Arts and Crafts for Toddlers

Montessori-inspired arts and crafts activities to encourage self-expression.

Author

Lizmarie Oliveras
November 25, 2024

In partnership with

Hi mama,

We’ve finally made it to the last type of activity: Arts and Crafts!

If you’re just catching up, here’s what we’ve covered so far:

Now, let’s get back to the fun stuff. Listen, I’m a crafty mama, so since my little one was born, I’ve been dying to do little crafts with her. However, I quickly realized how important it is to introduce these activities at the right time and with the right mindset.

In the Montessori approach, for example, the focus is on the process over the product. I love that! This allows our little ones to explore, create, and express themselves freely, without any pressure. Through these hands-on activities, they get to experience new textures, strengthen their fine motor skills, build concentration, and let their imaginations run wild.

So, if you’re a Type A perfectionist like me, take a deep breath, let go, and embrace the mess! Whatever the craft was “supposed” to be doesn’t matter as much as allowing our little ones to experience the beauty of self-expression. And trust me, the mess is worth it.

In joyful motherhood,
Liz

Arts and Crafts Activities

Here are some simple arts and crafts ideas by age:

For 12 months and younger (with supervision):

  1. Drawing with chunky crayons – Perfect for introducing colors and early grasping.

  2. Watercolors – Dip a brush and let them explore gentle strokes and blending.

  3. Finger painting – Sensory and colorful, perfect for little hands and early mark-making.

Around 18 - 24 months: 

4. Scissors practice – With blunt, toddler-safe scissors, introduce cutting basics.
5. Gluing – Let them stick paper or shapes onto another surface, building creativity and fine motor skills.
6. Clay and playdough – Great for building hand strength, exploration, and creative molding.

Around 2.5 years: 

7. Simple sewing activities – Introduce safe sewing, like threading yarn through holes, for focus and hand-eye coordination.

At any age:

8. Visit to the local museum - Many museums have free days, so keep an eye out for that. Play a game of spotting colors or naming animals, adding an extra layer of fun and learning.

More ideas:

🦃 Build your own turkey- free printable.
❄️ To see Winter-Inspired craft ideas, click here.

My Favorite Non-Toxic Art Supplies

  1. Vegan Finger Paints - great quality, and a little goes a long way. Check them out here.

  2.  Pure Beeswax Crayons - they glide easily and are non-toxic, making them perfect for little hands. Click here to get them.

  3. Non-Toxic Watercolor Paint Set - made using food-grade ingredients making them safer for toddlers and children to use. Click here to see it.

  4. Rounded Tip Scissors - this set includes three training scissors and cutting practice sheets. See it here.

  5. Non-Toxic Sidewalk Chalk - are great way to explore color and texture, this set is vibrant and sturdy. Get them here.

  6. Non-Toxic Play Dough - If you don’t have time to make your own, this is a great alternative. Buy them here.

  7. Wooden Lacing Cards - sewing improves fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and concentration. This set is a great place to start!

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p.s. All my free printables are available here.


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