THE VIRAL Coffee Filter Fireworks
A fun, slightly magical art activity. Kids love watching the colors spread and blend in unexpected ways.
Supplies (affiliate links included): :
- Coffee filters
- Watercolor paint
- Spray bottle with water
Instructions:
- Flatten coffee filters.
- Draw designs with watercolor paint.
- Lightly spray with water.
- Watch colors spread like fireworks.
🎨 Love making crafts? Or need watercolor paint…
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MORE MEMORIAL DAY CRAFTS
Memorial Day has a way of sneaking up as “the unofficial start of summer” …..the pools are open, grills come out, and the long weekend just kind of happens. It’s easy to skip right past what the day is actually for.
And it’s not the 4th of July. Memorial Day is specifically about remembering the people who died serving in the military, and the families who carry that loss. That’s a lot for a 4 year-old to sit with….and honestly, a lot for most of us. But the crafts we make with our kids can do a little quiet work: opening a small conversation, saying thank you, making something to leave at a memorial or send to a military family.
That’s what this list is for: 11 crafts that are low prep, forgiving of messy hands, and…where it makes sense….tied to the meaning of the day, not just the color scheme. Some are pure fun (little kids still need that), and a few are built to spark a conversation.
- Handprint American Flag
- Red Poppy Pins
- Paper Plate Patriotic Wreath
- Memorial Stones
- DIY Patriotic Windsocks
- Star Sticker Art
- Patriotic Sensory Bin
- Popsicle Stick American Flags
- Coffee Filter Fireworks
- Patriotic Paper Fans
- Letters to Gold Star Families or Active-Duty Service Members
1. Handprint American Flag
A sweet keepsake that parents will hold onto forever. It’s also a great way to capture how small your child’s hands are at this moment in time.
Supplies:
Instructions:
- Paint your child’s hand with red and white stripes.
- Press onto paper to create the flag base.
- Add blue paint in the corner and use fingertips for stars.
- Let dry completely.
2. Red Poppy Pins
The red poppy is the traditional Memorial Day symbol — it comes from the poem In Flanders Fields, written during World War I about soldiers buried in a field of poppies. Making and wearing one is a tiny, beautiful tradition to pass down.
Supplies (affiliate links included):
- Red and black construction paper or felt
- Scissors
- Glue
- Safety pin or tape
- Green pipe cleaner (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut red petal shapes (rounded, about the size of a quarter).
- Glue the petals together in a cross pattern.
- Cut a small black circle for the center and glue it on top.
- Tape or glue a safety pin to the back so it can be worn on a shirt.
Older kids can read (or listen to) In Flanders Fields while they work. Younger ones just love that they get to wear something they made.
3. Paper Plate Patriotic Wreath
Perfect for decorating your front door or party space. This craft also doubles as a fun group activity if you have multiple kids working together.
Supplies (affiliate links included):
Instructions:
- Cut the center out of the paper plate to form a ring.
- Tear or crumple tissue paper pieces.
- Glue pieces all around the ring.
- Let dry and hang up.
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4. Memorial Stones
Simple, creative, and great for all ages. Kids love turning everyday rocks into colorful mini works of art. In some towns, families leave painted stones at veterans’ gravesites or memorials — a small visible sign that someone was here and someone remembered. This is a lovely one to do a day or two before Memorial Day, then walk the stones over together.
Supplies (affiliate links included):
Instructions:
- Clean and dry rocks.
- Paint designs like stars, stripes, hearts, or just the word “Thank you.”
- Let dry, then add details if desired.
- Seal with clear spray (optional).
- Visit a local veterans’ memorial, cemetery, or even a neighbor who served, and leave the stones as a small gesture.
For older kids, this is a good moment to talk about who the stones are for.
5. DIY Patriotic Windsocks
Adds fun movement and color outdoors. These look especially cute hanging from trees, patios, or fences during a party.
Supplies (affiliate links included):
Instructions:
- Decorate the roll with paint or stickers.
- Attach streamers to the bottom.
- Punch holes at the top and tie string.
- Hang outside.
6. Star Sticker Art
A perfect low-prep activity for toddlers. This is ideal for independent play when you need something quick and mess-free.
Supplies:
Instructions:
- Give kids a sheet of paper and stickers.
- Let them decorate freely or create patterns.
- Optional: Draw a flag outline for guidance.
7. Patriotic Sensory Bin
Great for hands-on play and younger kids. It’s also a calming activity that can keep kids engaged for long periods of time.
Supplies (affiliate links included):
- Rice or pasta (dyed red, white, blue)
- Plastic bin or sensory table
- Scoops, cups, small toys
Instructions:
- Fill bin with colored rice or pasta.
- Add scoops and small items.
- Let kids pour, scoop, and explore.
8. Popsicle Stick American Flags
A classic, structured craft kids love. This is a great option if you want something a little more guided and less messy.
Supplies (affiliate links included): :
Instructions:
- Line up sticks side by side.
- Glue two sticks across the back to hold together.
- Paint stripes and a blue corner.
- Add white dots for stars.
9. Coffee Filter Fireworks
A fun, slightly magical art activity. Kids love watching the colors spread and blend in unexpected ways.
Supplies (affiliate links included): :
- Coffee filters
- Watercolor paint
- Spray bottle with water
Instructions:
- Flatten coffee filters.
- Draw designs with watercolor paint.
- Lightly spray with water.
- Watch colors spread like fireworks.
🎨 Loving these crafts? Or need watercolor paint…
Enter our FREE Summer Craft Giveaway for a chance to win a $150+ Personalized Craft Supply Box.
