Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Stock your shelves for rainy days, sick days, and screen-free fun
Every parent knows the feeling: school’s out, the weather’s awful, or your kids are bouncing off the walls—and you need an activity now.
Having a stash of go-to craft supplies at home makes it easy to spark creativity without relying on screens. Whether you’re filling a rainy afternoon, prepping for a school project, or just trying to keep little hands busy, this list will help you stay stocked and ready.
Here’s what to keep on hand—organized by basics, fun add-ons, science favorites, and more.
The Basics: Build Your Core Craft Kit
These are the essentials you’ll reach for again and again:
- Construction Paper
- Markers
- Crayons
- Colored Pencils
- Glue Sticks & Liquid Glue
- Kid-Safe Scissors
- Washable Paint
- Paintbrushes
- Butcher Paper or a Roll of White Paper (great for large projects!)
- Tape (masking tape, painter’s tape, or double-sided)
Tip: Keep these supplies together in a bin, rolling cart, or repurposed caddy so they’re easy to grab when inspiration strikes.
The Creative Add-Ons
These are the little extras that take your crafts to the next level—and make everything more fun:
- Pipe Cleaners
- Pom-Poms
- Googly Eyes
- Paper Plates
- Tissue Paper
- Craft Sticks (Popsicle sticks)
- Ribbon, Yarn, or String
- Sequins or Confetti (optional, if you’re brave!)
Not ready for glitter? Sequins offer sparkle without the mess.
Science Experiment Staples
For families who love hands-on learning, these supplies are great to keep around:
- Baking Soda & Vinegar – classic volcano fun
- Dish Soap & Corn Syrup – homemade bubble magic
- Food Coloring – adds color to almost everything
- Ziplock Bags – for mixing, shaking, and sensory play
- Recyclables – think paper towel tubes, egg cartons, bottle caps, cardboard, etc.
📚 Explore our Science Experiments for Kids post for ideas that use these materials.
Outdoor Art Fun
Make the most of warmer days (or bundle up for chilly ones!) with these outdoor-friendly favorites:
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Bubbles – store-bought or homemade with dish soap and water
- Squeeze Bottles – for chalk painting, tie-dye, water play, or nature-based art
- Spray Bottles – for snow painting or sidewalk designs
🌈 Need inspiration? Here are some fun sidewalk chalk ideas for kids.
Recyclables & Everyday Items
Some of the best craft supplies come straight from your recycling bin or pantry:
- Cardboard boxes & tubes
- Paper grocery bags
- Egg cartons & bottle caps
- Newspaper & magazine pages
- Scrap fabric or old clothes
- Cotton balls or Q-tips
Pro tip: Keep a small bin near your kitchen for “craft-worthy trash.”
Try Tie-Dye
Looking for a fun, slightly messy (but totally worth it) afternoon project? Tie-dye is a kid-favorite that you can do right in your backyard or over the kitchen sink.
You’ll need:
- White cotton t-shirts, socks, or bandanas
- Rubber bands or string
- Squeeze bottles
- Fabric dye (or food coloring in a pinch)
Start with simple patterns like spirals, stripes, or bullseyes. Let your kids twist, squirt, and create their own wearable masterpieces.
👉 Need inspiration? Check out our Easy Tie Dye Patterns for Kids for step-by-step designs.
Keep It Organized
Store everything in clear bins, drawers, or a rolling cart. Label by category or color. If your space is limited, use stackable containers or under-bed storage.
Final Thoughts
Having a well-stocked craft stash at home gives your kids the tools to create, explore, and invent—without relying on screens. Whether you’re planning a rainy-day rescue or setting up for everyday after-school fun, this list will keep you ready for anything.
Related Posts You May Like:
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
