If you’re looking for awesome road trip activities for kids of all ages, you’ll love this extensive list of ideas! There’s something here for everyone, but do also check out my ideas for airplane activities for kids, because there’s lots of overlap. This post contains affiliate links and gifted product.

Summer travel season is upon us and so it’s time for road trips! To help you emerge from this season with your sanity intact, I curated a collection of awesome road trip activities for kids of all ages.

To make it easier for you to read through this, I did separate it by age group with a big caveat: there’s so much overlap, you might want to just read through it all anyway!

What makes awesome road trip activities for kids?

Things we look out for

There are a few things that I look out for when choosing what to bring in the car with me to keep the kids busy

• Compact – We often travel with lots of luggage. In fact, since we have a minivan and only have four kids, we often put down two back seats to make space for luggage. We also travel with lots of food since Kosher and food allergies make it hard to eat out. So any activities need to be slim enough to be kept in one or two bags or baskets at the kids’ feet, or in the diaper bag.
• Neat – Obviously, you don’t want kids wrecking the car TOO much, though I’d say the bar for neatness in a car is a bit lower than on a plane. I do share some neat-ish activities that are just practical options for road trips.
• Self-contained – On that note, things that are self-contained and easy to play with without a solid surface score relatively high. Too many loose parts that can go flying off the second you hit a bump can ruin the experience. While you’re more likely to recover dropped pieces eventually, you want something that’ll work even if one or two pieces drop, or that minimizes dropping to begin with.
• Highly Entertaining – Of course since real estate in the car is limited and there is so much time to fill, we look for things that can really entertain. Generally speaking, the size-to-entertainment value ratio is important. Meaning, smaller items can be slightly less time-filling but the larger (but still pretty compact) items on the list MUST truly entertain.

This list has a mix of activities and toys. In general, bringing out fresh things that the kids haven’t played with yet keeps them busier. Think about how long they usually play with something the first time. New items go a long way.

The road trip activities in this list come in a broad range of price points, so you can choose what best fits your budget. If it’s a higher ticket item and it’s in this list it’s because it’ll really go far – and will probably stay fun and exciting for many trips.

Choose from single investment toys, bundled smaller activities, or a mix of both.

Ready for some actual awesome ideas for road trip activities for kids?

Watch the video

As an experiment, I decided to try something new: I created a video version of this list of awesome road trip activities for kids. In the video, I walk and talk you through some of the items in this list – but not all. You’ll find links to the products in this post and some in the video description – so choose your format, or check them both out.

Awesome road trip activities for kids by age

I decided to sort this list by age group, simply because that’s how people tend to search for ideas.

But here’s a quick tip: look for ideas in other groups as well because there’s lots of crossover between them. I just did my suggestions based on a mix of age-appropriateness of the product and appeal, specifically in the car setting.

Travel Activities for All Age Groups

These picks really cover a very broad range of ages with equal or near-equal appeal. Some of them do include choking hazards and aren’t for kids under 3.

Boppo Screen Free Tablet

A screen free tablet? Yes, please! Boppo is a new concept that I first got to try at Toy Fair and I fell in love with it! It is surprisingly engaging for something without a screen, and my kids think it’s epic too – which is what really matters.

It’s got over 40 activities, including arcade games, podcasts, audiobooks, exploration activities like musical instruments, trivia and so much more. And the best part? It’s got things for toddlers through tweens! Really anyone can enjoy it, as I did.

Games like bop-a-mole have you chasing the lights, memory games have you following sequences, musical games have you playing piano and drums… it’s amazing how much you can do without a screen!

And go ahead and get the full bundle that includes three Toppos – that is, functional skins. These toppers add more games to the mix in specific themes: farm animals, outer space, and music.

Boogie Board Jot Pocket

Boogie Board is one that you might see in lots of travel guides and for good reason. These LCD writing tablets keep the kids so busy! But did you know that they make a carabiner version too?

This is slim, compact, and very entertaining in a soothing way. It’s fabulous for ages 3 through adult (yes, I enjoy it too) thanks to the high quality stylus and the complete erase at the push of a button.

Hand2Mind Soothing Swirlers Sensory Tubes

Sometimes kids can get anxious during road trips, and Hand2Mind’s mini sensory swirlers are the most charming little calm-down tools. They can clip onto backpacks, and are a cool toy for kids to just have and hold, rather than an activity that you pass back when they get bored.

It comes in a 4-pack, which just makes it feel like it was created for a family like ours. Each one is a bit different, and it’s just perfect for siblings to share.

Ideas for Toddlers

Toddlers are a challenge in the car especially when they rear face. But their standards are also pretty low, and they can get excited with anything new you pull out. Especially if your kid does not have an adult sitting next to them, be very careful to avoid small parts on road trips.

Glo Pals Light-Up Library

When it comes to toddler road trip activities, books are a bit of a challenge. While they can look at the pictures, they can’t quite read it to themselves, and unless a parent is sitting next to them, they might miss out on being read to.

But the Glo Pals Light Up Library flips that on its head. It features a little “magnifying glass” that allows kids to discover the lights hidden in the book set. This discovery aspect, as well as the fact that kids LOVE magnifying glasses and anything that lights up, turns it into a self-entertaining toy for littles.

Plus, you now have books to pull out to read in your hotel room too! J loves reading these books, and the themes appeal directly to his interests.

Wishy Washy Water Reveal

Water painting books are a big hit for travel, and this version really is quite different from the ones I’ve seen before. Wishy Washy Water Reveal is a modernized version that features calm colors and avoids overstimulation.

It focuses on color learning, with each page highlighting another color. Kids paint it with water using the enclosed water brush, and then it air dries. It can be repainted again and again, and the brush stores right within the book. The cover has a magnetic closure.

Travel Do a Dot Pages

Do a dots are a really fun way to entertain kids on the road, and this travel themed set was actually created by me for my own kids! Make sure you bring along a travel clip board with storage so that it turns into a functional road trip activity for them.

Road Trip Activities for Preschoolers – ages 3-6

The preschool age group is a bit of an easier one to find awesome road trip activities for. They are often old enough that they won’t put things in their mouths, and can do a bit more than toddlers.

Mudpuppy Space Bingo Magnetic Board Game

A and J have been very into outer space lately, and I find that appealing to their interests with road trip activities really keeps them quite engaged. This Bingo game is perfect for the two of them to share.

The game play is so simple, and A picked up on it in minutes. Just spin the spinner, and mark off the spot on your board that corresponds. Take turns spinning the dial and see who can get a row first. But if you get the minus one, you need to remove a marker.

The game is graded for four and up, and it’s quite accurate. A three-year-old like J with decent social skills can play too, but with a bit more hand-holding.

World’s Smallest – 1. Scratch Art Light Box

World’s Smallest is a line of miniature but fully functional toys made by Super Impulse. Pretty much all of their toys are really cool for travel, but I’m sharing two favorites creative toys here.

First up is the scratch art light box. A pull-out drawer has a stylus and scratch art sheets. Place it on top, make your art, and then press the button on the side ot light it up.

The kit is so small it just fits right in the palm of my hand. It’s something I like to keep in my handbag for “boredom emergencies” in general and it’s perfect for road trips.

World’s Smallest You Create Artist Drawing Kit

Next up from World’s Smallest is this tiny little drawing kit. It has six working colored pencils, an eraser, sharpener, and sheets of paper.

Kids don’t just enjoy the activities. They also really get a kick out of the miniature charm of it all.

Fun Ideas for School age kids – 7-10

As kids get older, entertaining them without screens gets harder. But it’s not impossible at all! Look for things that suit their interests, that mirror what they play with at home in travel size, and that is fresh and new.

Connetix Pro Constructor Set

My kids are kind of obsessed with Connetix, the aesthetic building blocks from Australia with the faceted surface. One of their newer lines, targeted towards older kids is Connetix Pro. My two big boys absolutely love this one and feel like finally someone made a magnetic tile that is created for them.

There are two reasons these are such a big score for travel. Besides for being an incredibly engaging building toy, they also feature stronger magnets, making them easier to build on-the-go, in my kids’ hands, without falling apart. And the smaller tile size doesn’t hurt either!

I like to repackage things like these into little pouches so that they’re more compact, and from there the kids can play endlessly.

Make it Real City Style Fashion Design Sketchbook

Make it Real is a brand from my childhood dreams. Their fashion design sketchbooks are full of creative inspiration for aspiring fashionistas. For any type of travel, we love the City Style version because of the cool globetrotter tie-in! Of course, they do have other themes to choose from too.

The book starts off with some stencils and stickers to get imaginations going. Then, it offers drawing guidance, including color guides, shading tips, and more. Finally, you have the character pages.

Each character has a few pages, including full-color inspiration, a few wearing just an undershirt and shorts, and a few wearing a very light pencil version of full dress. Kids can spend hours and endless imagination on this.

Shashibo Shape Shifting Cubes

Here’s another toy that I first discovered at Toy Fair: Shashibo. These shape shifting cubes from Fun in Motion toys are compact single-piece toys with endless possibilities. They have magnets inside and different patterns that can be matched up to serve as a puzzle.

They have so many different series now – shown is the artist series – and they can be combined too for extended game play. M and Y have spent hours playing with these little things, for years by now, and they don’t tire of them.

They’re part fidget, part brain teaser, and all fun.

Gelly Roll Retractable Gel Pens

As kids get older, art supplies that don’t take up too much space become real winners. Gelly Rolls are the queens of gel pens, and their retractable (clicky) pens are perfect for travel. Because the caps don’t come off, you can’t drop them.

The Moonlight (pastel) line is new to this line, and a favorite because of how satisfying it is to use on dark paper – and the fact that it works great on light paper too! Stash them in a pencil case and bundle them with a fun notebook.

Plus Plus Packets, Critters, and Scoops

Plus Plus is another building toy that my big ones love and they actually make special small packages. While we’ve used their tubes in the past for airplane travel, I find that their new Scoops are perfect for car travel. They’re mini kits in ice-cream style tubs that allow kids to fish for pieces right in the tub.

The pieces connect and hold, which makes it buildable right in their hands. They have other small packets too, including their packets and critters, that can be used as small road trip activities and then put with the big stash of Plus Plus after the trip.

Road Trip Activities for Tweens and Teens (11 and older) that are actually cool

The older kids get, the bigger the challenge is to find awesome road trip activities. For tweens and teens, look for things that don’t appear too childish. At this age, we find ourselves really leaning into puzzles and similar activities that engage their minds, and art-type things for creatives.

At this age, you also might trust them a bit more with things that you wouldn’t give younger kids in the car.

Learning Resources Scramboozle Number Jumble

Don’t you just love a toy that’s totally self-contained but is still tactile and entertaining? Learning Resource’s Scramboozle Number Jumble is a puzzle game that’s completely enclosed in a kid-hand-sized ball. Kids twist the top, tilt, and shake to match different number and pattern sequences in the included booklet.

My kids can’t get enough of single-player puzzle games, and this particular one is perfect for the car! It’s simply impossible to lose the pieces and that little thing has hours of entertainment in it.

I do like it for bigger kids (10+) for the road, just because it can be quite challenging and we want kids to stay calm in the car. It really works well for that older, harder to entertain demographic.

Bored in the USA Book

While less activity-focused and more planning-focused, Bored in the USA is a sweet pocket-sized book that gives tweens a mission on the road! When we travel, we often have pockets of time that are unplanned. Bored in the USA goes through each state and lists different attractions in a simple and visual format.

Kids can find activities they’d like to do, and spend the car ride helping to plan the road trip. And if you’re traveling through multiple states, this can really support the experience.

Moonbow Stickers and Dot Grid Journal

Moonbow is a small stationery brand that creates beautiful, artistic products. I love the idea of handing a tween or teen a mature-but-playful dot grid journal and having them start recording memories!

Combine it with travel themed (or not) stickers that they can use to aid the creative process or to tack in ticket stubs and other memories. Kids can use it to plan and journal their feelings on the way there, and then memory-keep on the way back.

A sticker album can help too as it keeps them busy organizing stickers on repositionable pages. It might be busywork but that’s what we want – to keep them busy!

Paint by Sticker Portraits

Paint by Sticker is a creative experience that doesn’t require much thought and is totally neat for on the go. The concept is simple: assemble pictures using stickers that correspond to numbers.

The pages tear out for future framing, but that’s also very practical for creating. The Portraits book will be released August 2026, so if you’re buying it before, choose one of their other options. It’s one of their more advanced books, with each page providing lots of entertainment time.

We are working on the portrait of Queen Elizabeth 1 together – M, Y, and I – and even my almost thirteen year old son is really enjoying it. I do recommend you pack along a set of tweezers to make placement a bit easier, but it is optional.

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty

You’re probably gasping “slime in the car?! No way!” But it’s not slime. It’s putty. There’s a difference.

Crazy Aaron’s creates the most epic “thinking putty” – a sensory putty that is DEFINITELY less messy than slime, because it just isn’t as slimy and slippery! Their Better Butter line is light and airy and so much fun to use. My kids love their putties and always put them to good use.

For us, putty in the car is an age thing. M and Y (12 and 10) can use it. A and J (5 and 2) may not. When kids are old enough that they are hard to entertain, they tend to also be more responsible and can handle a bit of putty in a tin. I do love that it comes in a tin, and actually like the larger tins for the car. Kids can play directly in it, avoiding mess. They do also have mini tins if you want it to be more compact, or you just want to minimize the volume of putty in the car.

Foldology Origami Puzzles

Foldology is an origami-style puzzle book, and that is quite challenging but also really cute. It works really well for older kids who have aged out of simpler activity books, and provides endless hours of compact entertainment.

