Top 10 Things to Have When Making DIY Greeting Cards with Kids

Creating DIY greeting cards with kids is more than just an arts-and-crafts activity—it’s an opportunity to bond, nurture creativity, and teach valuable fine motor skills. Whether you're crafting for holidays, birthdays, thank-you notes, or just to say "I love you," making handmade cards can spark imagination and bring smiles to everyone involved.

But like any good DIY project, success starts with having the right tools. From blank cardstock to glitter glue and washi tape, gathering quality materials beforehand ensures a smooth, fun, and safe crafting session.

Let’s explore the top 10 must-haves for making DIY greeting cards with kids—along with expert tips, kid-safe hacks, and creative inspiration to make your crafting session a colorful success.

1. Blank Cardstock

No card-making session can begin without a solid foundation, and that’s where blank cardstock comes in. Unlike regular printer paper, cardstock is thicker, more durable, and ideal for folding, decorating, and holding layers of embellishments without tearing or buckling.

Why It’s Essential:

• Holds paint, glue, and decorations well

• Comes in a variety of sizes and textures

• Provides a sturdy base for creativity

Pro Tip: Choose white and pastel shades to provide contrast for colorful decorations. Opt for pre-scored cardstock for easy folding by little hands.

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2. Markers & Crayons

To bring their cards to life, kids need a vibrant and kid-friendly color palette. Markers and crayons are safe, easy to use, and available in every shade under the sun.

Why They Matter:

• Encourage free expression through drawing and coloring

• Non-toxic and safe for all age groups

• Can be used for messages, borders, and colorful designs

Pro Tip: Go for washable markers and jumbo crayons for younger kids to keep messes to a minimum and grip easier.

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3. Stickers

Stickers are a kid favorite—and for good reason! They’re colorful, easy to apply, and require no glue. From animals and superheroes to hearts and stars, stickers add instant charm.

Why They’re Perfect for Kids:

• Encourage creativity without requiring drawing skills

• Great for layering and themes

• Boost engagement and imagination

Pro Tip: Keep themed sticker sheets on hand for various occasions (birthdays, holidays, thank-you cards). Encourage kids to create stories with sticker scenes.

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4. Glitter Glue

Nothing says festive like a little sparkle! Glitter glue gives kids a safe way to add shimmer to their cards without the mess of loose glitter.

Why It Shines:

• Combines glue and glitter in one easy-to-use tube

• Adds texture and sparkle

• Safe and washable options available for kids

Pro Tip: Let kids apply dots, borders, or names in glitter glue, and allow time to dry completely. Have some drying racks or trays ready.

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5. Colored Paper

Give your cards depth and dimension with layers of colored paper. Whether it’s construction paper or specialty scrapbook paper, this is a must for cutting, layering, and crafting shapes.

Why You Need It:

• Adds vibrant backgrounds, shapes, or textures

• Perfect for cutting out hearts, stars, and animals

• Encourages pattern recognition and color matching

Pro Tip: Cut various pre-sized paper shapes for younger children to glue and layer easily.

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6. Safety Scissors

Crafting with kids means safety first. Safety scissors are specially designed with rounded tips and plastic handles that fit little hands, making them essential for worry-free card crafting.

Why They’re Kid-Friendly:

• Promote hand-eye coordination

• Prevent accidental cuts

• Come in fun designs with creative cutting edges

Pro Tip: Supervise closely and demonstrate cutting along lines for beginner learners. For younger kids, pre-cut shapes are great too.

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7. Glue Stick

While liquid glue can get messy fast, glue sticks are perfect for young card-makers. They're easy to control and dry quickly, making them ideal for paper and lightweight embellishments.

Why They Work:

• Less mess than liquid glue

• Easy to apply and reposition

• Safe, non-toxic, and washable

Pro Tip: Choose colored glue sticks that go on purple but dry clear. It’s a fun visual cue that helps kids see where they’ve applied glue.

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8. Stamps & Ink Pads

For professional-looking prints with minimal effort, kids love using rubber stamps and ink pads. From flowers to letters to holiday shapes, stamps add unique flair to any greeting card.

Why They’re a Hit:

• Encourage pattern-making and repetition

• Build fine motor skills

• Introduce themes like birthdays or celebrations

Pro Tip: Use washable, non-toxic ink pads in a rainbow of colors. Teach kids to clean stamps with a damp cloth after each use.

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9. Washi Tape

Decorative and easy to tear by hand, washi tape adds a beautiful finish to borders, frames, or even as a background. With hundreds of patterns and colors, washi tape is a versatile and exciting addition.

Why It’s Great:

• Adds pattern and color without scissors or glue

• Removable and repositionable

• Encourages kids to experiment with design

Pro Tip: Store rolls in a tape dispenser for easy access and inspire kids to make geometric shapes or flags with different patterns.

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10. Ribbons & Bows

Finish off your DIY greeting cards with ribbons and bows for that extra “wow” factor. Kids can glue on bows or use ribbon strips to frame or embellish their designs.

Why They’re the Perfect Touch:

• Add texture and elegance

• Great for holiday and birthday themes

• Teach kids about color coordination and layering

Pro Tip: Use pre-tied bows or cut short lengths of ribbon ahead of time. Encourage kids to use them for borders or to accent stickers.

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Bonus Tips for DIY Card-Making with Kids

Crafting greeting cards with children should be fun, not frustrating. Here are some quick tips to keep the session joyful and stress-free:

✔ Set Up a Dedicated Craft Space

Cover the table with old newspaper or a disposable tablecloth. Have all materials within reach and separate by category for easy access.

✔ Have a Theme in Mind

Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a birthday, or a get-well-soon card, having a central theme helps guide design choices and gives kids a sense of purpose.

✔ Keep Projects Short and Sweet

Kids’ attention spans are short. Aim to complete each card in 30 minutes or less for toddlers and under an hour for older children.

✔ Celebrate Their Creations

Display the cards on a wall, fridge, or bulletin board. Or mail them to grandparents, teachers, or friends—it shows kids their efforts matter.

Final Thoughts: Making Memories One Card at a Time

DIY greeting card crafting is more than a creative outlet—it’s a beautiful way to connect with your children while teaching them skills in design, coordination, patience, and kindness. With just a few supplies and a sprinkle of imagination, you can transform any rainy day or quiet afternoon into a celebration of love, color, and creativity.

So stock up on the essentials, clear the table, and let the good times—and the glue—roll!

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