During the summer holidays, not every afternoon needs to be planned out. Often, a well-stocked craft box that sits visibly on a shelf and allows you to get started immediately is enough. The advantage: children can choose for themselves, parents don't have to look for new materials every time, and much of it comes from things that are already in the household.
Shoeboxes, toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, clean screw-top jars, fabric scraps, ribbons, newspaper, wrapping paper, natural materials, glue, blunt children's scissors, and colored pencils are suitable for the box. Small parts should be kept out of reach of younger children, and anything sharp, hot, or fragile remains the responsibility of adults.
How to set up the craft box
- One box instead of many bags: Everything goes into one box that children can easily take out.
- Sort materials: Collect paper, cardboard, jars, rolls, natural materials, and pens separately.
- Only put clean things inside: Wash jars, cans, and packaging beforehand and let them dry.
- Start simply: Write three to five ideas on small cards or mark them with a symbol.
- Make the rule clear: After crafting, scissors, glue, and pens are put back.
1. Build a cardboard castle
A shoebox, empty rolls, and a few cardboard scraps quickly turn into a castle. Adults pre-cut doors or battlements, children paint walls, glue on towers, and build figures to go with it. This is ideal for rainy days because the castle can also be used for playing later.
2. Paper crowns for the holiday
Crowns are made from construction paper, old wrapping paper, or cardboard strips. Children can decorate them with dots, paper flowers, or cut-out patterns. If you are keeping several children busy, turn it into a little role-play: queen, treasure hunter, forest fairy, or knight.
3. Flower garland from paper scraps
Cut paper scraps into flower shapes, glue them onto a string, or attach them with clothespins. The garland fits in the children's room, on the balcony, or on the door. It also works well as decoration for birthday parties or holiday picnics.
4. Lanterns from screw-top jars
Clean pickle or jam jars can be covered with paper strips, pressed leaves, or thin fabric. Important: Only use candles with adults. For children, LED tea lights are the more relaxed option.
5. Treasure box from a tin can
A clean can is wrapped in paper and painted. A piece of fabric can serve as a cover on top. Shells, stones, tickets, summer photos, or small finds from an excursion disappear inside.
6. Make your own holiday postcards
Postcards are made from cardboard. Children paint their best holiday day, glue on leaves or photos, and write a few words about it. This is especially nice for grandparents or friends you don't see during the holidays.
7. Create a nature mandala
Leaves, small stones, flowers, cones, and sticks are laid out into a mandala outside. Nothing needs to be glued. Afterwards, you can take a photo and put everything back into nature. Please do not pick protected plants.
8. Prepare a mini scavenger hunt
Children make small clue notes, arrows out of cardboard, or treasure maps. Then they search in the garden, in the apartment, or at the playground. This is a good bridge between crafting and movement.
9. Sound memory game from cans
Fill small cans or opaque containers in pairs with rice, pasta, small stones, or buttons. The children listen to which two sound the same. Seal everything well and only play together with younger children.
10. Holiday jar for beautiful moments
An empty jar is decorated. Then small notes are put inside: “Eating ice cream”, “Water fight”, “Reading a book aloud”, “Inviting a friend”, “Picnic on the floor”. When boredom strikes, a note is drawn.
What is better not to put in the craft box
- Hot glue guns and utility knives
- very small beads for toddlers
- glitter, if no one wants to clean up afterwards
- uncleaned cans or jars
- materials with sharp edges
The craft box doesn't have to look perfect. It should be ready to hand, cost little, and enable children to get started on their own. That is exactly what makes it so useful during long holidays.
Caution
- Crafting with children – ideas and tips
- Crafting a cardboard castle with children
- Crafting paper crowns with children
- Crafting a paper flower garland with children
- Making lanterns from empty pickle jars with children
- Making cards with children yourself
- Scavenger hunt for children in the garden
- Planning summer holidays 2026
Sources and further information
- DIE UMWELTBERATUNG: Make decorations yourself instead of disposing of them quickly
- DIE UMWELTBERATUNG: Less waste through homemade decorations
- DIE UMWELTBERATUNG: Decoration with natural materials
- Saferinternet.at: Relaxed holidays and digital media
Article image: AI-generated symbolic image.
