Craft & Carry Kids Activity Kits: The Complete UK Supermarket Guide [2026]

I will be honest with you. The first time I spotted a Craft & Carry pottery kit on the shelf at my local Asda, I was sceptical. Under a tenner for a complete craft set? I had flashbacks to those disappointing activity kits from my own childhood—the ones where half the pieces were missing and the "paint" was basically coloured water.

But after testing several Craft & Carry products with my niece over the past few months, I have completely changed my tune. These kits genuinely deliver on their promise of affordable, complete craft activities that keep kids engaged for hours. And here is the thing: they are available right where you do your weekly shop, no special trip to Hobbycraft required.

What Makes Craft & Carry Different from Other Kids Craft Kits?

The children's craft kit market in the UK is absolutely heaving with options. You have got premium subscription boxes like Toucan Box charging £15+ per month, specialist craft store kits at Hobbycraft averaging £12-20, and then supermarket own-brand offerings that often cut corners.

Craft & Carry sits in an interesting middle ground. These are complete activity kits—not just a bag of supplies you need to figure out yourself—priced at supermarket levels. Most kits fall between £5 and £10, which puts them firmly in impulse-buy territory whilst still offering genuine value.

What struck me most was the packaging. Each kit comes in a carry case or box that doubles as storage, which is a small touch that makes a surprising difference when you are dealing with a six-year-old who leaves craft supplies scattered across the living room floor. Trust me, I have stepped on enough dried-out clay balls to appreciate this design choice.

The Complete Kit Philosophy

The Craft & Carry approach is refreshingly straightforward: everything you need comes in the box. No emergency trips to the shops for "non-toxic PVA glue" that the instructions assume you already have. This is particularly valuable for parents who are not crafty themselves—and let us be honest, that describes most of us.

Every kit I have examined includes:

• All necessary materials
• Step-by-step instructions with pictures
• Any tools required (brushes, moulds, etc.)
• Storage or carry solution
• Age-appropriate difficulty levels

The Craft & Carry Range: What is Actually Available?

As of January 2026, the Craft & Carry range at Asda includes several distinct product lines. I have personally tested three of them, and here is the breakdown.

Craft & Carry Pottery Studio

The pottery studio kit is probably the flagship product, and it is the one I see mentioned most often on parenting forums. Priced around £8-10, it includes air dry clay in multiple colours, shaping tools, and a small turntable.

Now, I should be clear—this is not a proper pottery wheel. The turntable is manual and quite small. But actually, that is probably better for younger children who would struggle to control an electric wheel anyway. My niece (age 7) managed to create some genuinely lovely little pots and figurines, and the clay quality was significantly better than I expected.

What impressed me: The air dry clay stays workable for a decent amount of time before drying out. We managed three crafting sessions over a week using the same batch, just keeping it sealed between uses.

What did not impress me: The turntable is a bit flimsy. It still works, but it feels like the first component that would break with heavy use. The instruction booklet could also do with more project ideas.

Craft & Carry Tie Dye Kit

Tie dye has made an enormous comeback since the lockdown crafting boom, and for good reason—there is something deeply satisfying about creating unique, wearable art. The Craft & Carry tie dye kit delivers everything needed for this experience at a fraction of specialist kit prices.

The kit includes multiple dye colours (usually three to five, depending on the pack), rubber bands, plastic gloves, and instructions for various techniques like spiral, bullseye, and crumple. Notably, it does not include a blank t-shirt, so you will need to provide that separately—plain white cotton tees from Primark or George at Asda work brilliantly and cost just a few quid.

Critical tip from experience: The dyes need about 24 hours to set properly for vibrant colours. The instructions mention this, but I have seen plenty of disappointed kids (and adults) who rinse too early and get pale, washed-out results. Patience genuinely pays off here.

The colours are bold and reasonably colourfast after setting. My niece's tie-dyed t-shirt has survived multiple washes without significant fading, though I always wash it inside-out on a gentle cycle.

