Art is a great activity for toddlers as it can be messy and fun as well as great for early development. Making art develops motor skills and can build confidence, as well as allowing little ones to explore the world with creativity and colour.
For toddlers, the fun is in the making, not the finished product. For little ones it’s all about trying things out such as squishing, smearing and experimenting. Art projects can be a great activity to get away from screens at home and also a good thing to do on a rainy day.
Here’s our guide to how to get stuck in.
East art projects for toddlers: Finger painting
It can be challenging for toddlers to grip onto paintbrushes at first, so why not go straight in for finger painting, hand painting, or even foot prints? This can get really messy so make sure you’ve laid down a plastic sheet, or taped paper to the floor for an easy clean-up. Use non-toxic paints that are suitable and safe for toddlers. For an extra sensory experience, try finger painting on different materials, such as foil or cling film.
Nature collaging
Combine an art project with getting outside. Encourage your little one to collect items from nature such as leaves, pine cones, flowers and twigs. These can be glued onto card to make nature collages. Another option is to use items from nature to make interesting prints with paint on paper.
Sponge printing
Cut bigger sponges into shapes or get shaped sponges to experiment with printing different shapes in paint on big pieces of cardboard, boxes, or even try unwanted fabric. This activity helps toddlers recognise or talk about different shapes as they go.
No-mess painting
If you’re worried about mess, pop some paint into a ziplock bag, then sellotape it to a window so your toddler can push the paint around with their finger to make different shapes. Just make sure that ziplock bag is nicely sealed! Another option is to tape it down to a table on a wipeable cloth in case of unexpected spillage.
Edible paints
We all know toddlers love putting things in their mouth so you could make your own edible paints with yogurt, food colouring and squirty cream. A really safe way to do art, if your toddler is going to put everything in their mouth and maybe even get some nourishment too if you include fruit!
Paper plate silly faces
Paper plates are such a simple and cheap way to create art projects for toddlers. With googly eyes and string, paints or pens, they can be decorated to make silly faces. Different materials can be collaged, or shapes cut into plate (by an adult) to make fun fish or other creatures. If you cut shapes in advance then your toddler can charge ahead with sticking and decorating.
Sticker collage
I haven’t met a toddler who doesn’t love stickers so why not get a big piece of paper or card and lots of stickers and encourage your toddler to create a picture. Random shapes can make fun patterns or more themed stickers can make all sorts of scenes – from zoos to under the sea. An easy way to do this can also be to buy a sticker book, where the scenes are already laid out for children. But it could be fun to combine different themes as an art project for toddlers.
Key supplies for art projects for toddlers
When you suddenly realise your baby has become a toddler, it may be time to get stocked up on all sorts of fun materials for creative and messy play. Here are some essentials to get you started.
- Washable, non-toxic paints (Crayola and Little Brian Paint Sticks are great)
- Chunky crayons and markers
- Child-safe scissors
- PVA glue or glue sticks
- Paper, card, and stickers
You can also start collecting boxes and cardboard packaging such as toilet rolls. The opportunities are endless.
How to encourage your toddler to thrive with their art project
If you have an inner perfectionist, this is time to let go. The best gift you can give your child is to encourage them, join in, take their lead and give guidance if they want it and enjoy the process. Reflect back what you see to help them learn: “You’re using a lot of red,” or “What a big circle you’ve drawn.” Celebrate their work by hanging it in pride of place on the kitchen cupboards or in the play room if you have one. Toddler art projects can result in cards for family, friends and especially grandparents! Your toddler will feel special to see their art project being celebrated this way, even if you sometimes sneakily throw some of them away.
Why art projects are great for toddlers
The benefits of art play for toddlers include:
- Fine motor development: Holding crayons, squeezing sponges and sticking shapes help strengthen small hand muscles.
- Sensory exploration: Toddlers learn through touch, texture and colour, which is vital for cognitive and emotional growth.
- Language skills: Talking about colours, shapes and what they’re doing builds vocabulary.
- Confidence and independence: Toddlers love making their own creative choices (and mess!)
Art for toddlers in Jersey
There are many places offering messy play for toddlers in Jersey. Messy play can be a great opportunity for your toddler to make art in a bigger space than home, mix with other children, while you have the opportunity to connect with adults too!
The Creation Station Jersey is a children’s party service in Jersey: https://thecreationstation.co.uk/activities/jersey/
Toddler Sense offers adventure play classes in Saint Martin, Jersey: https://www.toddlersense.com/jersey/
Jersey Methodist Church also offers a ‘Messy Church’: https://www.jerseymethodist.org.uk/churches/messy-church/
Buy art supplies for toddlers in Jersey
Buy art materials for your toddler at:
The Entertainer in St Helier for art supplies and creative kits
TGJones, for stickers, paper and markers
Amazon or Early Learning Centre (ELC) for toddler-specific, washable art sets.
