5 Affordable Craft Materials for Family Fun

With a little creativity, there are many budget-friendly ways to spend time with your family while inspiring their imagination. Crafting is a perfect way to bring everyone together for some stress-free bonding, and with the right supplies, the possibilities for fun projects are endless. Start collecting these five affordable craft materials for family fun that you can add to your box of crafting supplies.

1. Cardboard Boxes

One of the most versatile, inexpensive, and easy-to-find materials is cardboard boxes. Collect them from package deliveries you receive in the mail or pick them up for free from local grocery stores willing to give them away. You can use cardboard boxes for small or large projects, providing hours of entertainment. With a few other supplies such as markers, tape, scissors, and glue, your family will be making everything from castles to pirate ships in no time flat.

2. Toilet Paper Rolls

Another item that you likely already have on hand is paper towel or toilet paper rolls. Use clean, empty rolls to create everything from rockets to binoculars. This easy-to-use material pairs beautifully with construction paper, paint, or glitter for decoration. Paper rolls are lightweight and compact, making them perfect for both simple crafts for younger kids and advanced projects for older kids.

3. Pool Noodles

Pool noodles aren’t just for summer swims—you can cut, bend, and repurpose these foam tubes for projects that are creative and durable. There are several fun DIY pool noodle crafts for all ages that you can try out, ranging from interactive games to holiday decorations. Plus, their affordability ensures families can stock up for projects without hesitation.

4. Popsicle Sticks

Popsicle sticks are a classic crafting material because they are so durable and versatile. You can find small bags of them at nearly every dollar store or craft shop. Use them to build everything from bridges and picture frames to mini birdhouses and festive ornaments.

5. Tissue Paper

Most people only think of tissue paper for gift wrapping, but its vibrant colors and thin material make it a great crafting supply. Since tissue paper is lightweight and easy to tear, younger children get to participate more and foster their sense of creative exploration and independence. From creating beautiful flower arrangements to festive holiday decor or stained-glass window art, tissue paper inspires endless ideas.

Making crafts together as a family doesn’t require expensive supplies or complicated directions. With affordable and reusable materials such as cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, pool noodles, popsicle sticks, and tissue paper, families can bond while honing their creativity. Gather these five affordable craft materials for family fun, and start crafting today.