7 Crafty Upcycling Ideas for Kids at Home

Roll up, roll up because we’ve got the upcycling ideas and activities for your kids sorted for the next 10 years! Okay, so ten years might be a slight exaggeration, but our crafty upcycling ideas will certainly keep them going for hours and hours.

What is Upcycling?

Upcycling, or the process of transforming an object into something different by readapting or repurposing it, is a common concept to most kids. Early on cardboard boxes and egg cartons are turned into cars, dinosaurs and doll houses. Then sticks become magic wands, bricks are pretend food and swings are spaceships. In the adult world, we only need to look at the wearable art awards or sustainability competitions that occur to see upcycling in action also.

Just like with other play based activities, upcycling ideas can be created by children themselves, or have been designed by someone else. We’re sharing seven of our favourite ideas with you.

7 Super Crafty Upcycling Ideas for Kids

Ready for some fun? We sure are! Here are seven nifty upcycling activities to keep the kids busy and engaged:

1. Upcycled Mouse Sewing Kit – squeak, squeak, this could not get any cuter! Great for kids over 5 years, this would make a lovely afternoon activity. If you have a cat, it might even get tested out.
2. Milk bottle animals – transform an empty and clean milk bottle into a pig or other animal with some paint, extra cardboard and some creativity.
3. Handbound notebooks – if your home is anything like the Squoodles’ home, you’re bound to have lots of scrap paper lying around the house. Trim off the raggedy bits and collate shapes of the same size together. Punch two holes in the pile and thread ribbon into them and tie in a bow.
4. Egg carton sea turtles – cut shells out of an egg carton and paint green. Cut our four flippers from cardboard and attach a pompom for his head.
5. DIY Upcycled No Sew Scarf Kit – create a one-of-a-kind fringed scarf and practice those knot tying skills!
6. Kiwi Upcycled Sewing Kit – let your child show just how proud they are to be a Kiwi by making their very own hand sewn upcycled kiwi!
7. Stained glass jars – grab those Sharpies and start decorating old jam jars. Sharpies come in a range of colours and being permanent markers, the colour will remain on the jars. They look lovely displayed on window sills or areas which catch the sun.

Be sure to check out Crafty Kids section for more upcycled and recycled craft kits – they make perfect birthday and Christmas presents! Remember to also check out our growing collection of fun activities and ideas for kids.