How to Make DIY Indoor Photo Booth Props for Kids
DIY indoor photo booth props for kids can be made by cutting fun shapes from cardstock or cardboard, decorating them with markers and craft supplies, and attaching them to wooden sticks or dowels. The whole project typically costs under $10 using materials you likely already have at home, and kids can create silly glasses, mustaches, speech bubbles, crowns, and animal features to hold up during family photo sessions.
This craft works wonderfully for rainy day entertainment, birthday party prep, or just a spontaneous silly afternoon. Plus, you end up with props you can use over and over again for holiday cards, video calls with grandparents, or random Tuesday giggles.
Why Kids Love Making Photo Booth Props
There's something magical about holding up a giant sparkly mustache or oversized bow tie and striking a pose. Kids get to exercise their creativity while making something they'll actually use: and the payoff is immediate. The moment they finish a prop, they can run to a mirror or camera and see themselves transformed.
This project also tends to bring out personalities. One kid might gravitate toward designing superhero masks while another creates elaborate crowns fit for royalty. It's a wonderful way to see how children express themselves through art.
Materials You'll Need
Good news: this project is gentle on the wallet. Here's what you'll want to gather before getting started:
| Material | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cardstock or cardboard | $0–$3 | Cereal boxes work great for free options |
| Markers, crayons, or colored pencils | $0–$2 | Use what you have at home |
| Scissors | $0 | Kid-safe scissors recommended |
| Craft sticks or wooden dowels | $1–$3 | Chopsticks or sturdy straws work too |
| Glue (white glue or glue stick) | $1–$2 | Hot glue for adult assistance only |
| Optional: glitter, stickers, yarn, fabric scraps | $0–$3 | Raid the craft drawer |
Estimated Total: $2–$10
depending on what you already have
Age Range and Time Estimate
Skill Level:
This project works well for children ages 3 and up with varying levels of adult help.
- Ages 3–4: Can color and decorate pre-cut shapes; adults handle cutting and gluing sticks
- Ages 5–7: Can trace, cut simpler shapes, and help attach sticks with supervision
- Ages 8+: Can typically complete most steps independently
Time Needed:
Plan for about 30–45 minutes for a basic set of 4–6 props. If you're adding lots of glitter and elaborate decorations, you might stretch closer to an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Decide on Your Props
Before cutting anything, brainstorm with your kids about what props they'd like to make. Some popular options include:
- Oversized glasses or sunglasses
- Mustaches and beards
- Crowns and tiaras
- Animal ears and noses
- Bow ties and neckties
- Speech bubbles (leave them blank to write messages later)
- Superhero masks
- Lips and smiles
- Hats (top hats, party hats, cowboy hats)
- Magic wands and fairy wings
Let kids pick their favorites or challenge them to create something entirely new.
Step 2: Draw or Trace Your Shapes
On cardstock or flattened cardboard, draw the basic outlines of each prop. For younger kids, adults can sketch the shapes while children watch and offer input. Older kids often enjoy freehanding their own designs.
Helpful tip:
Make props slightly oversized: they photograph better and are easier for small hands to hold. A mustache that looks comically large in person tends to look just right in photos.
If drawing feels intimidating, simple geometric shapes work wonderfully. Circles become glasses, triangles become party hats, and ovals become speech bubbles.
Step 3: Cut Out the Shapes
Using kid-safe scissors, carefully cut along the outlines. Adults should handle any intricate cuts or thick cardboard.
For props with interior cuts (like glasses that need eye holes), adults can use a craft knife or sharp scissors to start the holes, then let kids finish with safety scissors if the material allows.
Pro tip: Round off any sharp corners, especially on props that will be near faces.
Step 4: Decorate to Your Heart's Content
This is where the magic happens. Set out all your decorating supplies and let creativity flow:
- Markers and crayons for bold colors and patterns
- Glitter (with glue) for sparkle and shimmer
- Stickers for quick embellishments
- Yarn or string for hair, beards, or texture
- Fabric scraps for bow ties or fancy details
- Aluminum foil for shiny metallic effects
Encourage kids to decorate both sides of the prop if they'd like: sometimes the camera catches the back!
Step 5: Attach the Handles
Once decorations are dry, it's time to add sticks. Place a craft stick, wooden dowel, or sturdy straw along one side of the prop (not dead center: off to the side tends to frame faces better in photos).
For younger crafters, white glue or glue sticks work fine: just allow extra drying time. Adults can use hot glue for a quicker, stronger bond.
Reinforcement trick:
Cut a small square of paper and glue it over the stick where it meets the prop. This adds extra strength and helps prevent the stick from popping off during enthusiastic posing.
Step 6: Let Everything Dry Completely
Patience is tough, but giving glue and paint adequate drying time means props will last longer. Set them aside for at least 15–20 minutes before the photo session begins.
Setting Up Your Indoor Photo Booth
You don't need fancy equipment to create memorable photos. Here are some simple setup ideas:
- Backdrop: A blank wall, solid-colored sheet hung with tape, or even a decorated bulletin board works nicely
- Lighting: Natural light from a window often produces the most flattering results
- Camera: Your smartphone works perfectly: consider propping it on a stack of books or using a simple tripod
- Prop station: Arrange all the finished props in a basket or lay them on a table nearby
For extra fun, add a few household items to your prop collection: costume jewelry, scarves, silly hats, or empty picture frames to peek through.
Tips for Getting Great Photos
- Encourage exaggerated expressions: the sillier, the better
- Take lots of shots; you can delete the blurry ones later
- Try different prop combinations in single photos
- Include the whole family for group shots
- Consider using your phone's timer function so everyone can be in the picture
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cardstock photo booth props typically last?
With reasonable care, cardstock props can last for months or even years. Store them flat in a folder or box between uses to prevent bending.
Can toddlers participate in this craft?
Toddlers can absolutely help with decorating using chunky crayons or stickers. Adults should handle cutting and gluing, and props should be supervised during use to ensure sticks stay away from eyes.
What's the best material for durable props?
Cardboard from cereal boxes or shipping boxes tends to hold up better than thin cardstock, especially if kids plan to use the props frequently.
How many props should we make for a party?
For a birthday party or gathering, aim for roughly 2–3 props per guest. Having variety ensures everyone finds something fun to use.
Can we make props without sticks?
Certainly! Some props work well as wearables: think elastic-band masks or headbands with attached ears. You can also create props designed to sit on tables or lean against things.
What if we don't have craft sticks?
Chopsticks, wooden skewers (with sharp ends trimmed), sturdy straws, or even rolled-up newspaper tubes can work as handles.
How do we store props between uses?
Lay them flat in a large envelope, folder, or shallow box. Keeping them away from humidity helps prevent warping.
Can this project work for virtual events?
These props are wonderful for video calls and virtual celebrations. Kids can hold them up during Zoom gatherings with faraway family members.
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Be safe and have fun!