If you are lucky to have your grandchildren close enough so that they can stop by for a surprise visit, good for you! Two of my five grandchildren are close by.

However, in a few months, they will be moving to another state. Sigh. I love that I see them often and will miss them greatly.

In fact, I having been saving these 100 Paper Plate Crafts for when they got a little older. Now I will have to make some of these when I get to visit them. 

Above all, paper plates are a great thing to have on hand so that if you get a surprise visit from your grandkids, you can have an activity ready to go! Take a look at how cute these ideas are!

This is part one from the ideas list. Here’s a link to get to part 2 of Paper Plate Crafts for Kids (ideas 51 to 100).

Benefits of paper plate craft for grandkids

• improves social and emotional development
• creates long-lasting family memories
• improves fine-motor skills
• off-screen time
• fun time without electronics
• family bonding time

First, these paper plates are not just for picnics. You can do many creative things with them. Moreover, it is a way to improve your grandchildren’s social and emotional development. Create art projects and family moments that last.

Besides, it makes grandchildren use their hands to create, draw and glue. This way they focus, plan, make choices and learn how things work. After that, they show their project and feel proud of it.

Actually, learning how to cut with scissors and glue paper, fold and put together the pieces improves their fine motor skills. It is a beneficial skill for future writing, too.

Make your grandkids play with something else than electronics. In fact, they need to have off-screen time. Surely, these craft ideas are a way to have fun without toys and tablets.

Above all, the family spends time together, laugh, and learn. It strengthens the bond between them. As a matter of fact, these happy memories definitely will last for a long time!

The role of the grandparents

Most importantly, smile while your grandkids have fun, craft, and play. Parents shouldn’t fix every imperfection. Instead, help only with suggestions. The reason why, it is the process that matters most, not the outcome.

Encourage efforts and support grandchildren’s creativity, too. Moreover, connect with them, make it a bonding time, and have fun together.

Why not create a special art box? For example, put all the materials in there, and grandchildren will open it when they want to create a project and become crafty.

What do you need?

You don’t need expensive materials – for instance, use the items you have around at home. 

Provide:

• paper plates
• glue
• pieces of fabric
• paint
• crayons
• tape
• watercolors

Certainly, it is a simple craft that doesn’t require much of your time. Try these out!

 Paper plate craft ideas for kids

1. Vintage Swimmer Mask

This Vintage Swimmer Mask just makes me smile. What a perfect summer craft, indeed!

2. Paper Plate Insects

What kid doesn’t like bugs and butterflies? Actually, these paper plate insects will keep them buzzin’. 

3. Fall Paper Plate Wreaths

Make a wreath out of a paper plate. Moreover, you could also use spring and summer leaves. Certainly, so many great options by Mum in the Madhouse.

4. Paper Plate Tambourines

Have fun making music with these Paper Plate Tambourines.

5. Paper Plate Seahorse

A Paper Plate Seahorse would be great to make after reading Eric Carle’s Mister Seahorse book! Moreover, it is very easy to make!

6. Snow Globe Snowman Craft

Here we have a darling Snow Globe Snowman Paper Plate Craft. Besides, it includes glitter which I love!

7. Paper Plate Triceratops

If your grandkids love dinosaurs they will certainly want to make this Paper Plate Triceratops.

8. Paper Plate Leprechaun Mask

Leprechaun Paper Plate Mask will help you have a Lucky Day!

9. Butterfly Life Cycle Paper Plate Craft

It is an educational craft art idea that you should definitely make! Teach your grandkids about the circle of life with this Butterfly Life Cycle Paper Plate Craft.

10. Tissue Paper Valentine’s day Wreath

So easy to make! In fact, even a toddler can make this darling Tissue Paper Valentine’s Paper Plate Wreath.

11. Paper Plate Weaving

Paper Plate Weaving by Mum in the Madhouse is a fun technique for some of your older grandkids.

