Creative Grandparents Day Crafts Ideas for Kids

Grandparents Day is a wonderful opportunity for kids to show their love through meaningful, hands-on creativity. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver looking for Grandparents Day crafts for preschoolers, toddlers, infants, or even school-aged kids, you’ve come to the right place.
This post is packed with creative ideas for Grandparents Day, featuring everything from simple DIY projects to adorable keepsakes and free printable crafts that make it easy for little hands to participate. You’ll also find age-appropriate activities, whether you’re crafting with kindergarteners, babies, or older kids wanting to go the extra mile.
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So, whether you’re prepping for a classroom project or a cozy afternoon craft session at home, these thoughtful, personalized ideas will help create smiles and cherished memories. Let’s dive into the best Grandparents Day crafts for every age group!
Craft Essentials & Materials for Creative Grandparents Day Crafts for All Ages

Before diving into age-specific projects, gathering the right supplies ensures a smooth, enjoyable crafting experience. Here’s a rundown of versatile materials that work across toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, school-aged kids, and even DIY enthusiasts seeking creative ideas for Grandparents Day:
Material | Purpose | Amazon Product Suggestion |
Washable Tempera Paints | Safe, vibrant coloring on paper, wood, canvas | Crayola Washable Kids’ Paint Brush Set |
Non-toxic Glue Sticks & Bottles | Easy adhesion without the mess | Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue, 12 Pack |
Colored Construction Paper | Base for cards, cutouts, collages | Astrobrights Colored Paper, 120 Sheets |
Popsicle Sticks & Craft Sticks | Frames, puppets, bookmarks | Craftables Jumbo Wooden Sticks, 200 Pieces |
Googly Eyes & Foam Shapes | Fun embellishments for animals, faces | Crafty Croc Googly Eyes Assortment Pack |
Pipe Cleaners & Chenille Stems | 3D structures, accents, sensory play | Beadery 50-Pack Pastel Chenille Stems |
Washable Markers & Crayons | Drawing, coloring details | Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers, 40 Count |
Stickers & Washi Tape | Instant decoration | MumboJumbo Decorative Washi Tape Set |
Free Printable Templates (see section below) | Guided crafts | N/A |
These staples form the foundation for dozens of Grandparents Day crafts for kids of any age and can be scaled up or down depending on dexterity and interest.
Crafts for Infants & Babies
Infants and babies may not be able to cut, glue, or paint precisely, but their tiny hands and feet make the sweetest keepsakes! These Grandparents Day crafts for infants and babies focus on capturing memories rather than elaborate crafting skills.
1. Handprint Flower Bouquet
What You Need:
- Non-toxic, washable paint
- Thick white cardstock
- Green construction paper
- Glue stick
Steps:
- Paint Baby’s Hand: Gently coat your baby’s palm with a thin layer of paint.
- Press onto Cardstock: Press the hand onto cardstock at different angles to form petals.
- Add Stems & Leaves: Cut out stems and leaves from green paper and glue beneath each flower.
- Personalize: Write “Happy Grandparents Day” in baby’s name cursive or your own handwriting.

Amazon Product Suggestion: Crayola My First Fingerpaint Kit – includes baby-safe pots of paint and artist’s smock.
2. Footprint Butterfly Magnet
What You Need:
- Air-dry clay or salt dough
- Acrylic paint
- Small refrigerator magnets
- Mod Podge (sealant)
Steps:
- Create Imprint: Roll out clay/dough and gently press baby’s foot into it.
- Cut Shape: Use a butterfly cookie cutter over the imprint.
- Bake/Dry: Let air-dry per dough instructions.
- Paint & Seal: Paint wings vibrantly, add details, then coat with Mod Podge.
- Attach Magnet: Glue magnet to the back.

Amazon Product Suggestion: Sargent Art Air-Dry Clay – non-toxic and kid-friendly.
