I think there’s still glitter on my floor. From five years ago. Arts and crafts have a way of sticking around, and while I want to encourage creativity in my kids, I hate cleaning up the aftermath.
Yes, we can make them clean up. I know. But seriously, do they ever really clean it all up? If you’re going to be the one picking up from the latest craft session, here are 13 crafts that will make your job easier and allow your little artist to be creative.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Party Pack Scratch Art Craft Set
Scratch through the black surface to reveal amazing colors. Reveal as much or as little as you want. This favorite comes with 16 boards, two stylus tools and three frames. Kids love the rainbow and metallic backgrounds. melissaanddoug.com
Boogie Board Jot
A small notebook-sized LCD drawing panel, the Boogie Board Jot is perfect for drawing anywhere, even in the car. No mess and endless possibility. Kids love the erase button and the ability to start fresh. Great for keeping in your purse for kids to play with on the go. myboogieboard.com
Made By Me Build and Paint Wooden Cars
This one does involve paint, but it’s all pretty self-contained. Spread a piece of newspaper and grab a cup of water. Kids put together small wooden cars and decorate them using the stickers and paints provided. This one is great for keeping boys busy and giving them a chance to create. horizongroupusa.com
Fashion Angels I Love Fashion Sketch Portfolio for Kids
Kids design outfits and unique looks on the doll-like outlines provided. Tons of great activity books with stencils for those who love to create fun fashion looks. Makeup, fashion and even home decorating books give kids great ways to draw and imagine as they get older. target.com
Melissa & Doug Paint with Water
Sometimes the little ones just want to paint. Here’s a great compromise that just involves water! Watch images and colors appear magically as your little artist swipes a wet brush across a page. melissaanddoug.com
Easy Playhouse Barn
Cardboard box play is taken to the next level. Kids can easily construct a house and then decorate it with crayons. Toddlers love this, and it keeps them busy for hours! easyplayhouse.com
Crayola Color Wonder Magic Light Brush
Half the fun of this amazing toy is the magic! Kids use a special brush to paint on their paper. It lights up with each color they pick, and they create a masterpiece. Plus, it doesn’t leave marks on hands, tables or clothes! crayola.com
Rainbow Wikki Stix
These bendy, twisty sticks quickly become a favorite of kids and adults. You can link them together, twist them and create without making a mess to clean up. Another great toy for the traveling creative! wikkistix.com
Sidewalk Chalk
Let nature take care of the cleanup! Kids love the ability to leave their mark and draw outdoors. A bucket of sidewalk chalk fits the bill, and all you have to do is wash your hands when it’s done!
LovesTown Lacing Beads
Fun and great for fine motor development, lacing beads give kids the chance to string chunky beads in different shapes and colors to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. While there are a lot of pieces, this one is easy to clean up with its own carrying bag! amazon.com
Alex Toys Little Hands Mosaics
Kids place the color-coded stickers on the template and create a beautiful picture. These are great for hanging up when they’re complete, and they offer fantastic color and shape matching and fine motor development. amazon.com
Crayola Model Magic
Softer and airier than the traditional Play-doh, Model Magic is a great way to let kids mold and shape with less mess. It also air dries solid, giving little artists the chance to create forever masterpieces! crayola.com
Crayola Bathtub Finger Paint
When you can’t avoid the mess, at least make it in the easiest place to clean up! Finger paints specifically designed for the tub give kids the chance to make a mess. And cleaning up when they’re done is contained and fun. crayola.com
 crafts for kids to do at home, outside or anywhere.){kind=link}