An egg carton treasure box is a quick recycled craft where kids paint and decorate an empty cardboard egg carton to create a hinged storage container for small keepsakes. The whole project typically takes around 30-45 minutes (plus drying time), costs less than $10 with supplies you likely have at home, and works well for children ages 3 and up. It's a satisfying project because kids end up with something functional they can actually use: not just another craft destined for the recycling bin.

This is one of those crafts that hits the sweet spot: simple enough that little ones can do most of it independently, but open-ended enough that older kids can get creative with their designs. Plus, it sneaks in a gentle lesson about repurposing materials we'd otherwise toss out.

Materials You'll Need

Total estimated cost: Under $10 (and often free if you have a craft supply stash)

Age Range

Time Estimate

• Active crafting time: 30-45 minutes
• Drying time: 1-2 hours (or overnight for best results)
• Total project time: About half a day with breaks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Lay down newspaper, an old tablecloth, or a plastic mat on your work surface. Egg carton painting can get a bit messy, especially with enthusiastic young crafters. Have a cup of water ready for rinsing brushes and some paper towels nearby for quick cleanups.

Make sure your egg carton is empty and relatively clean. A quick wipe with a damp paper towel removes any lingering egg residue.

Step 2: Paint the Inside First

Here's a tip that makes the process much smoother: start with the inside of the carton. This way, little hands can hold the outside without smudging wet paint.

Gold or yellow paint inside gives a nice "treasure chest full of gold" effect, but any color works. Let kids paint inside each egg cup: this is great fine motor practice. Don't worry about getting into every corner perfectly; that's part of the handmade charm.

Step 3: Paint the Outside

Once the inside is dry (or at least tacky), flip the carton over and paint the entire outside. Brown paint gives a classic wooden treasure chest look, but honestly? A purple treasure box or a rainbow one works just as well. Follow your child's lead here.

Foam brushes tend to work well for covering the bumpy egg carton surface. Apply paint generously: the cardboard may absorb the first coat and look patchy. A second coat after the first dries usually does the trick.

Step 4: Add Painted Details

While the base coat is still drying or after it's dry, kids can add painted details:

• Gold or silver stripes to look like metal bands on a chest
• Dots or swirls in contrasting colors
• A painted "lock" or "keyhole" on the front

This is where older kids often get really into it. Younger children might prefer to skip straight to the stickers and gems: and that's perfectly fine.

Step 5: Decorate with Embellishments

Once the paint is thoroughly dry (patience is tough here, but it prevents smearing), it's time for the fun part. Set out your decorations and let kids go to town:

• Stick-on gems or jewels look fantastic and are easy for small hands
• Stickers are a no-mess option for younger crafters
• Washi tape can create stripes or borders
• Buttons or beads add texture (use white glue and let dry completely)
• Marker details like wood grain lines, dots for "bolts," or a drawn keyhole

There's no wrong way to decorate a treasure box. Some kids want minimal decoration; others want every inch covered in sparkle. Both approaches are valid.

Step 6: Let Everything Dry Completely

This step is often the hardest for excited kids, but rushing it leads to smudged decorations and stuck-together lids. Set the treasure box somewhere safe to dry for at least an hour: overnight if you used a lot of glue or thick paint layers.

Step 7: Fill with Treasures

Now for the payoff! Once the box is completely dry, kids can fill each egg cup compartment with their special small items:

• Interesting rocks or shells
• Small toys or figurines
• Coins
• Jewelry or hair accessories
• Notes or tiny drawings
• Found objects from nature walks

The individual compartments make this surprisingly practical for organizing small collections.

Tips for Success

Choose the right egg carton. Paper/cardboard cartons work significantly better than foam ones. The paint adheres well, and they're easier to decorate with glue-on items.

Embrace imperfection. Drips, uneven coverage, and crooked decorations are part of the charm. This is handmade kid art, not a Pinterest showpiece.

Work in stages. If your child has a short attention span, break this into two sessions: painting one day, decorating the next.

Let them lead. Resist the urge to "fix" their design choices. A treasure box covered entirely in dinosaur stickers is just as valid as a classic pirate-themed one.

Looking for more recycled craft projects? Check out our kids crafts collection for more ideas using materials you probably already have at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a foam egg carton instead of cardboard?

You can, but cardboard works noticeably better. Foam cartons don't absorb paint as well, and glue doesn't adhere as reliably. If foam is all you have, use acrylic paint rather than washable, and give everything extra drying time.

What if we don't have craft gems or fancy decorations?

No problem! Markers alone can create a great-looking treasure box. Kids can draw designs, patterns, or even write their name. Magazine cutouts, dried pasta shapes painted gold, or aluminum foil "gems" all work as budget-friendly alternatives.

How do I keep the lid from flopping open?

The natural hinge on most egg cartons holds up reasonably well, but if you want it to stay closed, you can add a small piece of ribbon or string with a button closure, or simply use a rubber band around the whole box.

Is this craft safe for toddlers?

The painting portion is generally fine for kids around age 2-3 with supervision. However, small decorations like beads or gems can be choking hazards for children who still put things in their mouths. Stick to paint and large stickers for the youngest crafters.

How long does the finished treasure box typically last?

With reasonable care, these can last several months to a year. They're not indestructible: the cardboard can eventually get crushed or worn: but most kids either outgrow them or are ready to make a new one by then.

Can we make this craft with a 6-egg carton instead?

A 6-egg carton makes a perfectly good mini treasure box. It's actually a nice size for very small collections or for younger children who might feel overwhelmed by decorating a larger surface.

What kind of paint works best?

Washable tempera paint is the easiest for cleanup and works fine for most purposes. Acrylic paint provides more vibrant, longer-lasting color but doesn't wash out of clothing. Either works: just dress kids accordingly.

How can I make this more challenging for older kids?

Older children might enjoy adding a fabric lining inside, creating a "secret compartment" with an extra piece of cardboard, or designing a more elaborate closure system. They could also make themed boxes (jewelry box, bug collection box, art supply holder) with specific organizational features.

Looking for more hands-on projects to do with your kids? Explore our other DIY activities for budget-friendly family fun.