The puzzles start easier and get harder as you go. Kids follow folding rules to create specific images, requiring focus, patience, and visual thinking. Because it’s a small booklet, it travels well, and because it builds in difficulty, it can stretch across multiple trips instead of getting finished in one afternoon.

For the hard-to-entertain 11-and-up crowd, this kind of activity can be a lifesaver.

More tips for finding awesome road trip activities for kids in different age groups

I truly hope that this list of ideas was more than enough and you’ve got your road trip covered! In a nutshell, things that don’t take up insane amounts of space, can be done on kids’ laps, and are interactive and challenging tend to be ideal.

For younger kids, aim for things they can truly do independently. Mix things up with sibling activities and solo activities. Make sure to choose activities that won’t make a mess, and that won’t be ruined if one piece drops. Of course, consider age appropriateness when packing awesome road trip activities for kids.

Some more pointers that I don’t think I’ve mentioned yet:

• Think of what they already love. I actively hunt down space themed activities for my space-obsessed younger two. My oldest loves STEM and my second is into art.
• Keep it new and fresh. Just offering them things they haven’t yet played with is already so helpful.
• Things that’ll surprise them. To contrast expanding on what they love, try for things they may never have heard of, new themes and new experiences (like allowing them to help plan the trip or allowing them putty in the car).

Offer a mix of things to do (like building toys, activity pads, and puzzles) and consider handing them one new larger toy that’ll make the road trip epic.

I recommend that you have activities in a large bag – or you have an extra seat a crate – organized in pencil cases and these jumbo organizing cases. Don’t rely on the packaging it comes with.

Got any awesome road trip activities for kids to add to the list? Comment below!

The post Awesome Road Trip Activities for Kids of All Ages appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

When my daughter’s friend’s mother hired me to run crafts at her daughter’s party, we chose two fun princess party crafts for them. One was spot-on for that age group, and one was a bit challenging, but still fabulous. I’ll give a bit more specific guidance and feedback, but first the two crafts:

1. Decorate your own crowns and
2. Princess poke art

Both follow my main rules for party crafts: they need to have zero or almost zero dry time, include a take-home that will double as a party favor (though in this case, she did have full favor boxes available), and it needs to be something functional that they can use.

Decorate your own crowns Princess Party Craft

Our first craft was fabric princess crowns that we decorated with gems and rhinestones. This craft was such a hit, and as you can imagine, the kids wore it for the rest of the party.

This was our main “original” craft. It was the first choice for the party and it was a good one.

Why we chose it

Open-ended decorating with stickers is one of my favorite party craft types. Give kids gems and they can really sit for a long time with them.

We did gem decorating activities at A’s birthday, with the same group of kids, and they sat with it for a long time. They were mesmerized, carefully placing each gem, and feeling so proud of their work. You really can’t go wrong with this one.

We LOVE party crafts that include wearables because the kids take such pride in it, and wear it for the rest of the party. It doubles as a party hat and kids wear it for the rest of the day. When they go home, it goes into their dress-up box for continued use.

The crown base is a fabric one, with an elastic, so it’s a costume-quality craft.

How it went

The kids loved it. It was a similar crowd to A’s party when we also did gem decorating and they really went with this one too. I did add in foam stickers to change things up a bit, and the kids enjoyed both.

The crown pictured on A is the one that she actually made. Adding the foam stickers DID shorten the time that the craft occupied, because the kids felt like their crowns were full earlier.

As with any party craft, some kids will finish earlier than others. It’s good to be prepared with something extra for them to do in that time.

Alternatives and tips

With this kind of open-ended party craft, it really is a good practice to have lots of options for kids to choose from. I personally don’t think I’d put out foam stickers next time, but I might do what I did with our sleep mask craft – that is, provide a big initial or some other focal piece, but allow kids plenty of surrounding space to get detailed with their gems.

You can definitely pull out other decorations for this but I really recommend you stick to self-adhesive no-dry-time ones. Some examples:

• Decorative patches (small ones)
• Flower rhinestones
• Smaller foam embellishments
• Self-adhesive pearls – we had some mixed in with our stones, but I’d definitely provide more as its own decoration next time
• Lace washi tape

Test supplies in advance to make sure they really work (the only ones I really tested are foam).

Princess Poke Art Party Craft

The second one we did was princess poke art. These are printed foam princess figures that have notches in them. Use a stick to poke little bits of fabric into the holes to look like a ruffly dress.

This princess party craft was a bit less successful. It’s still a cool craft, though, or I wouldn’t be sharing it. I WILL share with you what we should have done to make it more of a success.

Why it’s such a cool party craft

The reason we chose this to begin with is for the cool effect factor: kids are fascinated by the fact that they are creating a ruffly dress. They enjoy playing with and displaying the dolls after.

In fact, they even come with little acrylic stands to display the princesses. And since they come with sticker jewelry there is even more crafting value.

How it went

I’ll be honest: most of the kids didn’t finish it. And a few even got a bit frustrated, though they were very determined to finish it. There were a couple of older kids (6-8 years old) there who really spend a very long time on it and finished the whole thing.

The age listed on the craft was 4+ and most of the kids were age 4.5 to 5. I tested it on A, who was the oldest in the group (besides for the two big kids) and she did fabulously. But… she’s a bit of an advanced crafter.

The kids loved it. Some asked to bring home their sticks and some extra fabric and finish it at home. Even the ones that just poked in a few were very proud of their work. It’s a bit harder to learn and a bit more fine-motor-skills focused, which is why we still love it. It’s a real fine motor challenge, and is great for pre-writing skills.

What we’d do different next time

So what would we change to make it more of a success?

The biggest thing is: I’d do it first. The kids need to be fresh, with all their patience intact to really enjoy this. We had chosen this as an extra time-filling project, but it really needs to be a main project. The kids need to have their focus and be shown properly how to do it.

On that note: another thing I’d change is to really walk around the room and one by one show the kids how to poke it by finding the hole and poking it in.

Two Fun Princess Party Crafts to Make

Here’s a quick breakdown of everything I purchased and included in these activities beyond the basic kits, as well as how we ran the workshops (I did have one teenage assistant to help).

For both crafts, we used acrylic bins and containers spread out on the table for the supplies. This way it’s fully contained, but kids can clearly see what’s inside each.

We also brought gallon sized Ziploc bags and a Sharpie, and immediately gave each kid a bag with their name on it to store the craft in.

Craft Number 1: Decorate your own crowns

Supplies Needed

• Base crowns
• Gems
• Foam shapes – only include very small ones

Process

1. Right when you get the crowns, test the elastic. Some were a bit loose. A bit of hot glue or a second in the sewing machine fixes it, but you’re best off doing that in advance rather than finding broken crowns at the party.

2. Stick on gems and foam bits! That is really all. Some kids worked within the frame work of the pattern on the crowns, and others totally ignored it.

Now kids can wear their princess crowns proudly!

Craft Number 2: Princess Poke Art

Supplies needed

• Princess poke art kit: note – we only used the princesses, and not the larger wraparound ones. Consider this when buying your kits.
• Extra sticks. They’re basically scratch art sticks – like a larger, thicker toothpick. The kit came with two – check your kit details.

Tutorial

1. Proper instruction is key with this princess party craft. Point out to kids how the holes have a center.

2. Kids should place the fabric over the hole, roughly centered. Show them this detail. It doesn’t need to be perfect but they should know that it should be over the three-prong shape in the middle of the fabric.

Then they need to poke it in that shape (they can see it through) all the way to the table.

3. They can keep going, playing with different colors until all the holes are filled – or as many as they’d like to fill.

4. They can finish it off with the jewelry and tiara stickers if they want. And then they can display it on one of the stands (or rather, take one home to display it with).

I hope you enjoyed these princess party crafts! Comment if you have any to add to the list.

The post 2 Fun Princess Party Crafts – DIY Gem Tiaras & Poke Art! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Shells are easy to collect and hard to use. As I kid, I couldn’t go to the beach without collecting handfuls of shells. But the moment I tried to craft with them, I ran into an issue: they didn’t have holes!

The moment you try to drill into shells, they can chip, crack, or split right where you wanted a neat little hole.

The good news is that making holes in shells doesn’t take force. It takes the right bit, a little water, and patience. Once you know the setup, you can prep beach shells for bracelets, charms, wind chimes, and other beach-inspired projects.

Start with shells that give you room to work

I love crafting jewelry with found shells. In fact, you CAN use shells you found at the beach, and that is part of what makes this project fun. The best shells for this method have a bit more surface area, because you get more room to place the hole and more control while you work. A broader shell is easier to hold steady under the water, and that will really help you when you’re using your tool to make this.

That doesn’t mean every shell has to be large. It means the area where you plan to drill should be wide enough that the bit can stay in one spot. When the shell gives you that room, the hole comes out cleaner and the process is easier.

It also helps to think about your finished project before you drill. One hole is great for a pendant, charm, or hanging accent. Two holes can turn a shell into a bracelet connector or focal piece. In the example shown in this post, two holes were added so a double-strand could pass through the shell and start a bracelet. Yes, I will be sharing the tutorial so make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss it!

This technique works for more than jewelry, too. A clean drilled shell can become part of a wind chime, a hanging charm, or another summer project. If you want ideas for what to make after the holes are done, these DIY seashell jewelry tutorials have plenty of ways to use your drilled shells.

Use the right tool and set up at the sink

To make clean holes in shells, you’ll want to use a simple rotary tool. The brand of rotary tool is flexible – as long as it comes with a diamond tip. In this tutorial, a WORX Maker X rotary tool is used, but a Dremel or another similar rotary tool can work too.

For this project, the key part is a diamond tip. That is what helps the tool grind through the shell cleanly. You are not punching through the shell. You are slowly wearing away one tiny spot until the bit passes through.

This is one of those projects that works better at the sink than on a craft table. The shell needs to stay wet while you drill, so moving your setup to the sink makes the whole process easier. Turn the faucet down to a thin, steady trickle. You don’t need a hard stream. You want enough water to keep the shell and bit wet the whole time.

Before you start, check your tool’s manual and make sure it can be used safely near water.

Once your shell is drilled, one clean hole is enough to turn it into a simple pendant. If you want to use your beach finds that way, this guide to make a custom seashell necklace is a nice next project.

The water trick is what keeps the hole smooth

The biggest reason this method works so well is the water. Keeping the shell wet helps reduce heat and dust while you drill. It also helps the drilling stay controlled, which is why the finished hole looks clean instead of rough or chipped.

A dry shell is much less forgiving. Shell material can get brittle fast under friction, and the dust gets messy too. Under a light stream of water, the bit keeps moving through the same spot without building up as much heat. That small change makes a huge difference in the finish.

Keep the shell wet, stay in one spot, and use the lightest pressure you can. That is the whole secret.

Pressure matters just as much as water. The tool does the work, not your hand. If you push hard, the bit is more likely to skid, catch, or stress the shell. When you barely press and let the diamond tip grind slowly, you get far more control.

Patience is part of the process. You won’t see a full hole right away. First, you’ll notice a worn spot starting to form. As the bit works through the shell, that area can start to look a little translucent. That is a good sign. It means you’re thinning the shell in the right place and getting close to breaking through cleanly.

Try not to move the bit around once you’ve chosen your spot. Stay there and let the tool keep working. The more steady you are, the smoother the opening will be when it comes through. It is a slow method, but it is also the one that gives the neat result most people want for jewelry. And the total time is about a minute per hole, which is totally manageable.

How to make holes in shells, step by step

Supplies needed

• a seashell with enough surface area to drill
• a rotary tool, such as a Dremel or WORX Maker X
• a diamond-tip bit (which is likely included in your bit kit but double check)
• a sink with a light, steady stream of water

Watch the video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Process

1. Pick the shell and choose the hole placement.
Start with a shell that has enough room to work with. Decide where the hole should go before you turn on the tool.

2. Move to a sink and turn on a thin stream of water.
Set the faucet so it gives you a light, steady trickle. You want the shell to stay wet the whole time, but you do not need strong water pressure.

3. Attach a diamond tip to your rotary tool.
A rotary tool like a Dremel or WORX Maker X can work for this. The important part is the diamond-tip bit, because that is what grinds through the shell material.

4. Turn on the tool and bring it under the water.
Hold the shell where the water can run over the spot you plan to drill. Then place the spinning bit against that spot with the slightest amount of pressure.

5. Stay in the same place and let the bit work slowly.
Don’t press hard, and don’t bounce around the surface. Be patient while the shell starts to wear down. As it thins, the spot may look a little translucent.

6. Keep drilling until the hole comes through cleanly.
Continue in that same spot under the water until the bit passes through. When done this way, the opening should look smooth and neat.

7. Flip the shell and repeat if you need a second hole.
For bracelet pieces or connectors, a second hole can go on the other side of the shell. Use the same slow process, under water, with the same light pressure.

8. Check the size of the finished holes.
If you’re planning to string the shell, make sure the opening is wide enough for your cord or thread. In the video example, the holes were large enough for a double-strand to pass through for bracelet making.

9. Wipe the shell and get it ready for your project.
Once both holes are drilled, the shell is ready to use. At this point you can string it, turn it into a charm, or save it for a larger beach-themed piece.

After you’re done, take a close look at the edges of the holes. They should feel smooth, not jagged. That clean finish is what makes the shell look polished once it is part of jewelry. It won’t snag fabric cords or scratch the wrist.

Smaller drilled shells also work beautifully for earrings. If that is next on your list, this tutorial on how to make earrings with seashells gives you another simple way to use your beach finds.