10. Patriotic Paper Fans
Great for warm-weather celebrations. Kids can actually use these during outdoor events to stay cool.
Supplies (affiliate links included): :
Instructions:
- Decorate paper with patriotic colors.
- Fold accordion-style.
- Secure the bottom with glue or tape.
- Attach a stick for a handle if desired.
11. Letters to Gold Star Families or Active-Duty Service Members
A meaningful way to connect kids to the purpose of the holiday. It also opens up a simple conversation about gratitude and remembrance. Instead of a generic thank-you card that goes in a drawer, aim the card at a real person. There are a few ways to do this:
If you know a Gold Star family (one who has lost someone in service), a handwritten note from a kid around Memorial Day means more than you’d think.
Soldiers’ Angels and A Million Thanks both accept letters for active-duty service members and veterans.
Your local VFW or American Legion post can often pass notes to veterans in their community.
Supplies (affiliate links included):
Instructions:
- Fold paper into a card.
- Write “Thank You” on the front.
- Let kids decorate with drawings or stickers.
- Inside, help younger kids write a short message — even “I am 5 and I made you this card” is plenty. Older kids can write something more personal.
- Mail it, deliver it, or leave it at a memorial.
This is the one craft my kids remember doing the longest afterward. It makes the day feel like it’s about something.
Final Thoughts
These easy Memorial Day crafts for kids are simple, fun, and meaningful. With just a few basic supplies, you can create a festive and engaging experience for kids of all ages.
🇺🇸 Made one of these crafts?
Snap a photo and email it to us for 5 bonus giveaway entries!
📸 Every unique craft earns another 5 entries! Giveaway details below!
Summer Craft Giveaway 🎉
Summer Craft Giveaway | 🎁 FREE to Enter • Unlimited Bonus Entries • Multiple Chances to Win • Ends August 31
To celebrate summer, we’re giving one lucky family a Summer Craft Basket valued at over $150!
Packed with colorful art supplies, craft kits, and creative supplies tailored to your family’s interests, this personalized prize box is perfect for keeping little hands busy all summer long.
✔ FREE to enter
✔ Unlimited bonus photo entries
✔ Multiple ways to win
🎉 Plus ONE bonus challenge with 2 more prizes!
How to Enter
Subscribe to our newsletter, then follow at least one of our social media accounts below to enter. Every additional account you follow earns another entry, giving you even more chances to win!
✅ Subscribe to our newsletter
✅ Follow us on Pinterest @TheTinyGuestList
✅ Follow The Edit by TTGL on Instagram @TheEditByTTGL
✅ Follow The Tiny Guest List on Instagram @TheTinyGuestList
That’s it! Once you’ve completed at least two actions, you’re officially entered. Every additional completed action earns another entry, giving you even more chances to win!
Additional Bonus Entries
Want even more ways to increase your chances of winning?
📸 Share Your Creativity (+5 Entries Each)
Send us a photo of a completed craft or a completed page from our Toddler & Preschool Summer Learning Journal and earn 5 bonus entries for every photo you submit!
Your photo does not need to include your child—feel free to share just the completed page, finished craft, or little hands creating!
Keep the creativity coming! Every unique completed craft or learning activity you submit earns 5 additional bonus entries throughout the giveaway. Each submission must feature a different completed craft or learning activity. Duplicate, altered, or substantially similar submissions may not qualify for additional bonus entries.
🌟 Creator of the Week: Every week we’ll feature some of our favorite creations from our amazing community on Pinterest and Instagram!
As an extra thank you, our 5 favorite submissions will each receive a FREE copy of our next printable Learning Journal when it’s released!
Email your photos to: TTGLcrafts@gmail.com
Ready for the ultimate summer challenge?
Complete 25 learning activities this summer for your chance to win TWO exclusive bonus prizes!
We’re giving away TWO exclusive prizes for families who complete the 25 Activity Summer Challenge!
Use any learning resources you already have, including:
– Educational crafts and hands-on learning
– Our Summer Learning Journal
– Any learning workbook
– Printable activities
🏅 25 Activity Summer Challenge
🏃 First to Finish Challenge
- The first family to complete 25 learning activities and submit their photos will receive:
- $50 Craft Bundle
- FREE Copy of our next printable Learning Journal
🎉 Completion Drawing
- Every family that completes 25 learning activities and submits their photos by August 31 will be entered into a random drawing to win a $100 Craft Supply Bundle!
Looking for an easy way to complete the challenge?
Our Summer Learning Journal includes 100+ printable preschool activities, giving you everything you need to complete the challenge—all in one place.
You can also use any learning workbook, printable activities, or educational crafts you already have at home.
All Ages Welcome!
While our Summer Learning Journal is designed for ages 2–5, children of all ages are welcome to participate using age-appropriate learning activities.
Ready to submit?
📧 Email your photos by August 31 to: TTGLcrafts@gmail.com
Don’t wait until the end of su
Giveaway Dates
Opens: June 25
Closes: August 31 at 11:59 PM PT
Winner Announced: September 5
The winner will be contacted by email and announced on Instagram.
Before we ship your prize, we’ll send you a short survey so we can curate your craft supply box based on your family’s ages, interests, and favorite activities.
Why We Created This Giveaway
We believe learning and creativity should be simple, affordable, and fun.
Whether you’re looking for preschool crafts, toddler activities, or easy learning ideas to keep little ones engaged, we hope our resources inspire your family to create, play, and learn together.
Thank you for being part of our growing community. We can’t wait to see what you create!
We can’t wait to see what your family creates this summer. Happy crafting, happy learning, and good luck! 🎨☀️
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