Craft stations are a fantastic way to keep kids engaged and entertained at parties. With a little creativity and some simple supplies, you can set up DIY craft stations that encourage hands-on fun and artistic expression. If you're doing them for birthday party, the items double as a loot-bag item to gift to the guests. Here are five exciting and budget-friendly craft station ideas for your next children’s event.

1. Decorate-Your-Own T-Shirts or Tote Bags

Let kids personalize their own T-shirts with fabric markers, stamps, and stencils. This activity is a great way for kids to express their creativity and take home a wearable souvenir from the party.

Supplies Needed:

• Plain white T-shirts of tote bags
  
• Fabric markers and paints
• Stencils and stamps
• Iron-on patches (optional)
• Cardboard to put in between the material layers so markers do not bleed through

2. DIY Slime Station

Slime-making is a favorite among kids of all ages. Provide a variety of colors, glitters, and textures so kids can customize their slime creations.

Supplies Needed:

• White school glue
• Baking soda and contact lens solution (or borax alternative)
• Food coloring and glitter
• Mixing bowls and spoons

3. Design Your Own Party Hats

Encourage kids to make their own party hats using paper, stickers, and other decorative materials. This station adds a personal touch to the party atmosphere!

Supplies Needed:

• Pre-cut paper hat templates
• Stickers, glitter, and pom-poms
• Glue sticks and tape
• Elastic strings

4. Friendship Bracelet Station

Taylor has made them trendy & making friendship bracelets is a great way for kids to practice their fine motor skills and create something special for their friends.

Supplies Needed:

• Colorful embroidery floss or yarn
• Beads and charms
• Safety pins or clipboards (to hold the strings in place)
• Scissors
• Adults to tie the knots 

5. Paint-Your-Own Wooden Magnets/Ornaments

Provide wooden cutouts in fun shapes for kids to paint and decorate. This activity works well for seasonal parties or as a general creative station.

Supplies Needed:

• Wooden ornament cutouts
  
• Acrylic paints and brushes
• Stickers and glitter
• Magnets or string/ribbon for hanging

Final Thoughts

DIY craft stations add an interactive and memorable element to any children’s party. By setting up these engaging activities, you ensure that kids have fun while creating something special to take home.

Crafty Creatures specializes in organizing creative craft stations for events of all sizes. Contact Leanne [leanne@craftycreatures.ca] to bring hands-on fun to your next celebration!