The Ultimate Parent's Guide to Choosing Safe DIY Kits for Kids

Looking to keep your kids engaged with safe DIY kits without compromising on fun and hands-on learning? You just stumbled on the right post.

DIY kits are increasingly popular in sparking creativity and developing fine motor skills. This type of skill development also helps to build confidence in children.

Craft kits combine fun and learning in a fantastic way. However, some kits may not be suitable or safe for your children. The question is, how do you know a DIY kit is safe for your child?

In this guide, we’ll uncover practical steps for selecting safe craft kits. We’ll also provide tips to ensure safety for kids using DIY kits. That way, you can create a safe crafting environment at home.

What makes a DIY craft kit safe for kids?

DIY crafting is a great activity to keep kids engaged. It blends fun and learning in a creative way. However, certain tools may pose a threat to your child’s safety. As parents, you must ensure that the kits you buy for your kids are safe.

But what makes a kit safe? And what does a safe DIY kit look like? Here is what to look out for:

Use of non-toxic materials

Always look for kits designed with non-toxic materials and eco-friendly components. One way to identify certified craft materials is to check for CE certification labels.

For instance, painting kits are great for building artistic skills. However, manufacturers sometimes use toxic chemicals in the production of painting kits. If you're getting an art kit, make sure it uses non-toxic art supplies and paints.

The same goes for slime kits. The right amount of borax in slime produces the best textures, but higher doses in craft materials can harm children.

FT's recent article called parents’ attention to the "toxic slime and other dangerous toys sold online in Europe". The Toy Industries of Europe (TIE)’s test has found out that 80% of the toys purchased from major online platforms fail to meet EU safety standards. TIE has tested the top 10 platforms in Europe including: AliExpress, Temu and Shein, Light In The Box, Amazon and Wish, Cdiscount, Fruugo, Bol and Allegro.

It's best to invest in slime kits such as Méli&Mélo slime cooking kits. They are made from PVA-based materials and a small amount of borax, making them a safer and eco-friendly option for your kids.

Age appropriateness

Some kits are not suitable for all ages. The first thing that makes a kit safe is if it matches your child's age and skill levels. Kits designed for older kids may include materials like tiny beads, which could lead to a choking hazard in younger children.

Beyond the intrinsic hazard, younger children may derive zero educational value from kits designed for older kids. So, when choosing the kits, make sure they are age-appropriate.

Provides simple instructions

When a kit provides clear, step-by-step instructions, it reduces the risk of misuse and accidents. For example, Méli&Mélo’s kits include step-by-step tutorials for the entire process.

Related article: Why DIY Crafting is the Perfect Educational Activity.

How to choose safe DIY crafts kits for kids

Choosing the right kit requires finding the perfect balance between your child’s interests and the safety features included. Here’s how to find the right balance:

• Understand your child’s interests: Does your child enjoy building things, playing with slime, exploring science, or growing crystals? Find out! If your child loves imaginative play, slime and cooking, our slime cooking kit is the perfect combo. It allows your kids to recreate popular dishes with a touch of slimy fun.
• Prioritise high-quality kits: High-quality kits are usually gentle on kids and the environment. For instance, the Méli&Mélo slime kit uses non-toxic and recyclable materials. So your kids have fun, high-quality kits built for repeated use.
• Evaluate the product's flexibility and durability: Opting for flexible and durable kits reduces the need for frequent replacements. With flexible and durable kits, entertainment and learning never seem to end.
• Consider kits with mess-free components: Prioritise kits that come with mess-free materials. This will ensure a smooth cleanup and completely avoid stubborn spills. Slimes ordinarily create a mess, but our slime cooking kits use removable and stain-proof components. This makes cleaning up after any slime cooking activity easy and stress-free.

How to ensure safety for kids while using DIY craft kits

Choosing a safe DIY kit is important, but it's nearly not enough. It's also important that your child uses DIY materials in a safe environment. That said, let's examine safe practices to adopt while using a DIY kit:

• Supervise complex DIY activity: Some kits may involve complex materials like chemicals for science projects. In this case, your kid needs supervision. Keep an eye on your child while they work on DIY science projects.
• Provide safety gear: No matter how kid-friendly a kit is, it's safe to equip your kid with safety tools like goggles, gloves, or aprons. This will protect them from minor incidents like spills or cuts.
• Create a clutter-free space: Designate and declutter a work area for your child. This will help reduce mess from activities, accidents, and keep their tools organised.
• Read the instructions out loud: Walk your child through the instructions on the kit. Read the instructions out loud with your child. Ensure your child understands how to use the materials safely.