Crafts for Toddlers
Toddlers love sensory-rich experiences! These projects use Grandparents Day crafts for toddlers DIY methods that keep little hands busy and creative spirits high.
1. Popsicle Stick Photo Frame
What You Need:
- Jumbo popsicle sticks
- Washable paints
- Photo of toddler with grandparents
- Ribbon or yarn
- Glue gun (adult use)
Steps:
- Frame Assembly: Lay four sticks into a square; glue at corners.
- Paint & Decorate: Let toddler paint sticks in rainbow or favorite colors.
- Insert Photo: Once dry, attach photo to frame back with tape or glue.
- Add Hanger: Glue ribbon loop at top.
Amazon Product Suggestion: Craftables Jumbo Wooden Sticks – sturdy and the perfect size for little hands.
2. Handprint Heart Card
What You Need:
- Red and pink construction paper
- Scissors (adult use)
- Washable markers
- Glue stick
Steps:
- Trace Handprints: On red paper, trace two of toddler’s hands side by side.
- Cut & Glue: Cut them out, glue palms together to form a heart’s top.
- Fold Card Base: Open pink paper into a card. Glue hand-heart on front.
- Write Message: Help toddler place “We <3 You, Grandma & Grandpa!” inside.
Related Article: DIY Fall Crafts for Adults That Are Fun & Easy to Make
Crafts for Preschoolers
Preschoolers can manage scissors and glue with more precision. Here are ideas for Grandparents Day crafts for preschoolers that balance guidance and independence.
1. Watercolor Keepsake Jar
What You Need:
- Small glass jar or mason jar
- Watercolor paints
- Paintbrushes
- Tissue paper squares
- Ribbon
Steps:
- Paint Base: Preschooler applies watercolor to the jar exterior.
- Tissue Paper Collage: While paint is wet, press colorful tissue squares for texture.
- Dry & Seal: Let dry fully, then spray with clear acrylic sealant.
- Add Ribbon: Tie a pretty bow around the neck and slip in a small note.
Amazon Product Suggestion: Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer, 8 oz.
2. Felt Flower Bouquet
What You Need:
- Assorted colored felt sheets
- Pipe cleaners
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun (adult use)
Steps:
- Cut Petals: Preschooler cuts five rounded petals per flower.
- Assemble Flower: Glue petals around a felt circle center.
- Attach Stem: Insert and glue pipe cleaner into the back.
- Create Bouquet: Make 5–7 flowers and wrap stems together with ribbon.
Crafts for Kindergarten & School-Aged Kids
Older children can enjoy more intricate projects, combining creativity with basic crafting skills. These Grandparents Day crafts for school and kindergarten kids encourage problem-solving and personalization.
1. DIY Photo Collage Canvas
What You Need:
- Blank canvas (8×10 or larger)
- Family photos (printed size to fit canvas)
- Mod Podge
- Foam brushes
- Optional: stencils & acrylic paint
Steps:
- Plan Layout: Arrange photos on canvas without gluing to find the best layout.
- Stencil Name/Date: Using acrylic paint and stencils, write “Grandparents Day 2025.”
- Glue Photos: One by one, brush Mod Podge on canvas, place photo, and seal top.
- Finish Coat: Apply a final coat over entire canvas for durability.
Amazon Product Suggestion: Arteza Canvas Bulk Pack, 8×10 Inches, 10-Pack.
2. Personalized Recipe Book
What You Need:
- Blank mini scrapbook or journal
- Decorative paper
- Stickers
- Pens & markers
Steps:
- Ask for Favorite Recipes: Kids interview grandparents or parents for treasured family recipes.
- Decorate Pages: Each page holds one recipe, decorated with doodles and stickers.
- Binding: If using loose pages, punch holes and bind with ribbon.
- Cover Art: Design a custom cover reading “Grandma & Grandpa’s Kitchen.”
Amazon Product Suggestion: Paperage 6×8 Blank Hardcover Scrapbook Journal.
