Half term crafts for kids: Low budget Hobbycraft ideas to keep them busy at home

This Hobbycraft round up was written by our very own roving reporter Molly Dixon, who’s been exploring the best budget‑friendly craft ideas to keep kids happy this half term...

If you are already hearing the cries of “I’m bored” and half term has barely even started yet, you are not alone.

Keeping kids entertained during school holidays can get expensive fast. Days out add up. Soft play adds up. Even cinema trips add up. That is why simple, affordable craft activities at home can be a lifesaver.

Hobbycraft has loads of kid's craft ideas on its website, from painting and slime making to jewellery kits and model building. The best bit is that you can use a 9% discount with PlusSave to make it even cheaper!

Why crafts are perfect for half term 

Crafts are one of those activities that tick more boxes than you realise: 

• They keep kids busy for more than five minutes.  

• They encourage imagination.  

• They help develop fine motor skills.  

• They give you family time together without a screen in the middle of it. 

For younger children, crafts help build concentration and patience. For older kids, they can be a way to unwind and switch off from social media and gaming. 

Instead of everyone sitting in separate rooms on tablets, you are at the table chatting, making, sticking and spending some well-earned time together. 

It’s a welcome break for both children and adults away from all the bright colours and sounds that keep us glued to our phones. Crafts are like little mini adventures you can fit on your kitchen table - no car required. 

Low budget crafts for kids using affordable Hobbycraft kits 

Hobbycraft’s website has a whole section dedicated to kids' crafts and step by step guides. You can filter by age, theme, price or type of activity. 

Here are a few types of activities that work well during half term.

Painting kits: Creative fun that doesn’t break the bank 

From as little as 50p, you can paint a ceramic, themed money box which comes with everything you need. Extra paints are optional and won’t cost more than a few pounds.

Each money box measures 10 x 9 x 13cm and comes with six small paint pots and a brush. Varnish is included so kids can polish their designs and make them last.

Current deals (as of February) include 50% off many kits, with prices from £2.50 each and some as low as 50p. That brings the total to £10 for four kits, or £9.10 with PlusSave.

It is also a fun way to teach kids about saving (because we are all about looking after the pennies) Hobbycraft’s pocket money kits range from £1 to £5 and give children small creative projects they can buy themselves, teaching the value of money while having fun. Painting kits are perfect for a quiet afternoon and they make great keepsakes.

Slime and sensory kits: Hands-on half term activities 

Slime kits are one of the most popular indoor activities for kids during half term. They are hands on, colourful, and ideal for sensory play without costing a fortune 

• So Slime Tie Dye Slime Kit 3 Pack - Perfect for making bright, personalised slimes to share or save for later; price: £12 or £10.92 with PlusSave; includes materials for three tie dye slimes, colours and decorative mix ins; best for creative, hands-on fun (and hours of gooey entertainment).

• Galt Slime Lab - A slightly more educational option, letting kids experiment with ingredients while still having a blast; price: £16 or £14.56 with PlusSave; includes multiple slime variations and experiment style setup; best for curious kids who love learning (and parents who like a little science with their fun). 

• Gross Science Kit - Full of messy, silly experiments that appeal to older children; price: £6.75 or £6.14 with PlusSave; includes materials for gross themed science experiments; best for older kids who enjoy novelty and messy fun. 

At just over £6, the Gross Science Kit is one of the most affordable creative kits available - perfect for sneaky half term bargains. 

Colour-in playhouses: Cool activities families can do together  

Hobbycraft’s colour-in cardboard structures are one of the best ways to combine crafting and play.

Each playhouse costs £10, or £9.10 with PlusSave. Kids can spend hours colouring and personalising their rocket, house, or castle. Once finished, it becomes a toy for ongoing play-a craft and a gift all in one.

Colour-in playhouses are perfect if you want to combine creativity and imaginative play in one afternoon... and honestly, I really want one too! singly good value way to fill a half-term afternoon. 

Good activities for only children and independent play 

Craft kits are especially useful if you are looking for good activities for only children. They encourage independent play while still being engaging. 

Most kits come with everything included, so children can focus fully on the activity without needing constant help. 

They also build confidence, patience, and creativity, helping children develop skills while having fun (and keeping you sane). 

How to save at Hobbycraft with PlusSave 

If you are buying craft supplies anyway, it makes sense to save money where possible.

If you're a thinkmoney SmartPlus customer, you get access to PlusSave^ via the app. PlusSave offers 9% off at Hobbycraft, which can make a noticeable difference if you are buying multiple kits or stocking up on supplies. 

For example, spending £40 on craft supplies would save £3.60 instantly. Over half term, birthdays, and rainy weekends, these savings really add up (cha-ching for the parent wallet).

^Offers are subject to change and may vary. Check the thinkmoney app for the latest offers.

Screen-free family activities that create lasting memories 

Crafts are not just a way to keep kids busy-they are a chance to slow down together. 

Screen-free activities help everyone disconnect from devices and reconnect as a family. Kids don’t care if your painted dinosaur isn’t perfect-they care that you are doing it with them. 

School holidays don’t have to be expensive to be magical. A few affordable craft kits, a clear table, and a free afternoon can create better memories than a costly day out. 

This half term, swapping screen time for paint, glue, and imagination could be the simplest-and most valuable-win of the week (and probably the quietest hour too).