Shrink Plastic Charms: A Kid Gift Project Step by Step

By Kelly · Updated 2026-10-17

Shrink plastic is a specialty film that hardens and thickens when exposed to heat, reducing to approximately one-third of its original size. This transformation makes it an ideal medium for children to create durable, miniature charms for keychains, necklaces, and zipper pulls.

Essential Supplies for Shrink Plastic Projects

• Shrink plastic sheets (frosted or clear)
• Permanent markers (for clear plastic) or colored pencils (for frosted plastic)
• Standard 1/4 inch hole punch
• Parchment paper and a flat cookie sheet
• 7mm metal jump rings
• Needle-nose pliers
• Sharp scissors

Hand-Drawn Portrait Charms

ages 5+ · 30 min · about $5

• Frosted shrink plastic sheets
• Prismacolor colored pencils
• 1/4 inch hole punch
• Scissors
• Metal lobster claw keychain clips
• 7mm jump rings

1. Draw a portrait or figure on the rough side of the frosted plastic, keeping the design under 4 inches wide.
2. Color the design heavily with colored pencils; the color will become much more saturated once the plastic shrinks.
3. Use the hole punch to create a hole at the top of the design, ensuring it is at least 1/4 inch from the edge so it does not snap.
4. Cut out the shape with scissors, smoothing any sharp corners which can become prickly once hardened.
5. Place the charm on a parchment-lined cookie sheet in an oven preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Watch the oven closely; the plastic will curl and then flatten within 1 to 2 minutes. Remove once flat.
7. Once cooled for 5 minutes, use pliers to attach the jump ring and keychain clip through the hole.

Abstract Pattern Necklaces

ages 3+ · 20 min · about $3

• Clear shrink plastic sheets
• Sharpie permanent markers in multiple colors
• 1/4 inch hole punch
• 18-inch waxed cotton cord
• 7mm jump rings
• Large circular object for tracing

1. Trace a 3-inch circle onto the clear plastic sheet using a cup or container lid as a guide.
2. Let the child fill the circle with dots, lines, or scribbles using permanent markers.
3. Cut the circle out and punch a hole near the top edge before baking.
4. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes, ensuring the piece has fully flattened before removing.
5. Allow the plastic to cool completely until it is hard to the touch.
6. Open a jump ring with pliers, loop it through the hole, and thread the waxed cord through the ring.

If your charms come out of the oven slightly wavy, immediately press them with a flat-bottomed spatula or a heavy book while they are still warm to ensure a perfectly flat finish.

Safety and Sizing Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for several stages of this project. Use sharp scissors to cut the plastic, as dull blades can cause the material to crack. The baking process happens quickly and involves a hot oven; a grown-up should handle all tray movements and oversee the cooling process. Be aware that most brands of shrink plastic are not archival; for long-lasting gifts, avoid exposing finished charms to prolonged direct sunlight or harsh chemicals.