If you usually toss shoe boxes in a recycling bin without a second thought, you are missing out. Shoe boxes are amazing for creativity and imagination. There are so many things that can be made from a simple shoebox: parking garage for match cars, LEGO box, and a treasure chest.
Your kids will love decorating their own treasure chest and you will see them play with it for hours.
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What you need
A shoebox (or two)
Basic craft supplies (construction paper or scrapbook paper, ribbons, washi tape, stickers, glitter, pom poms …)
Felt (optional) I like to make felt flowers and my daughter asked me to make one as a handle.
Shoebox Treasure Chest
What to do
Let kids go to town decorating their own treasure boxes. The box will not be as beautiful as you think you could make it, but let them be. If they ask for suggestions, give them. But don’t say, “Let me help” and do the whole project for them. It’s so much fun. I know you will be tempted.
One thing we like to do is use bottle caps to make circles. Just put the cap down and trace around it. Cut and glue. A row of circles makes for a unique decorative pattern.
My daughter gave me permission to show her treasures – music egg shakers, flat marbles, scratch pad, small ball, and a glittery pinecone. What would you put in your treasure chest? I think I will put my cell phone. I am always looking for it.
If you have extra boxes, make one for grandma. Fill it with grandma’s favorite snacks, your kids’ drawings, and paper flowers. You will make grandma very happy.
And if you want to make your kids happy, decorate a shoebox while they are sleeping and fill it with dollar store items. It might take an hour or so of your time (counting the trip to the store), but the look on their faces when you hand it to them… Priceless!
Pin this idea for later!
Homegrown Adventures says
I used to be obsessed with boxes as well. We lived in apartments and I would knock at all Of our neighbors houses and would ask if they have any shoe boxes. My sister and I loved decorating our boxes. We even wrote a letter and put treasures in one and buried it somewhere in the apartments. We never found it again. I have such fond memories as well. Thanks for bringing them back. Totally need to do this with my kiddos
Di says
What a fun project to do with kids!!!! Crafty and teaching them the value of treasuring those cherished items. Be fun to do this yearly and see how their treasures change!
Amber NElson says
That is such a cute idea! I think my little Lola would be so happy to get this!
Vicky says
My daughter loves collecting things and usually just puts them in an old shoe box. Love how this is decorated. So much prettier!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
What a cute idea! My youngest son would love this. Great idea 🙂