The Best Craft Supplies to Always Have at Home for Kids (A Real Parent's List)
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The Best Craft Supplies to Always Have at Home for Kids (A Real Parent's List)
I'll be upfront with you — I am not a Pinterest mom.
I don't have a color-coded craft closet with labeled bins and matching containers. What I do have is a drawer that's seen better days, a stock of supplies that gets raided on a weekly basis, and a pretty solid sense of what actually gets used versus what collects dust.
So this isn't a list of everything you could buy. It's the list of what I actually reach for, what my kids actually use, and what makes the difference between a craft session that works and one that ends in frustration fifteen minutes in.
If you're building out your home craft supplies — whether you're just starting out or trying to figure out what's actually worth keeping on hand — this is the list I'd hand you.
The Non-Negotiables
These are the things I genuinely never want to run out of. If any of these disappear from the drawer, I feel it immediately.
Paper plates
I know, I know — but hear me out. Paper plates are one of the most versatile craft bases you can have. They're the right size for little hands, they hold paint without warping too badly, they're sturdy enough to cut and fold, and they're cheap enough that you don't stress when a kid goes rogue with the scissors. We use them constantly, which is actually a big part of why The Crafty Yak exists — our free templates are built around them for exactly this reason.
Construction paper
A big pack of mixed colors is essential. Construction paper is the workhorse of kids' crafting — it gets cut up, folded, glued, drawn on, and transformed into everything from animal ears to flower petals to rocket ships. Buy the big packs. You will go through it faster than you think.
Child-safe scissors
This one matters more than people realize. Cheap scissors that don't cut well are genuinely one of the most frustrating things for a kid trying to craft. They have to press too hard, the paper slips, they can't follow a line. Good quality child-safe scissors — the kind that actually cut cleanly — make a huge difference in how long kids stay engaged. It's worth spending a few extra dollars here.
A glue stick and white school glue
Both, not just one. Glue sticks are great for quick, clean projects where you want things to stay flat. White school glue is better for anything 3D, anything heavier, or anything where you want a stronger hold. Having both means you're covered no matter what you're making.
Washable markers
Emphasis on washable. Learn from my mistakes. A big set with lots of colors keeps things interesting and gives kids real creative control over their projects. The washable versions are genuinely effective now — even on skin and most fabrics — so don't let the memories of ancient non-washable markers scare you off.
The Things That Elevate Everything
These aren't strictly necessary, but once you have them you'll wonder how you managed without them.
Washable paint and foam brushes
Paint transforms a craft from something cute to something genuinely impressive, at least in a kid's eyes. Washable tempera paint is the move — it cleans up easily, comes in great colors, and holds up well on paper and cardboard. Foam brushes are better than regular paintbrushes for most kids' projects because they're easier to control and don't leave streaky marks as easily.
Googly eyes
This sounds silly but I mean it completely seriously. Googly eyes make everything better. A paper plate becomes a creature. A painted rock becomes a character. A cardboard box becomes a robot. They're cheap, they're reusable, and they bring an immediate spark of life to whatever a kid is making. Buy a big mixed pack and just keep them around.
Pipe cleaners
Also called chenille stems if you want to feel fancy about it. These are endlessly useful — they can be bent, twisted, looped, and attached to almost anything. Great for making legs on animals, antennae on insects, handles on baskets, or just as a standalone sculpture material for little hands that need something tactile to work with.
Pom poms
Another one that sounds basic but earns its place. Pom poms add texture and dimension to crafts in a way that's really satisfying for kids. Noses on animals, flowers on gardens, decorations on holiday crafts — they're incredibly versatile and kids love them.
Tape — both regular and washi
Regular clear tape for holding things together. Washi tape for decoration. Washi tape in particular is a great addition because kids can use it independently without making a mess, it peels off cleanly if they change their mind, and it comes in so many patterns and colors that it becomes a creative tool in its own right.
Smart Storage Tips (From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way)
You don't need a Pinterest-worthy setup. You just need a system that's accessible enough that crafting can actually happen without a twenty-minute search-and-gather session first.
A few things that actually work in real life:
Put supplies where kids can reach them. If they have to ask you every time they want to make something, crafting becomes dependent on your availability. A low shelf or a drawer at kid height means they can get started on their own, which is honestly one of the best things that can happen.
Use clear containers. Doesn't have to be fancy — repurposed jars, plastic bins, anything see-through. When kids can see what's available, they're more likely to actually use it and get inspired by what they have.
Restock before you run out. This sounds obvious but it's easy to forget. Running out of construction paper or glue sticks in the middle of a project is a mood killer. A quick check every few weeks keeps things running smoothly.
Designate a craft space, even a small one. It doesn't need to be a whole room. A corner of the kitchen table, a plastic mat on the floor, a TV tray — whatever works for your space. Having a consistent place for crafting makes it easier to get started and easier to clean up.
One More Thing
The best craft supplies are the ones your kids actually use. Don't overbuy trying to cover every possible project — start with the basics, see what your kids gravitate toward, and build from there.
And if you're ever stuck on what to actually make with all these supplies, that's exactly what The Crafty Yak is here for. Our free downloadable templates take the guesswork out of it — just download, print, and get creating.
Happy crafting. 🎨