Grandparents’ Day Crafts for Kids: 20 Easy Ideas Full of Love

There’s just something magical about watching kids pour their hearts into handmade Grandparents’ Day crafts.

You do have the option to run out and buy something, but I do assure you that nothing beats the smile on Grandma’s face when she receives a somewhat lop-sided glittering picture frame made with love.

1. Handprint Memory Plate

Handprinted paper plates make great Grandparents' Day crafts.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Help your little one dip their hand in paint (one color at a time works best)
  2. Press handprint firmly onto the center of the plate
  3. Let them add fingerprint “flowers” or dots around the handprint
  4. Once dry, write “Made with love for Grandma/Grandpa” and the date with permanent marker
  5. Cover with contact paper to preserve the masterpiece
  6. Watch grandparents’ hearts melt when they see those tiny handprints

Fair warning: this one gets messy fast, but it’s absolutely worth it. Grandparents will display these plates like they’re museum pieces, and honestly, watching a three-year-old concentrate on making the “perfect” handprint is entertainment gold.

Just have those wet wipes ready—paint has a way of migrating to unexpected places.

2. Butterfly Footprint Art for Grandparents

Butterfly foot print art for grandparents.

Materials:

  • White cardstock or canvas boards
  • Washable, non-toxic paint in multiple colors
  • Paintbrushes or sponges
  • Black marker or paint pen
  • Baby wipes or damp cloth for cleanup

Instructions:

  1. Paint the bottom of one child’s foot with rainbow colors and press it firmly on the left side of the paper or canvas.
  2. Repeat with the other foot using different bright colors, pressing it on the right side.
  3. Let the paint dry completely.
  4. Use a black marker or paint pen to draw the butterfly’s body between the two footprints and add curly antennae on top.
  5. Write a sweet message like “Happy Grandparents Day!” at the bottom.

This colorful keepsake is a fun way for kids to show their love while creating a memory that grandparents will treasure forever.

3. Handprinted Apron for Grilling

A toddler´s handprinted apron as a craft for Grandparents' Day.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Spread out the apron on a protected surface
  2. Paint your children’s hands and press onto the apron
  3. Let the handprints dry completely

This apron is actually useful while capturing a moment in time. Grandparents often become sentimental seeing how their grandchildrens’ hands grow each year when new handprints are added.

4. Rainbow Coffee Filter Art

A kids'craft made with a coffee filter.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Let kids color all over the coffee filter with markers (the more colorful, the better)
  2. Lightly spray the filter with water and watch the colors blend like magic
  3. Place on paper towels to dry completely
  4. Mount on cardstock with a sweet message
  5. Frame it or use as a bookmark – either way, it’s refrigerator-worthy

It is magical craft for children to be mesmerized by the absorption of colors. It is a project that will hold their attention for about 20 minutes–in toddler time, practically forever.

5. Accordion Hug Card

A kids craft of a card for grandaparents day made by a preeschooler

Materials:

  • Construction
  • Glue stick
  • Markers or crayons
  • Small photo of child

Instructions:

  • Cut construction paper strips and fold accordion-style for “arms”
  • Cut construction paper hands (optional)
  • Glue photo of child in center
  • Attach accordion arms to sides
  • Write “Sending you a big hug!” on the front

When you open it the accordion arms stretch out like they’re giving a hug. It’s interactive, adorable, and never fails to make grandparents smile. Fair warning: they’ll probably try to “hug” the card back.

6. “You Rock” Paperweight

A paperweight rock painted by a kid as a gift for Grandparents' Day.

What you’ll need:

How to:

  1. Clean and dry the rock
  2. Help your toddler write “You rock”, paint a heart or decorate with colors
  3. Spray with sealant once dry

The simplicity of these Grandparents’ Day crafts makes these paperweights both adorable and practical. Every time Grandpa or Grandma sees this cheerful creation on their desk, it will be a fond reminder to appreciate their little one’s artwork while shuffling papers.

7.“I Love You This Much” Card

A kid's painted card that reads:" I love you this much".

Materials:

  • Construction paper
  • Markers
  • Toddler’s handprints

Instructions:

  1. Trace and cut out toddler’s hands
  2. Attach to folded card with arms stretched wide
  3. Write “I love you this much!”

This adorable measurement of love always hits grandparents. The outstretched hands make the message feel larger than life, and it’s a keepsake they’ll want to hold onto forever.

