DIY Peg Dolls: Tiny Crafts That Fit in Little Hands

I started making peg dolls as a Christmas gift for my 1.5-year-old because I thought they’d fit perfectly in her tiny hands. Watching her play with them made every bit of painting worth it. I made a woodland critter set—bear, fox, and two fairy princesses—because that felt like what she’d love, but you can customize your dolls to any theme or interest. Some dolls came together quickly, while others took more patience, but all of them were so fun to create.

Peg dolls are charming, customizable, and simple enough that you can make them with basic craft supplies. They’re great for toddlers, imaginative play, and even older kids who enjoy crafting their own stories.

How to Make Peg Dolls

1. Pick Your Dolls
Start with plain wooden peg dolls. They come in different sizes, so choose the size that feels right for your project. I tried various sizes, but ended up going with these 3.5" wooden dolls from Amazon, since they seemed like the best option for toddler hands.

2. Sketch Your Design
I found it helpful to do a few quick sketches on paper before to get an idea of what I wanted to do. Once I had that sorted, I sketched the design directly on the wood.

3. Paint
Now's the fun part - paint! I found it easiest to start with the largest area's of paint first.

4. Add the Details
Once I let the first layer dry, I went back in and added details using a fine tip paint brush. You can view my favorite paintbrushes here.

6. Seal Your Work
Finish by sealing the dolls with a clear, non-toxic sealer to protect the paint and keep your dolls looking fresh. I used a satin Mod Podge for the entire doll, and then I went back in with glitter Mod Podge for certain detailed areas.

Why Peg Dolls Are the Perfect Craft

• They’re creative and open-ended. Each doll is a blank canvas for storytelling and imagination.

• Toddlers love them. Small hands make them perfect for play, but they’re also fun for older kids or even adults who just want a cute craft.

• You can make them your own. From paint colors to accessories, each doll is completely customizable.

Materials and Where to Get Them

Here are the supplies I used to make my peg dolls, along with links if you want to grab the same one supplies. You can view my entire list of supplies here, or find individual links below:

• Wooden peg dolls: [Amazon link]

• Acrylic paint (more affordable option): [Amazon link]

• Acrylic paint (more professional option): [Amazon link]

• Fine-tip paint brushes: [Multiple options linked here]

• Satin Mod Podge: [Amazon Link]

• Glittler Mod Podge: [Amazon Link]

Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to. you. I only link products I personally use or love.

How to Make Peg Dolls