Chalk- Either on a sidewalk or on a chalkboard. Give her lots of color choices. If you’re out on the sidewalk, this can be ended in a fun game of washing it away with the hose. It’s great fun for a hot summer day.
Stickers- Just holding a sticker can be great fun for a toddler. Show him how to pat it down on paper too. Make a sticker collage.
Paint with Water- You can find cheap paint with water books in grocery stores. Younger toddlers will need help getting the water on the brush. Another option is to pour about a cup of water onto a high chair tray. Add a couple of spoons, and watch your toddler splash away. You’ll end up with shiny, clean floors too!
Popsicle Sticks - Younger toddlers can have fun arranging and rearranging them, banging them together, throwing them off the table, and so forth. Older toddlers and preschoolers can try gluing them together to make fun shapes. Don’t try to get a toddler to make a house or a picture frame. Let your child creatively come up with his own inventions!
Glitter Sticks- You can find inexpensive glitter sticks or glue with glitter at dollar stores and grocery stores. Add a piece of paper and you’re on your way to a fine piece of art.
Silly Putty- Just roll it around, stretch it, snap it, flatten it, etc. Here’s a recipe for easy homemade silly putty:2 cups white school glue1 cup liquid starch Mix together and set aside until dry. Store in an airtight container.
Footprints, Finger Prints, and Hand Prints- Use washable paint on your toddlers hands and feet. Press onto paper or fabric. Let your toddler walk all around on some paper with painted feet. Decorate further with markers or glitter if you like. Frame it, and it makes a nice gift for a loved one.
Stamping - Use a self-inking stamp, press onto paper, and voila!
Noodles- Glue dry noodles (any shape or size) onto colored paper. Smaller children will need bigger noodles that are easier to pick up.
Butterfly- Cut out a butterfly shape from construction paper. Give your child some markers or (precut) colorful shapes to glue on as decorations.