Many childhood experiences are specific to a certain generation. I know only millennials truly understand the struggle of a skipping CD Walkman, and my daughter looks at me with confusion when I mention “rewinding a tape.” However, there is one magical phenomenon that bridges the gap between Generation X, Millennials, Gen Z, and now Generation Alpha: Sesame Street.
It is incredible to think that a single street has enthralled kids for over five decades. Whether you grew up watching on a fuzzy tube TV or your kids watch clips on a tablet, the characters remain timeless. Whether you are Team Elmo, a Cookie Monster fanatic, or have a soft spot for the grumpy charm of Oscar, these characters are like family.
With Sesame Street Day celebrated on November 10th, Elmo’s birthday on February 3rd, and Cookie Monster’s big day on November 2nd, there is always a reason to celebrate.
In this guide, we are going to explore 15 Super Fun Sesame Street Crafts that are easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for developing fine motor skills. Let’s bring the magic of 123 Sesame Street into your living room!
The History of the Street: Why We Craft
A quick educational moment before the glue sticks come out.
Did you know that in the mid-60s, producers realized children were watching huge amounts of television, but very little of it was beneficial? Joan Ganz Cooney wondered if TV could entertain and educate simultaneously. The original title was actually pitched as 123 Avenue B, but they settled on Sesame Street because the phrase “Open Sesame” implies entry to a place where magic happens.
That is exactly what we are doing today: opening the door to creativity. These crafts aren’t just cute; they teach colors, shapes, and emotional expression, just like the show itself.
Part 1: The Red & Furry Favorites (Elmo Crafts)
Elmo is often the gateway character for toddlers. His bright red fur and infectious giggle make him an instant favorite.
1. The Classic Paper Plate Elmo
This is the perfect starter craft for toddlers because the base shape is already done for you!
- Materials: White paper plate, red paint, orange pom-pom (large), googly eyes, black construction paper.
- How to do it: Let your child go wild painting the entire plate red. Once dry, glue the eyes near the top. The secret to a perfect Elmo is the nose—glue the orange pom-pom right between and slightly below the eyes. Cut a wide semi-circle smile from black paper and stick it on.
- Learning Tip: Use this time to talk about the color red and the circle shape.
2. Elmo’s Handprint Keepsake
As mentioned in the intro, Sesame Street puppets (except Cookie Monster) usually have four fingers. But for this craft, we need all five of your little one’s fingers!
- How to do it: Paint your child’s palm and fingers with non-toxic red washable paint. Press it firmly onto white cardstock. The palm becomes the face, and the fingers are the fuzzy hair! Once dry, add the facial features. This makes a wonderful card for grandparents.
3. Elmo’s World “Dorothy” Fishbowl
Elmo loves his goldfish, Dorothy.
- How to do it: Cut a fishbowl shape out of clear contact paper or a plastic sheet. Let kids stick small squares of orange tissue paper (for the fish) and green paper (for seaweed) onto it. Frame it with red paper. It looks like stained glass when put against a window!
Part 2: C is for Craft (Cookie Monster Activities)
If your child loves cookies (and who doesn’t?), these crafts will be a hit.
4. The “Feed the Monster” Game Box
This is a craft that doubles as a motor skills game.
- Materials: An empty tissue box, blue paint, blue tissue paper, cardboard.
- Instructions:
- Remove the plastic film from the tissue box opening. This is the mouth.
- Paint the box blue or glue scrunched-up blue tissue paper all over it to look like fur.
- Glue two large googly eyes on top of the box.
- Cut circles out of cardboard and draw chocolate chips on them to make “cookies.”
- The Play: Have your child “feed” the cookies into the monster’s mouth. This is excellent for hand-eye coordination.
5. Paper Bag Cookie Monster Puppet
Puppetry is central to the show, so why not make your own?
- How to do it: Take a standard brown lunch bag. Paint it blue. The fold of the bag serves as the mouth. Glue eyes on top of the flap and a black semi-circle inside the flap so when the hand opens, the mouth appears dark. Don’t forget to cut out a paper cookie and glue it to one of his hands!
6. Blue Rice Sensory Bin
While not a “construction” craft, sensory bins are a huge part of creative play.
- How to do it: Dye uncooked rice blue using food coloring and vinegar. Once dry, fill a bin. Add hidden letters (C, O, K, I, E) and small toy cookies. Let your child dig through the “monster fur” to find the hidden treasures.
