There’s a certain magic to summer with your kids at home, even among homeschoolers. The pace slows down (a little), the days stretch longer, and suddenly there’s more space to just be together and explore interests. Sure, some days will be loud, messy, and full of snack requests, but they can also be filled with creativity, connection, and imagination.

One of the easiest ways I’m trying this simple summer 2025 series is to lean into those moments is by setting up a simple, ready-to-go craft station.

Not an Instagram perfect, color coded supply wall. Just a realistic, affordable stash of creative tools your kids can grab when inspiration strikes (or boredom threatens to set in).

And yes, you can do it for around $50.

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✂️ Why a Craft Station Works

Think of it like this: when the supplies are easy to see and simple to use, kids don’t need you to hover. You’ve built the space and it’s up to them to fill it with their imagination.

They might create birthday cards for every stuffed animal in the house, paint rainy day skies with unexpected colors, or build a paper plate spaceship for their LEGO guy. You’re not “keeping them busy.” You’re giving them the tools to express themselves.

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🛒 Your Realistic $50 Craft Station (2025 Prices in Mind)

Here’s a flexible list that lets you mix and match based on what your kids love most—drawing, painting, gluing, or sculpting.

🖍️ Essentials

• Crayons (24-count) – $1.50
• Markers (washable 10-pack) – $4
• Colored Pencils (12-pack) – $2.25
• White Glue (4 oz) – $1.25
• Glue Sticks (2-pack) – $1.75
• Safety Scissors – $2
• Masking or Clear Tape – $1.50
• Paintbrush Set (5-pack) – $4
• Watercolor Set – $3.50
• Play-doh – $3

📄 Paper

• Construction Paper (50 sheets) – $3.50
• White Printer Paper (small pack) – $2.50 *I found a 70 sheet pack for $1.25 at dollar tree
• Cardstock (20–25 sheets) – $4 *even simple notecards would work

🎉 Fun Extras

Pick a few based on what excites your kids most. I put the ones we keep around in bold:

• Googly Eyes – $1.50
• Pipe Cleaners – $2
• Foam Stickers or Sheets – $2.25
• Buttons or Beads – $2.50
• Stickers – $1.50
• Washi Tape – $2
• Paper Plates – $2
• Polymer Clay (small set) – $5
• Storage Bin or Shoebox – $2.50

🧺 Total: Around $50, give or take depending on what you already have at home or where you shop.

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🎨 Now What? A Free Printable Ideas Page:

Just click and print to start your own Imagination Station! I taped ours up on the inside door of our craft supplies shelf.

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💛 Let It Be Messy, Let It Be Magic

Your craft station doesn’t need to be fancy. What it does need is freedom, color, and space for your kids to explore who they are. Let them get paint on their fingers. Let the googly eyes end up on the dog’s water bowl. It’s part of the season.

And you? You’re not “just” keeping them occupied. You’re giving them something better: time, tools, and permission to create.

Here’s to messy tables and full hearts. Happy crafting, friend, and please tag me on instagram so I can see what your kids create!