Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

Affordable DIY Kids Crafts Supplies You Can Buy Today for Endless Fun

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Affordable DIY Kids Crafts Supplies You Can Buy Today for Endless Fun
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DIY kids crafts are not only fun, but also beneficial for your child’s development. Many crafts improve fine motor skills and help kids cultivate a creative, problem-solving mindset according to Scholastic. Plus, bringing projects to life gives kids self-confidence in their abilities and talents. Although art supplies and classes can be expensive, there are cheap DIY crafts you can make at home, such as clay ornaments and friendship bracelets. If you’re on a budget, check out our list of affordable DIY kids crafts supplies below.

DIY Kids Crafts That Won’t Break the Bank

Bracelet Making Kit 

Bracelet Making Kits are fun
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Making friendship bracelets isn’t just a DIY kid’s craft—it’s a fun and relaxing hobby for teens and adults too. Thanks to Taylor Swift, many music fans exchange colorful bracelets at concerts and festivals. So the whole family will have a great time creating custom jewelry that they can keep or swap with others. 

If you’re on a budget, check out this affordable bracelet-making kit from Dowsabel. It has everything you need to get started, including 4,500 clay beads, clasps, charms, scissors, string, and more. 

Building and Painting Kit

Building and Painting Kits are fun
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Building and painting kits can help your child develop fine motor skills while cultivating their creativity. Putting together wooden models is a fun way for kids to improve their hand-eye coordination. Your child will also enjoy customizing their toy with colorful paint and stickers that express their personality. Plus, they’ll be able to play with it once they’re done crafting, providing hours of entertainment.

There are many different types of models, including race cars, dinosaurs, and even marine animals. So you’ll definitely be able to find a kit that matches your child’s interests. However, keep in mind that a model with small parts could be a choking hazard for younger kids.

Spirograph 

Spirographs are fun for all ages
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Spirographs offer kids a window into a fascinating world where art and math collide. Spirographs are curved shapes that follow the basic principles of geometry. Kids can create them using a spirograph kit, which comes with plastic wheels and rings to help them draw intricate designs. The kit also contains colorful pens, sheets of drawing paper, and a guidebook with step-by-step instructions. 

This DIY kid’s craft was popular in the 1960s and has stood the test of time. You might’ve even had a spirograph set when you were a child! 

Air Dry Clay 

Air Dry Clay is fun
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Air-dry clay is ideal for DIY kid’s crafts because it hardens and holds its shape. Your child can use it to sculpt ornaments, small figurines, trinket dishes, fairy houses, and more. You can also find fun tutorials online, such as this dyed pasta mosaic that’s set in self-hardening clay. 

The best way to get started is to purchase an affordable set of air-dry clay like this one from Fenmay. It comes with 36 different colors of clay and various sculpting tools, allowing your child to bring their vision to life. 

Tape 

Tape is fun
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Tape probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of DIY kid’s craft supplies. However, duct tape can be turned into many beautiful, practical objects, from wallets to bracelets to bow ties. Duck Brand has hundreds of craft ideas on its website, including cute holiday decorations like this Valentine’s Day wreath. Duck brand tape comes in adorable patterns like checker, leopard, and tie-dye, allowing your child to create a colorful work of art.

Kids can also play with painter’s tape and use it to make a racetrack for toy cars. Or try outlining a hopscotch court on the floor for hours of indoor entertainment on rainy days.

Dot Markers 

Dot makers are fun
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Are your kids bored with regular drawing supplies like crayons and colored pencils? Check out these dot markers, which have a large, round sponge tip. The special dauber creates a big circle when pressed on the page, giving your child’s art a unique effect. The markers are even waterproof, making cleanup a breeze. There are lots of free dot activity printables and coloring sheets online, so this is an affordable DIY kids craft.

Pipe Cleaners 

Pipe Cleaners are fun
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Last but not least, pipe cleaners are a great addition to your stash of DIY kid’s craft supplies. They’re easy for little hands to bend into a wide variety of shapes, such as flowers and hearts. The fuzzy texture also provides a pleasant sensory experience for kids of all ages. You can get a pack of 200 multicolor pipe cleaners for the price of a cup of coffee, so this activity won’t break the bank.

What are your favorite DIY kid’s crafts? Share your project ideas in the comments below!

