Springtime Keepsake Craft: A Fingerprint Painting Activity Your Toddler Will Love

Spring is here—and so are the paint-stained fingers.

I don’t know about you, but springtime at our house is when everything feels just a little more possible. We open the windows, shake off the winter crankies, and pull out the paint for some at home activities that feel fresh but simple. Bonus points if those activities result in something pretty enough to give grandma. Or actually water a plant in. This spring craft checks all those boxes.

It’s a fingerprint craft your toddler can truly own—no “Pinterest perfect” pressure here. It’s messy. It’s cute. And it turns a regular flower pot into a keepsake gift for mom or anyone who loves a handmade touch. Let’s dive in. I’ll walk you through the supplies, the how-to, and a few fun twists you can try based on your child’s age, attention span, or whether or not the baby is napping!

Why This Springtime Craft Works for Toddlers

Look, I know what you want in a toddler activity:

• It shouldn’t take longer to set up than it does to do.
• It should feel “seasonal” but not involve 42 supplies from a specialty store.
• And it must be achievable without a meltdown.

This springtime keepsake craft nails it. It’s a painting activity that toddlers can lead, which means you can relax a little, let go of perfection, and just enjoy the creative chaos. It also makes for a thoughtful Mother’s Day craft that your child will be proud to give and grandma will definitely display, dirt and all.

What You’ll Need for This Springtime Keepsake Craft

You probably have most of this already. If not, they’re quick add-ons to your next grocery run.

• A plain terra cotta flower pot (small or medium size works great)
• Washable white, red, and yellow paint
• Spongebrushes
• A black permanent marker
• Potting soil
• Spring seeds (wildflowers, herbs, or whatever makes you smile)

How to Make a Ladybug and Bee Fingerprint Pot

Here’s the magic: your toddler will stamp their way to bug heaven. But first—we paint.

1. Prep your space. Grab an old tablecloth or some newspaper to protect your table. Put your child in clothes you don’t mind getting colorful.
2. Paint the pot white. Coat the entire outside of the pot in white paint. This helps the red and yellow fingerprints pop later. Let it dry completely before moving on—usually about 30 minutes.
3. Pour the paint. Squeeze red and yellow paint onto separate plates. A little goes a long way—about a tablespoon of each. You can always add more.
4. Let your toddler stamp away. Have them dip their finger into the red paint and press it all around the pot. Then repeat with yellow. You’re going for scattered dots—don’t stress about spacing or overlap. It’s art.
5. Let it dry again. Depending on how much paint was used, this could take another 30–60 minutes. Use the time to read a spring book or clean up those mystery splatters.
6. Draw the details. Once dry, grab a black permanent marker and bring those bugs to life. Add dots, antennae, and a little line down the middle of each red fingerprint to make ladybugs. Then turn the yellow prints into bumble bees with some stripes, wings, and—if you’re feeling bold—a few tiny smiles.
7. Add dirt and seeds. Fill the pot with soil and let your child sprinkle in the seeds. Water gently.
8. Admire your masterpiece. You’ve just made a bug-covered pot that’s both adorable and meaningful. Place it on the windowsill or gift it to a loved one. Either way, it’s a win.

Gifting Ideas for Mother’s Day

If you’re planning ahead for Mother’s Day crafts, this one’s a slam dunk. Here’s how to wrap it up and make it feel extra special:

• Tie a ribbon around the top of the pot and tuck a note inside from your child (“Happy Mother’s Day! I made this with my messy fingers!”).
• Pair it with a pack of tea or a candle for a calming gift bundle.
• Make one for each grandparent or aunt who could use a little love.

You can even line them up on the porch for a springtime garden display that screams “yes, I’m nailing this whole parenting thing.”

The Benefits of Painting Activities for Toddlers

Okay, beyond the cute factor, painting activities are gold for toddler development:

• Fine motor practice: Dipping and pressing their fingers builds control.
• Color recognition: Red vs. yellow becomes more than just words.
• Cause and effect: Fingerprint turns into bug. Dirt turns into flower. Magic.
• Creative confidence: When toddlers see their art turned into a real gift, their sense of pride blooms.

Plus, let’s be real—it’s a low-prep way to kill 30 minutes that doesn’t involve screens. We all need a few of those in our back pocket.

Tips for a Stress-Free Craft Time

Every toddler has a different relationship with paint. Some dive in. Some scream like you just handed them slime. Here are a few things that help:

• Let them use a paintbrush instead of their fingers if they’re sensory-sensitive.
• Offer choices: “Do you want to start with red or yellow?” gives them some control.
• Keep a damp washcloth nearby so cleanup isn’t overwhelming.
• Don’t force the details—your job is to draw the bugs later. Their job is chaos.

A Final Word (While You Wipe Paint Off the Dog)

If you’re looking for activities with kids this spring that don’t involve planning an elaborate Pinterest scene, this one’s a keeper. It’s one of those at home activities that actually feels like something you enjoy too. Because even though it’s messy, it’s also meaningful. In the end, that’s what makes a great spring activity for toddlers: A little mess. A lot of joy. Something to remember it by.

So go ahead—grab that pot, break out the red and yellow, and let those fingerprints fly. This springtime keepsake craft might just become a yearly tradition. And when you’re watering your tiny wildflowers in a bug-covered pot while sipping your lukewarm coffee? You’ll smile. Because it’s exactly what spring is all about.

Pots

Washable Paint

Black Permanent Markers

Art Trays

Sponge Brushes