Part 3: Big Bird & The Grouch (Feathers and Trash)
7. Big Bird’s Feathery Headband
Transform your child into the famous 8-foot-tall bird.
- Materials: Yellow construction paper, yellow craft feathers, stapler.
- How to do it: Measure a strip of yellow paper around your child’s head and staple it to form a band. Glue real yellow feathers all around it. Add a pink beak made from a cone of paper to the front.
8. Oscar the Grouch’s Upcycled Pencil Holder
Oscar teaches us that “trash” can be a treasure. We are going to upcycle a tin can.
- Materials: Clean empty tin can (ensure no sharp edges), green yarn or paint, brown felt.
- Instructions:
- Wrap the tin can in green yarn to create a textured, fuzzy look, or simply paint it green.
- Add a singular “unibrow” made of brown felt above his eyes.
- This is perfect for holding crayons or pencils.
- Fun addition: Make a lid out of aluminum foil to act as his trash can lid!
9. Slimey the Worm Bookmark
Oscar’s best friend is Slimey the Worm.
- How to do it: Take a popsicle stick and paint it with orange and yellow stripes. Add tiny googly eyes. It’s a simple, 5-minute craft that encourages reading.
Part 4: Best Friends (Bert & Ernie)
10. Rubber Ducky Soap Foam
“Rubber Ducky, you’re the one!”
- The Activity: In a large bin or the bathtub, create “foam” using tear-free soap and a little water mixed with a hand mixer. Add yellow food coloring. Toss in rubber ducks. It is a “craft” of textures that mimics Ernie’s bath time fun.
11. The Toilet Roll Duo
- How to do it: Use two toilet paper rolls.
- For Bert: Paint one yellow. Add a long nose and a very tall unibrow (vertical tuft of hair). Make sure to draw his striped shirt vertically!
- For Ernie: Cut the roll slightly shorter (since he is shorter). Paint it orange. Give him a wide, football-shaped head if possible, or just draw his wide smile. His shirt stripes go horizontally.
- Lesson: This is a great way to teach vertical vs. horizontal lines.
Part 5: The Rest of the Neighborhood
12. Count von Count’s Number Cape
- How to do it: Cut a simple cape shape out of black fabric or a black garbage bag. Let your child decorate it with purple numbers cut from construction paper. Every time they wear it, they have to count whatever they pick up! “One crayon! Ah-ah-ah!”
13. Abby Cadabby’s Magic Wands
- Materials: A chopstick or dowel, ribbon, glittery foam stars.
- How to do it: Glue a large foam star to the top of the stick. Tie long strands of pink and purple ribbon to the base of the star. It’s simple, magical, and perfect for imaginative play.
14. Grover’s Superhero Mask
Grover often pretends to be “Super Grover.”
- How to do it: Cut a paper plate in half. Cut out eye holes. Paint it blue with a pink nose. Attach a string to wear it. Now your child is Super Grover—stronger than a fly, faster than a snail!
15. The “Sunny Days” Sun Catcher
Finally, celebrate the theme song!
- How to do it: Cut the center out of a paper plate. Stick clear contact paper over the hole. Have your child stick yellow and orange tissue paper squares onto the sticky side. Hang it in the window to bring those “Sunny Days” into your home.
Tips for a Sesame Street Crafting Session
- Music is Key: Play the Sesame Street soundtrack in the background. It sets the mood and helps kids associate the characters with the crafts.
- It Doesn’t Have to be Perfect: Remember, Cookie Monster is messy, and Oscar is grouchy. If the paint spills or the eyes are crooked, it just adds character.
- Upcycle: Sesame Street has always advocated for caring for our environment. Try to use materials you already have (egg cartons, cereal boxes, toilet rolls) before buying new supplies.
Conclusion
The beauty of Sesame Street is that it meets children exactly where they are. Whether they are feeling happy, sad, grumpy, or curious, there is a character that represents that emotion.
By sitting down and making these 15 Sesame Street crafts, you aren’t just making paper toys; you are bonding with your child over characters that teach kindness, resilience, and the joy of learning.
So, grab your glue sticks, put on your painting smocks, and get ready for a fun afternoon. As the song says, “Come and play, everything’s A-OK!”
