What to do with kids' drawings? 10 ideas to keep and give them

Children love to draw – and suddenly there are dozens of pictures on the kitchen table, in the kindergarten bag and on the fridge. Throwing them away feels wrong, but keeping everything isn't possible either. Here are ten ideas to keep the best artwork and free up space.

Sort first, then store

Before choosing a method, try a simple routine: collect a month's drawings in a box and sort them at the end of the month together with your child. Ask which picture matters most and why. Children often tell little stories you can note on the back – with the date and their age.

1. One portfolio per child and year

A large A3 folder holds a year's favorite drawings. Label it with name and year. Over time you build an archive your child can browse later.

2. Photograph or scan the drawings

Photograph each drawing from above in daylight so the whole sheet is visible. Save the photos in an album per year. A digital archive takes no space and survives even when the original fades.

3. A photo book of the year's artwork

At the end of the year, turn the photos into a small photo book. It's a lovely family keepsake – and a gift grandparents adore.

4. A rotating gallery at home

A picture ledge, a string with pegs or a swap frame turns your hallway into a small exhibition. The current favorite hangs in front, the old one moves to the folder. Children are proud when their art has a place of its own.

5. Frame one special drawing

For a truly special picture, a simple frame with a mat is worth it. Even a quick scribble looks like real art.

6. Greeting cards and wrapping paper

Scanned drawings make wonderful motifs for birthday cards, invitations or gift tags. Large drawings can be used directly as wrapping paper for small presents.

7. A family calendar

Twelve months, twelve pictures: a homemade calendar is a classic personal gift that accompanies grandparents or godparents all year.

8. Everyday items with the motif

Many print shops print your own designs on mugs, cushions or bags. Use a well-lit photo of the drawing so the colors stay vivid.

9. The drawing as a 3D figure

A very tangible idea: the character from the picture becomes three-dimensional. At 3D-Freude we model the drawn character, send you a 3D preview and only print after you approve. The monster, the unicorn-horse or the family portrait becomes a figure on the shelf. Read how it works in From drawing to 3D figure.

10. A memory box for later

Choose one or two originals per year for a memory box – together with kindergarten photos, the first letter or a favorite library card. Your child gets the box when they are grown up.

Our tip: fewer, but chosen with care

You don't need to keep every drawing. What matters is that the ones you keep tell a story. A date, the age and one sentence from your child on the back turn a sheet of paper into a real memory.