How to teach kids the safe use of DIY kits

Engaging in a fun activity shouldn't lead to making a mess or getting hurt. As parents, it's important to help your kids understand how to have fun while prioritising safety.

Here are a few ways to help your child learn proper handling of DIY kits:

• Demonstrate how to handle tools and materials like scissors before giving your child the liberty to use them. Show your child how to use sharp tools to prevent cuts or accidents.
• Lay down strict rules for how and where DIY activities should be done.
• Clearly explain the importance of safety to your kids and ensure they understand the consequences of not taking safety measures seriously.
• Teach your children how to clean up properly. After every project, encourage them to clean up, too. This enhances organisation and prevents stumbling over scattered tools.

How to maintain and store DIY kits for kids

Proper handling and storage of kits reduce frequent replacements. This ensures kits remain in the best shape for extended periods. 

Wondering how to store and maintain kits so they last longer? Here are a few tips that can help:

• Organise tools: Get a sturdy box or organiser to keep tools and materials. This ensures proper organisation, reduces damages and prevents misplacements.
• Find a safe storage space: A safe storage space should be dry, cool, and free from moisture that can damage tools. It should also be out of the reach of younger children.
• Run regular checks: Constantly check tools for signs of wear or tear. When you inspect tools regularly, you’ll notice damaged parts quickly. This will help you replace them faster to prevent potential injuries.
• Clean tools immediately: Ensure you clean tools after every DIY activity. Clean up metal tools instantly to avoid rust. Store sharp tools and sticky materials like glue in separate containers.

Recommended Safe DIY Craft Kits for Kids

Safe and engaging DIY kits to buy for children from ages 6 and above:

Méli&Mélo slime cooking kits

Méli&Mélo’s slime cooking kit allows kids and teens to create popular meals like pizza, burgers, French toast, and Japanese meals like sushi.

It's like having a HelloFreshBox. It contains every recipe and ingredient for making a great meal but in slime form. Your children can enjoy “cooking” and have fun mixing ingredients and textures without the mess of real cooking.

Beyond creative meal making, mixing ingredients, colours, and popping slime come with a thrilling and de-stressing experience.

Similarly, investing in Méli&Mélo slime cooking kits, such as the French and Sushi Slime Cooking Kit, is a fantastic way to introduce kids to different cultures (specifically French and Japanese cultures).

It’s also a perfect parent-child bonding activity, and it's sure to loosen those tight stress bolts.

Candle cake DIY kit

The Candle cake kit from Méli&Mélo contains natural materials for creative cake decoration but with a little twist. Instead of frosting, kids use wax to create beautiful cake decorations and explore different ideas.

The kit is designed to give children a hands-on experience decorating cake while improving their motor skills. It’s an intriguing activity that encourages self-expression and allows kids to bring beautiful art to life.

Accessory DIY kit

The Méli&Mélo accessory kit includes colourful beads for a fun jewellery-making process. The designs feature colourful Japanese kawaii and beach holiday styles. What’s more, the kit includes step-by-step tutorials. These tutorials break down the jewellery-making process.

This makes the entire process of crafting professional-looking accessories cut-paste simple, even for beginners.

Méli&Mélo’s accessory kits encourage kids to focus and pay close attention. Jewellery making comes with a great learning advantage for your kids. Picking and arranging beads sharpens their hand-eye coordination. It also develops their spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.

Takeaway: The best DIY kit blends fun and safety effortlessly

DIY craft kits spark creativity and skill development. But you’ll agree that accidents can dampen the fun during DIY projects.

When selecting DIY kits for your kids, prioritise high-quality products that meet safety standards. It's also important to consider if the kit is age-appropriate or whether it aligns with your child’s interests.

Always keep an eye out for kits that encourage hands-on learning while also meeting safety standards.

One such example is Méli&Mélo's DIY craft kits. These kits are designed to spark creativity and enhance skill development. Want your kids to develop skills through fantastic DIY projects without compromising safety? Get the Méli&Mélo DIY kit today!