Craft & Carry Activity Sets

Beyond the headline pottery and tie dye products, there are various activity sets covering bracelet making, painting, and seasonal themes. These tend to be smaller kits priced around £5-7, perfect for birthday party bags or rainy afternoon entertainment.

The quality is consistent across the range, though some activities are naturally more engaging than others. The bracelet making kit was a particular hit with my niece's friends at her birthday party—eight kids, all happily occupied for over an hour. That alone made the £6 per kit an absolute bargain.

Where to Buy Craft & Carry Kits in UK Supermarkets

Currently, Craft & Carry is primarily stocked at Asda, both in-store and online through Asda Groceries. You will typically find them in the toys and games aisle, often near other craft supplies and activity books.

Stock levels do vary by store and time of year. In my experience, the range is best stocked during school holidays—particularly half terms and the summer holidays when parents are desperately seeking entertainment options. Christmas and Easter also see expanded ranges with seasonal themes.

Price comparison note: Whilst browsing, I noticed Asda also stocks other craft kit brands like the standard ASDA own-brand tie dye kit (slightly cheaper but less comprehensive) and Rainbow High branded sets (pricier but character-branded). Craft & Carry consistently offers the best balance of completeness and value in my testing.

Online vs In-Store Availability

Asda's online grocery service lists most Craft & Carry products, but availability for home delivery can be hit or miss—these items seem to be lower priority for pickers during busy periods. Click and collect tends to be more reliable if you want to guarantee getting your hands on specific kits.

One approach that has worked well for me: check online availability for your local store before visiting, then add the items to a grocery order if available, or pop in specifically if they are showing as in-stock.

How Craft Kits Support Child Development

I will admit, when I first started researching this piece, I expected the "educational benefits" angle to be mostly marketing fluff. But the evidence genuinely supports craft activities as valuable for children's development.

Fine Motor Skills and Hand-Eye Coordination

Working with clay, threading beads, or carefully applying tie dye all require precise hand movements that strengthen the small muscles children need for writing. Occupational therapists regularly recommend craft activities for children who struggle with handwriting or pencil grip.

The Craft & Carry pottery kit is particularly good for this—moulding clay requires sustained finger pressure and coordination that many screen-based activities simply do not provide.

Problem-Solving and Planning

Craft projects are essentially small-scale engineering challenges. Children need to think ahead: what colour goes where? How much clay do I need for this shape? What happens if I fold the fabric differently?

I watched my niece work through the tie dye instructions, genuinely engaging with the cause-and-effect relationship between how she applied the dye and the final pattern. It was proper hands-on science learning, even if she did not realise it.

Emotional Regulation and Focus

Here is something that surprised me: craft activities can be genuinely calming for children who struggle with focus or emotional regulation. The repetitive, meditative nature of many craft tasks—kneading clay, painting smooth strokes, threading beads—provides a healthy outlet for restless energy.

I know parents who specifically keep craft kits in reserve for days when their children seem particularly wound up. The sensory experience of working with materials can be more soothing than we give it credit for.

Creativity and Self-Expression

This might seem obvious, but it bears emphasising: craft kits give children agency over creative decisions. Unlike colouring books with predetermined outlines, activities like pottery and tie dye allow for genuine self-expression within a structured framework.

The Craft & Carry kits strike a good balance here—enough guidance to prevent frustration, enough freedom to feel ownership over the finished product.

Age Recommendations: Getting It Right

One of the most common questions I see about kids craft kits is around age suitability. Get this wrong and you either end up with a frustrated child who cannot manage the task, or a bored child who finds it too babyish.

Ages 4-6: Supervised Simplicity

For younger children, look for kits with:

• Large pieces that are easy to handle
• Minimal steps
• Quick results (young children have limited patience)
• Non-toxic, washable materials

The Craft & Carry basic activity sets work well here, particularly the painting and sticker kits. The pottery studio is possible with close adult supervision, but expect to do most of the shaping yourself whilst your child "helps."

Ages 7-10: The Sweet Spot

This is where the Craft & Carry range really shines. Children in this age bracket have the fine motor skills and attention span for more complex projects, but still find the activities genuinely engaging.