Explore more meaningful Grandparents’ Day Cards your kids can make. And if you are looking for ideas that young kids can easily make, check out these Grandparents Day Cards for Preschoolers.

8. Colorful Wooden Spoon Puppet for Grandma

A colorful spoon for Grandparents Day.

Materials:

  • Wooden spoons
  • Acrylic paints or paint markers
  • Paintbrushes
  • Googly eyes
  • Glue
  • Black marker
  • Colorful ribbons

Instructions:

  1. Paint the top of the wooden spoon with fun, bright colors and let it dry.
  2. Glue on googly eyes to create a cheerful face.
  3. Use a black marker to draw a smiling mouth.
  4. Add colorful dots or patterns with paint for extra decoration.
  5. Tie a bright ribbon around the handle for a finishing touch.
  6. Let kids gift their decorated spoon puppet to Grandma as a playful keepsake.

9. Popsicle Stick Picture Frame

A picture frame made with painted popsicle sticks.

Materials:

  • Popsicle sticks (about 8-10, possibly more depending on design)
  • Glue
  • Paint or markers
  • Small photo of child with grandparents
  • Decorations (buttons, glitter, stickers)

Instructions:

  • Arrange sticks in a square, overlapping at corners
  • Glue corners together
  • Once dry, let kids paint or color the frame
  • Add decorations
  • Glue photo to the back of the frame

This craft is perfect for kids – it’s low-mess with cheerful results! No two frames ever look the same, and they make adorable keepsakes. Just be prepared to sweep up stick fragments for days afterward!

10. Popsicle Stick Coasters

A popsicle stick coaster.

Materials:

  • Popsicle sticks (7-8 per coaster, or more depending on your preference)
  • Glue
  • Paint or markers
  • Clear sealant
  • Felt (for bottom)

Instructions

  • Arrange sticks side by side to form a square
  • Glue sticks together
  • Paint or decorate the top
  • Seal with clear waterproof sealant
  • Glue felt to bottom to prevent scratching

These practical Grandparent’s Day crafts for kids at school are perfect gifts they will actually use. Kids can make sets of four with different designs or colors, giving them a complete coaster collection!

11. Popsicle Stick Fridge Magnet Frame

Popsicle stick fridge magnet frame.

Materials

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Glue
  • Paint or markers
  • A small magnet
  • A photo

Instructions

  1. Arrange the popsicle sticks to form a frame in the desired shape (e.g., a square or rectangle).
  2. Glue the sticks together at the corners to secure the frame.
  3. Paint or decorate the popsicle sticks with colorful patterns.
  4. Once the frame is dry, glue a photo to the back.
  5. Attach a small magnet to the back of the frame to display it on the fridge.

This handmade frame holds a special memory close at hand. A perfect reminder of the love between a grandchild and their grandpa.

12. Popsicle Card Holder

A popsicle card holder.

Materials

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Glue
  • A small piece of cardboard

Instructions

  1. Glue 10-12 popsicle sticks side-by-side to a piece of cardboard to create the base.
  2. Next, glue a row of sticks vertically along all four sides of the base.
  3. Add another layer of sticks horizontally around the outside of the base, overlapping the vertical sticks.
  4. Finally, add a third layer of sticks vertically, creating a small fence-like pattern.

A handmade gift from the heart is the best kind. This cardholder will remind Grandpa how much he’s loved every single day.

13. Button Flower Card

A button flower card.

Materials:

  • Cardstock
  • Colorful buttons
  • Glue
  • Green marker or colored paper for stems

Instructions:

  1. Arrange buttons in flower shapes on the front
  2. Glue buttons in place
  3. Draw stems and leaves with a green marker

This craft is perfect for slightly older kids who can handle arranging and gluing small objects. Grandma will surely get emotional with this card.

14. Popsicle Stick Garden Markers

Popsicle stick garden markers in different colors.

Materials:

Instructions:

  • Paint or color sticks
  • Write names of herbs or flowers on each
  • Seal with weatherproof sealant
  • Pair with small plants or seed packets

These garden markers are perfect for grandparents who enjoy gardening. Include a few seed packets or small plants to make it a complete gift!

15. Popsicle Stick Recipe Holder

A popsicle stick recipe holder as a craft for Grandparents' Day.