Your beach shells are ready to use

If cracked shells have been stopping you from making jewelry, this method fixes the problem with a few simple changes. Water, a diamond tip, and light pressure are what make the holes come out clean.

Once you’ve drilled one shell successfully, the rest feel much less intimidating. A few minutes at the sink can turn a beach keepsake into something you can wear, hang, or build into your next summer project.

The post How to Make Clean Holes in Shells for Jewelry appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

If you’re looking for Father’s Day gifts for Dad, these ideas are winning ones that’ll help solve your gift giving dilemmas for your father or father figure. You can also check out these gifts for the man who has it all. This post contains affiliate links and gifted product, but has been curated by me to be truly helpful.

Men can be hard to buy for, so with Father’s Day around the bend, I knew I had to help! I roped in the man in our house (AKA my husband) to help share some fun Father’s Day gift ideas for Dad.

To make this list, the gift had to be something my husband thought would make a cool gift, something suitable to buy as a gift for a father (spouse/father of your kids or your own father), and a good quality item.

It also was important that he think beyond his own interests, and we did include items that we feel would make cool gifts for other men in our life.

Key features of these Father’s Day gift ideas for Dad

• Curated for Quality: Every gift listed was selected for its high quality and utility, ensuring you avoid basic or flimsy items that won’t last.
• Diverse Interests: The guide covers a wide range of interests, including fashion, tech, cooking, and hobbies, making it easy to find a match for any personality.
• Practical Upgrades: For the man who has everything, consider gifting a premium version of an everyday item, such as a fountain pen or a high-end electric toothbrush.
• Focus on Sentiment: Personalized gifts like custom photo books or line art prints offer a meaningful way to celebrate his role as a father beyond material value.

20+ Cool Father’s Day Gifts for Dad

This list is so full of fun and unique finds and took many weeks to curate. I hope it’s helpful to you and you find that perfect gift!

Fashion Focused Father’s Day Gifts for Dad

Have a Dad who finds it important to look great? These fashion-focused finds are fabulous gifts. I have chosen items that are giftable, meaning they are neutral, interest-focused, and hard to get wrong.

Surfside Supply Co Frank Saltwater Terry Track Jacket 

For the Dad that likes to be comfortable but still look great, Surfside Supply Co’s Frank saltwater terry track jacket has the look of a jacket but feels like a hoodie. The full-front zip up style features pockets and a standing collar.

The vibe is relaxed but still put together, perfect for the classy man. It’s a simple sweater and easy to fall in love with, making it a fabulous Father’s Day gift for Dad.

Hat Country Nocona Brosnan Men’s Belt

A good genuine leather belt has always been a favorite men’s gift for me to give, and Hat Country has a lovely selection. The Nocona Brosnan men’s belt goes seamlessly from jeans to suit and the quality shows. Careful triple stitching shows quality workmanship and adds loads of style.

It’s crafted from a single piece of leather that makes it a long-lasting gift. It’s a fabulous fashion staple for the man who loves his belts!

Portland Leather Wallets

Since leather is such a great gift, a high quality leather wallet is a fabulous option. Portland Leather Goods’ Slimline wallet is a gorgeous choice, with RFID-blocking technology and just the right amount of pockets.

My husband likes his wallets thin and not too bulky, and this one meets that need. It’s handcrafted and durable, designed to improve with age.

Quarto Small Luxuries: Watches

My husband happens to love luxury watches, and I wish I could buy them for him. If you’re looking for a lower cost gift for a man who loves good watches, Quarto’s Small Luxuries: Watches book is spot on.

It has a gorgeous textured and foil-embossed hard cover that makes it gift-ready. The content is all about watches, including how they work, their history, collecting tips for every budget, and famous watches. It has colored photographs and is packed with information.

Hat Country Stetson Trucker Cap

This sturdy trucker hat is made by the famous western hat brand Stetson – without the full brim! The classic Trucker style snapback features an embroidered woven front patch with the Stetson buffalo motif.

As possibly the most iconic brand in American headwear, it’s cool to see these “dad hats” for fans. Classic navy goes with anything, and the mesh back allows the head to breathe.

Smaller but Cool Tech Gadgets for Men

For the Dad who loves a good gadget, you might panic at the thought of a big ticket gift. But these sweet (and significant) gadgets are at much more attainable price point than the latest smartphone, yet position themselves as luxury gifts for Dads who love a good gadget.

Radioshack Retro AM/FM Radio Bluetooth Speaker

Oh the nostalgia! For the Dad whose childhood recreation consisted of visits to Radioshack, or who enjoys a bit of nostalgia, this vintage radio and Bluetooth speaker from Radioshack is a win!

It’s fabulous for the music fan, for anyone who loves a good piece of decor. I’m not gonna lie, my husband loves it, but I might love having it around even more! It’s got that classic mid-century radio look with all the features of a radio you buy in the 2020’s. And the sound quality is amazing.

Sources include AM/FM radio, Bluetooth (play 50’s music from Spotify right to this speaker), USB, or micro SD. It’s chargeable, meaning you can move it around the house without worrying about outlet proximity, but you will need to charge it occasionally.

LeafyPod Smart Self-Watering Planter

In our house, I keep the kids alive and Dad keeps the plants alive! LeafyPod created the ultimate solution for houseplants – a smart planter. Unlike other self-watering planters, it has the data it needs to keep plants thriving. The app connects to the planter to set watering schedules and detect moisture levels in soil. We love that it waters itself, and it looks gorgeous on my dining room buffet as we try to propagate a willow branch.

The app also allows you to snap a photo of your plant and it identifies it, allowing you to learn what YOUR plant actually needs. Start with a starter kit – with the bridge, you’ll need it – and then add on planters for more plants.

Food Focused and Edible Gifts for Men

Whether he loves to cook and is the chef of the family, or just loves good food, these Father’s Day gifts for dad will be so loved! Some of these serve more as kitchen upgrades, and some come in lieu of “flowers” for Dad. They also bundle nicely so that you can choose your budget.

Elihome Cutting Boards & Knives

Any chef will tell you that good knives and boards make the food prep so much easier, so if Dad loves the kitchen, Elihome’s sets are perfect for him! Gift them separately or as a gift bundle for a cool upgrade.

Let’s start with the cutting board duo – a collab with Peanuts featuring iconic Snoopy images. These wood fiber boards are non-porous and totally dishwasher safe. You’re not going to be slicing microplastics into your food with these. They have weight to them and are solid, with a ridge to catch juices and silicone bumper pads that hold it in place.

Each cutting boards is two-sided. Each side is dedicated to a different purpose to avoid cross-contamination. The purpose is showcased with an adorable drawing of Snoopy with that food group (raw foods, cooked foods, fruit, and vegetables).

The knives come in a set that includes a paring knife, slicing knife, chef’s knife, Santoku knife, and kitchen shears. The full tang knives (the metal goes through the full handle) are much more durable. They feature non-slip ABS handles for safety and are made from premium rust-proof stainless steel. Since they come in a set, they are ready for gifting, on their own or perfectly paired with the cutting boards.

Karma Nuts Wrapped Cashews

Food gifts make for fabulous “dad flowers” and one of our favorite healthy snacks is cashews! Karma nuts make wrapped cashews – that is, with the edible skin portion of the nut still attached. The crunch is incredible!

They are air roasted so that they retain that crisp texture, with moderate seasoning that complements the natural flavor of the nut without overpowering it.

I recommend gathering a few flavors in a basket for a thoughtful presentation. Choose the no added sugar Keto pack (great for diabetics) or the standard variety pack – both pack natural protein.

Gigantic Candy Deluxe

For the Dad who prefers his snack to be a candy bar, Gigantic Candy Deluxe’s bars let the flavors shine! These make the ultimate cool dad flowers especially when bundled into a basket.

These bars offer a lower sugar content and a more mature flavor profile, making them a better choice while allowing you to actually taste the quality chocolate. And the size is perfect for that little taste of sweet that he craves.

OLIVIA Signature Olive Oil Sprayer

An olive oil sprayer is a game changer in the kitchen, allowing for healthier oils to be used for roasting, grilling, and everything in between. But not all oil sprayers are made equal. Get the wrong one and you’ll have greasy counters and cabinets (ask me how I know.)

The OLIVIA Signature advanced kitchen oil sprayer is made just right and will make his grilling and cooking neater and healthier. It comes with a lock you can leave in place for transporting it, and a well-designed leak-proof, clog-resistant nozzle. The glass bottle looks gorgeous on my counter and the ergonomic trigger is even and consistent.

Brass Monkey Googly Foods Tote

Here’s a gift for the food-loving Dad with a sense of humor: Brass Monkey’s Googly Foods tote! Punny cheese and bread one-liners are recited by the quirky food illustrations.

This is really fun for small or bundled gifting – in fact, you fill it with his favorite cheeses and breads (or the snacks above) for an even cooler Father’s Day gift for Dad!

Hobby-minded

I will always suggest that you first look to Dad’s hobbies when trying to find a gift for him – or anyone! Here are a few Father’s Day gifts for Dad that focus on hobbies and interests.

BetterMe Resolution Kit Exercise & Fitness Equipment

BetterMe’s resolution kit is a ready-to-gift fitness kit. It comes packed beautifully in a gift box, and is loaded with tools for exercise and wellness. The goal is to keep Dad on track by providing him tools that are easy to transport and work at home and on the go.

Our favorite part of the kit is the cordless jump rope. This is perfect for cardio, and features two ball ends so that Dad can work out that sweat even on the go. Built-in counters track his progress.

Also included in BetterMe’s resolution kit are small parallettes, a shaker bottle that’s perfect for mixing up protein shakes to support that workout, heavy duty power bands, workout gloves, a pill organizer with a cool carry strap that’s spacious enough for larger supplements, a sweat towel in a carry case, a waist bag, and half-crew socks.

Galison Frank Lloyd Wright Saguaro Cactus & Forms Puzzle

Whether he’s already a fan of puzzles, or will appreciate the screen-free family-bonding activity, they make fantastic hobby gifts for Dad.

This puzzle is a great pick because it’s modern and mature, but still totally playful! It’s a very challenging puzzle (we’re about a third of the way through it now) with lots of various ends and unique quirks thanks to the cool shape. And gold foil accents give it that premium feel, while maintaining an affordable price tag.

This is a work of art in the making, and every detail shows! The box even features a pull-out drawer with ribbon tab, giving it the respect it deserves.

Midland ER310PRO Emergency Radio & Power Kit

Midland’s newest version of their emergency radios is fabulous for Dads with many different hobbies – whether he’s into survivalism, enjoys hiking, camping, or anything outdoorsy. It’s not just an AM/FM emergency radio, it is also packed with so many features in one little handheld device.

First of all, its 200 hours of battery life lasts for an incredible amount of time, and it even serves as a battery pack for charging devices. It features NOAA weather alerts – it scans for the best weather station and provides severe weather alerts. You have a few different ways to power it: a solar panel, a crank charger, and for at home, USB-C connectivity.

Features like a built-in flashlight with Morse SOS and a siren in case of emergency and Bluetooth connectivity make it an all-in-one tool for the Dad who loves those trails.

Grandpa Magic Book

Grandpa Magic: 116 Easy Tricks, Amazing Brainteasers, and Simple Stunts to Wow the Grandkids is one cool gift for Dad that really caught my eye. If your Dad has a mischievous streak and likes entertaining your kids, it’ll feel like the gift was created special for him!

It’s written with the purpose of providing other grandpas with tricks up their sleeve (literally) for the grandkids. Some of them are old-but-gold tricks (like removing your thumb) and others are totally new (making a piece of paper dance).

Not only does it help Grandpa bond with the grandkids, it’ll also ensure that they won’t just say “we’re going to Grandma’s” anymore!

Practical but Better Father’s Day Gifts for Dad

So what do you get someone who is so painfully practical? I have that issue sometimes with my husband! My tip: get him something that is a “life staple” but a luxury upgraded version of it! This is a good strategy in general for a hard to shop for dad.

LAMY AL-star Fountain Pen

Premium pens make fabulous gifts, but don’t be boring about it! The LAMY AL-star pen takes an everyday item and turns it into an experience. Not only will he feel chic signing his name with a fountain pen, but he’ll love the solid weight of it in his hands.

The colorways are beautiful. It uses blue erasable ink cartridges and has a transparent grip so you can see ink levels. This is a classic timeless gift that’s practical but totally premium!

Brushmo Super Sonic Electric Toothbrush

The Super Sonic electric toothbrush is an investment into future dental health! You can feel the difference as you use it. The toothbrush gives a personalized experience so that Dad’s specific needs can be addressed. There are five brushing modes to switch between and four different heads to tackle different tooth care areas.

The brush is waterproof and has a long battery life (up to 30 days!) A built in two minute timer ensures proper brushing and as a bonus, the modern sleek design looks great in our bathroom too.

MadeOn Skin Care Beesilk Hard Lotion & More!

Hand care is a gift that is nurturing and shows care, especially for fathers who experience dry and cracking hands. Bee Silk hard lotion is something he’ll love tucking in his pocket and having where he needs it when he needs it.

The way you use it is simple: just rub it in your hands, and your natural body warmth allows some of it to transfer to and absorb into your hands. It comes in a tin that makes it easy to have handy.

To make it present well as a gift, go for one of their gift sets, or bundle it on your own with some supporting products.

Dad-centric

If you’re looking specifically to celebrate Dad’s role as a father, these gift picks feel totally giftable for him, while celebrating his position in the family – or just helping make his life easier.

Grownsy Baby Car Camera

When I was a baby, I sat next to my mother in the front center seat of our Oldsmobile Delta 88. When kids were moved to the back only, a new crazy and scary thing came into existence: forgotten baby syndrome. That is what happens (often when there is a change in routine) where even loving parents move with muscle memory and forget that they had their baby with them that day.