11 Unique Parenting Techniques from the 90s That Are Worth Revisiting

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parenting 90s

While parenting techniques have evolved over the years, some unique approaches from the 90s may still hold value today. These unconventional methods offer a fresh perspective on raising children and can foster strong bonds between parents and their kids. Let’s explore 11 unique parenting techniques from the 90s worth revisiting.

1. Treasure Hunts for Chores

In the 90s, transforming chores into exciting treasure hunts was a creative parenting technique. Parents crafted clues and riddles leading children to their next household task. This innovative approach made mundane activities enjoyable and engaging for kids. Not only did it make chores fun, but it also honed children’s problem-solving abilities. By turning housework into a game, children learned to approach tasks with enthusiasm.

2. DIY Craft Days

The 90s were a golden era for fostering creativity through DIY craft days. Parents encouraged their children to explore their artistic side with various materials. These craft days were pivotal in boosting children’s creative confidence. Engaging in art and craft activities provided a fun outlet for self-expression. Such activities were crucial in developing children’s artistic abilities and imagination.

3. Family Game Nights

Family game nights were a quintessential part of 90s home life. Reviving this tradition can strengthen family bonds through playful competition. Board games of the era provided both entertainment and educational value. These nights taught children valuable lessons in sportsmanship and teamwork. Regular game nights ensured quality family time and created lasting memories.

4. Allowance Tied to Savings

In the 90s, some parents linked allowances to children’s savings efforts. This method taught kids the value of saving money from a young age. Parents would often match the amount their child saved, encouraging fiscal responsibility. Such practices instilled a sense of financial discipline and planning. This innovative approach to allowances laid the groundwork for smart money management.

5. “No Homework” Days

The occasional “no homework” day was a popular 90s parenting strategy. These breaks provided children with a much-needed respite from academic pressures. Implementing such days helped maintain a balance between study and leisure. It also encouraged kids to engage in other creative or outdoor activities. These days were instrumental in fostering a more rounded and stress-free learning environment.

6. Pajama Story Nights

Pajama story nights were a beloved 90s bedtime ritual. Parents and children would don pajamas for a cozy storytelling session. This practice not only nurtured a love for reading but also strengthened family bonds. The relaxed atmosphere made bedtime an eagerly awaited part of the day. These nights were key in establishing a comforting and enjoyable bedtime routine.

7. Mystery Dinners

Mystery dinners added an element of intrigue and fun to mealtime. Parents would create clues for children to decipher the evening’s menu. This concept turned dining into an interactive and adventurous experience. It was a unique way to engage children’s curiosity and problem-solving skills. Such dinners made regular meals exciting and memorable for the whole family.

8. DIY Science Experiments

The ’90s saw a surge in the popularity of home-based science experiments. Parents encouraged exploration and learning through practical science activities. These experiments made learning fun and fostered a love for science and technology. Conducting experiments at home provided hands-on educational experiences. This approach helped demystify scientific concepts and sparked lifelong interests in STEM fields.

9. Reverse Punishment

Reverse punishment was a novel disciplinary method in the 90s. Rather than traditional punishments, children were assigned educational and enjoyable tasks. This technique aimed to teach lessons through positive experiences. It encouraged children to reflect on their actions in a constructive manner. This approach was effective in promoting good behavior and instilling valuable life lessons.

10. Invention Day

Setting aside a day for inventions was a creative way to encourage innovation. Children were given the freedom to create anything they imagined. This practice nurtured creativity and problem-solving skills. It provided a supportive environment for expressing unique ideas. “Invention Day” was instrumental in developing future thinkers and inventors.

11. Nature Camping Trips

In the 90s, camping trips were a way to introduce families to outdoor adventures. These excursions provided valuable lessons in nature and survival skills. Spending time in nature was crucial for children’s physical and mental well-being. Camping fostered a sense of independence and respect for the environment. Such trips were key in creating a lasting appreciation for the natural world.

Reviving 90s Parenting Magic

Incorporating these innovative 90s parenting techniques into modern family life can bring a touch of nostalgia and create unforgettable experiences. From treasure hunts for chores to nature camping trips, these methods showcase the timeless creativity and resourcefulness of parents. They not only add fun and excitement to everyday routines but also contribute significantly to children’s growth and development.

Choose one or more of these unique 90s parenting techniques to try with your family. Witness the positive impact and joy they bring to your 21st-century parenting journey!