Low cost crafts: 7 paper-based activities

1. Apple Craft

The activity – Toddler Apple Craft for Fine Motor Skills – by ABC Creative Learning

In a nutshell – We reckon it’s way more absorbing to rip and tear paper than to colour shapes with crayons. Or at least, it’s a nice alternative that will keep the little ones busy for a while, all while improving their fine motor skills.

What you need –

• Red, Green and Brown Paper
• Paper Plate
• Glue

Our tip? – Older kids may enjoy turning this craft into a puzzle by cutting out different shapes of paper.

2. Clothespin Shark

The activity – Clothespin Sharks by KiX

In a nutshell – An easy way to bring cut-outs to life with nothing more than a clothespin. You may need to assist kids with the hot glue part, but the fun they’ll have with this simple and interactive toy is definitely worth it.

What you need –

• Clothespin
• Light Blue (or Grey), Orange and White Paper
• Toothpick
• Grey or Black Marker Pen
• Scissors, Glue, Hot Glue

Our tip? – Kids can make different animals and learn all about the basics of the food chain.

3. Paperhouse Cards

The activity – I Love My Family by Krokotak

In a nutshell – Bring the traditional house drawing activity to the next level. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to abstract thinking.

What you need –

• White Paper
• Crayons
• Scissors

Our tip? – Use it as a lovely little introduction to the craft of storytelling and come up with simple tales with a twist revealed after opening the cards.

4. Paper Chain Caterpillar

The activity – Paper Chain Caterpillar by DLTK Kids

In a nutshell – You might remember this craft from Christmas decorating time, but here you’re making cute bugs that fit the summery scenery better. This repetitive activity is not only engaging but also relaxing.

What you need –

• Paper in Two or Three Colours
• Marker Pen
• Wiggly Eyes (Optional)
• Scissors, Glue

Our tip? – Turn it into a teamworking competition and show kids that the more of them participate in creating one bug, the faster it grows.

5. Paper Spinner

The activity – DIY Paper Spinner for Endless Fun by Make and Takes

In a nutshell – With the crazy boom of fidget spinners as proof, we can definitely recommend this DIY version for smaller kids. They will be amazed at how their drawings change shape when they start to spin.

What you need –

• String
• Cardboard and Paper Circles
• Marker Pens or Crayons
• Scissors, Glue

6. Paper Plate Tambourines

The activity – Make Paper Plate Tambourines by education.com

In a nutshell – Let your kids’ creativity run free by decorating a paper edition of one of the most classic instruments. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a musical prodigy in your setting?

What you need –

• Paper Plates
• Dried Beans
• Stapler
• Marker Pens
• Stickers, Glitter and Other Things to Decorate

Our tip? – Combine these with musical shakers and turn your nursery into a small orchestra for a day or two.

7. Scissor Skills

The activity – Scissor Skills Crash Course by The Ot Toolbox

In a nutshell – Time for some serious fine motor skill development. Draw different shapes on pieces of paper and show children how to follow them with scissors. Start with simple lines and move on to more complex forms like squares.

What you need –

• Kid-friendly Scissors
• Colourful Paper
• Marker Pens

Our tip? – Check out this extensive article on how to teach preschoolers to use scissors properly.