If you have kids, you know that bookmarks are basically just elaborate pieces of confetti waiting to happen, right? You buy a pack of fancy ones, and within a week, they’re either crumpled at the bottom of a backpack or have been magically transformed into a tiny skateboard for a doll. I’ve been there more times than I can count.
So, I decided to stop throwing money at the problem and started making them with my little ones instead. Not only is it a fantastic way to spend a rainy afternoon, but it also gets them excited about—wait for it—reading! Shocking, I know. 😉
I’ve gathered ten of our absolute favorite DIY kids’ bookmarks that are simple, adorable, and actually hold up. Whether you’re a crafting pro or someone who struggles to operate a glue stick (no judgment here, we all start somewhere), you’ll find something on this list to love. Grab your supplies, and let’s make some reading magic!
1. The Classic Popsicle Stick Heroes
If you’ve got a junk drawer, you’ve probably got the materials for this one sitting right there. Popsicle sticks are the unsung heroes of the craft world, IMO.
What You’ll Need
- Popsicle sticks (the jumbo ones work best, but regular ones are fine too)
- Acrylic paint or markers
- Googly eyes (because everything is better with googly eyes)
- Glue (tacky glue is my go-to for this)
- Pipe cleaners or yarn for hair
Let’s Get Crafty!
First, paint the stick or color it with markers. This is the base for your character. Let it dry completely. I cannot stress this enough! If you don’t, you’ll end up with a sticky, smeared mess. Trust me on this one.
Once it’s dry, glue on the googly eyes. Now, for the hair, glue on a small piece of yarn or a tiny, twisted bit of pipe cleaner. You can make monsters, people, or even just funny faces. My son once made one with about five googly eyes and called it a “multi-eyed reading buddy.” It was terrifying and brilliant.
2. Corner Monster Bookmarks (The Origami Kind)
These little guys are my absolute favorite because they perch right on the corner of the page, so they never fall out. Ever wondered why store-bought bookmarks always seem to slip? These solve that problem completely.
Folding is Easier Than You Think
You start with a square piece of paper. There are a million video tutorials out there, but the basic idea is you fold it into a pocket shape. This is a great project for practicing following instructions.
Once you have the base pocket, the real fun begins. You can turn them into:
- Monsters with big teeth
- Penguins with little beaks
- Bunny rabbits with long ears
We use construction paper or even pages from old magazines. The uglier the magazine, the cooler the bookmark, in my opinion. 🙂
3. Tassel Bookmarks with Beads
Okay, this one is a little more sophisticated, so it’s perfect for older kids who want something that feels a bit more “grown-up.” It also doubles as a fine motor skill exercise with all that threading.
Gathering Your Materials
You’ll need some embroidery floss or thick yarn, pony beads (the big ones with the large holes), and a pair of scissors.
The Process
- Cut several strands of floss to the same length.
- Tie a knot at one end to create the tassel top.
- Braid the strands together, or just leave them loose for a simpler look.
- Tie another knot at the top of the braid, leaving a loop.
- String beads onto the loop and tie it off.
Now you have a beautiful, dangly bookmark that feels fancy. The weight of the beads helps it stay put, which is a total bonus.
4. Ribbon and Button Bookmarks
This is probably the easiest thing on the entire list, and honestly, it looks like a million bucks. It’s a great “I don’t want to clean up a huge mess” kind of craft.
Just Two Things
You just need a length of pretty ribbon and a button with a shank (the little loop on the back).
Assembly is Key
Simply thread one end of the ribbon through the button’s shank and tie a knot to secure it. That’s it. Make sure the knot is tight! You don’t want your button flying off and hitting someone while they’re reading a particularly exciting chapter.
You can also sew the button on if you want it to be extra secure, but the knot method is perfect for little hands.
5. Washi Tape Magic on Cardstock
Washi tape is like the glitter of the paper crafting world—it’s addictive and gets everywhere. But in a good way!