The Grownsy Baby Car Camera might not be a “fix” but baby visibility is an essential first step. It’s like a baby monitor for the car, with a camera fixed to the seat to watch baby, and a screen parent unit that mounts to the windshield.

This camera not only feels like a fun gadget for Dad but is frankly easier than looking in the rearview mirror. It’s a great way to support his position as father of young ones while providing a cool tool for keeping baby safe.

Dad can also keep an eye on baby while driving, ensuring that he or she is comfortable and well-positioned. Crisp day vision and great night vision offer me much less distraction while driving than standard baby mirrors.

Positive Prints Family Line Art

Family art makes for a keepsake that will be cherished for a long time. Positive Prints creates family portraits in an artsy and minimalist line art style that makes for perfect personalized gifts for men.

Depending on your budget, you can choose from different options, although I’ll always recommend you gift it framed and ready-to-hang.M ake specific requests for styling, and customize the text and color to create a keepsake that will be cherished for a long time.

This is the perfect gift for your spouse using a family photo, or to our own father showcasing your kids.

Mixbook Punny Illustrated Dad Storybook (Photo Book)

When I realized how important it was to my husband to have physical photos of our family memories, I started to gift him a photo book for every birthday.

Mixbook’s templates and intuitive software make printing photo books so much easier. Their app allows books to be made on the go, and they have AI tools, including caption generation and tone rewriting, to help get through that creative block.

I chose their punny Dad book as a gift for my husband. It was plug-and-play but is so personal and really cool. In his words – “wow, you must have worked so hard on it!” But I didn’t.

DAT Game (Do, Ask, Tell) Family Edition

DAT Game Family Edition is perfect for the Dad who loves to open up conversation, spend time together, and play games with the littles.

The way it works is: each player draws a standard playing card (included with the games is a deck of cards for this purpose) and the one with the highest card goes first. They then draw a DAT card and choose another player to complete one of three prompts on the card: a do (an action prompt), an ask (to answer a question) or a tell (another question).

Some questions are introspective, some are odd, and some are personal. It’s a fun game with casual, social gameplay that really helps families connect.

How to Choose the Best Father’s Day Gift for Dad

In case you’re still wondering what to buy Dad, I figured I’d share some general tips for choosing the best Father’s Day Gifts.

1. The things he uses but better– think of the different items he uses in his day to day life. Is it part of his morning routine? His commute to work? Get him an upgraded version – either better materials, more premium, or gimmicky and helpful.
2. The things he enjoys doing – starting with his interests can be a very helpful way to find a great gift.
3. The things he’d LIKE to do but maybe doesn’t manage to – there are so many ways to gift a new hobby or interest, to make a task easier. Gifts that will give him more bandwidth to do the things he should or wants to do are very helpful.
4. Small luxuries are one of my favorite gifts. Many Dads will be too practical to splurge on themselves, but will enjoy a little luxury.

I hope this list of unique gift ideas helps you celebrate the special men in your life. Whether you need last-minute gift ideas or have been planning for weeks, there is something here for every personality. If you are still scrambling for last-minute gift ideas, consider a digital subscription or a gift card that allows him to choose his favorite gear. Got any more tips or ideas for Father’s Day gifts for Dad? Comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying a gift for a hard-to-shop-for dad?

Focus on his daily habits rather than just his stated hobbies. Often, the best gifts are upgraded versions of items he already uses daily, as these provide a blend of luxury and practicality that he might not buy for himself.

Are these gift ideas suitable for budgets of all sizes?

Yes, the guide includes items across several price points, ranging from under $25 for smaller treats to over $100 for more substantial gadgets and equipment. You can easily mix and match smaller items to create a thoughtful gift basket on a budget.

How can I make a practical gift feel more special for Father’s Day?

Personalization and presentation go a long way in elevating a practical gift. Consider adding a handwritten note, bundling related small items together, or choosing items that feature custom elements like family photos or personalized themes.

The post 20+ Unique & Winning Father’s Day Gifts for Dad appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

This winter, A got VERY involved with making paper snowflakes, and as the weather warmed up, she had a problem. What next? She approached me with this problem and I suggested that she learn how to make flowers using the same paper folding technique.

But when we sat down to do it, she just couldn’t get it. So I made her some templates. The running joke in our house is that she doesn’t even realize that it’s not so normal for your mom to just design you a template that minute when you can’t figure out a craft. But the good news is, other moms don’t need to, becauese I designed it for you.

Get the easy paper flower folding templates

Most of the templates that I found online using this technique were more complex – more “snowflake style”. I wanted to use the same method but with simpler petals. I figured I’d create a few styles (eight to be exact). Some of them look similar, but when you cut them they’re all different.

Crafting tips are below, but meanwhile, you can get your easy flower paper folding templates here. I decided to offer the basic shape I first designed for A for free, and the full bundle for a few bucks  in my shop, on Etsy, and at TpT.

Get them all

The full bundle includes eight petal shapes. Each page has the same shape in three sizes. Two are very similar in size and one is significantly larger. This allows you to stack them or mix ‘n match.

The full bundle also includes a PDF with assembly instructions, so that you can have it handy.

This is a premium download, available in my shop, on Etsy, and at TpT. Your purchase helps keep this blog alive and the tutorials coming.

Get the basic petal shape (free download!)

Get the most basic petal shape for free. This includes one size and is for those of you who don’t need much and just want a basic template for this craft.

To download, fill out the form below. You’ll be signed up for our free newsletter – unsubscribe at any time in the footer of the emails. I respect your privacy and the law and won’t share your information with anyone.

Different ways to use these easy flower paper folding templates

I assembled my own flowers a few different ways. A liked to just cut them and do nothing with them – and that’s totally fine too! But I like to share some more practical ways to finalize it and turn it into something you can enjoy after you’ve crafted it.

Flat stemmed flowers

Some of my favorites are these “pinwheel” style flowers. To make these, I stacked two cut paper flowers using a brad pin. I then taped it (hot glue works more permanently) to a colorful dowel.

The result is a forward facing flower that is so much fun for display and doesn’t try to look too realistic.

I curled the petals on these to add some drama, and even made some extra cuts on one, showing how you can really play with the template within the provided framework.

A flower bouquet

Another favorite is this stemmed flower that can be arranged more naturally in a vase. It doesn’t try to look real, but it has that gathered vibe.

I used chenille stems to make stems and leaves, and added pony beads to the mix too. For these, I stacked 2-3 flowers, and I played around with curling the petals or leaving them flat.

Flat paper crafts

And finally, I wanted to show a scrapbooky use of the paper flowers. I went ahead and found buttons as the center, and glued them on a trimmed-down scrapbook paper background.

This is a great application for using the easy paper flower folding templates in scrapbook pages, but also as wall art/collages/shadow boxes, greeting cards, and as embellishments for any flat craft.

Tips for using easy paper flower folding templates

There are so many different ways to craft with this as it’s really just a basic template. I like to share ideas beyond what I tried, so that you can take it a few steps further – and because it’s impossible for me to physically try everything that can be done with this!

Adapting for different age groups

For younger kids, you may want to keep it simple. A, my main tester, is five. She really handled the simplest petal shapes in the largest size best.

This does make great cutting practice, as it can get pretty challenging. So go ahead and give them things that are a bit harder to try! My daughter tried it, skipped a few curves and grooves, and it still came out great!

You may need to help finish it for younger kids by separating the petals, if they don’t cut over the parts of the fold they were supposed to.

As for folding these correctly: I showed A how to do it once and she totally got the hang of it. So it’s definitely doable for most kids ages 6+ (she’s a relatively crafty 5.5 year old).

Either way, for younger kids I’d definitely focus on the larger flowers and then give smaller ones as they get more advanced. You can supply them with white glue and markers and they can decorate it and then glue the layers on each other.

For older kids, more advanced art supplies (as I’ll share in a bit), curling petals, and assembling it into stemmed flowers can be a cool finish.

The base flowers – paper, decorating, and more

To make these bright and colorful, I went ahead and printed the templates directly onto colored copy paper. I had the most fun with the post-cutting process. I pulled out automatic ink, easy to use paint markers and had fun adding doodles.

I also played with colored pencils – specifically these super soft oil-based ones which showed up really well on the medium blue paper.

You definitely want to print on regular paper (not cardstock) as it’ll make the folding and cutting process easier.

Some more ideas for decorating the base flowers include:

• Watercolor paints – since you’re using paper, you’ll want to go easy on this and allow for generous dry time. You can do this before cutting on the whole sheet, or after cutting, to make actual flower details.
• Paint sticks are a favorite for younger kids.
• Gel pens are fabulous for finer, more intricate doodles. Good quality gel pens are important as cheaper ones tend to be single-use.
• You can trace the template onto scrapbook paper or other fancy papers too! You really just need to main square template and the single petal. Just trace the square, fold it without the dashed lines, and use that single petal as a template on the final triangle.

There are so many more ways you can craft this, so if you have ideas, just drop a comment!

Playing with different materials

As you can see, I really did completely turn over my craft room pulling out a zillion different craft supplies. I experimented with layering different flower patterns. I really played.

I encourage you to do the same. Try buttons as the centers of stemmed flowers. Use large sequins as centers on flat crafts. Try crafting these with actual paper flower supplies. Pull pom poms into the mix.

There is really so much you can do here, and being creative with it will make it your own!

How to make a paper flower bouquet using easy paper flower folding templates

You’ll need

For the basic folded paper flowers

• The templates – get them  in my shop, on Etsy, and at TpT, printed on (colorful) paper
• A bone folder for crisper folds (optional but recommended)
• Good scissors that have a smallish (and pointed if not working with young kids) blade

For assembling it different ways (all optional/as needed)

• Coloring supplies such as paint markers, colored pencils
• Hot glue gun (adults only) – my recommendations for best hot glue guns
• Tape/double sided tape
• Dowels
• Chenille stems/pipe cleaners
• Pony beads
• Buttons
• Brad pins

Watch the video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Step by Step Photo Tutorial

1. First, if you haven’t yet, print your templates. I used colorful copy paper.

2. Cut it out on the outer solid square.

3. Fold it on the full-width dashed line. A bone folder can help you get a good, sharp crease so that your end project goes smoother.

4. Fold it again on the new full-width crease (the one that went perpendicular to the previous crease.)

5. You have one final dashed line that’ll again fold it into even halves, but this time into triangles. Fold it on that line. At this point, make sure all your folds are nice and sharp.

6. Cut out your petal on the solid line. Make sure to go along your folds as needed, but to leave the center fully connected.

7. If you’ll be placing something through the center, you can snip off a tiny bit of the still-connected corner to make a center hole for later.

8. Open up your flower You’ll see that some flowers will have “grouped” petals – that’s okay. If petals that are meant to be separate are connected, just fix that now with your scissors.

9. To make a stacked flower, cut another size.

10. Decorate your flower! My favorite way is with paint markers, creating random or floral-inspired doodles.

11. Now assemble them as you’d like! If layering flowers, stagger the leaves so that the top layer(s) fill in the gaps on the bottom one.

I hope you enjoyed your easy flower paper folding templates! Got more ideas for how to craft this? Comment below! And in case you didn’t yet, get the template in my shop, on Etsy, and at TpT!

If you enjoy fun, open-ended creative crafts like this one, you’ll also want to check out these paper clothespin butterfly templates, this origami tulip tutorial, and these viral paper clothespin puppets.

The post Easy Flower Paper Folding Templates – “Snowflake” Flowers Craft for Kids! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

When I picked up a huge pack of pop tabs to make a soda pop tab bracelet tutorial, I knew I had to continue with more fun, colorful crafts. I ended up making these butterfly keychains using chenille stems and pony beads.

You’ll see lots of creators make soda tab butterfly keychains that look more “real.” My goal was to adapt that craft, and turn it into something more kid-friendly.

While you can create these with wire and glass beads, chenille stems and pony beads are easier to manipulate and make something much more colorful and fun.

Why we love soda tab butterfly keychains

Some craft projects require a pile of supplies and an hour of patience. This one doesn’t. You need a few basic materials – some of which you probably already have – and about 15-20 minutes. Want to craft more? Just make more of them!

The supplies are easy-to-find and cheap and you’ll love making this on repeat.

There are so many ways you can use soda tab butterflies. Clip one to a backpack zipper. Add beaded strands to make bag charms. Attach them to a key strap. Make a batch as party favors. Set them near the checkout table at a craft market. Tie one onto a wrapped present instead of a paper tag.

This version of DIY soda tab butterfly keychains is so playful and full of texture. It embraces the unconventional craft material and makes the most of it.

The chenille stem adds some plush that make these so much fun. The pony beads add color and character.

And I even used colorful ball chains to finish these off just to up the playful factor – because butterflies should be playful.

Design Variations and Styling Ideas

The materials we used

Any time anyone looks at my soda tab crafts, they ask “wait – you actually bought soda tabs?” My answer is yes. I didn’t have patience to collect so I bought. You can of course upcycle soda tabs. You’ll want to make sure there are no sharp edges, but it works.

You can even paint them with nail polish if you want the solid color look of mine. Just paint them before crafting.

And the ball chains can definitely be replaced with classic keychains, carabiner clips, or whatever floats your boat. I used colorful ball chains because I felt like it!

Chenille stems in a as standard size were used here – something you can swap out with aluminum wire (that is, thick easy to bend wire). Or use jewelry wire for a more mature look.

And pony beads can be swapped for any bead that fits on your wire.

