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Are you a grandparent wondering about “Hands-on creative projects for seniors to enjoy with their grandchildren”? Look no further!
As a caregiver, I’ve conducted thorough research and handpicked 20 DIY crafts tailored to your interests and abilities.
Thankfully, I’ll help you explore the world of fun & easy creative projects that you can enjoy doing with your grandchildren.
Dive in and learn to create cherished memories with your grandkids today!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Engaging in hands-on creative projects with grandchildren can help grandparents stay mentally and physically active.
- Many of the DIY crafts on the list require minimal supplies and can be done with items found around the house.
- The crafts are tailored to various interests and abilities, making it easy for grandparents to find a suitable activity to enjoy with their grandchildren.
Keen to get started? Check out these 20 easy DIY crafts…
20 Fun & Easy Hands-On Crafts For Seniors
Grab your crayons, sticks, and fluffy mascots with some painted rocks (and more)…
#1. Spread Joy with Painted Rocks: A Creative Outdoor Activity
Go on an outdoor adventure with your grandkids, spread joy in your community with painted rocks, and make and add some sprinkles to those cookies!
Mmm….
#2. Make a Memory Jar Gift: A Sentimental Keepsake
If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful activity with your grandkids, try making a memory jar gift.
It’s a sentimental keepsake that lets you reminisce about your special moments together.
#3. DIY Dream Catcher: A Whimsical Craft to Catch Sweet Dreams
Did you know that dream catchers are an ancient and spiritual craft that originated with Native American tribes [1]?
They consist of “a small circle of wood that is tied with thread to resemble a web with a small hole in the middle.” Now you can brag about your easy-to-make dreamcatcher yourself [1]!
Better yet, these gossamer native beauties capture the hearts of many – they will charm your soul as they did mine…
#4. Toilet Paper Roll Cat Craft: A Fun Upcycling Project
Once upon a time, a creative grandmother named Mabel discovered the magic of upcycling toilet paper rolls into adorable cat crafts with her grandkids.
Then she taught me the magic of toilet paper roll cat crats, and I was hooked – so were other seniors and their grandkids!
Go ahead and discover the fun, and you’ll thank me forever…
If you’re captivated by this idea of repurposing, you’ll love my guide on making “crafts with everyday items.” Explore this resource to turn ordinary items into creative masterpieces.
#5. Spring Science Activity for Kids: Chromatography Flowers
You can’t miss this project if you’re coveting a fun and educational activity with your grandkids this spring.
It’s super simple, and you need nothing more than a few simple materials and some patience to explore the magic of science.
#6. Star Anise Bowls: The Treasure Trove of Gifts
Who doesn’t like clay?
This easy and fun craft allows you to create unique and sentimental gifts that can be cherished for years to come.
#7. Origami Dog Tutorial: Playful Paper Crafts
I deeply appreciate Japanese culture, and I love origami.
This playful paper craft encourages creativity and imagination while improving hand-eye coordination…
Don’t miss out on my other articles exploring “crafts that inspire mindfulness and meditation for seniors,” “craft ideas that celebrate the memories of seniors’ lives,” and “social activity for seniors who enjoy crafting” to enrich your creative journey.
#8. Braided Friendship Bracelets: Meaningful Keepsakes
Create meaningful memories with your grandkids by making braided friendship bracelets together.
For more, watch this great DIY project to explain this process to a “T”:
After mastering the art of friendship bracelets, consider exploring our wide range of “fun crafts to do with friends.” This compilation will provide endless inspiration for memorable times filled with creativity and laughter.
#9. Rock Candy Tutorial: The Sweet in Science Experiments
Get clever with this sweet and educational journey with your grandkids by creating your rock candy.
With just a few simple ingredients, you and your loved ones can create a delectable treat and learn something new at the same time…
#10. Dr. Seuss Truffula Tree Craft: A Zitsy DIY Project
Bring the world of Dr. Seuss to life with truffula trees!
Now you can create colorful and truffula trees with your grandkids, inspired by the beloved book “The Lorax.”
#11. DIY Dinosaur Fossils: A Prehistoric Adventure
I admire this prehistoric adventure to create my own dinosaur fossils – you can too!
This fun and educational activity allows you to learn about dinosaurs while encouraging creativity and imagination (fun for the whole family!)…
#12. Felt Butterfly Sewing Project: A Fun Introduction to Sewing
Introduce your grandkids to sewing with a fun and easy-felt butterfly sewing project! This craft allows you to create colorful butterflies while also teaching basic sewing skills.
#13. Sponge Sailboat Craft for Kids: A Nautical Adventure
On a special day – one blazing summer day – I had the pleasure of introducing my niece to the wonderful world of making sponge sailboats – all in different colors.
Now it’s your turn: Sit on the grass and sail away…
#14. DIY Mouse Board Game: A Fun and Creative Game
For a spectacular project, create a mouse board game with your grandkids.
When I embarked on this adventure, I found it astonishingly fun and creative. This clever little board game is high on my list of games to play – so join the fun.
#15. Self-Portrait Paper Doll: Personalize Your Craft
Ready to make another YOU?
This activity encourages creativity and self-expression while having a great time making another you!
#16 Cloud Dough: Soft, Squishy Sensory Fun
Cloud dough is a soft, moldable substance perfect for sensory play.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a fun and engaging activity to delight your grandchildren.
#17 Surprise Big Mouth Fish Printable: Creative Paper Crafts
If you love creative paper crafts, here is one right up your alley.
Simply print out the template, color it in, and fold it up to reveal a big, silly fish mouth…
#18 DIY Bird Feeders: Tasty Treats for Feathered Friends
Get outside and enjoy nature with this fun DIY bird feeder project.
With a few materials, you can create a tasty treat that will attract colorful birds to your yard.
#19 DIY Shark Slime: Splashes Of Fun
Kids will love getting their hands dirty with this DIY shark slime project.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a squishy, stretchy, ocean-themed slime perfect for sensory play—and it’s colorful, too.
#20 Make Stress Balls Kids Will Love: A Soothing Sensory Craft
Are you looking for a fun and easy sensory craft perfect for seniors and their grandkids?
Try making these DIY stress balls for a moment when all is getting “just too much” – or you love squeezing stuff…
With just a few balloons and some flour, you can create a squishy, soothing toy that can help to reduce stress and anxiety [2].
Conclusion
With these Hands-on creative projects for seniors to enjoy with their grandchildren, you’re now armed with the best crafts out there!
Not only are they unique and educational, but they also help to build a stronger bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
So roll with your creativity and go ahead and tell me all about your explorations…
Resources
1. Gaidysheva M, Parnyakov AV. Design of applied and decorative art elements based on the example of Nanai shaman’s culture. Pacific Science Review. 2014;16:140–7.
2. Franklin ME, Tolin DF. Active Strategies for Active Hands: Treating Trichotillomania. 2007;91–9.