Materials:

  • Popsicle sticks (15 or more)
  • Glue
  • Paint or markers
  • Small clothespin
  • Decorative elements

Instructions:

  • Glue sticks together to form base and easel back
  • Attach with cross pieces to allow standing
  • Decorate with cooking-themed designs
  • Attach clothespin at front to hold recipe card
  • Add a few recipe cards with child’s favorite meals

This kids’ craft combines practicality with sentiment. It’s perfect for the grandma or grandpa who loves cooking—they can use it to display their favorite recipes or ones they want to try!

16. “I Love Grandma Because” Handmade Card Craft

A card for Grandparents Day.

Materials:

  • Pink cardstock or construction paper
  • Black marker or pen
  • Heart stickers or stamps
  • Green paper for leaves
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • White paper rectangle for writing space

Instructions:

  1. Fold the pink cardstock in half to make a card.
  2. Write “I Love Grandma Because” on the front using a marker.
  3. Cut out and glue a white rectangle at the bottom for kids to write their answer.
  4. Add small heart stickers or stamps around the card.
  5. Cut out green paper leaves and glue them as decoration.
  6. Let kids fill in the blank with their personal reason.

This sweet handmade card is perfect for kids to share why Grandma is so special. It’s a heartfelt keepsake she’ll treasure forever.

17. Hand-Painted “I Love You, Grandma” Tote Bag

A tote bag for Grandma.

Materials:

  • Plain canvas tote bag
  • Fabric paints (various colors)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Cardboard or newspaper (to place inside the bag)

Instructions:

  1. Place a piece of cardboard or several layers of newspaper inside the tote bag to prevent paint from bleeding through to the other side.
  2. Using fabric paints, ask your kid to write “I ❤️ YOU, GRANDMA.” on one side of the tote bag.
  3. Add any other decorative elements or designs as desired.
  4. Allow the paint to dry completely according to the fabric paint instructions (this may take a few hours).
  5. Once dry, follow the fabric paint’s instructions for heat-setting the design (usually by ironing it) to make it permanent and washable.

Grandma will cherish this thoughtful and practical gift.

18. Mason Jar Herb Garden

Four mason jars containing different herbs.

Materials:

  • Mason jars
  • Acrylic paints
  • Foam brushes
  • Herb seeds (basil, parsley, chives work well)
  • Potting soil
  • Small labels
  • Twine or ribbon

Instructions:

  1. Paint mason jars in coordinating colors (let dry completely)
  2. Add drainage by placing small stones in bottom
  3. Fill with potting soil, leaving 2 inches at top
  4. Plant seeds according to package directions
  5. Create labels with herb names and care instructions
  6. Tie with twine and include a note about why you chose each herb

This one’s perfect for kids who want to give something that keeps on giving. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching seeds you planted actually grow into something useful.

Fair warning though—you’ll become the designated herb garden consultant, fielding texts about watering schedules and leaf color changes for months!

19. Personalized Photo Bookmark

A photo bookmark.

Materials:

  • Sturdy craft paper or cardstock
  • A small printed photo
  • Ribbon or string
  • Markers or pens
  • Glue
  • Single hole punch

Instructions:

  1. Cut the craft paper into a long rectangular strip, about 2-3 inches wide.
  2. Glue the small photo near the top of the bookmark.
  3. Below the photo, use markers or pens and ask your kid to write a message like “I love you, Grandpa” or “I love you, Grandma.”
  4. Use the hole punch to make a hole at the top of the bookmark, centered just above the photo.
  5. Thread the ribbon through the hole and tie it in a knot to finish.

20. Fingerprint Tree Card

A Grandparent's Day card with kids handprints.

Materials:

  • Construction paper
  • Washable paint
  • Markers
  • Baby wipes (trust me on this one)

Instructions:

  • Have your child press their painted hand onto the paper to create tree branches.
  • Once dry, add small fingerprint “leaves” around the branches.
  • Write “Our family tree grows with love” inside.
  • Pro tip: Do this project right before bath time – you’ll thank me later.

This card literally captures your family’s unique prints forever. Don’t worry if the handprint looks more like a mutant spider than a tree – grandparents have excellent imagination skills.

The Real Magic

The truth is that grandparents don’t care if the paint is perfectly applied or if the glitter remains put. They care about the thought, they care that the effort was put in, and they care that someone spent precious time making something just for them.

Hitting you with a secret: some amazing work happens when things don’t work out perfectly. The “oops” moments become the most favored details and the imperfections make that piece uniquely special.

Want more inspiration for easy and fun crafts for kids? Explore these:

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