Crafty and Clean: How to Host a Kids Crafts

 As moms who have hosted their fair share of kids' parties, we know firsthand how daunting it can be to plan and execute a craft activity without leaving behind a huge mess. But fear not! Here’s our list of top tips and tricks for hosting a super fun and totally mess-free craft activity at your child's birthday party.

1. Choose the right craft. 

You want to pick something that's not too messy but still fun and engaging for the kids. Use disposable items as much as possible. Think paper crafts, pre-packaged crafts, or even non-toxic clay. These options will keep the mess to a minimum while still allowing the kids to get creative and have a blast. Bonus: they make great custom party favors!

2. Prep & Set. 

Once you've chosen your craft, it's time to set up the craft area. Lay craft paper or a big drop cloth on the floor underneath the craft area to catch any stray bits of paper or other materials. Be sure to tape down the edges with painters tape to avoid any trip hazards. 

Make sure everything the children need is within reach. Set up individual supply kits or make sure there are several of every color and supply available and close by. 

And don't forget to provide smocks or old clothes for the kids to wear over their party outfits! This will save you the headache of trying to remove stains later and parents getting upset if their kid leaves the party a mess. Lay the smocks out untied over the chair to make it easy and accessible. 

3. Keep it Clean & Organized. 

Now, let's talk about keeping things clean during the craft activity. Have cleaning supplies like paper towels, wet wipes, and cleaning spray on hand, so you can quickly clean up any spills or drips. The faster you catch it, the easier it is to clean up. 

Make sure to keep a trash can on either side of the table so the kids can easily dispose of any scraps or waste as they work. Children will not hunt for a space to toss their trash, it will end up on the floor if they don’t see the trash can. 

As soon as the children are done, put their name on the craft and hand them a wet wipe for their hands so the craft does not travel with them to the next party activity. 

Bonus Tips: 

• Enlist the help of other adults to supervise the craft activity. This will give you some breathing room to focus on other aspects of the party while ensuring the kids stay safe and on-task.
• Keep kids focused and engaged in the activity. Have them all sit together at one time, provide simple instructions, and encourage them along the way. This will up the fun level and keep the mess contained. 

So there you have it, our tried-and-true tips for hosting a totally mess-free craft activity at your child's birthday party. With some planning and prep, you can ensure everyone has a blast without leaving behind a huge mess. 

Happy Crafting!