Tinfoil Easter Eggs

Why we love it: This is a super simple (no dyes!) Easter project that requires only things you likely already have at home, making it great for toddlers. We do suggest exercising caution with those Sharpies! Find the tutorial at  I Heart Crafty Things.

RELATED: 99 Sensory Activities for Kids

Photo by Josh Hallett via Flickr.

Slime

Why we love it: This is more sensory fun than craft project as a grown-up needs to do the initial "making," but little ones will love rolling the slime around, stretching it, and even cutting shapes from it. There are literally hundreds of recipes for slime on Pinterest and elsewhere, from glitter slimes to edible ones. Play around with the formula until you get the right consistency. It shouldn't be too sticky (use less water if it is and be sure to knead it really well).

Collaborative Painted Branch

Why we love it: Again, simple, but colorful, and it makes a great decorative item for a kid's room. We love her addition of pom-poms, though you can do it without, and the idea of making it a group project works well for siblings and play dates. Find the tutorial at ArtBar.

Salad Spinner Art

Why we love it: Kids come away with a gorgeous, mod-looking piece of art, and they're sure to get the giggles creating it. It's also less messy than some other "splatter art" tutorials for kids. Just don't expect to use that salad spinner for greens again! Find the tutorial at DIY Candy.

Fairy Garden

Why we love it: This requires a little planning ahead and is probably best for preschoolers and up, but a fairy garden is one of our favorite kid crafts. It's versatile, in that it can be done right indoors in a pot, or on a back patio or deck. No yard needed. After putting it together, kids will love accessorizing it and may want to add their own figurines, creating (possibly!) hours of playtime. Don't stress about "doing this right"—just go for it. Find the tutorial at Peace But Not Quiet.

Clothespin Airplane

Why we love it: A step up from the paper airplane, kids can practice coloring, gluing, and patience with this one. It's fun to zoom your planes around afterward, but kids really need to let the glue dry for an extended period of time if you want the wings to stay on. Leave off the fancy tail and nose for a speedier craft, too. Find the tutorial at Making Life Blissful.

Cardboard Tube Ghoul Family

Why we love it: This is a cute take on Halloween crafts, and kids can play with the little figures afterward. I glued the paper to the tubes for my 2 and 4 year olds, and then simply gave them the supplies to create whatever version of a "monster" or "ghoul" that they wanted. Googly eyes are always a hit. You can modify it in many way and make it easier or harder. Find the tutorial at Crafts By Amanda.

Popsicle Stick Monsters

Why we love it: It's easy to make these look great and the kids will love "roaring" at you afterward. I cut out the horns and teeth for my youngest one, while my preschooler wanted to draw some of them on. I also glued the sticks together, but otherwise let them decorate as they saw fit, with upside down horns, lots of googly eyes, and all sorts of creativity with color. Tip: Use a strong glue and do this portion ahead of time to avoid impatient tot tantrums. Find the tutorial at i heart arts n crafts.

Photo of leaf art by Emma Craig via Flickr.

Colorful Leaf Art

Why we love it: A fun way to connect kids with nature, this craft requires nothing more than crayons and paper...and a few leaves. It works great for all ages and makes little mess. You can get fancier by mixing up the materials, but the simplicity is part of the appeal. Find the tutorial at First Palette. 

Scented Gingerbread Man Art

Why we love it: Such a fun take on a holiday-themed craft for kids. Although it takes a few more steps on the caregiver's part than some of the other crafts, kids have blast decorating these guys in their own way and shaking the holiday spices all over them for that perfect seasonal scent. Find the tutorial at Fun at Home with Kids.

Valentine's Day Heart

Why we love it: Super simple, but pretty craft that let's toddlers get into the V-day spirit, though honestly it can be done year-round as a gift for grandparents or other care providers. Tots will thrill for the chance to handle a glue stick, or mine does anyway! Find the tutorial at Love Play Learn.

Sparkly Wands

Why we love it: Kids can decorate their own magical wands with these simple instructions. It's a great craft for a kid's birthday party (everyone takes something home) and simple enough for toddlers, too. Offer a variety of embellishments for them to choose from, including stickers, pom-poms, markers, and glitter. Find the tutorial at Learning Through Play.

Top photo: Spin Art courtesy of DIY Candy. Unless otherwise noted, photos courtesy of the crafters/sites.