15 Easy Dollar Tree Crafts for Kids

When I first became a parent and it was a very special feeling for me and my husband, and I often felt overwhelmed during the holidays. I wanted to create magical memories for my kids, but decorations and store-bought crafts always seemed so expensive.

We didn’t even have a fireplace for stockings, and I worried my children would miss out on those cozy traditions. That’s when I discovered the joy of **dollar tree crafts for kids**, affordable projects that were fun, creative, and made from simple supplies.

With a little imagination, even a pile of cardboard, some string lights, and orange tissue paper could transform into a glowing “fireplace” centerpiece that lit up our tiny apartment.

The best part of these projects wasn’t the final product, but the process of making them together. It’s a good feeling to see your kids enjoy and create.
I still remember my daughter helping me cut out construction paper ornaments, or my son giggling as we glued sequins and glitter onto Dollar Tree canvases.

One year, I even mixed sand into red and brown paint to create a realistic brick texture for a cardboard chimney, and the kids thought it was pure magic. These little traditions showed me that **dollar tree crafts for kids** weren’t just about saving money, they were about building lasting memories.

My daughter, now grown, still talks about the paper Christmas tree we made when she was four. To her, it wasn’t “cheap,” it was special, because we made it together.

Over time, I started experimenting with everything Dollar Tree had to offer. Beads in little jars became jewelry-making kits. Vinyl sheets turned into snowflake window clings. Canvas boards became a blank slate for painting afternoons.

Some supplies, like balsa wood, weren’t perfect, but most were surprisingly good quality for the price. And with each project, my kids felt proud of what they created, and this is what I want. That’s the beauty of **dollar tree crafts for kids**: they encourage creativity, keep little hands busy, and turn everyday moments into unforgettable memories.

For my husband and me, the solution to my “holiday problem” wasn’t spending more money; it was discovering the joy of crafting together with what we had.

15. Popsicle Stick Picture Frames

Craft sticks are a staple in Dollar Tree’s arts and crafts aisle. Children can glue sticks into squares or rectangles, then decorate with buttons, glitter, or paint. Add a family photo or drawing inside to make it special.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Use school glue for safety and clothespins to hold sticks in place while drying.

14. Pipe Cleaner Animals

Pipe cleaners in bright colors let kids twist and bend their way into creating animals like butterflies, dogs, or caterpillars.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Pair with googly eyes from Dollar Tree for instant personality.

13. DIY Foam Crowns

Dollar Tree sells foam sheets that can easily be cut into crown shapes. Kids decorate them with gems, stickers, or glitter glue.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Use Velcro dots at the ends so crowns can be reused for play.

12. Paper Plate Masks

Paper plates turn into fun animal or superhero masks with markers, feathers, or yarn. Cut out eye holes and attach an elastic string to wear.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Reinforce the sides with tape before punching holes to prevent tearing.

11. Bead Bracelets and Necklaces

Plastic beads and elastic cord from Dollar Tree make colorful jewelry. This activity helps fine motor skills and color recognition.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Wrap the cord’s end with tape to make threading beads easier for little fingers.

10. Tissue Paper Flowers

Bright tissue paper sheets can be folded, scrunched, and tied into beautiful flowers. Perfect for pretend play or room décor.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Use green pipe cleaners as stems for a more realistic look.

9. DIY Slime Kits

Dollar Tree’s school glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution make budget-friendly slime. Add glitter or food coloring for extra fun.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Store slime in Dollar Tree’s reusable containers to prevent drying.

8. Button Art Collages

Bags of colorful buttons can be glued onto cardstock to form shapes like hearts, rainbows, or animals.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Outline shapes in pencil first so kids have a guide to follow.

7. Felt Animal Puppets

Dollar Tree felt sheets can be cut into animal shapes, glued, and decorated into simple puppets.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Hot glue edges (adults only) to create pouches where kids can insert fingers.

6. Coffee Filter Butterflies

Coffee filters colored with washable markers and sprayed lightly with water turn into tie-dye wings. Pinch the middle with a clothespin to finish.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Add pipe cleaners on top for antennae.

5. DIY Kaleidoscope

Using cardboard tubes, foil sheets, beads, and plastic wrap, kids can make a simple kaleidoscope.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Use clear tape to secure plastic wrap tightly so beads don’t fall out.

4. Painted Rocks

Collect small rocks (or buy decorative stones) and let kids paint them into animals, ladybugs, or story stones.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Seal with Dollar Tree clear spray adhesive for longer-lasting designs.

3. Yarn Wrapped Letters

Cut cardboard letters and wrap them in colorful yarn for personalized room décor.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Tape the starting end of the yarn to the back to prevent unraveling.

2. Pom-Pom Monsters

Dollar Tree pom-poms, googly eyes, and felt scraps create silly monster friends.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Store finished monsters in a jar as a “monster collection.”

1. Sensory Bottles

Fill Dollar Tree clear plastic bottles with glitter, beads, or water and food coloring. Shake to create calming sensory bottles.
Dollar Tree Crafts Tip: Hot glue the cap closed to prevent spills.

Conclusion

Crafting doesn’t need to be expensive. With just a few items from your local Dollar Tree, you can create engaging, affordable, and educational projects. These 15 Dollar Tree crafts for kids are simple enough for little hands yet versatile enough to spark big imaginations.