13 Creative Ways to Repurpose Kids’ Artwork
Is your home overflowing with kids’ artwork? This holiday season, turn that pile of precious drawings into beautiful gifts! From custom holiday cards to personalized ornaments, discover 15 fun ways to repurpose kids’ artwork that will delight family and friends.
If your home is overflowing with your kids’ artwork, you’re not alone! Every piece feels special, but it’s easy to end up with piles of art and nowhere to put it. With the holidays coming up, why not turn that pile of artwork into meaningful gifts? It’s the perfect time to create one-of-a-kind presents for the family while also getting ahead on some decluttering before spring cleaning.
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Here are fifteen ways to turn piles of cherished artwork into something fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready this holiday season.
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How to Repurpose Your Kids’ Artwork
1. Digitize Your Kid’s Art
The first step to tackling that pile of artwork is to digitize it. This makes it easier to let go of some of those physical copies while still keeping the memories alive. Once digitized, these files can be used to create holiday cards, prints, or even calendars, allowing family members to appreciate your child’s creativity throughout the year.
Using a printer-scanner is the best way to capture vibrant colors and details (here’s the one I use and recommend). You could also use your phone or a camera, though it can be a bit tricky to avoid shadows or get the image just right.
2. Create Custom Holiday Cards and Calendars with Kid Art
Holiday cards featuring your child’s artwork add a personal touch to any gift. Upload scanned or photographed pieces to online printing services like Shutterfly, which offers customizable products.
A set of holiday cards or a calendar with your child’s artwork makes a thoughtful and creative gift that family and friends will cherish.
3. Create a Beautiful Poster or Album from Kid Artwork
If you’re thinking about turning your kid’s artwork into a keepsake, Artkive might be worth considering. Unlike services like Shutterfly, where you can create albums straight from digital files, Artkive takes it a step further by having you send them the original artwork. They professionally photograph and edit each piece, ensuring every detail is captured perfectly.
This is a great option for those who want a polished keepsake and don’t want to deal with the hassle of DIY. Artkive even offers the option to send your original pieces back if desired.
While it is more expensive, the professional quality is unmatched, making it an investment worth considering for truly special memories.
4. Turn Kid Art into Wrapping Paper
You could make your gifts extra special by using your kid’s artwork as wrapping paper. If the artwork is large enough, use it directly to wrap gifts. For smaller pieces, cut out interesting elements and glue them onto a large sheet of butcher paper to create a beautiful collage effect. You could also tape several smaller pieces together for a fun, patchwork-style wrapping or make unique gift bags and envelopes from the artwork.
My personal favourite? Suminagashi (Japanese floating ink) printed papers. Check out my tutorial here!
5. Make Gift Tags from Kid Art
Why not turn small sections of your kid’s art into handmade gift tags? Using a gift tag punch or scissors, cut out sections of vibrant colors or unique designs, then add a hole for ribbon or twine.
These tags add a personal touch to any gift and are a great way to use even the smallest scraps of artwork.
6. Turn Kid Art into Magnets
Turning your kid’s artwork into magnets is a wonderful way to showcase their creations on the fridge in a more organized way. These magnets can make lovely gifts for family members or simply a way to enjoy your child’s artwork every day.
7. Make DIY Puzzles from Kids Art
Transform your child’s artwork into a custom puzzle for a fun and interactive gift. You can use online services to create high-quality puzzles that are perfect for family game nights or as gifts for friends and relatives.
8. Create Personalized Ornaments from Kid Art
Add your child’s artwork to your holiday decorations with personalized ornaments. Each year, you could try a new design, creating unique decorations that become cherished family traditions.
These keepsakes can even be passed down as your kids grow, making them special additions to their future family trees.
9. Make Custom Stuffed Toys from Kid Art
If your child has a favorite character or drawing, turning it into a custom stuffed toy can be a truly magical experience. Companies like Budsies take their artworks and transforms them into a high-quality plush toy. These stuffed toys are pricier, but they make an incredible gift—perfect for preserving a favorite drawing or character. It’s the kind of present your child will treasure for years and remember fondly as they grow up.
10. Use Kid Artwork as Scrap Material for New Projects
Older pieces of artwork can easily find new life as materials for new creative projects. From collages to paper sculptures, using the vibrant colors and designs of past drawings is a fun way to repurpose older art while encouraging new creativity.
11. Frame Kid Artwork in Display Frames
Display frames are a wonderful way to showcase your child’s artwork while keeping your decor tidy.
These frames allow you to easily swap out pieces, keeping the display fresh. They make great gifts for family members who love seeing your child’s creations but may not have space for every individual piece.
12. Make Custom Tote Bags or T-Shirts from Kid Art
Turn your kid’s artwork into something wearable, like a tote bag or t-shirt. Many online services allow you to upload artwork and create custom products. These items are a unique way for your child’s creativity to be part of daily life, and they make both personal and practical gifts.
13. Turn Kid Art into a Yearly Calendar
A yearly calendar featuring your child’s artwork is a simple way to enjoy their creativity throughout the year. Choose twelve favorite pieces—one for each month—and print them through an online service. This makes for a practical keepsake that family members will love, brightening up every month with new artwork.
