Creative Ways to Save Your Preschooler’s Artwork

Every scribbled, painted, and glued masterpiece your preschooler brings home tells a story—of their creativity, imagination, and growth. But as the stack of artwork grows taller, many families wonder how to preserve these precious memories without feeling overwhelmed by clutter. And, there’s no shame in saying that some families struggle with guilt when every piece simply cannot, or should not, be preserved.  

In this post, Denver Preschool Program (DPP) shares fun, simple, and meaningful ways to save your preschooler’s artwork. From art books to storage bins and magnetic frames, here are our top recommendations for helping your little artist save their portfolio. 

Ways to Display and Organize Children’s Art

The possibilities are endless when it comes to showcasing your child’s creativity. Check out a few of our favorites for saving your preschooler’s artwork: 

Removable Art Frames 

• Available from a wide range of sources, removable frames like those from Li’l DaVinci and Sank allow you to store 20-50 pieces at a time and swap pieces out whenever you need a refresh. They come in a range of sizes, sets, and styles and keep art safe and flat.

Art Photo Books

• Available from online print shops like Chatbooks, Shutterfly, Mixbook, or even Google, art books can be treasured keysakes. 
• Create art books by taking a phone photo or scan of your child’s art and uploading those digital images to one of these sites and then customizing the design, and text. 
• Art books make great gifts for an end-of-school summary or for friends and family.
• Want to uplevel the design quality? Use a specialized service like Scribble Art to upload artwork via an app. Or, edit or use a custom shipping box from Artkive to ship the actual art and have professionals curate and create the book for you. 

Creative Gifts 

• Need something beyond the book? Try Shutterfly or Zazzle to use your photos to create t-shirts, mugs, puzzles, or a wide range of other gift options.
• All of the above digital print sites also offer the option to create thank you cards or greeting cards for a seasonal and functional way to share.
  

DIY and Wall-Mounted Options

• Grab some string and clothespins and make a hanging gallery wall in your child’s room to display and rotate their favorite pieces. 
• Grab a cork board or magnet board and mount it in the kitchen, kid’s bedroom, or playroom. 

 Laminated Placemats and Magnets

• Turn flat artwork into laminated placemats with clear pocket-style options like these from SrapSMART—great for preserving and using at mealtimes.
• Turn art or photos into refrigerator magnets with Magnetic Photo Pockets, which are available in a wide range of sizes. 

Storage and Organization 

• Digital Archives: 
  • Use apps like Artkive, Keepy, or KidsArt (on the Apple App store) to photograph, tag, and organize artwork. This option is helpful for letting go of physical pieces but still cherishing the memories. 
• Folders and Portfolio Boxes: 
• HearthSong expandable portfolios allow for easy access for kids to find and keep their art. This solution is great for storing original works that are 3D, textured, or include multiple pieces. 
• You can also make your own portfolio box with a large cardboard or plastic file folder box and colored folders. Have your preschooler help you organize and give each folder a special name! 

From Art to Outings, Follow DPP for Preschool Topics

Your preschooler’s artwork is not only an expression of their creativity, but also it is a snapshot of their development. Whether it is captured in photo books or in a rotating gallery on the refrigerator, preserving your child’s creations can be manageable and memorable. 

Looking for more tips about life with a preschooler? Follow us on Instagram for fun ways to learn and play with your little learner.