What to Do With Your Child's Drawings: 7 Simple Ideas Parents Actually Use
Wondering what to do with your child's drawings? These 7 simple ideas show parents how to store kids artwork, save favorites, and reduce clutter without letting the paper pile take over the house.

Quick list
- Display a few favorites right away
- Frame the most special pieces
- Keep a memory box or art portfolio
- Take photos or scan the rest
- Turn the best art into a photo book
- Share some pieces with family
- Recycle the everyday artwork without guilt
Jump to an idea
If you have a growing pile of kids' drawings at home, you are not alone. Most parents want to keep the special ones, enjoy the newest ones, and somehow avoid turning every counter, drawer, and fridge door into permanent art storage.
The good news is that you do not need a complicated system. Most families end up doing the same few things: display a few favorites, save a few meaningful pieces, turn some into keepsakes, and let the rest go without guilt.
Display a Few Favorites Right Away
The simplest thing parents do is show off the newest art for a little while. This makes kids feel proud without forcing you to keep every single page forever.
- 1Pick one or two new drawings to put on the fridge, a clipboard, or a small wall display.
- 2Leave them up for a few days or a couple of weeks.
- 3Swap them out as new artwork comes home so the display stays fresh and manageable.
Frame the Most Special Pieces
Some drawings deserve more than a magnet on the fridge. A framed piece instantly feels more important and can become part of your home decor.
- 1Choose artwork that feels especially funny, meaningful, or beautiful.
- 2Put it in a simple frame or use changeable kids' art frames if you want to swap pieces easily.
- 3Hang it in a hallway, playroom, bedroom, or family space where your child can see it.
Keep a Memory Box or Art Portfolio
A memory box is one of the most common real-life solutions because it is easy, flexible, and does not require fancy tools.
- 1Use one box, folder, or art portfolio for each child.
- 2Add only the pieces you truly want to keep, not every page that comes home.
- 3Label items with the child's name, age, or year so they still make sense later.
Take Photos or Scan the Rest
Many parents save artwork digitally because paper piles grow fast. A photo or scan lets you keep the memory without keeping every sheet.
- 1Take a quick photo in good natural light or scan the drawing with your phone.
- 2Save images in an album by child, year, or school grade.
- 3Keep only the physical pieces that feel extra meaningful after you digitize them.
Turn the Best Art Into a Photo Book
A yearly book is one of the most useful long-term solutions because it gives you a keepsake without filling closets with paper.
- 1Choose your favorite drawings from the year.
- 2Upload photos of them into a simple photo book or scrapbook layout.
- 3Print one copy for your child and another for yourself or a grandparent if you want.
Recycle the Everyday Artwork Without Guilt
Not every coloring page, doodle, or worksheet needs to be saved. Letting some art go is normal, and it actually makes the meaningful pieces easier to appreciate.
- 1Decide what counts as a keepsake and what counts as everyday practice art.
- 2Keep the pieces that feel memorable, then recycle the rest.
- 3If it helps, ask your child to choose one favorite from a small stack before you sort.
Simple tips for storing and saving kids' artwork
- Keep the system simple enough that you will actually use it.
- Write the date or school year on special pieces before storing them.
- Choose a physical limit, like one box or one binder per child.
- Save art that shows personality, growth, or a funny memory, not just neatness.
- Pick one favorite drawing now and turn it into something special instead of waiting for the pile to grow.
Frequently asked questions
How much of my child's artwork should I keep?
Most parents do best when they keep only a small selection of favorites. A few meaningful pieces from each season or school year usually feel more valuable than saving everything.
How do you store kids artwork without clutter?
A simple memory box, binder, or art portfolio is usually the easiest place to start. It is fast, low-stress, and works well for most families.
Should I throw away old drawings?
Yes, it is completely okay to throw away everyday artwork. Most families keep the meaningful pieces and recycle the rest so the special ones do not get buried.
What can I do with one drawing that feels extra special?
You can frame it, add it to a keepsake book, share it with family, or turn it into an animated memory with Animomo.
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