Unicorns are, without a doubt, the sweetest mythological creatures that have captured the hearts of children (and let’s be honest, adults too) for generations. There is something undeniably special about a creature that represents purity, magic, and the limitless possibilities of the imagination.
As the famous writer Umberto Eco once suggested, the unicorn’s beauty lies in the fact that we all wish it were real. They evoke feelings of love, innocence, and kindness—virtues that we are always trying to instill in our children.
With Unicorn Day celebrated on April 9th, there is no better excuse to break out the glitter, the pastel paints, and the yarn to celebrate. But you don’t need a specific date on the calendar to enjoy these activities. Whether you are planning a mythical birthday party, looking for a rainy day activity, or just want to spread some magic, we have curated a list of 25 unique unicorn crafts for kids.
These ideas range from simple paper cuts for toddlers to functional accessories for tweens. Let’s dive into the magic!
Why Unicorn Crafts Are Great for Development
Before we get to the glue and scissors, it is worth noting why these crafts are so beneficial. Beyond just being “cute,” unicorn-themed art projects allow children to explore color theory (blending pastels), texture (using yarn, glitter, and felt), and fine motor skills (cutting intricate horn shapes).
Plus, because unicorns are imaginary, there is no “wrong” way to make one. Blue unicorn? Great! Rainbow spotted unicorn? Even better. It encourages creative confidence.
Section 1: Paper & Cardboard Magic
Simple materials, stunning results.
1. The “Is Your Heart a Unicorn?” Card
This is the perfect craft to show someone they bring color to your life. Start with a large heart cut out of white cardstock (this is the face). Glue a smaller heart (upside down) for the nose. Add a glitter paper horn at the top and draw sleepy eyes with long lashes. It’s a Valentine’s or Mother’s Day favorite.
2. The Alphabet ‘U’ Learning Craft
If you are teaching toddlers their ABCs, ‘U’ is the star of the show. Cut a large letter U out of sturdy cardboard. Turn the U into a unicorn face by adding ears and a horn to the top of the curve. It helps visual learners associate the letter shape with the magical creature.
3. Paper Plate Unicorn Masks
A classic for a reason! Cut eye holes in a white paper plate. Use a popsicle stick as a handle. The magic happens in the decoration: use curled ribbons for the mane and a sparkly foam cone for the horn. Kids can hold them up and transform instantly.
4. Toilet Roll Unicorns
Never throw away empty cardboard tubes! Paint the tube white. Use multi-colored yarn to create a tail and a mane. Drawing the face is the best part—you can give them different expressions. These stand up on their own, making them great for pretend play scenes.
5. 3D Paper Ornaments
These work beautifully as Christmas tree ornaments or year-round room decor. Cut strips of paper and loop them to form a sphere (like a paper lantern). Attach a tiny cone horn and ears on top. Hang them with a fishing line so they look like they are floating in mid-air.
6. Accordion Leg Unicorns
Cut a body shape from cardstock. Instead of flat legs, fold four long strips of paper accordion-style (back and forth). Glue these as the legs. When you push the unicorn down, it bounces back up!
7. Unicorn Bookmarks
Using the corner-bookmark origami technique, fold a square of paper into a corner pocket. Decorate the triangle part as the unicorn face, with the horn sticking out the top. It makes reading time much more magical.
Section 2: Wearable Unicorn Art
Because every child wants to be a unicorn.
8. The Classic Felt Horn Headband
Take a plain plastic headband. Wrap it in ribbon. Create a cone out of stiff felt (stuffed with a little cotton) and glue it to the center. Add felt ears and fake flowers around the base of the horn to hide the glue. This is a staple for dress-up boxes.
9. No-Sew Unicorn Pouch
Want to make a pencil case or a coin purse but don’t want to sew? Use two sheets of sturdy felt. Glue the edges (leaving the top open) with strong fabric glue or a hot glue gun. Decorate the front with a golden horn and sleepy eyes. It’s practical and stylish.
10. Yarn Mane Crowns
Cut a strip of cardboard to fit around the child’s head. Punch holes along the back half. Thread long strands of rainbow yarn through the holes to create a flowing mane that goes down the child’s back.
