Homeschooling and crafting just go hand in hand. If you’re anything like me, you probably love those moments when your kids are fully immersed in a project—cutting, gluing, creating something they’re proud of… while you sip your coffee feeling like, “Yes, this is exactly why we homeschool.”
But let’s be honest: craft supplies add up fast.
Markers dry out, glue disappears into thin air, and somehow the googly eyes that were just delivered yesterday are nowhere to be found today. And if you’ve walked into a craft store lately, you know how easy it is to spend $50 without even trying.
So today, I want to share something that has truly made my homeschooling easier, more joyful, and so much more affordable:
The best craft supplies for homeschooling on a budget—things that actually last, things your kids will actually use, and things that won’t make your wallet cry.
This is the guide I wish someone had given me when I first started homeschooling. Whether you’re teaching little ones or older kids, these supplies will help you create hands-on, memorable lessons without overspending.
Let’s dive in.
Why Crafting Matters in Homeschooling (Especially on a Budget)
Before we jump into the actual list, I want to share a quick reason why I believe crafting is worth making room for, even when money is tight:
Crafting reinforces learning.
Crafting keeps kids engaged.
Crafting reduces screen time.
Crafting builds fine-motor skills, creativity, problem-solving, and independence.
And most importantly—crafting doesn’t need to be expensive to be effective.
I’ve learned over the years that having a simple, reliable stash of the right supplies can turn any regular day into a fun, hands-on learning experience. And that’s what homeschooling is all about—making learning meaningful without burning yourself out (or your budget).
The Best Budget-Friendly Craft Supplies for Homeschooling
These are my tried-and-true favorites that have saved me money, time, and stress. I’ll also share tips on where to find them for the best deals and how to make them last longer.
I know this sounds basic, but trust me—if I had to choose just ONE craft supply to keep in my home, it would be good old white printer paper.
Why it’s essential:
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Drawing
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Writing
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Papercrafts
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Copywork
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Coloring
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Cutting practice
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Making paper books
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Printable worksheets
How to save:
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Buy in bulk when it’s on sale.
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Check Walmart, Amazon, or Costco for large packs.
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Use both sides to stretch each page further.
Homeschool tip:
Let your kids have “free draw time” each morning while you organize the day. It keeps them busy AND sparks creativity.
Instead of constantly buying small packs, invest in a large variety pack with at least 200–300 sheets. It ends up costing far less per page.
Why it’s essential:
Where to save:
Dollar Tree does carry smaller packs, but for homeschooling, the big packs from Target, Walmart, or Amazon are much cheaper in the long run.
3. Washable Glue Sticks (Not the Cheap Ones That Dry Out in a Week)
I’ve learned the hard way that cheap glue sticks actually cost more, because they dry out fast and don’t stick well.
What I recommend:
Why they’re essential:
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Lapbooks
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Interactive notebooks
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Art projects
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Collages
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School crafts
Why they’re budget friendly:
Your projects won’t fall apart, so you won’t have to redo anything.
Perfect for:
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Sensory crafts
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Glitter projects
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Paper mache
Budget tip:
1 large bottle refills multiple smaller bottles. Buy a big one.
The easiest way to avoid arguing: Get each child their own pair.
Label them. Trust me on this.
Best places to buy:
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Dollar Tree
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Walmart bundles
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Back-to-school sales
6. Crayons (Large Box, Good Quality)
Crayons are worth paying a tiny bit more for.
The bargain brands break easily and don’t color well.
Why I love crayons:
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They last forever
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No mess
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No dry-outs
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Perfect for younger kids
Budget tip:
Stock up during back-to-school sales—boxes are usually under $1.
Markers make everything more fun. Even math feels exciting when kids can write in color.
Recommended:
Budget tip:
Buy the classroom pack—it lasts longer and costs less per marker.
These are perfect for handwriting practice because they encourage slower, more careful writing.
Benefits:
Budget tip: Check Amazon for bulk sets.
You don’t need fancy paints. A simple kid’s watercolor palette goes a long way.
Why I recommend watercolors:
Budget tip:
You can find good sets at Dollar Tree, Walmart, or Amazon for cheap.
Brushes wear out quickly, especially with younger kids.
Buy a multipack and keep some aside for “nice projects.”
Inexpensive packs from Walmart or Amazon work perfectly.
If your kids LOVE painting, tempera is the best budget option.
