9 incredibly fun and creative paper plate craft ideas

Posted on February 5, 2017July 23, 2021 by Grace Koelma

If there’s something everyone has a surplus of in their pantry after a family gathering or birthday party, it’s that huge stack of paper plates in the corner behind the dip platters and boxes of mismatched birthday candles.

Instead of leaving the paper plates to gather dust all year, why not use them to create some of these fabulously creative games and crafts?

1. Paper plate pizzas

Paper plates just got a whole lot more delicious …

Photo: She Saved

2. DIY flower

Ok, so you’ll need a few paper plates on hand to make this lovely little creation, but it’s pretty cute, hey? Perhaps you could help the kids to create one, then let them finish up with decorating with paint, textas or a healthy sprinkling of glue and glitter!

Photo: Parties For Pennies

3. Paper plate weaving

With just a little coloured wool and a paper plate, you can make something pretty special.

Photo: Red Ted Art

4. Paper plate emotion masks

We thought this was a fabulous way to teach kids about emotional health and interpersonal skills.

Photo: No Time For Flashcards

5. DIY rainbow snake

It’s hard to tell that this funky snake was ever a humble white paper plate. Hang it from a hook on the ceiling to get a curly mobile.

Photo: Pink Stripey Socks

6. Practice addition or subtraction

Even the most maths-averse kids will like this fun maths game with paper plates and buttons.

Photo: Better Than Homework

7. Paper plate ring toss

Ring toss is a fun game for all ages, and is particularly good to help young ones develop hand-eye coordination.

Photo: From ABCs To ACTs

8. DIY magnet maze

This isn’t just a maze drawn on a paper plate, which would be pretty cool on its own, this maze has a magnet attached to the back, providing endless fun. This is a great one to make and take on long car trips. Get the tutorial here.

Photo: My Cakies

9. Target shooting

For boys who like shooting things, look no further than this clever paper plate adaptation. Simply write numbers on each plate, prop up with a simple paper clip manoeuvre and grab the Nerf guns. Highest score wins! Tutorial and rules of play here.