More variations

Once you get the hang of the basic shape, you can really get creative with it. Change the whole mood with color, bead count, or build style. I even show this by wrapping my chenille stems in two ways in the images.

Match your colors to keep things looking more polished. Think purple stem with purple beads, or blue on blue for a cleaner finish. You can even match your soda tab color and keychain color. Mixed beads feel brighter and more casual. Orange, teal, pink, and yellow are great butterfly color if you like a cheerful look.

You can also adjust the shape. Fewer beads keep the butterfly light. A few extra beads make the center stand out more. You can even play around with single-tab wings for smaller butterflies!

Seasonal colors are easy too if you want to craft this beyond summer. Try pastels for spring or red and pink for Valentine’s Day. You can really add lots of character with color.

The charm is in the repetition

Your first butterfly doesn’t need to be fancy. Keep the shape simple, get the wings balanced, and make the center wrap tight. That’s what gives the piece its clean finish and durability. These really are strong – the wings are rigid if you do it right.

After that, repetition does the work. The second one comes together faster. The third one usually looks even better. Once the base pattern feels natural, color is where you can switch up your craft

How to make DIY Soda Tab Butterfly Keychains

You’ll need

• Soda tabs
• Chenille stems
• Scissors
• Pony beads
• Keychains

Watch the video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos. I did show a slightly different method of wrapping in each one, so you can see both and choose your favorite!

Step by step instructions

1. Take four soda tabs. Arrange them as pictured: One horizontal with the round end pointing to the left and one vertical so that the squared end matches the squared end of the horizontal one – the round end facing down. Do the same to the right with the round side facing right.

2. Take a chenille stem. Wrap the end a few times around where the two tabs form a corner. Don’t worry yet about exact positioning.

3. Take the other end of the stem and wrap it around the other pair of tabs a couple of times in the same spot – the inner square corner. The two sets of tabs should be touching or almost touching. Trim any remaining chenille stem.

4. Reposition your tabs. Your chenille stem is sitting on the inner side through the top hole of the tabs.

5. Take a second chenille stem. Fold it in half. Thread a bead on one side and place it in that center fold. This will serve as a stopper bead.

6. Thread on three more pony beads.

7. Place the stem over your wings so that the beads sit just below the wrapped portion.

8. Wrap each side of the stem around that center twist – one on each side. Go over the top, around the back to the bottom, and bring it back over to the frong.

9. We now have the base for our antennae. Thread a pony bead on one side of your stem about an inch from the wings Fold over and twist it around the length of that inch.

10. You should have a bit of a tail leftover from that antennae. Push it down through those three center beads.

You’ll have a bit of chenille stem leftover that came through above that base blocker bead.

11. Wrap that little extra through the bottom hole of the vertical soda tab on the same side as the antennae and back around the center stem until your chenille stem is fully used. This secures the wing against the body.

12. Repeat steps 9-11 with the second antennae on the other half of your soda tab butterfly.

14. I used the extra scrap from my first wraps to wrap a bit between the vertical and horizontal soda tabs to secure it more. You don’t have to do this, and the style of wrapping I show in the video doesn’t need this but you can if you want. At this stage, play with your butterfly, reposition things as needed. and make sure you’re happy with how it looks.

15. Add a keychain! You can thread it through an antennae bead, a soda tab hook, or wherever you’d like!

And here’s a peek at the other style of wrapping. The main difference is that we just wrapped that first wrap around the top of the hole instead of the inside.

I hope you had a blast making DIY soda tab butterfly keychains!

FAQs for making soda tab butterfly keychains

What size soda tabs work best for butterfly keychains?

Standard soda can tabs are usually the best option. They’re easy to find, easy to match, and they give the most consistent shape.

Can chenille stems hold the wings without glue?

Yes, most of the time they can. A tight center twist is usually enough. Glue is optional if you want extra hold on a charm that will get bumped around a lot.

Are these safe for kids to make?

They can be, with adult supervision. Clean tabs can still have sharp edges, so I recommend purchased tabs for younger kids. Tight twisting can be tricky for younger kids. Pre-check the tabs and help with the final twists if you’re working with little ones. Tweens should get the hang of this and be able to craft it independently.

Another concern is the chenille stems. They can be pokey, so proceed with caution!

Can the same pattern work with different bead colors?

Yes. The structure stays the same, and the color swap changes the look completely. That’s part of why this project is so easy to repeat without getting boring.

The post How to Make Soda Tab Butterfly Keychains – An Adorable DIY for Tweens! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I’ve been sharing different ideas from A’s second birthday party over the past couple of years, and I wanted to sum it all up in one skimmable post so that you can see it at-a-glance!

Some of these farm party ideas already have their own dedicated posts, and for some I’m sharing it for the first time. If I’ve already written about it, it’s because I felt that I had so much to share on it, that I had to go over it more thoroughly. Those I’ll go over quickly now and link to the post for further exploration if you’d like to learn more.

The ones that I haven’t yet shared, I’ll be sharing in depth.

Farm Party Ideas for Decor

When setting the scene for your farm party, you can take a few different approaches. One of those is the cow print approach, another is a general farm theme. I primarily took the first approach as you’ll see below.

Color Scheme

One of the key ways to create an atmosphere with a party is to choose a good color scheme. For our farm party, I treated black and white cow print as its own color, and complemented it with solid pink and green.

This theme was repeated throughout – with all pink and greens representing as solids, and the only black and white being the cow print.

The impact was fantastic – it was cheerful, on-theme and fun enough for a toddler. And it looked fabulous enough for the adults in the room.

Here’s a quick overview, but you can learn more about our cow party decorations here.

Room Decor

More specifically, I set things in three layers: background, foreground, and table level.

• In the background, behind the table, we had lots of balloons. I got a mix of pink and green balloons, plus cow print latex balloons, and set the stage with those. A cow pennant banner hung between the balloons.
• Over the table, I had a big number two balloon. I get a 40 inch number balloon for each birthday to use as a milestone photo prop, and use it as decor as well. We also had two mylar cow balloons hanging on either side.
• And finally, in the foreground, we kept it simple with more cow-print pennants.

Notice how in the three tiers, the background had the most. This keeps the actual space where people are mingling uncluttered while still filling the room.

Table Settings

We continued the theme on the table with a cow print tablecloth serving as a backdrop for pink and green paper goods. I also got cow print napkins but those weren’t necessary.

And as a really cool final touch, a bouquet of pink roses with green leaves made the space feel festive and feminine.

Farm Party Food Ideas

While I don’t always theme food to the party, this theme was begging for appropriate foods! We focused on keeping things in a farm fresh theme, and it was a healthy, wholesome approach.

You can read more details about our farm party food ideas here, or check out y quick overview below.

Brunch

When I throw a younger kid’s party, we usually have lots of families who stay and mingle the whole day – kids and adults. It’s more the vibe of this type of party.

For that reason, I like to serve something that feels a bit more like a meal and can actually fill people.

We did lots of farm themed foods here, including:

• Deviled eggs
• Corn salad
• Romaine-based salad loaded with veggies
• Green veggie sticks (hot house cucumbers, celery, green beans) served upright in a dish to look like grass

Drinks

Some themed drinks include chocolate milk and orange juice, and while I don’t even remember if we served those, they are a fabulous idea as part of a brunch at a farm party.

Treats

Again, treats don’t need to be themed, but cow print cookies are totally easy if you are okay with them looking very homemade. Just use black cookie icing to make black splotches on a regular cookie. Chocolate chip cookies can also do the trick.

The cake topper

As usual, instead of a birthday cake, I crafted a cake topper that’s on theme. A cow print background and pink text was all we needed for this one. We stuck it into a babka because babkas are awesome.

Activities & Crafts Farm Party Ideas

I absolutely love setting up craft tables at parties. Kids LOVE coming home with something that they made and it gives them something to do. Even family get-togethers in our house usually have an independent craft table set up somewhere.

In fact, I love it so much, I started doing craft parties professionally! You can grab the full list of farm party activities here, or scroll through for the quick overview.

Puppet Making

I’m a big fan of paper puppets because they’re super easy to make (just color, cut out, and stick on a stick) and I designed this set special for this party. I put out crayons to accommodate the toddlers in the room, and placed double sided tape on the sticks in advance.

Stickers, Stickers, Stickers…

Toddlers do great with stickers, and older kids do too. I got some foam farm themed stickers as well as some build-a-farm-animal stickers to put out alongside sheets of plain paper. The kids spent time on it, and mixed it up with the crayons from the other activity too.

More Ideas

While I didn’t do it at this particular party, I also have some fun craft stick farm animals on the blog, as well as these farm puppets (just print, cut, assemble – no coloring) that can be included in your farm party ideas too.

Farm Party Favor Ideas

To finalize things for our farm party, let’s talk favors! I createdthese adorable cow favor bags that double as puppets. Of course, you can also just add spots to a white bag, or get cow print bags.

I try to put things that are as playable as possible in party favors. For this one, I got cow bracelets, cow bath toys (I’d ditch this next time), more of those build-an-animal stickers (big win) and circle farm animal stickers, plus cow shaped crayons.

It’s really easy to find favors for this theme so look for usable items you’d like to give, and find them in a farm theme.

Got any farm party ideas to add to the list? Comment below!

The post Farm Party Ideas – For a 2 Year Old’s Epic Birthday Party! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

If you’re looking for the best gifts for Mother’s Day, you’re in the right place! This guide has been carefully curated by mothers, to give you specific ideas that are unique and will be loved. This post contains compensated placements and affiliate links.

It can be hard to know just what to buy mom. Even if you do have an idea in mind, choosing more specifically – which brand, which product – can be tough to navigate. The goal of this list of the best gifts for Mother’s Day is to give you direction and help you find the perfect gift.

In this post, you’ll find favorite gifts for moms at every stage. Whether you’re a dad buying for your wife, an adult child looking for an elderly mother, or a young adult looking for a middle-aged mom who still feels like she’s 16, I’m sure you’ll find something here that’ll resonate.

To help you explore these best gifts for Mother’s Day, I organized it into a few categories. I also featured three top picks that are just great all-around picks. The table of contents can help you navigate, or just scroll through for my personal feedback and original images of each.

Top 3 Best Gifts for Mother’s Day

I decided to share three standout picks for Mother’s Day that are versatile, innovative, and high quality.

1. For the mother with a creative streak – Liene PixCut Photo Printer

Once machine that can print, laminate, and cut custom stickers – AND actually works well? Yes, please!

As a mom, I use stickers all day. I use them in my planner, to label things that are going to school that I hope to get back, and to organize my pantry. I use them for parties – to make my own favors – and as incentives and activities for the kids.

Instead of having to use two separate machines that sometimes don’t coordinate well, the PixCut S1 very seamlessly does both. And it even laminates so that stickers are waterproof! It also prints photos for all those “please bring a picture of your child, your whole family, and your third cousin’s dog to school tomorrow” moments.

But the best part? It works so well! It uses thermal dye-sublimation to print and has outperformed other printers I’ve tried with similar technology. It also laminates, which means that it’s actually waterproof and can be used to label my kids’ lunch boxes. It connected flawlessly through Bluetooth, printed without an issue, and cut the stickers so well without having to go through a calibration process thanks to AI-powered detection. And the settings are built-in for a perfect cut depth.

App features make all the difference. You can set the border size for an external white border, or an internal bleed. The app also features loads of built-in sticker styles, AI photo editing to turn the kids into cartoons and cut out photos, label styles and pre-made sticker sheets and more.

I am totally obsessed, and your mom (or your kids’ mom) will be too!

FYI: On Mother’s Day (May 10, 2026), Liene will host a pop-up activation at the Melrose Trading Post in Los Angeles from 10 AM to 5 PM. Visitors can print custom stickers for free, featuring their mom’s favorite things, to personalize any gift they bring. They will have an artist on-site for crafting guidance.

2. For the Mother Who Loves Bling: Luvbo Jewels Gorgeous Jewelry

You know she loves jewelry – but which jewelry do you start with? Make it meaningful: start with a gorgeous Mama necklace, and then pair it with a coordinating layering necklace to match. Follow it up with earrings and you have a gift with meaning and intent. Choose one piece, or make your own set – depending on your budget.

Luvbo Jewels are high quality sterling and natural stone pieces that are on-trend and carefully crafted. They focus on individuality with art-inspired jewelry that make mom feel really special. Most pieces come in both gold and silver so that you can choose Mom’s favorite tone. And the best part: the price range is accessible without compromising on quality. You can even get a bonus 15% off by entering code MC15 at checkout!

I chose the Paper Clip Moissanite Pendant Necklace and the Classic Small Hoop Earrings to pair with the Mama necklace because they are both classy and on-trend at the same time. If you know mom’s style specifically, go for that, but otherwise, pieces that are timeless and still retain a modern edge are fabulous picks.

3. For the mom who’s always carrying everyone’s stuff: Merzon Travel Lisa Tote

Moms have resigned themselves to carrying bags with everyone’s stuff around… But how about we limit it to just one bag for everything?

The Lisa tote by Merzon Travel is actually huge. I decided to put it to the test with a mock beach trip (no, it’s not actually beach weather here.) I put in six towels (because we’re six people). They fit well rolled up – with room for another one or two more (or lunch).

I filled the spacious side pockets with a 40 oz tumbler, sunscreen, bug spray, and a pair of slides. They fit comfortably in only three of the six outer pockets.

The bag itself is very well made and strong, with clean stitching, very sturdy cotton canvas, and a pretty lining too. It has a key clip to so you’re not fishing, and an interior pocket allows for a phone or other small items.

The Lisa tote wipes clean and is fabulous for trips to the pool, the beach, picnics, yoga class, the gym.

