25 Easy Diwali Craft Ideas and Activities for Kids and Preschoolers

Diwali is just around the corner, and if you have a little one at home, you probably know what that means! Between cleaning the house, decorating every corner, and preparing festive treats, your child wants to be part of everything. From helping you arrange the diyas to asking a hundred questions about the colourful lights, little ones love being included in the celebrations.

So, why not give them their own little festive projects? With a few everyday supplies, you can turn an ordinary afternoon into a fun-filled crafting session. These Diwali activities for kids are easy to set up, encourage creativity, and help children discover the joy of celebrating traditions with their families.

Whether you have a curious toddler or an enthusiastic preschooler, these Diwali craft activities for preschoolers offer plenty of ways to paint, stick, create, and play. Here are 25 simple ideas to get your little ones excited about the festival of lights!

1. Diya craft activities for preschoolers

Diyas are an essential part of Diwali decorations. These diya-themed crafts let children explore colours, shapes and textures while learning about a familiar festive tradition.

1. Paper Plate Diya Craft

Turn an ordinary paper plate into a colourful diya that your child can proudly display at home.

Materials: Paper plates, child-safe paints, paintbrushes, coloured paper, and stickers.

Steps:

• Help your child shape the paper plate into a diya.
• Let them paint it in bright festive colours.
• Add a paper flame and decorate the diya with stickers or paper shapes.

2. Colourful paper diya craft

This simple cut-and-paste activity is perfect for little hands that enjoy working with colourful paper.

Materials: Coloured craft paper, glue, crayons and child-safe scissors.

Steps:

• Draw a diya and flame on different sheets of coloured paper.
• Help your child cut out the shapes.
• Stick the flame above the diya and add patterns using crayons or paper cut-outs.

3. Hand-painted clay diyas

Give traditional clay diyas a personal touch with a little paint and plenty of imagination. This activity can also help children notice colours, patterns, and details.

Materials: Plain clay diyas, non-toxic paints and paintbrushes.

Steps:

• Place the clay diyas on a protected surface.
• Encourage your child to paint them using their favourite colours.
• Once dry, display the finished diyas around the home.

Tips: Adult supervision is essential. Keep real flames away from children and use painted diyas as decorations rather than letting little ones handle lit lamps.

4. Foam diya craft

Looking for a quick activity that does not involve too much cutting? A ready-made foam diya kit makes crafting easy for toddlers and preschoolers.

Materials: A foam diya craft kit, child-safe glue, and large decorative stickers.

Steps:

• Lay out the pre-cut foam pieces.
• Help your child assemble the diya according to the kit instructions.
• Let them decorate it with stickers and colourful shapes.

5. Recycled toilet roll tealight holder

Turn an empty toilet paper roll into a festive decoration while introducing your child to the idea of reusing everyday materials.

Materials: Empty cardboard rolls, paints, coloured paper, and battery-operated LED tealights.

Steps:

• Cut the cardboard roll into shorter sections before beginning.
• Let your child paint and decorate each section.
• Place an LED tealight nearby or inside a suitably sized holder, ensuring it cannot tip over.

6. Coconut shell tealight holder

Bring a natural touch to your Diwali decorations with a coconut shell craft. It is a lovely opportunity to talk about reusing materials creatively.

Materials: A clean, prepared coconut shell, non-toxic paints, and large decorative shapes.

Steps:

• An adult should prepare and smooth the coconut shell beforehand.
• Let your child paint the outside and add simple designs.
• Display it as a decorative piece or use it with a suitable battery-operated LED light.

Want to know why festive crafts are more than just fun? Read KLAY’s guide on Why Cultural Celebrations Matter in Preschool to discover how traditions can support creativity, learning, and emotional growth.

2. Lantern and lighting crafts for Diwali

Colourful lanterns bring a special charm to Diwali celebrations. These preschool activities for Diwali encourage children to experiment with colours, practise hand-eye coordination, and create decorations for their homes.

1. Paper cup lanterns (Kandeel)

Create mini lanterns from paper cups and let your child decorate them in their favourite festive colours.

Materials: Paper cups, non-toxic paints, stickers, and coloured paper.

Steps:

• Give your child a paper cup to paint and decorate.
• Add paper shapes or stickers to create a festive design.
• An adult can make small holes for hanging the lantern, if required.

2. Traditional paper lantern

Making a classic paper lantern is a fun way to introduce children to a familiar Diwali decoration.

Materials: Coloured craft paper, glue, child-safe scissors and string.

Steps:

• Fold a rectangular sheet of coloured paper in half.
• An adult can cut evenly spaced slits along the folded edge, leaving the top intact.
• Unfold the paper, roll it into a lantern shape and secure it with glue.
• Add a paper handle and hang it as a decoration.

3. Star-shaped lantern craft

Stars, sparkle, and bright colours make this activity particularly exciting for young children.

Materials: Star-shaped card cut-outs, glue, coloured paper and string.

Steps:

• Give your child two large star-shaped card cut-outs.
• Let them decorate the stars with coloured paper and drawings.
• An adult can join the pieces into a simple hanging decoration.

