Must-Have Craft Supplies for Preschoolers

Crafting is fun and helps preschoolers learn and grow. You can get all these supplies in a customized back-to-school pack or for project kick-offs from Panda Crafty. Here are the must-have craft supplies for your little ones, tips for choosing the best products, and how to use them.

1. Crayons

Usage: Crayons are perfect for drawing and coloring.

Examples:

• Coloring books
• Drawing on large sheets of paper
• Creating rubbings by placing paper over leaves or coins and coloring on top
• Tips for Choosing:
• Ensure they are non-toxic and safe for young children.
• Look for washable crayons to make cleaning easier.

2. Washable Markers

Usage: Washable markers add bright colors to any project and are easy to clean.

Examples:

• Drawing on whiteboards or paper
• Making colorful posters
• Decorating cardboard boxes for pretend play
• Tips for Choosing:
• Check that they are non-toxic.
• Choose markers with ventilated caps to prevent choking.

3. Construction Paper

Usage: Construction paper is colorful and sturdy, perfect for various crafts.

Examples:

• Cutting shapes to create collages
• Folding to make simple origami
• Making cards for holidays and birthdays
• Tips for Choosing:
• Opt for heavyweight paper to prevent tearing.
• Ensure the paper is acid-free to prevent fading over time.

4. Safety Scissors

Usage: Safety scissors help kids practice cutting safely. Examples:

• Cutting out shapes from construction paper
• Creating paper chains
• Snipping paper to create fringes for decorations
• Tips for Choosing:
• Make sure they have blunt tips to avoid accidents.
• Choose scissors with ergonomic handles for easy use.

5. Glue Sticks

Usage: Glue sticks are great for sticking paper, fabric, and other materials together.

Examples:

• Gluing shapes onto construction paper
• Assembling paper bag puppets
• Creating collages with various textures
• Tips for Choosing:
• Ensure they are non-toxic and safe for children.
• Look for glue sticks that dry clear to avoid messes.

6. Stickers

Usage: Stickers add fun and creativity to any project.

Examples:

• Decorating notebooks and folders
• Creating sticker scenes on paper
• Adding finishing touches to handmade cards

• Tips for Choosing:
• Check for non-toxic stickers.
• Choose easy-to-peel stickers to avoid frustration.

7. Pom-Poms

Usage: Pom-poms are soft and fluffy, adding fun textures to crafts.

Examples:

• Gluing onto paper to create animals or flowers
• Making pom-pom garlands
• Adding to craft stick puppets for hair or decoration
• Tips for Choosing:
• Make sure they are large enough to avoid choking hazards.
• Look for pom-poms that do not shed easily.

8. Pipe Cleaners

Usage: Pipe cleaners are bendable and colorful, perfect for making shapes and figures.

Examples:

• Twisting into animal shapes
• Making bracelets and rings
• Adding to paper crafts for 3D effects
• Tips for Choosing:
• Ensure they are made from durable materials.
• Choose pipe cleaners with ends that are securely fastened to prevent poking.

9. Googly Eyes

Usage: Googly eyes make any craft come to life.

Examples:

• Sticking onto pom-poms to create creatures
• Adding to hand-drawn characters on paper
• Using on homemade puppets
• Tips for Choosing:
• Ensure they are non-toxic.
• Choose self-adhesive googly eyes to avoid messy glue.

10. Paints

Usage: Washable paints are perfect for finger painting and brush painting.

Examples:

• Creating handprint art
• Painting rocks to look like animals
• Making colorful backgrounds for collages
• Tips for Choosing:
• Ensure they are non-toxic and washable.
• Look for paints that come in spill-proof containers.

11. Play Dough

Usage: Play dough is fun to mold and shape, helping improve fine motor skills.

Examples:

• Rolling into shapes and letters
• Using cookie cutters to make patterns
• Building small sculptures
• Tips for Choosing:
• Ensure it is non-toxic and safe if accidentally ingested.
• Look for dough that is soft and easy to mold.

12. Craft Sticks

Usage: Craft sticks are versatile for various projects.

Examples:

• Making puppets with paper and markers
• Constructing small models like houses or bridges
• Creating frames for pictures
• Tips for Choosing:
• Choose sticks that are smooth and free of splinters.
• Opt for sticks that are dyed with non-toxic colors.

13. Beads

Usage: Large beads are easy for small hands to thread.

Examples:

• Making necklaces and bracelets
• Creating patterns on string
• Adding to pipe cleaner crafts
• Tips for Choosing:
• Ensure beads are large enough to avoid choking hazards.
• Choose beads with large holes for easy threading.

14. Foam Shapes

Usage: Foam shapes are easy to stick and come in many designs.

Examples:

• Decorating cards and posters
• Creating themed scenes (like underwater or space)
• Adding to puppets and masks for detail
• Tips for Choosing:
• Ensure they are made from non-toxic foam.
• Look for shapes with self-adhesive backing to avoid glue messes.

15. Glitter

Usage: Glitter adds sparkle to any project.

Examples:

• Sprinkling on glue-covered paper
• Adding to homemade slime
• Decorating holiday ornaments
• Tips for Choosing:
• Opt for eco-friendly, biodegradable glitter.
• Ensure containers are spill-proof.

Bonus: Magnetic Building Kits

Magnetic building kits are great for hands-on learning and creativity. help preschoolers understand shapes and structures while playing.

Usage: Magnetic building kits provide endless building fun.

Examples:

• Constructing simple geometric shapes
• Building towers and castles
• Learning about magnets and how they work
• Tips for Choosing:
• Ensure magnets are securely enclosed to prevent swallowing.
• Choose kits with strong, durable magnets for stability.

These supplies will make crafting fun and educational for preschoolers. Happy crafting!