids entertained.
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✂️ 1. Paper Plate Animals
Turn simple paper plates into animals like lions, frogs, or ladybirds.
What you need:
- Paper plates
- Paint or colouring pens
- Glue
- Scissors
Why kids love it:
They can create their favourite animals and get messy with paint!
🎨 2. Handprint Art
Create keepsakes using painted handprints.
Ideas to try:
- Handprint flowers
- Butterflies
- Family trees
💡 Great for younger children and makes lovely memories.
🌈 3. DIY Rainbow Collage
Let kids explore colours with a fun collage.
What you need:
- Coloured paper or magazines
- Glue
- Card
Kids can cut and stick different shades to create a bright rainbow masterpiece.
🪨 4. Painted Rocks
A simple outdoor craft that’s hugely popular.
What to do:
- Collect smooth stones
- Paint them with patterns, animals, or smiley faces
👉 Hide them in the garden or local area for others to find!
🧵 5. Friendship Bracelets
Perfect for older children.
What you need:
- Embroidery thread or wool
Kids can create bracelets for friends or family—great for building patience and creativity.
🧵 How to Make an Easy Friendship Bracelet
- Cut 3–6 strands of embroidery thread (about 30–40cm long)
- Tie a knot at the top and secure it (tape it to a table or clip it)
- Separate the strands and start tying simple knots from left to right
- Repeat the pattern until the bracelet is long enough
- Tie a knot at the end to finish
💡 Use bright colours and patterns to make each bracelet unique—and perfect for sharing with friends!
🖍️ 6. Homemade Cards
Encourage children to design their own cards for birthdays or holidays.
Ideas:
- Pop-up cards
- Glitter designs
- Stickers and drawings
🧻 7. Toilet Roll Crafts
Don’t throw away those cardboard tubes!
Make:
- Binoculars
- Rockets
- Animals
These are budget-friendly and surprisingly versatile.
🧁 8. Decorate Cupcakes
A fun mix of crafting and baking!
Let kids:
- Add icing
- Sprinkle decorations
- Create themed designs
🍰 Bonus: they get to eat their creations!
🌿 9. Nature Crafts
Bring the outdoors in.
Collect:
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Twigs
Create:
- Leaf prints
- Nature collages
- Stick art
✨ 10. DIY Slime or Playdough
A sensory favourite!
Why it’s great:
- Fun to make
- Even more fun to play with
- Can be customised with colours and glitter
How to Make Slime or Playdough (Quick Guide)
Simple Slime Recipe:
- Mix 100ml PVA glue with ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- Add a few drops of food colouring
- Stir in 1–2 tsp contact lens solution until it forms slime
- Knead until smooth and stretchy
Easy Playdough Recipe:
- Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, and 1 tbsp cream of tartar
- Add 1 cup water and 1 tbsp oil
- Heat gently in a pan, stirring until it forms a dough
- Let it cool, then knead
💡 Store both in airtight containers to keep them fresh for longer!
💡 Tips for Stress-Free Crafting
- Cover surfaces with newspaper or a tablecloth
- Use washable paints and glue
- Keep a “craft box” with basic supplies
- Let kids be creative—there’s no right or wrong!
🎉 Final Thoughts
Crafting is one of the best ways to keep children entertained during school holidays—without screens. With just a few simple materials, you can create hours of fun, laughter, and creativity.
Plus, you’ll end up with some wonderful handmade keepsakes to treasure.
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