Easy Photo Frame Crafts for Kids (Perfect Handmade Gift Idea)
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Looking for a simple craft that kids can make themselves? These easy photo frame craft ideas are perfect for a fun afternoon activity—and they double as a thoughtful handmade gift for any occasion.
Whether it’s for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, or just because, these photo frames are a lovely way for kids to create something personal and meaningful.
❤️ Why Photo Frame Crafts Are So Special
There’s something extra special about a handmade gift—especially when it includes a favourite photo.
These photo frame crafts are:
- Simple and low-prep
- Suitable for a range of ages
- Easy to personalise
- Perfect as keepsake gifts
👉 Add a photo, and you’ve instantly got something that will be treasured.
🧰 What You’ll Need
Depending on the style you choose:
- Popsicle (lolly) sticks
- Cardboard
- Glue
- Paint / pens (We’ve used Acrylics)
- Stickers (homemade or shop-bought)
- String, ribbon, or wool
- Beads (optional)
- Small Wooden peg (for one variation)
- Strong tape
🖼️ Easy Photo Frame Craft Ideas for Kids
Here are two easy styles you can try, each with a couple of variations.
🪵 Popsicle Stick Photo Frames
✨ Option 1: Simple Square Frame
This is the easiest version and great for younger children.
How to make:
- Lay out 4 popsicle sticks in a square shape
- Glue the corners together
- (Optional) Double up the sticks for a thicker frame
- Leave to dry
To finish:
- Decorate with paint, pens, or stickers
- Attach a photo to the back using glue dots
📸 Option 2: Peg Photo Holder Frame
This version adds a fun twist and makes swapping photos easy.
How to make:
- Cut a piece of cardboard for the backing
- Glue popsicle sticks across the front
- Attach a small wooden peg to the front
- Let everything dry
👉 Simply clip your photo into the peg!
🎀 Hanging Your Frame
For both popsicle stick frames:
- Attach string to the back using strong tape
- Decorate with beads (optional)
- Or use plaited wool or ribbon for a colourful finish
📦 Cardboard Photo Frame
This version is perfect for kids who enjoy painting and decorating.
🖌️ How to make:
- Cut a rectangle from cardboard for the backing
- Cut 4 strips of cardboard to create the frame border
- Glue the strips onto the front
- Leave to dry
Tip: When gluing the frame strips to the backing, only glue the outer half of the strips on to make it easier to slide a picture into the frame later.
🎨 Decorating Your Frame
This is where kids can get creative:
- Paint the frame. I used white paint as a basis and then pens to decorate (acrylics work well)
- Add patterns, colours, or designs
- Decorate with stickers, glitter, washi tape, beads, whatever you have handy
👉 Homemade stickers work really well here! (Watch out for my post on how to make your own – coming soon!)
🧍 Display Options
You can finish your frame in two ways:
- Hang it up: Attach string to the back
- Make it stand: Glue a toilet roll tube to the back as a support
🎁 Turn It Into a Gift
These easy photo frames make a perfect handmade gift for:
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Birthdays
- Grandparents
👉 Add a favourite photo and pair it with a simple extra like:
- A printable coupon book
- An “All About My Mum” or “All About My Dad” sheet
This turns a simple craft into a complete personalised gift.
💡 Tips for Success
- Let kids decorate freely—imperfections make it special
- Use quick-drying glue if working with younger children
- Pre-cut pieces for younger kids if needed
- Keep designs simple for best results
❤️ More Easy Gift Ideas for Kids
If you’re looking for more simple, low-prep activities, you might also like:
- Printable Father’s Day coupons
- DIY Jam Jar Tea lights
- “All About My Dad” printable
- “All About My Mum” printable
- DIY sticker sheets for decorating (Coming soon 👀)
These all work beautifully alongside these photo frames to create a full gift set.
📌 Save This Idea for Later
If you love easy crafts like this, don’t forget to save this post so you can come back to it whenever you need a quick and meaningful gift idea.
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