DIY Creativity Kit

I have loved hearing the stories of so many kid creators seeing themselves in my new book, SAWYER’S BIG IDEA, (now available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or at your local bookstore!) So I wanted to share this project for the kid in your life who is a creator.

One of my kiddos is a self-proclaimed “Cardboard Smith” because he’s always cutting, duct-taping and creating cool new things, from shoes, to basketball hoops, to boxing in his bunkbed to make his own room! Last year for Christmas he asked me for duct tape and a really big box. This year, he and I worked together to design Creativity Kits for friends and cousins, to gift with copies of SAWYER’S BIG IDEA. These are a great non-toy gift to encourage creativity and STEM thinking! They are super scaleable and morph to fit different ages, interests, and budgets. I’ve done research at Walmart and Amazon to give you an idea of prices. (and FYI, I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a small percentage when you use my links).

We came up with a ton of fun names for these too, so pick the one you like best! You can make a label for your boxes if you want to.

Creativity Caboodle

Creativity Kit

Tinker Tote

Tinker Toolbox

Tinker Treasures

Inventor’s Kit

PICK A BOX

A couple different options that could work well are tackle boxes, caboodles, or really any sort of tote.

I’ve seen Caboodles under $10 at my local Ross store, and Walmart had an assortment of tackle boxes–both the traditional kind and the grid compartment kind. The green ones I’ll be using in photos below I picked up for $2.97.

If you’re buying online, Caboodles are on sale right now!

You can get a small one on sale for $9.37 on Amazon

Or the bigger one on sale for $16.99

There are also bead organizers like this one around $5

It really just depends on the style you are going for and what you plan to include. If you want some of the bigger tools we’re going to list below, they may not fit in the grid organizers.

GATHER SUPPLIES THAT WORK TOGETHER

We came up with a few different themes, all of which are in SAWYER’S BIG IDEA!

  • Cardboard Creator–for working with recyclables to build 3D projects
  • Circuit tinkerer– Wires, batteries, and other fun stuff for creating electronics.
  • Model Maker–scrap wood and tools for creating models
  • Kid Crafter–Art supplies for Flat and 3D art

Again, these will change depending on the age of the kid you are making it for, and also the size of your box, so pick and choose what works for you. Some of the supplies we thought of include:

Cardboard Creator

Model Maker

  • Idea journal – this is a great suggestion from the psychologist who wrote the back-of-book note
  • Wood scraps
  • Craft sticks
  • Wooden beads
  • Scissors
  • Small screwdriver and needle nose pliers
  • Small Ruler
  • Pens/pencils/sharpies
  • Wood glue
  • Bolts and Screws
  • Rubber bands
  • Scotch tape
  • String, ribbons, rope
  • Pipe cleaners

Circuit Tinkerer

  • Idea journal – this is a great suggestion from the psychologist who wrote the back-of-book note
  • Small electric motors (Amazon has a set of 6 with wires, switches, and battery packs for $9.99)
  • Small screwdriver, wire cutters, and needle nose pliers
  • Small lightbulbs or LED lights
  • Small Ruler
  • Pens/pencils/sharpies
  • Bolts and Screws, washers
  • Wires, springs
  • different kinds of batteries
  • String, ribbons, rope
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Other fun items that conduct electricity

Kid Crafter

Don’t be afraid to find things thrifted. Goodwill is a great source for boxes, tools, and sometimes has craft supplies. My son likes to repurpose LEDS, bolts, wires etc from electronics headed for the trash.

Happy creating!

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