Arts and crafts are the best way to unleash your toddler’s artistic skills. It is the best activity where your toddler can learn by simply observing and creating. Toddler crafts need not be expensive. Just use your imagination and make the most out of the things you already have at home. The following are some of the most popular toddler craft ideas you and your child can do together.

Alphabet Collage Book

You will need:

• Printable alphabet templates
• Heavy paper
• Crayons
• Markers
• Magazines
• Ribbon
• Hole puncher
• Scissors
• Glue stick

For every page, place a different letter of the alphabet. Paste each alphabet template on the heavy paper. For extra appeal, cut pictures in the magazines that represent each letter. Once done, fasten all of the pages together and secure it with a paper fastener or a pretty ribbon.

Collage

You will need:

• Card stock
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Glue
• Scissors

Let your toddler take control of his collage. He can place anything he likes on the card stock. Start by cutting out pictures of his favorites (e.g. things, cartoon character, place, animal, etc.). Combine all the cut out images together and paste. Or, why not make a pattern he can follow. Draw a big tree or a racetrack and have him fill up the spaces with pictures.

Color Mixing

You will need:

• Paint (in different shades)
• Bond Papers

Paint your toddler’s hands two different colors. He can simply imprint the colors onto the paper. Let him rub his hands together to combine the color. Again, print the mixed color onto the paper so your toddler can see the change of colors. Color mixing is an easy toddler craft idea which allows your toddler to recognize the concept of the color spectrum.

Greeting Cards

You will need:

• Colorful construction papers
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers and crayons
• Embellishments (beads, glitters, pictures, etc.)

Make a greeting card for birthdays, weddings, holidays and other special occasions. Just simply fold a special paper (see to it is thick enough so it can stand) into half and let your toddler decorate away. Make sure to leave space for your personal message.

Masks

You will need:

• Mask templates
• Hard paper
• Glue or Paste
• String
• Colors and Markers

Another popular craft idea for children, making masks is fun because it lets your toddler role play and pretend that he is someone else by wearing the mask he made. Go through children’s websites that have printable mask patterns. Print different templates so your toddler can choose from a wide selection. Let your toddler color his mask. Help him cut the eye holes. For a sturdier support, paste the mask under a construction paper or a cardboard. Punch holes on opposite sides and string a thread or ribbon.

Play Dough

To add more fun, instead of buying clays in toy stores, both you and your toddler can make your own play dough’s.

You will need:

• 2 cups of flour
• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups of warm water
• 1 cup of salt
• Food coloring

Mix all of these together under low heat until the dough thickens and resembles mashed potatoes. Knead and add food coloring. Your little one can simply shape the clay into various shapes and sizes by just cutting the play dough to tiny pieces using a plastic toy knife or scissors. Your toddler can have the grandest time scooping, molding and poking dough’s. You may also use cookie cutters to add shape to your clay.