48 Free Craft Supplies for Kids: Creative Ideas Using Recycled & Household Materials

Looking for ways to spark creativity without breaking the bank? You’d be surprised how many free craft supplies you can find right around your home or in nature! Whether you’re planning a kids’ craft club or simply want to engage in some fun DIY projects, using recycled materials, nature finds, and everyday household items can offer endless possibilities. In this post, we’ll share a list of crafty treasures that cost nothing but will keep your little ones busy, entertained, and inspired!

1. Recycled Materials:

1. Cardboard Boxes (from shipping or old products)
2. Egg Cartons
3. Cereal Boxes (great for making sturdy structures)
4. Toilet Paper Rolls or Paper Towel Rolls
5. Food Containers (like yogurt cups, bottle caps, or milk cartons)
6. Plastic Bottles (can be used for various crafts)
7. Cans or Jars (for making lanterns or planters)
8. Bubble Wrap (can be used for textured art or printing)
9. Old Shoeboxes
10. Tin Foil (for creating shiny textures or sculptures)

2. Natural Materials:

11. Leaves (for pressing, stamping, or collages)
12. Pinecones (great for decorating or creating animals)
13. Twigs/Branches (for building structures or tree decorations)
14. Stones/Pebbles (for painting or mosaic crafts)
15. Acorns (perfect for seasonal crafts)
16. Flowers (pressed for art or used in nature collages)
17. Bark (for textured art or rustic crafts)
18. Moss (great for fairy houses or natural decorations)
19. Seashells (used in coastal-themed crafts)

3. Paper Scraps:

20. Old Magazines (cut out pictures or create collages)
21. Newspapers (perfect for decoupage or crafting paper beads)
22. Old Greeting Cards (cut into shapes or use for collages)
23. Old Maps or Calendars (for unique artwork)
24. Scrap Paper (leftover from past projects)
25. Old Wrapping Paper (perfect for collage or paper beads)
26. Envelopes (can be cut, folded, or used in collages)
27. Old Paper Bags (great for making puppets or wrapping)
28. Tissue Paper (leftover from gift bags or craft kits)
29. Paper Plates (for mixing paints or crafting)

4. Fabric Scraps:

30. Old Clothes (old shirts, socks, or fabric scraps)
31. Old Bed Sheets or Towels (for cutting into fabric shapes or patchwork)
32. Old Socks (can be turned into puppets or stuffed animals)
33. Lace or Ribbon Scraps (for adding textures)
34. T-shirt Strips (perfect for weaving or knotting crafts)

5. Office Supplies:

35. Scrap Paper from Old Office Printing (can be used for drawing or cutting shapes)
36. Old Postcards (used in collage or as greeting cards)
37. Paper Clips (can be used to make sculptures or other crafts)
38. Rubber Bands (can be used for weaving or creating shapes)
39. Binder Clips (for unique 3D projects)

6. Found Objects:

40. Bottle Caps (great for making jewelry or 3D artwork)
41. Buttons (from old clothing or spare button jars)
42. String or Yarn (leftover from other projects or items you no longer need)
43. Corks (can be used for stamps, cork boats, or even building materials)
44. Keys (old or spare keys can be repurposed for jewelry or art)
45. Broken Jewelry (for upcycling or adding to mixed-media projects)

7. Old Toys or Small Items:

46. Plastic Figurines or Small Toys (can be painted or repurposed for craft projects)
47. Legos (great for building or creating 3D art)
48. Old Puzzle Pieces (can be painted or used in collages)