Paper plates aren't just for serving food – they're also brilliant for crafting. Along with popsicle sticks and toilet rolls, they're a great addition to any child's art and craft cupboard. Stock up on paints, crayons, glue sticks and scissors, and you'll be ready to try our paper plate crafts for kids!
Whether they're making masks, puppets, wreaths or rainbows, with these fun ideas, the little ones will never be stuck for something to do. Read on for some of the best paper plate activities to keep kids busy.
12 paper plate crafts for kids
1. Paper plate ladybug
This ladybug's wings really move! Kids will be delighted by the interactivity of this paper plate craft from Six Clever Sisters, which uses a paper fastener as a hinge for the insect's wings. The free printable template gives you all the pieces you need to get started.
2. Rangoli patterns
Introduce kids to traditional Rangoli pattern-making with this easy Diwali-inspired craft from RedTedArt. All you need are craft papers, scissors and glue. Younger kids will enjoy matching the colours and shapes, while older ones can do the drawing and cutting too.
Discover more exciting Diwali crafts for kids.
3. Easy rainbow
So simple and so effective! Help your toddler learn their colours as they turn a paper plate into a beautiful rainbow, complete with fluffy cotton wool clouds. Gather your brightest paints and follow the tutorial over at Messy Little Monster.
4. Jellyfish paper plates
Kids of all ages will love creating these jolly jellyfish from Easy Peasy and Fun. There's a basic design for toddlers to try, plus more challenging variations to keep big kids busy. Either way you'll need a paper plate and paints – and don't forget the googly eyes!
5. Under the sea scene
Display beach holiday treasures with this tactile craft idea from The Imagination Tree. Sand, seashells and felt make it a fun sensory activity for little explorers. Why not add some glitter glue to the finished design for extra seaside sparkle?
6. Easter wreath
Get ready for Easter with this clever idea from Kids Craft Room. Simply cut a hole in the centre of a paper plate to create a wreath shape, then decorate it with ribbons and brightly patterned eggs. Kids will love making these for Halloween and Christmas too!
7. Paper plate forest animals
How cute are these forest animals? We love the little details in Made to be a Momma's cheerful critters, especially the button cheeks, and kids will love giving them their own personalities. There are three templates to choose from, for a reindeer, a bear and a raccoon.
8. Tropical fish
Create a colourful undersea world with these vibrant tropical fish. Crafts by Amanda has an easy tutorial for you to follow, including patterns for the fins, mouths and more. As it involves tracing and cutting, this one's ideal for kids aged six and up.
9. Paper plate snails
About a Mom's glorious gastropods are quick to make with pipe-cleaner antennae and puffy paint spirals. You'll also find some great ideas for extending the activity with stories about snails and even snail-themed snacks!
10. Swirling snake
It's a classic! We couldn't round up the best paper plate crafts for kids without including a snake. This one's from Easy Kids Craft. All you need to do is paint your plate green, cut it into a spiral (younger kids will need help from a grown-up), and hang it from some thread.
11. Cat clock
Tick tock, it's craft o'clock! Perfect for primary school kids who are learning to tell the time, this adorable cat clock uses paper fasteners to turn the hands. You could copy their own cat's colourings to make it extra special. Find the tutorial at Baker Ross.
12. Moveable ghost
Make a ghost fly across the sky with this spooky Halloween scene from Crafts on Sea. When the kids have finished this, they can use the same simple technique to create other puppets – how's about a witch on a broomstick, a sailing boat, or a footballer kicking a ball?
Easy paper crafts to try today
From rainbow mobiles to elastic band guitars, find more creative ideas with paper in our round-up of the best paper crafts for kids.
5 Christmas paper plate crafts for kids
Get in the festive spirit with these Christmas paper plate crafts for kids. From sparkly trees to Santa masks, we've got all sorts of ideas to help you prepare for the holidays.
1. Christmas trees
It's time to trim the tree – and gemstone stickers or mini pompoms make the perfect baubles for a paper plate pine. This easy craft from Made to be a Momma is ideal for using up craft scraps from other projects, and it'll look great hung on your real tree too.
2. Paper plate snow globe
Make your very own winter scene with this fun snow globe tutorial. The secret is to use two paper plates with a layer of clear cellophane on top – and sparkly sprinkles inside. Follow along with the video tutorial or find written instructions at Baker Ross.
3. Christmas masks
Say cheese! Design Improvised has the perfect props for fun family photoshoots. These homemade Christmas masks are quick to make using lolly sticks, cotton wool and pipe cleaners. Choose from Mr and Mrs Claus or a snowman.
4. Yarn Christmas tree
Threading yarn or string is a wonderful way for young kids to improve their fine motor skills, and this lovely Christmas tree from Hello Wonderful will give them plenty of chances to practise. They'll need a grown-up to make the holes for them – but it's worth the wait!
5. Paper plate Santas
This easy paper plate craft for kids is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained during the Christmas holidays. Follow the step-by-step instructions from Childhood Magic to create a googly-eyed Santa with a soft cotton wool beard.
Where to buy paper plates
- 100 pack of paper plates
Keep the kids busy all summer long with a bumper pack of 100 paper plates from Amazon. Choose from 7-inch or 9-inch options – and keep any spares for your summer barbecues.
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- Coloured paper plates value pack
These bright plates from Baker Ross are ready to turn into animals and more, with no need to colour them in. The pack contains 16 plates in two sizes (16cm & 24cm diameter).
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- Kraft paper plates
Brown Kraft plates are the ideal blank canvas for a whole range of makes. These 9-inch plates come in boxes of 50 all the way up to catering-size packs of 1,000.
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Have fun with paper plate crafts for kids
Who knew a simple paper plate could become so many different things? As well as following the tutorials above, why not give the kids a selection of supplies (such as felt tips, googly eyes and pompoms) and see what they can create by themselves? The only limit is their imagination!
Find more rainy day ideas with Gathered
Save your leftover lolly sticks to make these quick, easy and fun popsicle stick crafts.