3. Diwali rangoli and decorative crafts

Rangoli and festive decorations are wonderful ways to introduce children to Indian art and traditions. These Diwali activities for kids offer a child-friendly way to explore patterns, colours and creative expression without needing traditional rangoli powders.

1. Flower or paper rangoli

Create a colourful rangoli using flower petals or paper shapes instead of loose powders.

Materials: Large flower petals, coloured paper shapes, chart paper, and glue.

Steps:

• Draw a simple rangoli outline on the chart paper.
• Let your child arrange the petals or paper shapes within the outline.
• Help them create repeating patterns using different colours.

2. Handprint rangoli art

Children love getting their hands messy, and this activity turns their little handprints into a beautiful festive design.

Materials: Washable, child-safe paints and chart paper.

Steps:

• Spread the chart paper on a flat surface.
• Help your child dip their palm into a shallow layer of washable paint.
• Press their hand onto the paper to create a pattern.
• Repeat with different colours to make a bright rangoli design.

3. Festive toran or door hanging

Let your child help decorate your doorway with a handmade toran. This activity encourages them to arrange shapes and make creative choices.

Materials: Coloured card, large paper shapes, string and glue.

Steps:

• Cut large festive shapes, such as flowers and leaves, from coloured card.
• Let your child decorate them with drawings and stickers.
• An adult can attach the shapes to a string and hang the finished toran out of children’s reach.

4. Diwali photo frame

Preserve a special festive memory with a handmade photo frame your child can decorate.

Materials: Pre-cut cardboard frame, coloured paper, glue, and large stickers.

Steps:

• Cover the cardboard frame with coloured paper.
• Invite your child to decorate it with festive drawings and stickers.
• Once the frame is dry, add a family photograph.

5. Mini Diwali thali decoration

A decorative thali can help children become familiar with the objects and rituals associated with Diwali.

Materials: A sturdy paper plate or child-safe tray, coloured paper shapes, glue and large stickers.

Steps:

• Give your child a plate or tray to decorate.
• Help them arrange colourful shapes around the edges.
• Encourage them to choose colours and patterns they like.
• Use the finished thali for pretend play or as a decorative display.

Explore our guide to Navratri Activities for Preschoolers for more simple, engaging ways to celebrate Indian festivals with your little one.

4. Fun and pretend-play Diwali activities for kids

Not every festive activity needs to involve scissors and glue. Pretend play lets children use their imagination, explore familiar celebrations, and create their own stories. These Diwali fun activities are ideal for children who love role-playing and making things up as they go.

1. Sparkler craft

Let your child create pretend sparklers with shiny paper strips, without using real sparklers or fireworks.

Materials: Silver or gold craft paper, paper straws, and glue.

Steps:

• Cut the metallic craft paper into long strips.
• Help your child stick the strips around one end of a paper straw.
• Let them wave their pretend sparklers during a make-believe Diwali celebration.

2. Creative paper rocket messenger

Combine crafting and storytelling by making a paper rocket that carries a special festive message.

Materials: Coloured paper, crayons, tape and small sheets of paper.

Steps:

• Roll a sheet of paper into a tube and secure it with tape.
• Add paper fins and a pointed paper top.
• Let your child decorate the rocket and draw a picture or dictate a message to place inside.

Use it to deliver a pretend Diwali greeting to a family member.

3. Paper firecracker garland

Create a festive garland using paper firecracker shapes. It is a playful alternative to real crackers and an opportunity to talk about celebrating safely.

Materials: Coloured paper, crayons, glue and string.

Steps:

• Roll small rectangles of coloured paper into tubes and secure them with glue.
• Let your child decorate the tubes with patterns.
• An adult can attach the finished shapes to a string to create a garland.

4. Pretend Diwali mithai box

Children love copying what they see adults doing. This pretend mithai box lets them join in the fun of preparing festive gifts.

Materials: A small cardboard box, coloured paper, glue, and clean cotton balls or paper balls.

Steps:

• Cover the box with coloured paper.
• Let your child decorate it with festive drawings and stickers.
• Fill it with paper balls representing sweets.
• Encourage your little one to pretend to gift the box to family members.

5. Festive sweet toppers

Make simple paper toppers for pretend sweets or decorations. This activity encourages children to explore shapes and express their creativity.

Materials: Coloured card, crayons, glue, and paper straws or craft sticks.

Steps:

• Cut out large festive shapes such as stars, flowers and diyas.
• Let your child colour and decorate each shape.
• An adult can attach the shapes to paper straws or craft sticks for pretend-play displays.

5. Diwali greeting cards and keepsake crafts for kids

Handmade gifts give children an opportunity to express affection and share the festive spirit. These Diwali craft activities for preschoolers can also encourage early writing, drawing and storytelling.

1. Glitter-free Diwali greeting cards

A handmade greeting card is a simple way for children to share festive wishes with grandparents, friends and family.

Materials: Card paper, crayons, glue and large stickers.

