Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids: 10 Simple Ideas to Make at Home
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December is full of excitement, and crafting is a lovely way to channel it. These 10 easy Christmas crafts need only simple supplies and can be made at the kitchen table in an afternoon. They also double as homemade gifts and decorations.
As always, supervise younger children with scissors, glue and anything small, and choose child-safe, non-toxic materials. Protect the table with newspaper and keep wet wipes nearby.
1. Paper snowflakes
Fold a square of white paper into quarters, then into a triangle. Snip small shapes along the edges, then unfold to reveal your snowflake. Hang them in a window with tape or string. They are cheap, quick and no two are alike.
- Plain white paper: Square sheets are the easiest to fold.
- Child-safe scissors: Rounded tips for small hands.
2. Salt dough ornaments
Mix two cups of plain flour, one cup of salt and about one cup of water until you have a smooth dough. Roll it out, cut shapes with cookie cutters and make a small hole for hanging. Bake at a low heat until hard, then decorate with paint once cool. They keep for years as keepsakes. Salt dough is not edible, so keep it away from pets and very young children.
- Christmas cookie cutters: Use stars, trees and gingerbread shapes.
- Washable acrylic paint: Bright colours for decorating.
3. Handprint reindeer
Paint your child’s hand brown and press it onto paper with the fingers pointing down as antlers. Add googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose. Frame it or turn it into a card for grandparents.
- Googly eyes and pom-poms: Adds character in seconds.
- Washable paint: Easy to clean from little hands.
4. Pine cone trees
Collect pine cones on a winter walk. Paint the tips green or white and glue a small star to the top. Display them on a windowsill or use as place settings.
- Craft glue: A non-toxic, washable formula.
- Glitter or sequins: A little sparkle goes a long way.
5. Paper plate wreaths
Cut the centre from a paper plate. Paint the ring green and glue on torn paper leaves and red berries. Add a ribbon loop to hang it up.
- Paper plates: Cheap and sturdy.
6. Homemade Christmas cards
Fold coloured card in half and let children decorate with stickers, stamps and drawings. Write a message together. Handmade cards are always treasured by relatives.
- Blank cards and envelopes: Ready to decorate.
- Christmas stickers: Easy and fun for little ones.
7. Popsicle stick stars
Glue six lollipop sticks into a star shape, then decorate with paint and glitter. Add string to hang on the tree.
- Craft sticks: Colourful and sturdy.
8. Cotton wool snowmen
Draw a snowman outline on blue paper. Glue on cotton wool for the body and add buttons, a scarf and a hat from scraps.
- Cotton wool balls: Soft and easy to glue.
9. Jar lanterns
Wrap the outside of a clean jar in tissue paper using diluted glue. Once dry, place a flameless tea light inside for a soft glow.
- Tissue paper: Layers create a stained-glass effect.
- Flameless tea lights: Safe for children.
10. Gift tags
Cut small shapes from card, punch a hole and tie on string. Let the children draw patterns and write names. They will feel proud when their tags appear on the presents.
- Hole punch and string: Simple finishing touches.
Tips for stress-free crafting
Prepare materials in advance, keep expectations relaxed and focus on fun rather than perfection. Put on some festive music and let children lead. Store finished crafts in a labelled box so they can be enjoyed again next year.
Frequently asked questions
What are the easiest Christmas crafts for toddlers?
Handprint art, sticker cards and painting pre-cut shapes work well. Always supervise closely.
How long do salt dough ornaments last?
If dried and sealed properly, they can last for many years, though they should be kept away from damp.
Where can I find craft inspiration?
Look to nature, books and your own family traditions for simple ideas.
