Because glitter is chaos and duct tape is overkill.
Ah, summer. That magical time of year when the school bell stops ringing and your kitchen becomes an all-day snack bar/art studio/war zone. If you've ever uttered the words, “Why is there glue on the dog?”—this post is for you.
Parents, guardians, and brave babysitters: It’s time to assemble your Summer Crafting Survival Kit. Sure, you’ve got the construction paper, the googly eyes, and that suspiciously sticky bin of old markers. But you’re missing a low-key MVP...
Spike Tape.
Yes, really.
Wait, What Is Spike Tape Again?
Originally designed for stage productions, film sets, and dance rehearsals, spike tape is thin, colorful, and built to mark positions on floors without leaving behind a sticky mess. But what Broadway didn’t tell you is that it’s also perfect for keeping kids entertained without destroying your home.
7 Reasons Spike Tape Deserves a Spot Next to the Popsicle Sticks
1. Instant Borders for Chaos
Need to keep your little artist from expanding their masterpiece onto your nice table? Use spike tape to outline their “canvas zone.” It peels off clean and gives them visual limits. (Whether they’ll respect them is another issue.)
2. DIY Race Tracks & Hopscotch Indoors
Rainy day? Create custom race tracks for toy cars or a hopscotch grid using different colors of tape. It’s like a living room amusement park—but less noisy.
3. Color-Coded Chore Charts That Don’t Fall Off the Fridge
Design chore grids directly on the wall or door with tape. Use different colors for each kid, each chore, or each level of bribery. Bonus: no more losing printed charts to the great abyss behind the fridge.
4. Label Literally Everything
Cups, bins, toy boxes, snack containers, mysterious cords—spike tape makes a great instant label. Just tear off a strip, write on it, stick it, done. And it actually stays put. Unlike that label maker you lost three years ago.
5. No-Sew Sashes and Superhero Belts
Fashion emergency? Kids need costumes now? Spike tape to the rescue. It’s flexible enough for DIY belts, capes, badges, or accessories. Combine with cardboard and glitter glue if you dare.
6. “Zone Off” the House for Sanity
Create “quiet corners,” “reading zones,” or “no sibling entry” areas using colored tape borders. It’s like interior decorating… for boundaries.
7. Encourage Their Inner Architect
Let your little builder design floor plans, mazes, or cities out of tape. Add toy blocks, LEGOs, or action figures and boom—hours of screen-free fun. (Well, maybe not hours, but you’ll definitely have time to drink your coffee warm.)
Why Spike Tape Beats the Usual Craft Supplies
Unlike masking tape, spike tape is strong but removable—no sticky residue, no ripped paper, no “oops I taped my finger to the cat.” It’s also vibrantly colored, super easy to tear, and 100% made in the USA (if you're using the real deal from Gaffer Power).
Final Verdict: Add It to the Kit
So this summer, alongside your crayons, pipe cleaners, and existential dread, make sure you throw in a few rolls of spike tape. It’s the unexpected hero of kids’ crafts—and it won’t roll under the couch and disappear forever like the glitter glue.
And hey, if your kids don’t get around to using it, no worries. You’ve got a high-performance, pro-grade tape on hand for organizing cables, labeling leftovers, or finally color-coding your garage.
But let’s be honest: You’re using it to mark off your personal “do not disturb” zone.