12. Owl Paper Plate

Who, Who wants to make an Owl Paper Plate?

13. Birds in a Nest Paper Plate Craft

Springtime would be the perfect time to make these Birds in a Nest Paper Plate Craft.

14. Paper Plate Crowns

Look at these! They are suitable for every occasion, indeed. In addition, let your grandkids choose from the many Paper Plate Crowns.

15. Paper Plate Clifford (The Big Red Dog)

Do your grandkids love Clifford The Big Red Dog?  Then they will love this paper plate craft.

16. Noah’s Ark Paper Plate Craft

As a matter of fact, there is plenty of room for two of each animal in this darling Noah’s Ark Paper Plate Craft by Artsy Craftsy Mom

17. Paper Plate Birds

These Paper Plate Birds have wings that move! How adorable, indeed!

18. Paper Plate Cow Masks

These Paper Plate Cow Masks make me think of Chik-Fil-A!  Eat Chikin.

19. Swan Paper Plate

Actually, the ugly duckling has turned into a beautiful Swan Paper Plate.

20. Thankful Spinner

Keep the grandkids busy at “their” Thanksgiving table with this Thankful Spinner.

21. Bear Mask

Grandkids will love pretending that they are a bear with this Bear Mask.

22. Paper Plate Blue Birds in a Nest

Spring is just the right time for these Paper Plate Blue Birds in a Nest.

23. Paper Plate Egyptian Necklaces

Looks so pretty! In addition, you can learn about some cultures with these Paper Plate Eqyptian Necklaces.

24. Paper Plate Badger

Little boys in particular will like making this Paper Plate Badger.

25. Bert and Ernie Paper Plates

I have great memories of my own grandkids watching Sesame Street and love these Bert and Ernie Paper Plates!

26. Painted Paper Plate Flowers

The watercolors look beautiful on these Painted Paper Plate Flowers.

27. The Gingerbread Man

These Gingerbread Paper Plate Crafts look almost good enough to eat! 

28. Paper Plate Dinosaur

A paper plate and some paint are all you need to make this Paper Plate Dinosaur.

29. Frog Paper Plate

The letter “F” stands for this cute Frog Paper Plate.

30. Hedgehog Paper Plate Craft

Actually, no paint is necessary. Super quick and easy is this Paper Plate Craft for a Hedgehog.

31. Paper Plate Fish

The scales on this Paper Plate Fish make it look so authentic! What is more, it is another great addition to the ocean theme papercrafts.

32. Paper Plate Sheep Mask

Mary Had a Little Lamb so she made a Paper Plate Sheep Mask! These look so pretty, indeed!

33. Groundhog Day Craft

Is Spring coming or will there be 6 more weeks of winter? This paper plate Groundhog Day Craft will help you find out!

34. Lamb and Lion Masks

Certainly, there will be lots of imaginative play with these Lamb and Lion Masks.

Paper plate animals craft ideas

35. Paper Plate Chicken

Read the story of the Little Red Hen and then made this super easy Paper Plate Chicken.

36. Paddington Bear Paper Plate Craft

Obviously, who doesn’t like teddy bears! Everyone loves Paddington Bear! Besides, it looks so easy to make!

37. Rhino Paper Plates

First, take your grandkids to the zoo and then come home and make these quick and easy Rhino Paper Plates.

38. Superman Paper Plate Mask

Kids LOVE to play superheroes but watch out, they might fight over who gets to wear this Superman Paper Plate Mask. As a matter of fact, you may consider drawing masks of other superheroes, too.

39. Paper Plate Flying Saucer

In my opinion, it would be fun to paint this Paper Plate Flying Saucer with glow-in-the-dark paint and then hang it from the ceiling. If your grandkids like space and aliens, this is surely a great choice for crafty art!

40. Skull Masks

To begin with, pass out paper plates and some markers and see all the different kinds of Skull Masks that will be created! Scary or funny – these skulls are a great way to spend your afternoon, indeed!

