Ready for big creativity on a tiny budget?
Let’s head to Dollar Tree and turn everyday finds into unforgettable kid crafts.
If you’re looking for DIY ideas that are easy on your wallet but overflowing with imagination, Dollar Tree crafts are pure gold. From paint and pom-poms to paper plates and pipe cleaners, the aisles are packed with supplies just waiting to become something amazing.
These crafts are perfect for:
• Rainy day fun ☔
• School projects 📚
• Morning basket ideas 🌞
• Screen-free afternoons 🎨
• Kids of all ages (including grown-ups who love to craft)
Best of all? You don’t need fancy supplies or a big budget. Just a little creativity, a dash of patience, and a trip down the craft aisle.
Let’s dive into 25 budget-friendly Dollar Tree crafts that spark creativity, encourage hands-on fun, and prove that the best memories don’t have to be expensive.
If your little one is a puppy enthusiast, they’re going to love this adorable popsicle stick dog house craft. It’s simple, hands-on, and made with easy-to-find dollar store supplies—perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids.
Building a tiny dog house isn’t just a craft, it’s an invitation to imaginative play. Kids can decorate, create stories, and even add their own pretend puppy once the craft is finished.
Popsicle sticks
Cardboard or thick paper (for the base)
Glue (school glue or glue dots)
Markers, crayons, or paint
Optional: stickers, foam shapes, cotton balls
Glue popsicle sticks side-by-side onto cardboard to form the base of the dog house.
Add popsicle sticks upright for the walls.
Create the roof by gluing sticks at an angle or laying them flat across the top.
Let everything dry completely.
Decorate with markers, paint, or stickers. Don’t forget to add a door for the puppy!
✔️ Great for fine motor skills
✔️ Encourages creativity and pretend play
✔️ Budget-friendly
✔️ Easy for little hands
Pre-glue the base and walls for younger preschoolers so they can focus on decorating and playing.
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Looking for a quick craft that turns into hours of outdoor play? These no-sew bean bags are perfect. They’re simple enough for kids to help make, require only a few supplies, and are great for backyard games, park days, or PE-style fun at home.
Best part? No sewing required.
Fabric squares (felt or cotton works best)
Dried beans, rice, or lentils
Fabric glue or hot glue (adult help recommended)
Funnel or spoon
Scissors
Optional: markers, fabric paint, stickers
(Dollar Tree-friendly supplies 👍)
Place two fabric squares on top of each other.
Glue around three sides, leaving one side open.
Let the glue dry slightly so it seals well.
Use a funnel or spoon to fill the bag with beans or rice.
Glue the final side closed and press firmly.
Let dry completely before playing.
Smaller hands = smaller bean bags
Use different colors for team games
Add letters or numbers for learning games
Double-glue edges for extra durability
🏃♂️ Outdoor Game Ideas
• Toss into buckets or laundry baskets
• Target practice on chalk circles
• Bean bag tic-tac-toe
• Color or number matching games
✔️ Fast and easy
✔️ Budget-friendly
✔️ Great for fine motor skills
✔️ Encourages outdoor movement
✔️ Perfect for all ages
Simple crafts don’t have to be boring.
Sometimes the best fun starts with a little glue, a handful of beans, and a big backyard.
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Get ready for some slow-and-sweet crafty fun! These adorable paper snail puppets are easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for bringing a little sunshine indoors.
Best of all, this charming craft uses just a handful of simple supplies—many of which you probably already have in your craft stash or can grab from the dollar store.
Once finished, the fun doesn’t stop. These snail puppets are perfect for storytelling, pretend play, and letting little imaginations crawl into action.
Colored paper or cardstock
Markers or crayons
Glue stick or school glue
Scissors
Googly eyes (optional but adorable)
Craft stick or straw (for the puppet handle)
Cut out a large circle from colored paper for the snail’s shell.
Cut a simple snail body shape from another piece of paper.
Draw a spiral on the shell to add fun details.
Glue the shell onto the snail’s body.
Add eyes, a smile, and any decorations you like.
Glue a craft stick or straw to the back to turn it into a puppet.
Let dry, then let the snail adventures begin!
Use paper plates for a sturdier shell
Add glitter or stickers for extra sparkle
Turn it into a storytime activity with snail-themed books
Let kids name their snails and create a puppet show
✔️ Budget-friendly
✔️ Great for fine motor skills
✔️ Encourages creativity and pretend play
✔️ Perfect for preschool and early elementary kids
Simple crafts can bring big smiles. These paper snail puppets are proof that a little paper and imagination can turn into hours of fun.
Slow down, get crafty, and enjoy every smile along the way 🐌✨
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Ready to dive into some fin-tastic fun? This Craft Stick Shark is a fast, hands-on activity that kids can make in about 30 minutes using simple Dollar Tree supplies.
It’s more than just a cute craft. This shark activity is a great way to explore colors, practice counting, and build fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and decorating. Plus, kids love seeing their shark come to life once it’s finished.
Best of all, this craft is budget-friendly and easy enough for little hands—with plenty of room for creativity.
Craft sticks (popsicle sticks)
Blue, gray, or white paint or markers
Glue or glue dots
Scissors
White paper or foam (for teeth and eyes)
Googly eyes (optional)
Line up craft sticks side-by-side to form the shark’s body.
Glue one or two craft sticks across the back to hold them together.
Let dry completely.
Paint or color the craft sticks blue or gray and let dry again.
Cut a triangle fin and tail from paper or foam.
Glue on fins, tail, eyes, and sharp (but friendly!) teeth.
Let dry and admire your fin-tastic creation!
Count the teeth together for a math boost
Write numbers or letters on each stick
Add a string to turn it into a puppet
Use different colors to create a whole shark family
✔️ Budget-friendly
✔️ Great for fine motor skills
✔️ Encourages creativity
✔️ Perfect for preschool and early elementary kids
✔️ Uses easy Dollar Tree supplies
This Craft Stick Shark proves that you don’t need fancy supplies to have jaw-some fun. Grab some craft sticks, get creative, and let your little sharks swim into crafting success 🦈✨
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Summer brings dreams of camping, crackling campfires, and gooey s’mores. But who says you have to wait for a fire pit to enjoy the fun? These adorable popsicle stick S’mores bring all the cozy vibes—without the mess or melted chocolate fingers.
This quick and easy craft is perfect for spending quality time with your kiddos and can be made using simple Dollar Tree supplies. It’s cute, creative, and just the right amount of sweet.
Craft sticks (popsicle sticks)
Brown, tan, and white paper or foam
Glue or glue dots
Scissors
Markers or crayons
Optional: cotton balls (for marshmallow texture)
Line up craft sticks side-by-side to create the base of your s’more.
Glue one stick across the back to hold them together and let dry.
Cut paper or foam into marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker shapes.
Glue the pieces onto the craft stick base to build your s’more layers.
Add faces, smiles, or fun details with markers.
Let dry completely, then admire your sweet creation!
Add cotton balls for fluffy marshmallows
Use glitter glue for “melted chocolate” fun
Turn it into a counting or pattern activity
Pair with a camping-themed storytime
✔️ Budget-friendly
✔️ No heat or food mess
✔️ Great for fine motor skills
✔️ Perfect for all seasons
✔️ Encourages creativity and pretend play
You don’t need a campfire to make memories. These Dollar Tree S’mores are proof that a little imagination can turn simple supplies into cozy, crafty fun—any time of year 🔥✨