Super Crafty Books for Creative Tweens
by Dena McMurdie
When I’m planning a sleepover or thinking about what to do on our next rainy day, having a few craft books on hand is a lifesaver. Crafts not only keep kids busy, they also help build confidence, creativity, and hand-eye coordination. And they’re fun!
Crafts can be done solo or in a group, so the next time you need to plan a party or entertain your kids on a restless afternoon, see if you can get your hands on one of these crafty books.
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For the artist:
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Draw Your Day for Kids!
Available from:Creative kids will love using the tips, ideas, and prompts in this book to create their own illustrated journal. By drawing their surroundings and feelings, young artists will get the creative outlet they need while creating a beautiful keepsake to peruse as they grow older.
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All the Things: How to Draw Books for Kids
Available from:Accessible, step-by-step instructions make this book an excellent pick for any young artist. Kids will have a blast learning how to draw simple, everyday items like food, animals, plants, and makeup in just a few steps. Keep the fun going with other books in this series that cover drawing things like ocean animals and magical creatures.
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How to Draw Kawaii in Simple Steps
Available from:Kawaii is cute and fun to draw, which is why most tweens love it. This step-by-step book from artist Yishan Li shows young artists how to draw 28 adorable kawaii characters, from people and pets to food and everyday items. Kids can take their kawaii obsession even further with these additional titles: How to Draw Cute Kawaii in Simple Steps and How to Draw Kawaii Animals in Simple Steps.
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For the builder:
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Cardboard Activity Lab
Available from:Cardboard is an incredibly versatile craft material that can be folded, cut up, and painted to make exciting crafts like balancing butterflies, robot costumes, and much more. Crafters can use the projects in this book to experiment with everyday objects and learn the science and engineering behind their projects. This book is an excellent choice for earth-conscious kids.
RELATED: How To Make Funky Flowers from Cardboard Activity Lab
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LEGO Life Hacks
Available from:Put that brick collection into action with this book of useful projects. From desk organizers and phone stands to book ends and photo frames, kids will find plenty of exciting craft ideas inside this book — all built from LEGO bricks!
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Disney Ideas Book
If your kid is a die-hard Disney fan, this book is a must-have. It’s full of crafts, projects, games, and activities inspired by popular Disney movies. Whether your child wants to make Mickey Mouse-themed string art, an Olaf sock toy, or Toy Story party decor, they’ll find it in this book.
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For the chef:
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Food Network Magazine The Big, Fun Kids Baking Book
Available from:Tweens love to bake, and it’s often their first introduction to the kitchen. With over 110 easy recipes for beginning bakers, this book offers kids plenty of tasty inspiration within its pages. From quick breads to cakes and cookies, tween chefs can try their hand at baking various goodies.
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The Complete Cookbook for Young Scientists
Available from:Kids who like to experiment in the kitchen will learn the “why” behind their foods with this book. It’s filled with recipes, tips, and ideas to help them learn how ingredients work together (or don’t) to make tasty snacks and delicious meals.
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For the crafter:
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How to Be a Fashion Designer
Young fashionistas will love the information and inspiration they’ll find in this book. It’s jam-packed with tips on choosing fabric, selecting colors, mixing patterns, and dressing your best for every occasion. Kids will learn to design every aspect of their look, from the color palette to the accessories.
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Simple Origami
Available from:Origami is one of the most engaging crafts for tweens. This book contains 50 simple projects for beginners, like a sailboat, butterfly, and jumping frog. Give your kid this book and a stack of origami paper, and let them fold to their heart’s content!
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The Highlights Book of Things to Do
Available from:I bought this book for my kids during the pandemic, and it was a lifesaver. Even now, my girls leaf through the pages to find creative project ideas. From finger-knitting and tie-dying to bucket gardens and homemade kites, this jumbo-sized book contains over 350 projects that crafty kids will love.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2023.