Start with a Base
Cut a strip of cardstock into a rectangle, about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. You can leave it plain or cut the top into a fun shape, like a V or a curve.
The Fun Part
Now, let your kid go to town with the washi tape. They can layer it, stripe it, or make patterns. The beauty of washi tape is that it’s repositionable, so if they mess up, you can just peel it off and try again. No tears!
We have a drawer full of tape with different patterns—dinosaurs, flowers, polka dots—and every bookmark ends up being a unique reflection of their personality.
6. Felt Shape Bookmarks
Felt is a wonderful material because it’s soft, cheap, and doesn’t fray. These bookmarks are basically just cute little shapes that you slide onto the page corner.
Cutting and Gluing
Cut out two identical shapes from felt. Hearts, stars, and circles are great for beginners. You’ll also need a smaller piece for the “pocket” part—a simple rectangle works.
Glue the rectangle to the back of one of the shapes, creating a loop big enough to slide over a page. Then, glue the second shape on top to hide the messy edges.
These feel so luxurious compared to paper bookmarks. We have a heart-shaped one that lives in my current novel, and my daughter is always trying to steal it.
7. Character Bookmarks (With Printable Templates)
Okay, I’m not always a purist about drawing everything myself. Sometimes, you just need a quick win. That’s where printable templates come in.
The Internet is Your Friend
There are thousands of free templates online for bookmarks featuring animals, superheroes, or book characters. You just print them out on cardstock, and your kid gets to do the fun part: coloring!
This is the perfect craft for a playdate. Everyone can pick their favorite character and get coloring. We’ve made Harry Potter bookmarks, unicorns, and a whole menagerie of cats. Once they’re colored, just cut them out, and maybe laminate them if you want them to last longer than five minutes.
8. Photobook Bookmarks
This one is so personal and makes a fantastic gift for grandparents. It turns a bookmark into a mini photo album.
Supplies
- Heavy cardstock or thin cardboard
- Small printed photos
- Mod Podge or glue stick
- Clear contact paper or packing tape (for lamination)
Making Memories
Cut the cardstock into a long rectangle. Glue the photos onto the cardstock in a vertical line. You could add labels or stickers next to the photos. “Me and Grandma,” “My Dog, Buster,” etc.
Once the glue is dry, cover both sides with clear contact paper to protect the photos. This seals the deal and makes it durable enough to handle being stuffed into a book.
9. Leather Cord Wrap-Arounds
This one sounds fancier than it is. It’s actually super simple and gives off major “I bought this at a chic boutique” vibes, when really you just sat at your kitchen table for ten minutes.
What to Grab
Get some thin leather cord or suede lace. You can find this at any craft store. You’ll also need some wooden beads.
The Technique
Just tie a bead onto one end of the cord for decoration. That’s it! To use it, you wrap the cord around the pages of the book a few times. It’s infinitely adjustable and looks really cool.
It’s practically indestructible, too. My son hasn’t been able to destroy his yet, and he’s a professional toy destroyer.
10. The “I Forgot to Make a Bookmark” Bookmark
We’ve all been there. You’re curled up on the couch with a great book, you finish a chapter, and you can’t find a single flat thing to save your page.
The Hack
Look around! You can use:
- A receipt from your pocket
- A clean(ish) sock (don’t judge me!)
- A piece of toast? (Probably not, but I’ve seen it done)
- A hair tie or ribbon
But my personal favorite quick-fix DIY? Grab a sticky note, fold the sticky part over the top of the page, and bam! Instant bookmark that won’t fall out. It’s the ultimate lazy-crafter solution.
So, next time you’re searching for the car keys in the couch cushions only to find three library books instead (just me?), remember that a fun bookmark is only a few supplies away. Whether you spend an hour on a felt masterpiece or ten seconds on a sticky note, the goal is the same: keeping your place in a great story. And getting the kids involved just makes the whole reading adventure that much better.
Happy crafting, and even happier reading! 📚✂️
