Transform Old Coffee Mugs Into Precious Keepsakes With This Kid-Friendly DIY

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When it comes to major holidays and family events, children tend to feel more involved when they can personally contribute in their own special way. Depending on the age of your child, this usually includes preparing special gifts from the heart. Fortunately, with very little material, you can help your kids make a sweet craft right at home that serves as a perfect gift for a special day. All you need to do is help your child add their handprint to a simple, print-free coffee mug.

Especially if you know how to turn glass yogurt jars into cute storage containers, sourcing a few thrifted mugs and turning them into kid-approved gifts should be a simple alternative project. Better yet, the only materials you need are plain coffee mugs, enamel paint, paint brushes, clear sealant, and an oven. Start by going on a search with your kids for the perfect ceramic mug from nearby thrift stores or vintage shops. Or, to keep things simple, buy a white alternative like Mainstay's 12-ounce White Glazed Stoneware Mug from Walmart for just $1.50.

Once you wash and dry your mug, have your child choose their favorite paint color, cover their hand with an even layer of paint, and have them apply their handprint firmly to one side of the mug. Once they've added some extra details and the paint dries, pop the mug into a cold oven, set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and cure it for 30 minutes.

There are different varieties of paint and markers you can use to make these personalized mugs. Just make sure to follow the directions on the back of your paint bottle for specific curing directions. Or, to streamline the process, you can buy compliant products ahead of time, like Folk Art Glass & Ceramic Paint in Assorted Colors or TFIVE Oil-Based Paint Markers.

Once your mugs have fully cooled from curing in the oven, paint them with a clear sealant for an added layer of protection. Alternatively, if you're using a spray-on option like Aleene's Spray Acrylic Sealer, spray your mugs outside for better ventilation and apply the spray at a reasonable distance — around a foot — for more even coverage. Once this simple project is complete and you see how easy it is to make such a special gift with your kids, consider giving them more creative freedom over the painting process.

Instead of adding handprints, have your kids paint a specific design or picture onto the mugs. They can also apply lettered stickers, paint over them, and then carefully remove the stickers before curing. This is an easy way for children to apply specific names to hand-painted mugs with more precision. Your kids can even fill the mugs with a special mix of hot cocoa powder and mini marshmallows, a houseplant, or art supplies for an extra special finishing touch.