Uses:
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Posters
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Sensory crafts
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Finger painting
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Foam paint recipes
Buy the larger bottle sets—they last months.
This is perfect for:
Budget idea:
Make your own!
A simple flour, salt, and oil recipe lasts weeks in an airtight container.
These are SO inexpensive and incredibly versatile.
You can make:
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Puppets
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Shape models
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STEM projects
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Bookmarks
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Mini houses and bridges
Dollar Tree and Amazon both have huge packs for great prices.
Kids love them and they’re perfect for hands-on learning.
Uses:
15. Googly Eyes (Because Every Craft Is Better With Them)
Just get the big assorted set—you’ll never regret it.
Great for:
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Animals
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Puppets
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Art projects
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Holiday crafts
Budget tip: Dollar Tree’s pack is great, but Amazon bulk packs cost less per piece.
16. Pom-Poms (For Preschool and Early Elementary)
Perfect for:
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Sorting
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Fine motor practice
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Crafts
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Decorations
17. Stickers (Reward + Craft Supply in One)
Kids love stickers, and they keep them engaged.
Uses:
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Reward charts
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Craft pages
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Notebooks
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Holiday projects
Dollar Tree sells large themed packs that are ideal for homeschoolers.
Tape is essential. I use it for EVERYTHING.
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Fixing torn worksheets
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Sealing envelopes
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Hanging artwork
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Journaling
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Decorating notebooks
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Art projects
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Labeling
Budget tip:
Buy multipacks—it's cheaper than single rolls.
This combination has saved me so much money.
Uses:
Binder rings from Dollar Tree work great.
Crafting becomes expensive when supplies get lost, broken, or dried out.
Here’s what I use:
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Dollar Tree clear bins
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Ziplock bags
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Pencil boxes
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Small drawer carts
Label everything—it saves so much time AND money.
Where to Buy Budget Craft Supplies for Homeschooling
Here are the places I’ve found the best prices consistently:
Dollar Tree
Great for:
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Sticks
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Pom-poms
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Googly eyes
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Scissors
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Glue
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Stickers
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Small craft kits
Walmart
Great for:
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Paper
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Crayons
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Markers
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Paint
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Bulk supplies
Amazon
Great for:
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Large bulk sets
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Classroom packs
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Specialty items
Target
Great during:
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Clearance
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Back-to-school sales
Bonus: Your recycling bin!
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Cardboard
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Egg cartons
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Paper rolls
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Bottle caps
All amazing free craft materials.
How to Organize Craft Supplies (So You Don’t Waste Money)
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this:
Disorganized craft supplies = wasted money.
Here’s what works for me:
1. Store only what kids use regularly within reach.
If it’s buried, it won’t be used.
2. Keep messy supplies high up.
Paint, glitter, and glue bottles stay on the top shelf with me.
3. Rotate supplies weekly.
This keeps things fresh and exciting.
4. Give each child their own essential kit.
This reduces arguing and helps with independence.
5. Use clear containers.
Seeing what you have prevents duplicates.
How to Stretch Your Craft Budget Even More
1. Limit how many “extras” you buy.
Kids don’t need every new tool or brand. Stick to basics.
2. Reuse and re-purpose materials.
Before throwing something away, ask: “Could we use this in a craft?”
3. Do themed craft weeks.
This prevents you from buying random supplies every day.
4. Buy during back-to-school season.
This is when prices are lowest for markers, crayons, and paper.
5. Create a monthly craft budget.
Even $10–$15 a month goes a long way when you buy smart.
Why This List Works (The Real Life Benefit)
Crafting shouldn’t feel overwhelming or expensive. Once I simplified our supplies and only bought what we actually use, everything became easier:
Homeschooling already takes so much energy. Your craft setup shouldn’t.
And with the right supplies, you’ll always have something hands-on, memorable, and fun ready to go—without needing to run to the store or spend extra money.
Final Thoughts
Crafting doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Having a simple, affordable collection of the right materials can completely transform your homeschool days. These supplies help with creativity, fine motor skills, hands-on learning, and making homeschool feel joyful and connected.
And the best part?
You really can create a beautiful homeschooling experience for your kids without overspending.
If this list gives you peace of mind, helps you get organized, or saves you money, then I’m so glad you’re here with me on this journey.
Leave a Comment
What are YOUR favorite budget craft supplies for homeschooling?
Do you have a must-have item that your kids love?
Share in the comments—I love hearing from other homeschool families!
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