My niece at seven managed the pottery kit almost independently after initial instruction, and absolutely loved the tie dye process (with me handling the dye application stage to minimise mess).

Ages 11+: Bridging to Adult Crafts

Older children and tweens may find basic craft kits too simple, but the Craft & Carry range can still work as an introduction to new craft types. Tie dye especially appeals across age groups—I have seen teenagers genuinely enthusiastic about creating custom clothing.

For this age group, consider pairing the basic kit with additional supplies or more ambitious projects. The pottery studio clay can be used for more sophisticated sculpting projects beyond the included suggestions.

Getting Maximum Value from Craft Kits

After testing numerous kits, I have developed some strategies for getting the most bang for your buck.

Extend Air Dry Clay Life

Air dry clay's biggest enemy is... air. Obvious, I know, but many people leave clay exposed between sessions and wonder why it becomes unworkable. Keep unused clay sealed in a plastic bag or airtight container, and store it in a cool place. Slightly moistened paper towels in the container can help maintain optimal consistency.

If clay does start to dry out, you can often rescue it by adding tiny amounts of water and kneading thoroughly. It is not perfect, but it extends usability significantly.

Prepare Your Workspace for Tie Dye

Tie dye is brilliant fun but potentially messy if you are not prepared. Before starting:

• Cover surfaces with plastic tablecloths or bin bags
• Have old towels ready for any spills
• Do the dyeing outside if weather permits
• Use the included gloves—seriously, dye on hands takes days to fade

I learned the hard way that my kitchen table was not adequately protected. The stain eventually came out, but it required considerably more effort than proper preparation would have.

Stock Up During Sales

Asda regularly runs promotions on toys and activity products, particularly during seasonal sales events. I have seen Craft & Carry kits reduced by 25-50% during these periods, making them even better value.

Rollback prices and promotional deals often appear in the lead-up to school holidays when demand peaks—counterintuitively, this can be a good time to buy in bulk for activities throughout the holiday period.

Combine with Household Supplies

Whilst Craft & Carry kits are complete in themselves, you can extend their usefulness with household items:

• Air dry clay projects can be painted with any acrylic paints
• Tie dye works on any cotton fabric, not just the t-shirts you buy
• Basic craft sets pair well with cardboard tubes, egg boxes, and other recyclables

My niece's most impressive pottery creation was actually finished with craft paints she already owned, giving it far more colour and detail than the included materials alone allowed.

Comparing Craft & Carry to Other UK Options

Fair enough, I should address the elephant in the room: how does Craft & Carry compare to alternatives?

Versus Hobbycraft Own-Brand

Hobbycraft's own-brand craft kits are generally higher quality but also pricier—typically £8-15 for comparable activities. The materials often feel more substantial, and project instructions tend to be more detailed.

If you live near a Hobbycraft and crafting is a regular activity for your children, the premium may be worthwhile. But for occasional crafting or testing whether a child enjoys a particular craft type, Craft & Carry offers lower-risk entry points.

Versus Subscription Boxes

Subscription services like Toucan Box or KiwiCo deliver monthly craft activities directly to your door, typically costing £10-15 per box. The curation is excellent and removes decision-making, but the cost adds up quickly.

Craft & Carry lets you buy specific activities on demand, which works better for families who prefer flexibility or have multiple children with different interests.

Versus Amazon Generic Kits

Amazon is flooded with craft kits at every price point, many from unknown brands with variable quality. Some are excellent; many are disappointing. The advantage of Craft & Carry is consistency—you know what you are getting, and you can physically inspect the product before buying.

Versus DIY from Scratch

Could you assemble your own craft supplies more cheaply? Technically yes, but the time investment is significant, and buying small quantities of specialist items often costs more than complete kits. For time-poor parents, the convenience factor of grab-and-go kits is genuinely valuable.

My Honest Assessment

After several months of testing Craft & Carry products, I have formed some clear opinions.

