Fun and Easy Crafts to Do with Your Nanny

Spending quality time with your nanny isn’t just about playdates and outdoor adventures—it’s also a great opportunity to explore creativity through arts and crafts! Crafting not only fosters creativity but also improves fine motor skills and boosts self-confidence in children. Here are some fun and easy craft ideas that kids can enjoy with their nanny, using simple materials you likely already have at home.

Handprint & Footprint Art

One of the easiest and most sentimental crafts is handprint and footprint art. Simply use non-toxic paint and paper to create adorable keepsakes. Turn handprints into flowers, animals, or even a family tree, making it a wonderful way to cherish childhood memories.

DIY Greeting Cards

Encourage kids to make greeting cards for birthdays, holidays, or just to say thank you. Provide colored paper, stickers, markers, and glitter to make each card unique. This activity teaches kids kindness and the joy of giving. It can be even more interesting if they do it with a nanny from another country, as they can learn about the holidays and cultural traditions of other nations.

Paper Plate Animals

Transform simple paper plates into fun animal faces! All you need is some paint, markers, googly eyes, and glue. Kids can create their favorite animals, from lions to owls, and even make up their own imaginary creatures. A visit to the zoo before or after can be a good idea to develop their observational and descriptive skills.

Nature Collage

Take a short walk with your nanny to collect leaves, flowers, and small twigs. Use these natural materials to create beautiful collages or DIY bookmarks. This is a great way to blend creativity with a little outdoor exploration. Ideally, the nanny will assess the green spaces and parks near home, where they can easily walk together – depending on the weather.

Recycled Art Creations

Turn old magazines, cardboard boxes, and bottle caps into amazing artwork. Create robots, castles, or even a mini city using recyclable materials. This craft also teaches children the importance of sustainability and repurposing everyday items.

DIY Playdough

Homemade playdough is both a fun craft and a sensory activity. Mix flour, salt, water, and food coloring to create a soft, colorful dough. Kids can shape it into animals, letters, or whatever their imagination desires. If the nanny has a teacher’s streak, they will definitely get to the ABCs.

Sock Puppets

Grab some old socks, buttons, yarn, and glue to make adorable sock puppets. Once finished, kids can put on a puppet show with their nanny, encouraging storytelling and creativity. Why not go to a real puppet show before or after together?!

Popsicle Stick Crafts

Popsicle sticks can be transformed into picture frames, houses, or even miniature bridges. Add paint and decorations to make each creation special. This craft is great for improving hand-eye coordination and patience. Every talented nanny knows this and loves to offer children this kind of engaging, playful task.

Finger Painting Fun

For a truly hands-on activity, finger painting is a messy but exciting way for kids to express themselves. Use washable paints and let them create colorful masterpieces with just their hands and fingers!

Bead Jewelry Making

Stringing beads onto thread or pipe cleaners is a great fine motor activity. Kids can make bracelets, necklaces, or even keychains for friends and family. Plus, they’ll love wearing something they made themselves!

Crafting with a nanny is not just about making art—it’s about bonding, learning, and having fun together. These simple projects offer wonderful opportunities for creative expression and lasting memories. So, grab your supplies and start crafting!