41. Paper Plate Fishes

Taken from the book The Rainbow Fish, these Paper Plate Fishes are so fun because of all the different colors. Surely, they will become your grandkid’s favorite! Besides, the rainbow fish looks very fancy!

42. Paper Plate Crabs

Going to the beach? Certainly, these Paper Plate Crabs want to come along! So cute!

43. Paper Plate Fox

As a matter of fact, every grandparent NEEDS to read Fox in Sox to their grandkids. Doesn’t that book bring back memories? Make this Paper Plate Fox in honor of that great classic book!

44. Sun Paper Plate Craft

Undoubtedly, you are my sunshine, my only sunshine! Surely, your grandkids will enjoy making this adorable sun.

45. Paper Plate Wolf

The better to see you with my dear! Actually, here’s a great Paper Plate Wolf to play Little Red Riding Hood with.

46. Rainbow Streamer Paper Plates

These Rainbow Streamer Paper Plates will cheer anyone up. What is more, these are great for unicorn theme birthdays! So, if you go with the magical horse theme, these will make a great addition\. Without a doubt, unicorns and rainbows go together!

47. Arctic Fox Paper Plate Craft

Have you heard the song “What does the fox say?”  To begin with, I have to say just love this little Arctic Fox Paper Plate Craft! Actually, it looks super cute!

 48. Paper Plate Jelly Fish

Just look what you can find under the sea. Besides, this Paper Plate Jelly Fish is great because it can’t sting you! In fact, you can make a whole ocean with their paper plate craft ideas. 

49. Paper Plate Tic Tac Toe Game

Obviously, grandkids are always so excited to stay in a hotel. So, what a great idea to keep them occupied and quieted down with this Paper Plate Tic Tac Toe Game.

50. Paper Plate Ladybug

In fact, I wouldn’t mind bugs if they were all as cute as this Paper Plate Ladybug! Really cute, indeed!

 The bottom line

In short, these art projects will keep your grandchildren busy. Not only developing their skills but also helping them to create exciting paper plate crafts. For instance, make foxes, skull masks, wolves, teddy bears, wreaths, and more.

Get your crafting skills to the next level furthermore spend time together with your grandkids.

Above all, have fun while bonding and making meaningful conversations. Express your thoughts, connect with your grandchildren, encourage effort and creativity.

Last but not least, it is a great way to create long-lasting memories with these super quick and easy crafts that everyone will love!

Did you like our ideas for paper plate crafts? You might want to jump into the second part where you will find paper plate craft ideas 51-100 click HERE

Did you like these easy paper plate craft ideas for grandkids? Then, you need to check out these posts:

• 19 kid-friendly fall crafts
• 17 craft for the Disney fanatic!
• 15 egg carton crafts
• Egg carton crafts – funny monsters
• Sparkle spider Halloween craft

The post 100 Paper Plate Crafts for Kids appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

52. Throw some shrimp on the barbie, eh mate. (said in my best austrialian accent)  Paper Plate Koala by I Heart Crafty Things

53. It’s not easy being green.  Unless you’re the Hulk!  Hulk Paper Plate by Crafts on Sea.

54. Look how cute the tusks are on the Paper Plate Walrus by Danielle’s Place.

55. My three grandsons are going to love making these Car Paper Plates by Glued to my Crafts Blog.

56. Start your own zoo with these Zoo Animal Paper Plates by First Palette

57. I know the instructions say Groundhog but I think it could easily also pass for a Beaver!  By Crafty Morning.

58. I remember gluing pasta on construction paper when I was little but it didn’t look as good as this Paper Plate Lion by Mrs. Karens Class!