What I love:

• Genuine value for money
• Complete kits that do not require additional supplies
• Good quality materials relative to price
• Convenient supermarket availability
• Range covers multiple craft types and interests

What could be improved:

• Limited availability outside Asda
• Some instruction booklets could be more comprehensive
• Certain kits (particularly the pottery turntable) have durability questions
• Stock can be inconsistent, especially for specific items

The verdict? For families wanting affordable, accessible craft activities, Craft & Carry represents one of the best options currently available in UK supermarkets. These kits will not replace specialist craft supplies for dedicated hobbyists, but they absolutely deliver on the promise of fun, complete activities at budget-friendly prices.

My niece has already added several more Craft & Carry kits to her birthday wishlist. And honestly, I am quite looking forward to testing them with her.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age are craft kits suitable for?

Most kids craft kits, including the Craft & Carry range, are designed for children aged 6 and above. However, many activities can be adapted for younger children (ages 4-5) with adult supervision. The key is matching complexity to ability—simpler activities like sticker crafts work for younger children, while pottery and tie dye suit ages 7 and up. Always check individual kit age recommendations and consider your child's fine motor skills and attention span.

How long does tie dye last on clothes?

Properly set tie dye lasts for years and hundreds of washes. The key is allowing adequate setting time—ideally 24 hours wrapped in cling film before rinsing. After setting, wash the item separately first, then with similar colours on a cool wash. Turning garments inside-out helps preserve vibrancy. The Craft & Carry tie dye kit produces results that remain colourful through normal domestic washing when instructions are followed correctly.

How long does air dry clay take to dry completely?

Air dry clay typically takes 24-72 hours to dry fully, depending on thickness and humidity. Thin pieces (under 5mm) may dry within 24 hours, while thicker sculptures can take 3-4 days or longer. The clay should feel room temperature throughout—if the centre feels cool, it is still drying. Avoid speeding up drying with direct heat, as this can cause cracking. Once completely dry, pieces can be painted and sealed.

Are craft kits good for children's development?

Yes, research consistently shows craft activities benefit children's development in multiple ways. Fine motor skills improve through manipulation of materials like clay and beads. Problem-solving abilities develop as children plan and execute projects. Emotional regulation is supported through the calming, focused nature of craft activities. Additionally, completing projects builds confidence and self-esteem. Occupational therapists often recommend craft activities for children struggling with handwriting or concentration.

What do kids craft kits typically include?

Complete kids craft kits like Craft & Carry include all necessary materials for the specific activity: this means clay and tools for pottery, dyes and rubber bands for tie dye, or beads and string for jewellery making. Most kits also include step-by-step instructions with illustrations, any specialised tools required, and sometimes storage solutions. The best kits require nothing additional except perhaps an apron and workspace protection.

Where can I buy cheap craft kits in the UK?

UK supermarkets offer the best value for affordable craft kits. Asda stocks the Craft & Carry range at £5-10 per kit. Tesco and Sainsbury's also carry own-brand craft supplies during school holidays. For consistently low prices, check The Works, Home Bargains, and B&M—these often stock branded craft kits at discount prices. Online, Amazon Warehouse deals and supermarket websites during promotions offer additional savings.

Can you reuse tie dye kits?

The dye powder from tie dye kits can only be used once after mixing with water—mixed dye degrades within 24-48 hours and loses effectiveness. However, rubber bands, gloves, and any protective covers can definitely be reused for future projects. If you have dye powder left unmixed, it keeps for 2-5 years stored in a cool, dry place. Consider buying plain white cotton items in bulk to maximise value from each dye batch.

What crafts can you do with air dry clay?

Air dry clay is remarkably versatile. Popular projects include pinch pots, coiled bowls, figurines, ornaments, jewellery dishes, and picture frames. Unlike kiln-fired clay, air dry clay can be painted with acrylics, decorated with glitter, or sealed with varnish once dry. Note that air dry clay items are not food-safe or waterproof, so avoid pieces intended to hold water or food. The Craft & Carry pottery kit includes project suggestions, but YouTube tutorials offer endless additional inspiration.