Free Printable Craft Ideas
Free printables make it easy for parents and teachers to incorporate Grandparents Day crafts free printable sheets into any lesson plan or home activity. Simply download, print, and let the kids decorate.
Printable Type | Description | Link Source Suggestion |
Coloring Pages | Outlined images of hearts, flowers, and grandparents’ faces | FreeKidsColoring.com |
Card Templates | Foldable templates with prompts like “I love you because…” | SimplyKinder.org |
Handprint Keepsake Patterns | Pre-drawn handprint shapes for tracing | CraftWhack.com |
Word Search & Crossword Puzzles | Fun word puzzles with family-themed vocabulary | TeachersPayTeachers (free section) |
Grandparents Day Coupons | Printable coupon “booklets” for hugs, chores, storytime | Printables.andKids |
Tip: Print these on cardstock for sturdier keepsakes. Kids can color, embellish with stickers or glitter, then present directly.
Grandparents Day Crafts Takeaway Kits
Planning a classroom event or a family playdate? Pre-packaged takeaway kits simplify setup. Assemble materials in small bags, label by age group, and learners can pick their kit:
- Infant Kit: Handprint paint pots, cardstock squares
- Toddler Kit: Popsicle sticks, washable markers, glue stick
- Preschool Kit: Felt shapes, pipe cleaners, stickers
- School-Age Kit: Mini canvas, photo prints, Mod Podge
Amazon Product Suggestion: Merrymore Clear Plastic Twist Ties & Bags, 50 Pack.
Teachers or group leaders can add printed instructions and send each child home with a complete Grandparents Day crafts takeaway gift.
Advanced DIY: Crafting a Grandparents Day Gift Basket
Combine several creative ideas for Grandparents Day into one thoughtful gift basket:
- Base Lining: Choose a basket or reusable tote.
- Handmade Items: Include the best crafts from each age group—handprint bouquet for baby, popsicle frame from toddlers, watercolor jar from preschoolers.
- Store-Bought Fillers: Add small tea tins, candles, or snacks (optional).
- Personal Note: Attach a laminated recipe from your recipe book project.
- Presentation: Wrap cellophane around the basket and tie with a big bow.
Amazon Product Suggestion: Palm & Drift Woven Seagrass Handled Baskets, Set of 3.
This curated basket not only showcases multiple Grandparents Day crafts for kids but also creates a multi-sensory experience grandparents will treasure.
Tips for a Successful Grandparents Day Crafting Session
Whether at home or in the classroom, here are best practices to ensure a fun, stress-free environment:
- Prep All Materials Ahead: Pre-cut shapes, separate paint pots, and organize supplies by station.
- Age-Appropriate Guidance: Match crafts to fine motor skills; offer scissors or tweezers for older kids, and hand-over-hand help for toddlers.
- Protective Gear: Use smocks or old t‑shirts, cover tables with newspaper or vinyl cloth.
- Demonstrate Each Step: Show an example and walk through the process slowly.
- Encourage Creativity: Let kids choose colors, embellishments, and messages—avoid rigid templates.
- Document the Process: Take photos or short videos of each child crafting; these can be extra keepsakes for grandparents.
- Clean-Up Plan: Have wipes, paper towels, and bins ready to minimize chaos.
🎯 Final Thoughts,
Crafting with kids for Grandparents Day is more than just an activity—it’s a meaningful way to create bonds, share stories, and show appreciation. With these Grandparents Day crafts for toddlers DIY, school kids, and even infants, there’s something special for every age and ability.
From free printables to unique handmade cards and keepsakes, these creative ideas for Grandparents Day are sure to delight grandparents everywhere.
Whether you’re a teacher organizing a Grandparents Day crafts takeaway or a parent guiding a little one through their first DIY, these ideas are simple, heartfelt, and fun. Ready to get started? Share this post with fellow parents, educators, or anyone looking for inspiration—and let’s celebrate grandparents with creativity and love!