25 Best Gifts for Mother’s Day

Beauty Gifts for Mom

How many times have I dressed up my child, braided her hair, and then stopped short of dressing myself? These top picks are beauty-focused splurges, that she may not go and buy for herself but it’ll absolutely motivate her to glam up. And a glammed up mom is a happy mom!

MINT Extra Long Curling Iron

For moms with longer hair, the salon-favorite MINT Tools Extra Long Curling iron will not only make her feel beautiful, but it’s a time and sanity saver too! I tried it out and got great loose curls with minimal effort, thanks to the long barrel. MINT creates professional level hair styling tools, and this one sets the tone.

Variable heat settings (270-430° F) ensures that mom can use one that won’t cause excessive damage. It has a built-in stand and a gorgeous modern design.

Since it has an extra long barrel, the curling iron is designed with a double heating system, so it retains even heat throughout, for more consistent curls. The ceramic, ionic, and tourmaline barrel is designed to lock in moisture and keep mom’s hair healthy and shiny.

Chlōq Fragrances

A good fragrance gives me so much confidence, and Chlōq does it right! Their perfumes are subtle enough that I can wear them out and about without overwhelming. They are designed special for women, with a mindset of empowering women in what makes us special. Chlōq creates fragrances to take us through our busy days, from home, to work, to family, to social gatherings.

They come in both 50ml and 5ml sizes, so you can bundle them up for an extra special gift. My favorite is “Intoxicating”, with its confident gardenia, black fern, and skin musk. Boardroom Badass is sophisticated with jasmine water, orris butter, and solar musk. Unleashed is just that – wild and untamed – with gunpowder, leather milk, and lily smoke

All the scents I tried scents are premium and in the safe zone, but with a touch of sass. I love having the confidence that wearing a high quality fragrance lends, while feeling polished and refined.

ILONA Beauty Resurface. Refine. Reveal. Rejuvenating Duo

Mom might be too busy for a facial, but she can feel like she’s at the spa at home. ILONA Beauty’s Resurface. Refine. Reveal. Rejuvenating Duo gives her that professional facial care she really wants from the convenience of home.

The Pretty Polished Crystal Resurfacing Cream is an award-winning face cream for all skin types. It features micro resurfacing crystals inside a fabulous cream to help her glow. The cream helps remove impurities, dead cells, and more while nourishing and restoring her skin’s smoothness. It also serves as a great precursor to help masks be more effective, making it the perfect pairing with the Budapest Cocktail Advanced Conduction Foil Mask.

The bundle comes with four masks as well. This salon sourced weekly treatment will rejuvenate her skin for days – allowing her to look great even if she can’t get to that self-care routine daily.

Axiology Everyday Pinks Bundle (Neutral 3-in-1 Cosmetics)

I can go three nights in a row without much sleep, but when I put on a touch of makeup, suddenly I feel alive! Give mama the gift of feeling great with Axiology’s handmade, American-made sustainable cosmetics.

The Everyday Pinks bundle shown here features three Balmies and one multi-stick in beautiful, subtle tones. The Balmies are mini (read: toss-in-your-handbag size) cosmetic crayons that actually contain the same amount of makeup as a typical lipstick, minus all the wasteful packaging. The set comes with three in  Champagne, Sorbet & Rosé, packed into a sweet little box that doubles as a travel case.

The Balmies are muti-use (think: lips, cheeks, and eyes) and have a matte finish. They are made from natural ingredients that are actually good for your skin. The set also comes with a multi-stick that can be used different ways. This is a bit richer than the Balmies and easy to tuck into your handbag as well.

Self-Care Gifts for Moms

Beyond beauty, sometimes mom just needs some care and pampering. She works hard – whether she spends the day at home caring for kids, spends the day at work, nurtures the grandkids, keeps the home in check, volunteers, or all of the above!

These gifts give that extra level of care – with care referring to comfort, sleep, and her health.

Manta SILK Mask – Luxury Sleep Mask

Ask mom what she wants for Mother’s Day and her gut reaction might just be “sleep!”

We might not be able to snap our fingers to give mom the gift of good sleep, but we can definitely try to accommodate it! Because we all know that better sleep makes us healthier, happier, and better parents.

Manta accommodates that by creating a no-pressure sleep mask that is fabulous even for those of us who don’t do well with traditional sleep masks! They feature eye cushions that contour the eyes to seal out light, while keeping the actual mask removed from our face.

Take it to the next level with the MANTA Silk mask – a gorgeous and luxurious 100% pure momme silk sleep mask that takes the giftability factor up ten notches. It has an adjustable hook and loop closure for an easy, comfortable fit. And the materials are naturally breathable and good for the skin, making it the perfect pampering gift for us moms who just want our sleep.

WildBird CloudBlend™ Robe

Our R&R time might be limited, but we make the most of what we have! And I know when I’m relaxing, the one thing I want is to be enveloped in comfort. The Wildbird CloudBlend robe is the comfort I’ve been looking for. It features plenty of coverage (think: curl up on the couch and tuck your feet in) in a heavenly soft but breathable fabric.

The color shown is Acadian, a gorgeous neutral sage green color that flatters virtually any skin tone. And it has pockets!! It won’t cause mama to be too hot, and is perfect for spring season holiday gifting.

Remind Insoles REDE ACTIVE Insoles

There are days when I just do everything in sneakers so that I can just take care of myself, and then there are the days that I make the ultimate sacrifice: I wear shoes that I actually like. But Remind Insoles helps me not have to make that choice.

REDE ACTIVE Insoles are Podiatrist-recommended low arch insoles that allow me to wear the shoes I want WITHOUT compromising on comfort. I know my kids are going to need me, and I can’t wreck my feet, but I want to look pretty. These insoles mean that I don’t need to choose and can have the best of both worlds.

Best Gifts for Mom’s Hobbies

My therapist mandated that I spend time on my hobby, and since my hobby is (marginally) cheaper than her fee, I listened. Nurturing mom’s hobby is a win all-around, and there’s no better way to do it than with a Mother’s Day gift.

I’ve addressed creative hobbies from a few directions in this list of best gifts for Mother’s Day – mainly because we’re creative here. And even non-creative moms will enjoy a good craft supply. But scroll on for the foodie section if that’s more mom’s recreational vibe!

Uni Posca – Boho Vibes Paint by Number

Color by Number, meet Adult Coloring! For the mom that likes to relax on the couch with a mindless, childhood-inspired craft, Posca’s new paint by numbers are the ultimate “moms get to have fun too” hobby!

Posca paint markers are my go-to for their incredible opaque coverage, and these Paint by Number sets show it. Relax while filling in the spaces. The themes are mature, but I personally find this format much less stressful than the typical tiny spaces featured in adult coloring. It is so satisfying to color and then mom gets fun artwork to hang in the house.

Each set comes with the Posca markers we love, in the colors required for the kit. It has two printed canvas panels to color. And my favorite part: it is so easygoing, the kind of craft that can be done after hours without requiring mom to (gasp!) think after she’s clocked out for the day.

Slice Tools – Ceramic Cutting Tools

You may have seen their compact slicers all over packages being opened on social media, but did you know that they make fabulous craft tools too? Slice Tools’ innovation is in their safer ceramic blades. They are a cult favorite for makers like me and so handy to have around.

I know that I can never have enough cutting tools, and Slice Tools adds a unique giftability factor to it. If you know that what mom really wants is craft supplies, Slice is an innovative AND practical choice.

The innovation behind Slice tools is in their ceramic blades. These are finger-friendly and safe to touch PLUS they won’t rust and last much longer than the typical stainless blades.

Their craft knife is a versatile pick to have around the craft room. Perfect for cutting fine detail in paper or vinyl crafts, the precision ceramic blade works surprisingly well.

I tested their rotary scissors on a few materials, and found it to be so smooth. It’s a bladeless tool, with a totally inaccessible cutting area and it gives easy straight cuts on wrapping paper, different paper types (even thick glitter cardstock), and plastics like cellophane.

And they even make good old scissors – minus the rust – that again work on many materials! I tried it on faux suede and ribbon and it worked like a charm. And their various mini cutters are just easy to scatter all over the house so that mom never needs to look for that box cutter when she needs it.

Ohuhu Oil Based Professional Colored Pencils

For the artist mom, Ohuhu is a winning brand, with illustration supplies that are affordable but high quality. That means that with the same budget, you can get her the larger set with larger color variety.

Their Halawa series oil-based colored pencils are incredibly creamy and smooth, blendable, and fun to use. The 72 pack has so many tones so she can get the effect she’s been aiming for.

Ohuhu’s Halawa series drawing pencils are a fabulous gift for the artist mom, or for the mother who loves to color adult coloring books, and to add her own flair and realistic shading and toning. They come in a storage-ready tin with a swatching card so that she can always find the shade she wants easily.

Galison Blooming Wildflowers Punch Needle Kit

Punch needle is one of those hobbies that are relatively easy to learn but offer enough of a challenge for those who want it. Direction matters, technique matters, and creativity matters. It’s a great hobby to introduce to a mother who wants to learn a new skill but only has five minutes to do so.

The Galison Blooming Wildflowers punch needle kit takes a “grandma craft” and brings it into this decade. It’s comfortable yarn, homestyle texture, and a pop of color that’s full of life.

The kit itself is well done. The art is printed on a stretched canvas and it comes with a generous amount of yarn – enough to accommodate some mistakes. Of course, it comes with a punch needle and threader too. The only thing you need to supply from home is a pair of scissors.

The instructions are very clear and I even followed their “creativity tip” and made the yellow centers reversed for more texture!

Nautilus Heirloom Quality Wooden Puzzles

If she loves puzzles, don’t just get her another puzzle. Get one that will totally wow her. Nautilus puzzles not only contain gorgeous artwork, but they’re totally unique. They’re made of intricately cut wooden shapes that are a break from classic jigsaw shapes. Precision laser cut puzzles are easier to assemble, and the wood lends it a comfortable, tactile feel, without bent ends.

The puzzles can be assembled and re-assembled again and again, as they are durable enough to last for generations. I really enjoyed the shapes hidden within this vibrant New York City puzzle: shooting stars, musical motifs, the Statue of Liberty, snowflakes, and more.

I also found that the cool shapes really made the puzzle-assembly experience so much more interesting and helped things along. The packaging is gift-ready too, and overall you get a totally premium feel.

Nautilus has puzzles of different sizes, so you can choose your challenge level and your budget. And as a bonus, it’s made in the USA – and female founded, perfect for Mother’s Day!

Gift Ideas for Chef + Hostess Moms

My husband often gets this mental block with buying things that relate to household chores, because it feels like he’s “buying me a broom so I can sweep”. My best tip is: if it makes my job easier, is cool and gadgety, is pretty, and I’m anyway going to do it, might as well make it more fun!

And for the mom who loves to host and enjoys spending time in the kitchen, these gifts are a double win. They’re nurturing a hobby and making her job easier.

P.S. Don’t buy her a broom for Mother’s day.

ZWILLING Fresh & Save Vacuum Starter Set

The ZWILLING Fresh & Save Vacuum Starter Set is the fresh food fanatic’s best friend! There’s nothing quite so frustrating as working hard on that food and then having it get ruined in storage.

The handheld vacuum pump fits right onto the vacuum opening on the bags and bowl lids, and sucks all that air out! It’s about half the size of your typical hand blender, making it a compact kitchen solution that’s easy to store. And the all-in-one starter set features both bags and bowls for every purpose!

The bowls are oven-to-table-to-fridge borosilicate glass that also allow for extremely secure transfer for our next pot luck. The bags can be used for sous-vide cooking and marinating as well. They are the perfect solution for me to make sure my dinner rolls don’t get covered in ice before we get to enjoy them.

Bowls and bags are dishwasher-safe and reusable, bags are BPA free, and the bowls stack, continuing the trend of easy storage. The vacuum sealer is rechargeable, and does the job in seconds.

For the mom who likes her food fresh, the ZWILLING Fresh & Save Vacuum Starter Set is a game-changer!

Vego Garden EZ Self-Watering Herb Planter with Trellis

I love including fresh herbs in my cooking – they are the upgrade that takes food from good to incredible. But I often find myself tossing the wilted remains from the fridge a week later. I have tried window sill solutions, but… let’s just say that I’m too busy keeping the kids alive to think about watering plants!

Vego Garden’s EZ Self-Watering Herb Planter does the watering for me! Its self-watering system features a base that allows for lots of water storage and has a gauge so that I know when I need to fill it. It even has a built-in (optional) trellis surround that prevent herbs from drooping when they grow tall.

It’s a nice sized planter, but still small enough to sit indoors. It even has spacing guides that are perfect for green onions, but regardless serve the purpose of mulch. The planter has built-in airflow, and is innovative and well-made. A water regulating lever allows you control over water flow levels.

So whether mom loves her plants or just wants fresh herbs in her cooking, this is a fantastic gift choice for her!

(In case you’re wondering, Y, age 10, stole half of it to plant his sprouted beans. I’m the only one in the family that eats beans, so that’s a score for me too!)

Top Gifts for Moms of Young Kids

When it comes to buying baby things for Mother’s Day, the mindset is similar to kitchen gadgets. Buy her the things that she’ll personally enjoy. Fresh, new mothers will really enjoy a cool baby gadget, and photo gifts are always a win.

Popsa Easy Smart-technology Driven Photo Books

I used to be totally stuck on what to buy my husband as a birthday gift, until someone gave me a perfect solution: do a photo book every year. My husband really appreciates it, and so I can confidently say: photo books make fabulous gifts for Dads – so they’re great gifts for moms too!