59. All kids will love playing Ring Toss after they’ve painted their own color plate. From ABC to ACTS.

60. Such a cute Christmas Tree Paper Plate complete with ornaments!

61. I love how a kids hand print is the fin on this Paper Plate Fish by This Girls Life Blog

62. These Summer Fruit Paper Plates by All Free Kids Crafts looks so refreshing! The watermelon is my favorite.

63. This Nature Island Paper Plates combines with some homemade dough. Great idea from The Pinterested Parent.

64. Boys especially will love creating this “Taper Plate” Chain.  Make sure you have lots of duct tape on hand!  From Craft Crossing

65. This makes me think of the submarine ride at Disneyland.  Darling Porthole Paper Plate  by Crafts by Amanda

66. Little girls will especially love to make these Fourth of July Purse Paper Plates by Handmade Charlotte!

67. This skeleton is made completely from paper plates. No bones about it!  Free Pattern by The 36th Ave.

68. Who remembers old fashioned bubble gum machines? Create your own with a paper plate?  By I Heart Crafty Things.

69. What a fun idea to use bubble wrap in creating this Paper Plate Snake by Crafty Morning

70. The early bird gets the worm with this darling Paper Plate Apple by I Heart Crafty Things.

71. Bake cookies, then have your kids make these cute baskets and deliver to someone who could use a happy visit.  I think I would decorate the plates first before cutting to make them ever cuter! Idea by It’s Always Autumn

72. Thar she blows!  Fun Paper Plate Whale by FunCraftsKids

73. You are guaranteed to have sweet dreams with this Dream Catcher Paper Plate by Red Ted Art.

74. My grandkids are crazy about the Minions and would love to make this Paper Plate Minion by Here Comes the Girls!

Beedo! Beedo! Beedo!

75. I love the colors on these Halloween Paper Plate Spiders by Crafty Morning

76. Make a pink or a red bow and all kids will love these Minnie/Mickey ears!  Free pattern by Chickabug

77. Use some imagination in creating these Paper Plate Dragons by Pink Stripey Socks and then read Dragons Love Tacos.

78. How great is this?  Marble Paper Plate Track by Frugal Fun 4 Boys.

79. My son loves anything Captain America.  And he’s 27.  Younger boys love him too and will love this Captain America Paper Plate Shield by Crafts on Sea.

80. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Paper Plate Aquarium by Director Jewels

81. Teach little ones to tell time with this Paper Plate Clock by Frugal Fun 4 Boys.

82. Darling Christmas Paper Plate Crafts by One Little Project

83. Did your kids like the movie Big Hero 6?  Then they will love making this BayMax Paper Plate Craft by ET Speaks from Home

84. We love Star Wars in our family and need a BB-8 of our very own.  Idea from Frugal and Fun Mom.

85. Start your own band with this Paper Plate Banjo by Parents.com!

86. Wow. How easy is this to make a Paper Plate Sundial? By PreSchool Craft

87. I love how the pebbles make the shell of this Turtle Plate by Busy Bee Kids Crafts.

88. Holy Moly! A Magnet Maze?  This is so cool.  By My Cakies

89. A Water Wheel is the perfect summer paper plate craft by Making Boys Men

90. Boys will run around and race for hours after making these Paper Plate Steering Wheels by Banana Blueberry

91. Who’s up for a game of Balloon Paddle Ball?  By Vanessa’s Values

92. You can feel all sorts of things with this Paper Plate Sensory Heart by Paging Fun Mums

93. Super easy Thanksgiving Turkey by Housing a Forest

94. I’m embarrassed to say how much I love candy corn. Even these by Blitsy.com

95. These apples are sweet to the core!  Inspiration by BJ’s Solutions

96. These spiders make counting fun with this Paper Plate Counting Game.

Comes with a free printable from The Printable Princess

97. This craft also develops small motor skills with the lacing that kids will love doing.  Apple Plate by Kid Things

98. Love this Yoda Puppet you will.  Idea by Coffee Cups and Crayons

99. You use shaving cream to get this cool marbled look on these paper plates.  Inspiration from Crafty Morning

100. I love the little alien atop this darling spaceship by Craftulate

For paper plate ideas 1-50, click HERE

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