What to Do with Kids' Artwork: From Fridge to Fabulous Keepsakes

Turning finger paintings into cards, framed gallery walls, or wrapping paper, there are some fun ways to keep all the art without creating the clutter.

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If you’re anything like me, you probably have stacks of your kids’ artwork tucked away in drawer or piled around the fridge. It’s so hard to throw them away because each scribble, splash, and finger painting holds a special place in my heart!

However, there is just no way I can keep every single piece of artwork… my house is overflowing already!

But the guilt is real and I just do not want to throw away these beautiful creations my kids keep making.

So, instead of throwing away our kids’ creative artwork, how can we keep them but stay organized and sane?

I have found a few awesome and super fun ways to showcase (and reuse) their artwork that looks more intentional and special instead of overwhelming and messy.

Bonus!! These ideas can turn into gifts, decor, and other fun keepsakes that you can cherish for many years.

Kid Artwork Ideas

1. Turn Art Into CUTE CUSTOM Greeting Cards and Gift Tags

Who doesn’t love a handmade card?

Whether it’s a finger painting, a crayon drawing, or a glittery craft, you can scan or photograph their art and print it onto blank cards to make custom stationery.

Use a local print shop or online service to print the sets of cards or DIY them by printing on cardstock at home and fold them into cards.

Another option is to cut small sections of art from their artwork to create unique gift tags. This is perfect for teacher gifts, birthdays or holidays.

Be sure to let your kids help choose which artwork to use so they don’t get upset when you cut it up.

Bonus: Let your child help choose which art to turn into cards—it makes them feel involved and proud.

These cards not only make your recipients smile but also let your child’s creativity shine beyond the fridge.

2. Frame a Rotating Gallery Wall

Turn your kids art into wall art! Create a dedicated gallery wall to your kids artwork. First, choose a wall space that would work and then hang a collection of frames in different sizes and colors.

TIPS:

Use changable frames that have easy to open backs to make changing artwork easy.
Rotate art every few weeks or months to keep the display fresh and exciting.
Consider using a ledge shelf for any leaning frames or clipboards for an easy swap option.
Have your kids help you pick out the new artwork weekly so they can also feel involved.

3. Create Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags

This is such a fun idea! Save those larger paintings and drawings for wrapping paper or custom gift bags. Using your kid’s art is such a perfect way to add that unique and colorful touch to presents for family.

Use larger finger paintings or water color as wrapping paper or fold smaller drawings into gift bags (add some ribbon and twine to hold in place). This is a fun budget-friendly idea which also brings such a personal touch to gift giving. Let your kids choose the artwork they want to use and let them help wrap the presents!

4. Create a Photo Book

If you want to preserve every piece without holding onto every paper, digitize the artwork and make it into a photo book.

Start by taking photos of artwork regularly (scanning it works well too). Then store it in a folder on your computer.

Use a photo book service like Shutterfly or Artifact Uprising to create some fun annual art books.

Not only does this free up physical space but it can be used as a coffee table book or bookshelf decor that you can look at year after year.

5. Turn Art Into Practical Items

Turn your kids’ artwork into keepsakes such as pillows, mugs, blankets, calendars, and phone cases.

All you need to do is upload your child’s artwork into a service like Shutterfly or Minted and transform the artwork onto whichever keepsake you choose.

These are also really great gift ideas for personalized presents for the holidays (we do this all the time).

Plus, it makes your child feel super special seeing their creations turned into “real” things.

6. Use Art to Decorate Everyday Objects

If you love to craft, use your kids’ art to decorate objects around the house.

Take some drawings and decoupage them onto trays, notebooks, or boxes for colorful decor.

Laminate smaller pieces to use as bookmarks, magnets, or coasters.

These projects add a personal touch to your home and look so cute!

Celebrate Creativity Without ALL THE Clutter

Kids’ art is such a treasure for a parent. It’s messy, colorful, and filled with love.

However, you don’t have to keep every single piece (or else you would have thousands of artwork lying around the house).

By turning artwork into cards, displays, decor items, or digitized keepsakes, you’ll find a joyful way to keep your child’s creative designs alive and appreciated for years to come!