I’ve tried lots of photo book services as I’m sure you can tell, and Popsa really performed at the top. Their AI technology allowed me to just upload loads of photos, created collage-style pages, which I then added minor adjustments to. The whole process took under an hour, and most of that time was spent finding which photos I wanted to include.

The book quality is fantastic, with both soft and hardcover options, and more optional upgrades.

Popsa photo books are a meaningful gift idea for Mother’s Day, especially for mothers of young kids. They are young for such a short amount of time, and preserving those moments is so valuable. They are also a great gift to get your own mom, with photos of your kids, so she can keep the grandkids close by.

KeaBabies Bree Backpack Diaper Bag

When it comes to buying baby products for newer moms for Mother’s Day, I always recommend going with things that have direct mom-appeal. Think of the things that she uses most closely, and provide her direct convenience.

Diaper bags are at the top of that category, and KeaBabies’ Bree Backpack diaper bag is a fabulous choice. It looks really classy, is packed with convenient features, and yet still sits at an affordable price point.

Quilted detailing is on-trend and adds loads of style. It features a side pocket for easy-access to wipes, a luggage strap, stroller buckles, and a changing pad.

My favorite feature is the structure. While it has a large and spacious main compartment, it also has a feature that I like to call the “ditch the black hole” pocket. That is, a full-height flat front pocket for storing those things you don’t want to be digging around for, like diapers, pacifiers, and emergency snacks.

KeaBabies Nova Baby’s First Year Picture Frame

For the mother who has been religious about staging those monthly photos (hi, that’s me!) get a way to actually use them! Because chances are that like me, she took them and then forgot about them.

The KeaBabies Nova Baby’s First Year picture frame is a simple and classy way to display those photos. It comes with three matte options in the box, and even includes the double sided tape needed to adhere the photos to the template!

I chose the one with a classic light wood frame, but they have other designs too! They can go on a dresser or sideboard, or be hung on the wall.

LumiCup Single Use Cold Cups

Young moms have a lot on their hands, and some disposables can really help. LumiCup single use cold cups are an innovative infinitely recyclable option that also looks really chic on the table! They are sturdier than a paper cup and more eco-friendly than a plastic cup.

Whether she’s looking for a hosting solution, a cool picnic cup, or something for dinner on that night that she’s just too busy for dishes, LumiCup is a really cool and unique solution.

“Edible Flowers” – Best Food Gifts for Mother’s day

When you’re thinking of getting flowers but want to put a bit more thought into it, treats are an absolute win! And while you don’t need to wait for Mother’s Day to get these, they’re a fabulous way to show you really care. Look for bundles, curated boxes, and gift packs to keep things gift-worthy.

Edible gifts are a great choice for virtually any mother, but especially for those who just have enough stuff in their life. They are consumable and not just more clutter in her life.

These also make fabulous companion gift, to include with a larger gift. Think: a coffee gadget alongside premium coffee, chocolates and jewelry, fruit with a handcrafted fruit bowl, gourmet snacks packed inside a tote…

Note: all food products featured on this website are certified Kosher or are foods that most don’t require certification for (like fresh fruit and 100% coffee).

DM Snacks Snack Happy Flavored Nuts

The new Snack Happy collection from DM Snacks is incredibly tasty – In fact, I finished it and didn’t share very much! They’re a healthier snacking option, with more protein and fewer carbs. The unique combination of flavors are far from basic, but also aren’t too strong in any direction.

The coconut curry peanuts for example don’t quite taste like someone slapped peanuts with coconut and curry. A candy-crusted peanut, with a light coconut flavor and a touch of curry gives that unique blend of sweet and savory flavors that just works.

Bundle a few picks in a pretty gift basket to up the giftability factor. DM Snacks allows you to build your own bundles, and the end effect is a very fair per-bag price point. They’re made in the USA, Kosher certified (OU/OU-D), and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Vermont Nut Free Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate is the way to a mom’s heart, and handcrafted chocolates go the extra mile!

As its name indicates, Vermont Nut Free Chocolate crafts just that: nut free chocolates, which is a rarity! They are created in a dedicated peanut and tree nut free facility, and are certified Kosher Dairy by Star D (a division of Star K).

This assortment is so tasty, and each bite feels like another treat! It comes in a gift-ready box for a low-effort but meaningful Mother’s Day gift.

Gigawatt Coffee Roasters

We all know the real fuel that keeps the house running – it’s the coffee that mothers drink. So why not get her the good stuff?

My favorite way to gift coffee is to combine sampler packs in a gift basket, and Gigawatt Coffee Roasters gets you that perfect assortment that’ll keep her going. They are fresh, high quality coffees, no bitter or burnt flavors to get in the way of her energy levels.

The coffees are 100% whole bean or ground unflavored coffee – the varieties listed are tasting notes that come about through things like soil, altitude, and roasting process.

The Gigawatt Coffee Roasters 5-pack sampler is a fabulous size for gifting. Each bag makes 12 cups of coffee, perfect for your standard coffee maker. Or, if she’s like me, she’ll save it all for herself (which means six coffees, because 16 oz is the golden zone for mom levels of caffeine, right?)

And for the cold-brew loving mom, Gigawatt also has a 100% Arabica coffee and filtered water cold brew can that you can bundle in your gift.

Tropical Fruit Box – Taste the Exotics

We’re stepping deeper into the unique with a gift that my family had a really fun time with: the Tropical Fruit Box. And yes, it’s exactly as it sounds! Enjoy a curated collection of tropical fruit, along with a little jar of gourmet honey to enjoy drizzled on your fruit.

The box comes with two-sided cards that share information on the fruit, how to eat it, readiness guidelines, and even a recipe to try!

We really enjoyed the yellow dragon fruit and papaya today, and are waiting for the rest to ripen. The fruit are seasonal and subject to availability, so the contents can vary. The honey that they sent us is a fruity honey with a kick: mango habanero honey (raw and unfiltered, OU kosher certified.)

It’s a fabulous gift for the mom who loves a sweet snack, but loves it directly from nature!

How to Choose the Best Gifts for Mother’s Day

If you’re still having trouble looking for the best gifts for Mother’s Day, and aren’t sure what to choose – from this list or otherwise – here are some pointers for finding the right thing:

1. Think about how she spends most of her day. What would support her, make her day easier and happier?
2. When you shop with her, where does she slow down? Where does she browse a little longer? Is it the craft aisle? The gourmet food aisle?
3. Those tasks that she complains about the most – are there any gadgets that can make them easier? Or anything else in life that she might struggle with?
4. What does she really and truly enjoy doing? Getting her a “splurge” along those lines can be a real win.
5. And finally, what makes her feel special? Whether it’s pretty, pampered, or talented, getting her a gift that will get her there is meaningful and truly thoughtful.

Do you have any suggestions for the best Mother’s Day gifts? Something you gave or received that was loved? Comment below to share it with us!

Looking for further inspiration? Check out these gifting ideas for Mother’s Day and these best gift ideas for wives.

The post Best Gifts for Mother’s Day – Ideas for Moms from Moms! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I love a really easy grab-n-go activity that keeps kids busy, doesn’t take up space, and can simply be discarded or passed on when we’re done with it! Craft stick puzzles are a win in this way: they’re so flat and easy to pack, they can even be kept in my slim shoulder bag!

This shape matching activity is ideal for classrooms, for road trips, for long plane rides, or any time you’ll enjoy something nice and compact for on the go.

Tips for making this shape matching activity

Before we start, here are some crafting tips and ideas for variations to get the most out of your shape matching activity.

Your Puzzle Base

I used craft sticks to make this shape matching puzzle, because it’s affordable, accessible, and flat! Go for jumbo tongue-depressor style ones, or, if you can find it, super jumbo craft sticks.

If you don’t have craft sticks, you can follow the same format using scraps of corrugated cardboard, or just cardstock. It just won’t be as neat and durable, but it’ll definitely work.

You can make an XL version for more permanent use as a playroom or classroom toy by using paint stirrers or similar wooden slats.

Adding the Shapes

In this tutorial, I show you how to create these craft stick puzzles using acrylic paint. You want something bright and opaque for kids to be able to see easily.

To do this, use a stiff-ish thin paintbrush. You’ll need to exercise some wrist control, and may want to keep things clean by outlining your shapes.

If you prefer to, you might have a much easier time using paint markers. I highly recommend POSCA markers if you can swing them – they’re opaque, long-lasting, and of superior quality. However, if you can’t, Ohuhu also makes a few versions of paint markers that work very well (their automatic ink ones are my favorite).

More shapes to draw & matchmaking tips

While this was absolutely created as a shape matching activity for basic shape recognition, don’t stop at that! Try creating other images for kids to match up, and think beyond the drawn shapes. Some ideas:

• Themed: florals for Spring, holiday shapes
• Unit-based, such as transportation/vehicles, animals, and more.
• Letter recognition
• Number recognition
• Color matching – use dot stickers split on two sticks
• Morse-style patterns for older kids
• Images clipped from magazines

You can see that with the basic format of this craft in place, the possibilities are endless.

Ways to use this shape matching activity

Here are some of my favorite ways to use any craft stick puzzles!

Taking it on the go

I love organizing simple activities in pencil cases in a travel binder, coupon file (see my ideas for a DIY travel activity kit here), or even in simple activity pouches.

This one is small and flat enough that it works in any of these settings – and even small enough to store in the car without too much clutter.

You can also attach magnets to the back and use it on a sheet pan as a magnetic activity.

Classroom lessons and applications

There are so many lessons to be learned from a simple activity like this:

• Counting
• Color identification
• Matching
• Pattern and sequencing
• Visual Perceptual Skills
• Fine Motor Coordination

Of course, you can add to the mix by swapping out the themes like I did above. You can add social skills by playing games with this (such as racing games, or give each kid a stack, and have them swap with friends the parts that they’re missing, like open-card go-fish style).

Since this is inexpensive, you can make a few sets and have it as a classroom center activity and quiet time toy.

How to make a craft stick puzzle shape matching activity

Here’s the step by step process to craft these. Of course, do it as you’d like.

What you’ll need

• 16 jumbo craft sticks
• Acrylic craft paints in black, white and primary/ROYGBIV colors (recommended for preschool kids for early color recognition.) Alternatively, use paint markers
• Washi, masking, or painter’s tape
• Paintbrush if using craft paints
• Pencil

Step by Step Instructions

1. Gather all supplies. Using a low tack paper tape, attach eight sets of two jumbo craft sticks together.

2. I recommend outlining your shapes on a separate paper to keep things consistent. I recommend: a circle, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a heart, and a diamond. For big kids, you can add more complex shapes like hexagons, trapezoids, etc. Select one color of craft paint for each shape.

3. Using a pencil, trace three shapes onto each set of jumbo craft sticks. Make the combination of shapes random. Make the center of the shape (especially those with a distinct center point like diamonds and hearts) fall on the space between the sticks.

4. Basecoat the hearts with red acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.

5. Basecoat the rectangles with orange acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary. Note: these are just color suggestions, as I did it. Feel free to adapt with your own colors.

6. Basecoat the triangles with yellow acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.

7. Basecoat the squares with green acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.

8. Basecoat the circles with blue acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.

9. Basecoat the diamonds with purple acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.

10. Once all the paint is dry, remove the washi tape or painter’s tape. Mix up the craft sticks and play the game.

Mix the sticks up and let your preschooler match them back!

And of course, pin the image below to share it with a fellow parent or teacher!

The post Shape Matching Activity – DIY Popsicle Stick Travel Toy for Toddlers appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

If you want a friendship bracelet that looks bright, neat, and a little bit magical, the candy stripe pattern is the one I always come back to. It’s the classic diagonal stripe, the one that looks great in school colors, summer brights, or soft pastels, and it’s honestly so satisfying once you see those stripes stack up.

I love this pattern because it’s so brainless and calming to make. You get into a rhythm, your hands stay busy, and the bracelet starts to look “real” pretty fast. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, so it’s a sweet win if you’re helping a kid learn. In fact, I consider it to be one of the foundational friendship bracelets for beginners, alongside the spiral (Chinese Staircase) friendship bracelet.

In this guide, you’ll get simple options for colors, sizing tips that actually help, and clear instructions to carry you through, from your first knot to your final tie. Keep it relaxed, your first one doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be yours.

Since the goal of this post is to teach you everything you need to know about making and designing the candy stripe friendship bracelet, it got a big long. So I decided to include a table of contents so that you can find your answers quicker.

What a Candy Stripe Friendship Bracelet Is (and Why It’s So Popular)

What is the candy stripe pattern?

The Candy Stripe friendship bracelet pattern is very simple: form diagonal stripes by repeating the same knot direction across the row. You’re knotting stripes – the diagonal line forms naturally, as you knot and the level of the knots go down.

With the candy stripe friendship bracelet, you get a clean, bold look even with simple color choices. It’s really hard to get wrong. It works in 2 colors, rainbow, or ombré color schemes. It’s easier than similar bracelets, like the flip flop friendship bracelet.

Why people love it

The candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern is arguably one of the most common ones for a few reasons:

1. The pattern is easy to memorize – once you get the hang of one line, you don’t need to refer to the instructions anymore.
2. It’s easy to personalize and “theme” by choosing colors that work for a particular subject.
3. Progress is quick, satisfaction comes almost immediately as the stripes form.
4. They come together quite quickly, making them great for gifting, swapping, and summer camp or classroom projects.

