If you’re looking for fun, creative sensory activities for preschoolers, making Shaving Cream Cards and Gift Wrap is a must-try. It’s super simple to do, and the results are pretty enough to impress anyone! My kids loved making this, and it gave them the chance to create something meaningful for their teachers.
Whether you’re crafting with kids or just want to try something new yourself, this activity is perfect for all ages.

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When you are done with this activity, you can use the shaving cream for this Fine Motor Practice with Straws.
More Shaving Cream Activities
Looking for creative and engaging activities to keep kids entertained? These fun shaving cream ideas, like Shaving Cream and Water Bead Cupcakes, are perfect for sensory play and messy fun. Check out some other fun ways to play with shaving cream:
- 2 Ingredient Shaving Cream Paint
- 10 Shaving Cream Activities for Kids
- Valentine's Day Cards using Shaving Cream
- Handwriting Practice with Shaving Cream
- Shaving Cream Messy Play
- Shaving Cream & Pool Noodle Sensory Play
Supplies For Shaving Cream Art
- Shaving Cream (get unscented and foamy) – The base for creating those cool swirls and patterns.
- Food Coloring – Adds vibrant and swirly colors to your project.
- Trays – To hold the shaving cream mess and make cleanup super easy.
- Cardstock and white paper – White works best since it will show off the colors more. You can use the cardstock to make cards and the copy paper for wrapping paper.
Barbasol Thick & Rich Shaving Cream, Original 10 oz (Value50 Sheets White Cardstock 8.5 x 11, 92lb/250gsm Card Stock
Kopokita Kids Art Smock, Kids Painting Apron, Waterproof Children Artist
Juinipe 12 Pcs Art Smock for Kids Waterproof Painting Aprons
How to Make Shaving Cream Cards and Gift Wrap
- Set up your shaving cream base. Squirt a layer of shaving cream onto your tray, spreading it around to cover the surface.
- Add color. Drop a few different colors of food coloring onto the shaving cream. Don’t overdo it, a few drops go a long way.
- Swirl the colors. Use a popsicle stick to gently swirl the colors together. Don’t mix too much or you’ll lose the marbled effect.

- Press the paper. Lay a piece of your cardstock on top of the shaving cream and press it down lightly so the colors transfer.

- Scrape off excess shaving cream. Carefully lift the paper, and use a clean popsicle stick to scrape off any remaining shaving cream.

- Dry and admire. Leave your prints to dry for about 10 minutes, and you’ll have soft, swirly designs perfect for cards or gift wrap!

When you remove the layer of shaving cream, you are left with these gorgeous marbled prints that feel super soft. I added some stickers and a photo of the girls to the front and voila, you have an inexpensive, original greeting card.

Benefits of Shaving Cream Sensory Play
- Encourages creativity. Kids love experimenting with colors and textures.
- Builds fine motor skills. Stirring, spreading, and pressing are great for little hands.
- Great sensory experience. The texture of the shaving cream is fun for kids to dig into.

Tips for Shaving Cream Cards
- Tip 1: Use unscented shaving cream to avoid strong smells.
- Tip 2: Test the process yourself before trying it with kids. It’s a fun adult activity too!
- Tip 3: Keep some baby wipes nearby for quick cleanup.
FAQs For Shaving Cream Cards and Gift Wrap
Cardstock works best since it’s sturdy and holds up to the shaving cream and scraping. However, plain printer paper can also work for simpler projects.
Food coloring may leave slight stains, so make sure to use a washable surface for your work area and wear old clothes or a smcok.
Yes! Once they’re dry, the prints can be stored just like any other kid's artwork. For gift wrap, roll them up loosely to avoid creases.

Shaving cream cards and gift wrap are easy, colorful, and a great way for kids to make art or personalize their gifts.
Sensory Activities
Shaving Cream Cards and Gift Wrap
Materials
- Shaving Cream foamy type
- Food Coloring
- Trays
- Cardstock for cards
- White paper for gift wrap
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by laying down some newspaper or an old tablecloth to protect your surface, and gather all your supplies.
- Fill the tray with shaving cream by spraying an even layer into your tray and spreading it out to create a smooth surface.
- Add your colors by dropping a few small amounts of food coloring or liquid watercolor across the shaving cream.
- Swirl the colors using a popsicle stick to gently blend them, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
- Press the paper by taking a piece of cardstock or white paper and pressing it firmly but gently onto the colored shaving cream, ensuring full contact.
- Scrape off the shaving cream by carefully lifting your paper and using a popsicle stick to remove the excess.
- Let it dry for 5-10 minutes. Once dry, it will be ready to use for cards and gift wrap.
Notes
- Go for unscented shaving cream if you want to avoid any strong or lingering smells.
- Try it out yourself before introducing the activity to kids—it’s such a fun project for adults, too!
- Keep some baby wipes handy for quick and hassle-free cleanup.
- Always supervise kids during an activity.
E @ Act Fast Chef says
Love this! It's an awesome idea that I will have to try with the Toddler 😉
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am your newest follower!
Vicky says
Oriana, thank you so much for the kind words and for the follow!
Vicky says
Jill, I think it would work for kids of all ages. Even over 30. 🙂
Vicky says
Cami, thanks for the follow. I will definitely look into it, thanks for thinking of me.
Oriana from Mommyhood's Diary says
Great blog! You are very creative... I'm taking notes LOL. New follower from the hop.
http://www.mommyhoodsdiary.com
Have a great week!
Ashley S - MD Mama says
What a great idea! Looks like they had lots of fun 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! I'm now following you back 🙂
Jill @ Healthy Kiddo Snacks says
What a terrific project! I know my kids are going to love it. Thanks for the great ideas!
Cami says
What a seriously fun time - wow!!
Thanks for following me - definitely following back 🙂
If you ever want to share any tips for or fun ideas for another blog I run - please let me know! The blog is Baby Pickel. Let me know if it would interest you at all - shoot me an e-mail! 🙂
Happy Tuesday! Again - thanks for the follow!
<3-Cami from First Day of My Life
Vicky says
Jessica, It's so fun, isn't it?
jessicaclarke says
Thanks for stopping by my blog following you back. I love painting with shaving cream we just did it last week. Love the idea of the cards and wrapping paper