Must-haves for craft ideas

These materials form the basis for most craft projects.

Craft scissors for children

When children are doing crafts, age-appropriate craft scissors with rounded tips should be used. They fit well in small hands and reduce the risk of injury.

Craft Scissors for Adults

A second pair of scissors for adults is very helpful. They should be pointed and sharp so that fine details, curves, and small shapes can be cut out cleanly. Especially when working with stencils, delicate crafts, or thicker materials, a good pair of scissors makes a big difference. Before I bought the scissors linked here, I often had to touch up the cardstockCardstock is thicker and sturdier (approx. 200–300 gsm) and is perfect for cards, stand-up crafts, or boxes.Zum Glossar with nail scissors to achieve clean, craft-ready results.

The right glue for your project

For paper, a glue stick is best—it sticks well and doesn’t make a big mess. For thicker materials, you can use craft glueCraft glue is an adhesive that works well for paper, cardstock, and many lightweight craft materials. For children, it should be easy to use and simple to control.Zum Glossar.

Important: If your toddler is helping with the crafting, it’s best to use a non-toxic children's glue stick or special craft glue for kids. They’re safe and easy to wash off.

For special projects, such as decorating jars or gluing on flowers and motifs, you can also use Mod Podge – it glues and seals at the same time and ensures a beautiful result.

Pencil

A pencil makes it easy to sketch out shapes or lines. If something doesn’t look right, you can simply erase it.

Eraser

An eraser is especially handy when sketching to quickly correct small mistakes.

Paper and construction+paper

Paper is the basis for many craft ideas. Cardstock is sturdier and works especially well for cards, figures, or decorations.

Ruler

A ruler helps you draw straight lines and measure shapes or strips accurately.

Age-appropriate craft ideas

Especially when crafting with children, it’s important that the craft ideas are appropriate for the child’s age. This keeps motivation high and ensures the fun of crafting continues.

Nice-to-haves for craft ideas

These items aren’t strictly necessary, but they make many craft projects easier.

mat

A craft mat protects your table or work surface from glue, paint, or scratches. I simply used a baking mat for this—it’s food-safe and therefore classified as safe. So I can assume it’s harmless for children.

Protection for clothing

Especially with children, a smock or an old T-shirt is a good idea to keep their clothes clean.

Crayons or markers

Colors allow you to personalize and embellish craft projects.

Washi tape or decorative ribbon

Decorative ribbons or washi tapeWashi tape is a decorative adhesive tape made from rice paper or thin paper, often colorful or printed with patterns. It tears easily, can usually be removed again, and does not leave sticky residue. Ideal for decorating, labeling, or holding things in place during crafts.Zum Glossar are perfect for quickly and easily decorating craft projects.

Book-adhesive-film

Book adhesive film is a particularly practical tool for crafts. It’s perfect for creating window decals, reinforcing templates, or making craft projects reusable. It’s also very useful for playful learning, such as with a toothbrushing template.

Double-sided tape

Double-sided tape is great for securing stencils or quickly and neatly attaching individual elements. It’s especially handy when you need motifs to stay in place during crafting—for example, with blow-up pictures or other stencil projects. Make sure the tape can be removed without leaving any residue. Results may vary depending on the paper, but a good double-sided tape makes crafting noticeably easier and cleaner.

U3 – safe and toddler-friendly

With these materials, toddlers can safely craft, experiment, and discover their creativity. We use them regularly in our projects.

Everything you need for craft projects with children under 3: safe, non-toxic materials, easy handling, and large craft pieces that little hands can easily grasp. Our recommendations are tried and tested and ideal for U3 creativity.

Glue and Scissors for Under-3s

Only non-toxic, water-based glues and glue sticks are suitable for toddlers. Scissors should only be used under supervision.

• glue sticks – clean and easy to use

• liquid glue – solvent-free, washable

• Rounded scissors – only under supervision

Tip: Finger glue and glue sticks minimize mess

Paints & crayons for young children

• Finger paints (water-based, washable)

for babies

ages 1-2

from 2 years

• Thick crayons

• Jumbo-colored-pencils

• Washable markers

Why it matters: small hands can grip them easily, materials are safe, colors wash off easily

Paper & Craft Supplies

• construction-paper (colorful and thick, )

• Tonkarton (sturdy for simple projects, all from approx. 200 g/m²)

• Craft templates

• Thick cardboard (for stability)

Creative extras

• Large pom-poms (no small parts)

• Pipe cleaners

• Cotton balls & stickers

• Natural materials (leaves, chestnuts – only under supervision)

For real crafting fun, I like to have a großes Set with colorful small parts on hand—for example, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, feathers, pom-poms, glitter, and beads.

A quick note: The set contains small parts, so children under 3 years of age should not use it unsupervised.