Quick Pattern Snapshot (For Busy Readers)

Here’s a quick overview of the pattern that’s skimmable:

• Skill level: Beginner
• Time: About 30 to 90 minutes (depends on length and how fast you knot)
• Best string: Embroidery floss
• Common setup: 6 to 12 strands
• Core idea: Forward knot across each row to form the diagonal stripe

Material Choices for the Candy Stripe Friendship Bracelet

Did you know that there are different strings you can use to create friendship bracelets? Here’s a quick overview of the best ones for this candy stripe friendship bracelet.

Embroidery floss

This is my go-to for most friendship bracelets. It comes in so many colors, has a delicate look when knotted, and comes in large affordable variety pack. It’s the correct scale for a bracelet like this. The friction is good and the knots hold well.

Standard embroidery floss is definitely what I’d recommend when doing the candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern with beginners.

Other string options

You don’t have to stick to embroidery floss! Whether you’re looking to upgrade, availability is an issue, or you’re just wanting a change, here are some other options:

• Pearl cotton size 8- this finer embroidery floss gives a much thinner, realer, upgraded look. It’ll be harder to work with and produce smaller results for the same effort, but is a great option for a bracelet that looks more like real jewelry.
• Crochet thread – This is also quite fine, but tends to be cheaper. Get these in big spools in more limited colors rather than big mixed package sizes.
• Nylon cord – This satin-effect cord looks playful on bracelets. It won’t hold its knot as well, so pull tight and glue the finishing knots shut.

Tools that make it easier

While all you really need for friendship bracelet making is the floss you’ll be using and any pair of scissors you have handy, these tools can make things go more smoothly:

• Good fabric-dedicated thread snippers will give you a cleaner cut (with less fraying) than ordinary scissors that are also used for paper.
• Tape, binder clip, safety pin, or clipboard – Bracelet makers come in two types: “secure your bracelet” knotters and “knot in your hand” knotters. I’m the second type. But if you prefer to have your bracelet secured while knotting, use a safety pin to pin it to your pants/skirt, a clipboard, tape on a desk, or a binder clip and folder.
• Measuring tape or a ruler – of course, to get accurate measurements, you’ll want measuring tools.

Optional extras

• Beads – I’ve shared more beaded friendship bracelets in the past, but if you want a little glam in this bracelet too, adding beads is a great way to do it.
• Glue – I like to glue my final knots. It just makes things more secure, protecting my hard work.
• Clasps – I love to add clasps to my friendship bracelets – it really upgrades the bracelet, and helps it last longer by making it easily removable.

Tips for designing and planning your candy stripe friendship bracelet

When you have a friendship bracelet as simple as the candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern, you know that your design choices and plans will make the whole impact.

Choosing Colors That Look Good in Candy Stripe

Color choice will be your biggest deciding factor for how this looks.

Easy color formulas

Here are some basic color approaches I take when choosing colors for the candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern.

• 2-color bold stripe – this high contrast effect chooses two colors with contrast to repeat through the whole design.
• 3-color balanced stripe – a classic and playful approach to color choice with more transition between shades.
• Rainbow stripe – Choose ROYGBIV colors in any shade for a more child-friendly and playful look.
• Monochrome stripe – One of my favorite approaches with any bracelet is to use the same color family in different shades for a gorgeous ombre.
• Themed scheme – Since the bracelet is so simple, choose different colors to fit a theme. Think: yellow, white, and green for a daisy vibe, red, green, and gold for Christmas, school or team colors…

Pastels are great for Spring, brights for Sumer , deep shades for fall…

How to order your strands

When choosing the order of your strands, consider the color wheel. I find that it’s simply the harmonious choice – the way the eye is used to seeing and the brain is used to processing colors.

Sizing and Measuring (So It Fits the First Time)

You want it to fit – adding strings to a bracelet can be annoying – but you also don’t want to be wasteful. These tips for sizing and measuring your bracelet will allow you to get it right the first time.

How long to cut each strand

Since each wrist size is different, the general guideline is to start with your “wingspan” – that is, the size when you spread your arms. Take the end of the string with one hand, then, using the other, unspool it until your arms are stretched and the string is taught. Cut it there.

But there are so many variables at play! Someone who is very short but has a wide wrist may want to add a few inches. 45inches is a very safe zone for cutting, allowing space for knots and extras..

Here are some more factors that will affect.

How wide the bracelet will be

More strands equals a wider bracelet. If you’re using a lot of colors, you may want to add a few inches just to be safe. Keep in mind that you’re also using more strands, so you don’t need that much more.

The same strand count using tighter knots equals a slightly narrower look and will use less string.

Planning for ties

I do have a dedicated post on how to start and finish friendship bracelets, but keep in mind that it’ll affect the length of your starting strings too. If you’re using a knotted loop, you’ll need to choose one color to add a good 6-8 inches to.

What you need to know before making this candy stripe friendship bracelet

Let’s walk you through the details of this bracelet beyond materials.

Setting Up Your Strings for Success

How many strands to use

One of the cool things about the candy stripe friendship bracelet is that there are no rules with how many strings you can use!

The general guidelines are:

• 6 strands for a slim bracelet
• 8 to 12 strands for a classic width (you can double strands for fewer colors

Keep in mind that your bracelet will be one knot narrower than your strand count.

If you go too wide, you may start having curling.

How to fold or not fold

So do you double strings and fold them over or do you use one of each?

The general guideline is: Fold in half for a loop start and don’t fold for a tie start. If you fold, you’ll need half the colors of your strand count, so keep that in mind when planning.

How to anchor your work

You don’t need to anchor your bracelet as you work, but if you prefer to, here are some ideas:

1. Tape it to a table
2. Clip to a clipboard
3. Pin to a pillow or jeans (great for travel)

I usually work in my hands, but I do have a clipboard with storage inside in general for friendship bracelet making.

The Only Knots You Need: the forward knot

One of the cool things about this bracelet is that you only need ONE knot – the forward knot. Here are some tips for beginners.

Forward knot basics

A knot is made of two hitches – so it’s really a “double knot” as we’d know it. In a forward knot, you’re knotting the left string around the right string twice in the same direction. The working string travels from one non-working string to the next horizontally. You work one string across each row until you reach the next, and then start again from the left.

Common knot mistakes and quick fixes

• Knots loosening – if your knots aren’t holding, it could be because the string is too slick. You can wet them and tighten again before you put your work down, but otherwise, just make sure you tighten them back before “locking them in” with the next knot.
• Stripe looks bumpy – your rows should come out smooth. If not, it’s probably that you’re using different tension to knot each one. Tension refers to how tightly you knot and is heavily affected by your energy levels and mood. Consider doing each row in a single sitting.
• Holes near the top – the first row can really be wonky. Your strings aren’t straight yet. Don’t worry about that. Do make sure to pull that first row tight, but regardless, that’s not your core bracelet, so leave it be – you’ll figure that out when you gain some more experience.

Mini practice tip

Muscle memory is your fingers literally knowing what to do because they are used to make a certain motion. It’s what I’m now using to touch type this tutorial, it’s how you make your coffee before actually having coffee (because we know that’s NOT your brain doing it).

Muscle memory can be valuable with friendship bracelet making, and a key to keeping your knots in order and your tension even.

If you want your first bracelet to come out fabulous, consider building muscle memory by practicing the knots on some scraps first.

Taking your candy stripe friendship bracelets to the next level

Ready to upgrade your bracelets? Here are some ways to do this.

Candy Stripe Pattern Explained (How the Stripes Form)

Knowing the “science” behind how the knots form patterns was the key component I used to come up with my own designs – including knotted name bracelets, this open-weave ombre chevron, and more.

The core pattern rule

One working string travels across the row, creating the stripe color. The first hitch creates the top of the stitch. The second secures the bottom. These two create a stitch on the front of the bracelet. Moving along from left to right, you’re knotting (two hitches) around each string, creating a single stitch on the front of each vertical string.

What changes row to row

After each row, the working string moves to the far right.

The next row starts again from the left with the new first string. This “resets” it again, making a stitch in the next color on each string.

How to keep your place

One of the cool things about the candy stripe friendship bracelet is how easy it is to keep track. Keep strands flat and in order and you won’t lose your spot.

Pause at the end of each row, then gently comb strings with fingers to avoid knotting and confusing strings.

Variations and Cute Add-Ons

Ready to make this candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern your own? Here are some quick tips for doing that in a beginner-friendly way.

Stripe width changes

Repeat one color more often for thicker stripes. Meaning, you can do two blues in a row, three pinks, and one orange for a sunsetty-vibe.

Use fewer colors for a bolder look when doing this.

Texture options

Try thicker thread for a chunkier bracelet. You can even mix thick with thin threads (carefully as it’ll heavily affect the final result).

Mix matte and shiny floss for subtle contrast. You can consider a metallic blue and a flat blue to be two different colors for a classy “color on color” look.

Personal touches

Adding beads doesn’t mean you have to add beading throughout. You can add a small bead section near the center for a simple, classy look.

Choose a decorative toggle clasp to add some glam. And you can even use fabric paint for a bold finish, such as vertical color blocking.

How to Make a Candy Stripe Friendship Bracelet

As always, here is the step-by-step process for the candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern.

Supplies Needed

• Embroidery floss (6 to 12 strands total, about 36-45 inches each color, 54 inches doubled over on the 6-strand bracelet is perfect.)
• Scissors
• Tape, binder clip, safety pin, or clipboard
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Optional: bead(s), needle for bead threading, clasp set

Watch the Video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Step by Step Instructions with Photos

1. Cut and organize your strands

Choose your colors and lay them in the exact order you want the stripes to repeat.

2. Anchor the top

Tie an overhand knot, then tape or clip it down so it won’t move, unless you feel comfortable working in your hands.

3. Separate the strings

Fan them out so they don’t overlap, keep them flat.

4. Make forward knots across the first row

Use the leftmost string as the working string. Tie a forward knot onto the next string. You’re tying left-to-right twice around the same string.

5. Finish the row and reset

Knot the rest of the row, using the working string to make a forward knot around each string. After you knot across, the working string ends on the far right.

Slide knots up gently to keep the row tight and clean (if needed).

6. Start the next row with the new leftmost string

Your new leftmost string becomes the new working string. Repeat the same forward knots across the row again. Keep your tension even so the edges stay straight and your bracelet looks neat.

7. Continue until it fits

Repeat this process, knotting the leftmost string around each string to its right. Check the length around your wrist before you finish.

Stop a little early if you plan on adding any decorative clasps or loop closures.

8. Finish the ends

You can finish so many different ways, but here are a few:

Option A: split your strings into 2 groups and make braided ties.

Option B: Just knot the ends.

Option C: Tie it off and add a ribbon crimp and clasp.

Troubleshooting (Fixes for the Most Common Problems)

Here are some quick fixes in bullet-point format in case you’re still having issues.

• Tension problems
  • Too tight (bracelet curls, strings feel stiff)
  • Too loose (gaps, uneven edges)
  • Fix: adjust tightening motion, keep knots snug but not yanked
• Edge problems
  • Wavy sides
  • Fix: keep the outer strings straight before each knot
• Twisting and curling
  • Why it happens (normal spiral effect plus tension)
    • Fix: flatten as you go, keep tension even, blocking post-crafting
• Wrong stripe order
  • Cause: strand order changed mid-project
  • Fix: stop and re-sort strands before continuing
• String issues
  • Fraying floss
  • Fix: cut a fresh end, avoid over-twisting, knot with smooth motion

FAQs

• How many strings do you need for a candy stripe friendship bracelet?
  • Anywhere between 4-12+ works great, with 8-10 being the sweet spot.
• How long should I cut embroidery floss for a candy stripe bracelet?
  • “Wingspan” – or from fingertips-to-fingertips when arms are spread is great. Or just cut 45 inches.
• What’s the easiest way to start a candy stripe bracelet, loop start or ties?
  • The easiest way to begin is just to knot the ends together, but I do share other ways in this post. My favorite way to start is using a ribbon crimp and clasp.
• Why is my candy stripe bracelet curling or twisting?
  • It’s probably a tension issue, combined with the natural effect of repeated forward knots. Try “blocking” it but wetting it when you’re done and securing it flat.
• How do you keep the edges of a friendship bracelet straight?
  • By keeping your tension even. It IS best to complete the bracelet in one sitting as tension is affected by things like mood and energy levels, but you can also just be conscious of those affects.
• Can you make a candy stripe bracelet with yarn instead of embroidery floss?
  • Yes, but your knots won’t glide as smoothly or be as even. The result will be more childish and less sophisticated. If you need to use yarn for whatever reason, go for a finer yarn if you can, and use fewer colors.
• What knot do you use for the candy stripe friendship bracelet pattern?
  • The only knot you need to know is the forward knot.
• How do you change colors in a candy stripe bracelet?
  • The color change comes naturally by arranging different color strings. f
• How long does it take to make a candy stripe friendship bracelet?
  • Depending on how many colors you’re using, your experience level, and other factors, it can take as quick as half an hour or as long as an hour and a half – or longer.
• What’s the difference between candy stripe and chevron bracelets?
  • Candy stripe bracelets has you knotting from left to right to form a single diagonal. Chevron has you knotting from right to left and left to right to meet in the center and form a V-shape.

Conclusion

Congrats! You’ve officially learned how to make a candy stripe friendship bracelet – and even how to adapt it and make it your own. I hope you’ve found this to be truly helpful, and even a replacement for an in-person workshop.

I recommend that you start simple: go for 2-3 colors and 6 strands, then gradually add more colors and strands. See how wide you can stretch it before deciding on your limits. Craft the basics, then add beads and other embellishments.

Bookmark this post, or print out the steps for when you’re ready to actually start knotting!

The post Foundations: Candy Stripe Friendship Bracelet Pattern – Step by Step Tutorial appeared first on Moms and Crafters.