Pipe cleaners. You can get them in all colors, even sparkly ones. Also beads.

How about a plastic tablecloth for their art table (especially if it ends up being the dining room table, LOL). I had several over the years as the kids were growing up. I had artsy kids also. :)

Wow all great ideas I'll just put in another vote for pipe cleaners when my kids were young they were always included in thier travel bag they loved making things with them.

[QUOTE=quilt1950;6910593]My grandkids all like arts and crafts. They prefer to have 'stuff' to do with as their creative minds dictate. So, for Christmas, I want to give them a big box of 'stuff'. I'll include the standard paper, tape, paint, markers, feathers, and the other items found in the craft aisle at Joanns or Michaels. I'm looking for other fun things. I'm thinking about coffee filters, cupcake papers, tongue depressors, etc.
Any ideas? What can I include that would not be considered a craft item, but that a creative child would enjoy. These children range in age from 4 to 10 years.


I HAVE SEEN BOOKS FOR CRAFTS AND SOME OF THEM ARE FOR THE MUCH YOUNGER AGE GROUP. THAT WAY, THEY CAN GET IDEAS TO START AND ADD THEIR OWN IMAGINATIVE THOUGHTS TO THEIR PROJECTS.

I actually give my grands a safe scissor, gluestick , paper & my tiny fabric scraps! They make great pictures with them. They find good 'rocks' outside & love to paint them. I also have all kinds of beads, they enjoy making jewelry for themselves or for relatives & friends.

Old keys (wind chimes, collages). Did anyone mention good watercolor markers or watercolor pencils? And watercolor paper with a couple of nice brushes? Don't go cheap on those...can't expect quality work with inferior tools! Have fun!

thread spools

buttons, glue, glitter glue, safety scissors, modeling clay

I would include embroidery floss and the sissors that cut different patterns for card making and stickers for the littler ones to use.

Thanks for all the ideas. I'm making a list.