Steps:

• Fold a sheet of card paper in half.
• Help your child draw diyas, lanterns or colourful rangoli patterns on the front.
• Add stickers and a festive message.
• Let your child give the card to someone special.

2. Diwali puppet craft

Turn festive drawings into puppets and encourage your child to create their own Diwali stories.

Materials: Card paper, crayons, glue and craft sticks.

Steps:

• Draw simple festive characters or objects, such as a diya or lantern, on card paper.
• Help your child colour and decorate the drawings.
• An adult can cut out the shapes and attach them to craft sticks.
• Use the puppets to act out a short festive story together.

3. Balloon fireworks painting

Create a fireworks-inspired artwork using balloon prints instead of real fireworks. This activity allows children to explore patterns and colours through painting.

Materials: Washable paints, paper, shallow paint trays and small, inflated balloons.

Steps:

• Pour small amounts of different paint colours into shallow trays.
• Help your child gently dip the rounded end of an inflated balloon into the paint.
• Press it onto paper to create circular prints.
• Add dots and lines around the prints to create a fireworks-inspired picture.

Tips: An adult should supervise throughout. Keep balloons and broken balloon pieces away from young children, as they can pose a choking hazard.

4. Diwali memory book

Create a little book filled with your child’s favourite things about Diwali. It is a simple way to encourage conversation, drawing, and early storytelling.

Materials: Sheets of paper, crayons, a hole punch and ribbon.

Steps:

• Fold or stack a few sheets of paper to make a small booklet.
• Ask your child what they enjoy most about Diwali.
• Let them draw their favourite festive foods, decorations or family moments.
• An adult can write down their answers and tie the pages together with ribbon.

5. Paper flower decorations

Brighten up your home with paper flowers that children can make with a little help.

Materials: Coloured paper, glue, crayons and pre-cut flower shapes.

Steps:

• Give your child pre-cut paper petals in different colours.
• Help them arrange the petals into flower shapes.
• Stick the petals together and add a paper circle in the centre.
• Display the flowers on a wall or use them as part of a festive collage.

6. Diwali wish tree

Help your child create a wish tree filled with pictures, hopes, and kind thoughts for the festive season.

Materials: Chart paper, coloured paper, crayons, and glue.

Steps:

• Draw a large tree on chart paper or create one using paper cut-outs.
• Cut out large leaf or star shapes.
• Ask your child to share a wish, a kind thought or something they are grateful for.
• Write their words on the shapes and stick them onto the tree.
• Display the finished tree where everyone can see it, and invite family members to add their own wishes.

How do Diwali craft activities help preschoolers learn?

Festive crafts are not just a way to keep little hands busy. When children paint, cut, stick, sort, and create, they get opportunities to practise important early-learning skills.

Here are a few ways these activities can support their development:

1. Fine motor skills: Holding paintbrushes, placing stickers and sticking paper shapes help children practise the small hand movements used in everyday tasks.
2. Creativity and imagination: Choosing colours, creating patterns and making decorations gives children the freedom to express their ideas.
3. Language development: Talking about diyas, rangoli, lanterns and family traditions introduces new words and encourages children to describe what they see and make.
4. Cultural awareness: Participating in age-appropriate celebrations helps children become familiar with the traditions their families observe.
5. Confidence and independence: Completing a craft, making choices and sharing their creations can help children feel proud of their efforts.
6. Social and emotional development: Making cards and pretend gifts encourages children to think about others and enjoy shared experiences.

Tips for enjoying Diwali activities with toddlers and preschoolers

A little planning can make festive crafting more enjoyable for everyone. Keep these tips in mind when trying Diwali activities for preschoolers at home.

1. Choose age-appropriate tasks: Toddlers can enjoy painting, sticking large shapes and exploring colours, while older preschoolers may be ready for simple cutting and folding with supervision.
2. Keep materials ready: Set out the supplies before inviting your child to begin. This makes it easier for them to focus on the activity.
3. Let children lead: Allow your little one to choose colours and decorations. Their finished creation does not have to look like the example.
4. Expect a little mess: Cover the table, use washable paints and keep a cloth handy. Mess is often part of the fun.
5. Prioritise safety: Avoid small beads, sequins and loose decorative pieces for young children who may put objects in their mouths. Use non-toxic materials and supervise throughout.
6. Celebrate the effort: Display your child’s creations and talk about what they enjoyed making. The experience matters more than the finished product.

For younger children, especially toddlers, keep activities short and simple. A few minutes of joyful exploration can be just as meaningful as completing an entire craft.

Conclusion

Diwali is a wonderful opportunity to create happy memories with your little one. From painting diyas and making paper lanterns to creating greeting cards and pretend-play decorations, these simple crafts bring together creativity, learning, and family traditions.

Choose a few activities that suit your child’s age and interests, and let them explore at their own pace. After all, the most meaningful part of the festival is not how perfectly the decorations turn out, but the little moments you share along the way.

Explore our guide to Christmas Activities for Kids for more simple, joyful ways to make celebrations special for your little one.