11. Unicorn Snot Jewelry (Slime Charms)
Okay, the name is gross, but kids love it. Make small clay charms in the shape of unicorn droppings (rainbow swirls) or horns, bake them (if using polymer clay), and string them onto necklaces.
12. Paper Bag Hand Puppets
Use a white lunch bag. The flap becomes the mouth/face. Decorate with paper cutouts. This is excellent for storytelling time after the crafting is done
Section 3: Sensory and Messy Play
Engaging the senses with textures and colors.
13. Unicorn Fluffy Slime
Science meets magic. Make a standard slime recipe using clear glue, contact lens solution, and baking soda. Separate the batch into three bowls: dye them pink, blue, and purple. Swirl them together and add biodegradable glitter.
14. Unicorn Rock Painting
Go on a nature walk to find smooth, oval rocks. Paint them white. Once dry, paint a golden horn, ears, and flowers. These make great paperweights or “kindness rocks” to hide in the park for others to find.
15. Sensory Bottles
Fill a water bottle with water, clear glue, and a drop of food coloring. Add an insane amount of glitter and star-shaped sequins. Glue the lid shut. Shake it up and watch the “unicorn magic” swirl—it is a great calming tool for anxious kids.
16. Playdough Unicorn Horns
Make a batch of homemade playdough. Add glitter to the dough. Challenge the kids to roll “snakes” and twist them into perfect tapered spirals to dry and harden.
Section 4: Room Decor & Keepsakes
Turn a bedroom into a fantasy land.
17. Dreamcatchers with a Twist
Use an embroidery hoop. Wrap it in pastel ribbon. Instead of a web in the middle, glue a felt unicorn silhouette. Hang ribbons, feathers, and beads from the bottom. It keeps the bad dreams away and looks beautiful.
18. Handprint Unicorn Keepsake
Paint your child’s hand white. Press it onto colored paper. Turn the paper upside down—the fingers are the legs and the thumb is the neck/head. Paint on the tail and mane. This is a wonderful snapshot of how small their hands once were.
19. Mason Jar Night Light
Coat the inside of a mason jar with glitter glue. Place a battery-operated tea light inside. Decorate the outside lid with a clay horn and flowers. It glows softly at night, looking like captured fairy dust.
20. Tissue Box Monster… or Unicorn?
Recycle an old tissue box. Paint it, add the horn and ears. The opening where the tissues come out can be the mouth (if you stand it up) or the saddle area. It’s a fun way to upcycle trash.
Section 5: Edible “Crafts”
Kitchen creativity is still crafting!
21. Unicorn Toast
Mix small amounts of food coloring into cream cheese. Let the kids paint their toast with swirls of colors before adding sprinkles.
22. Horn Cones
Take sugar cones (ice cream cones). Dip the opening in melted white chocolate and then into sprinkles. Fill with fruit or marshmallows.
23. Marshmallow Pops
Put a marshmallow on a stick. Dip it in colored chocolate. Draw a unicorn face with edible markers.
Tips for a Successful Crafting Session
To ensure your unicorn crafting goes smoothly and keeps the “magic” alive without the stress, keep these tips in mind:
- The Glitter Rule: Glitter is the herpes of the craft world—it never goes away. To contain it, have kids apply glitter over a large baking sheet or inside a cardboard box. This catches the excess and keeps it off your floor.
- Pre-Cut for Younger Kids: If you are working with toddlers or preschoolers, pre-cut the horns and ears. Their attention spans are short; they want to get straight to the gluing and decorating.
- Embrace Imperfection: A unicorn doesn’t have to be white. It can be black, neon green, or brown. Let the kids choose their own color palette.
Final Thoughts
Unicorns remind us that there is a little bit of magic in the everyday. By taking the time to sit down with your children and create these 25 unique unicorn crafts, you aren’t just making paper plates and cardboard tubes—you are building memories.
Whether you are celebrating Unicorn Day on April 9th or just trying to survive a Tuesday afternoon, these projects offer a perfect escape into a world of color and kindness. So, grab your glue gun, find the shiniest paper you own, and let your imagination run wild!