Your Christmas craft guide
If you’re hunting for kids christmas craft ideas that bring your holiday decor to life, you’ve landed in the right spot. In this ultimate guide, you’ll find simple DIY Christmas decoration ideas that fit every skill level and every age group. From paper trees to edible ornaments, these fun projects will spark creativity and make lasting memories.
Craft supplies you’ll need
Before you dive in, gather these basics. Most items you’ll already have at home or can pick up in a single trip:
- Construction paper or cardstock (various colors)
- Scissors (child-safe included)
- White glue or school glue
- Hot glue gun (adult only)
- Paints and brushes (acrylic or tempera)
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Glitter, sequins, or small beads
- Fabric scraps or felt pieces
- Clothespins and popsicle sticks
- Toilet paper rolls or cardboard tubes
- Buttons, ribbons, and yarn
- Flour, salt,t and water (for salt dough)
- Cookie cutters, rolling pin,n and baking supplies
With your workspace prepped and supplies on hand, let’s get crafting.
Festive paper crafts
DIY paper Christmas tree
Transform simple cardstock into vintage-style Christmas trees. This one’s super-easy to make and customize, making it a fun activity to involve kids (A Hundred Affections).
- Fold a square of cardstock in half diagonally, then in half again.
- Cut small triangular notches along the folded edges.
- Unfold and gently spread the layers, pulling each layer toward the center.
- Secure the trunk with a small strip of paper or a clothespin at the base.
- Decorate with paint, glitter, or tiny pom-poms.
Line them up on a mantel or use skewers to turn them into a woodland tabletop display.
Paper snowflakes
Classic, quick, and endlessly customizable, paper snowflakes are a staple. Here’s a streamlined approach:
- Fold an 8½×11 sheet into thirds, then fold in half.
- Trim the top diagonally to create a triangle.
- Cut shapes (triangles, circles, stars) along the edges.
- Carefully unfold to reveal your pattern.
Hang from a string across a window or tape to the wall for an instant winter wonderland.
Cozy fabric crafts
No-sew fabric snowman
Turn scraps into a cuddly snowman ornament with zero sewing skills required:
- Cut two circles from white felt or fabric (one small, one medium).
- Layer the circles and dot glue along the edges, leaving a small opening.
- Stuff with cotton or scrap fabric, then seal with more glue.
- Glue on tiny button eyes, an orange felt nose, and a ribbon scarf.
These snowmen make sweet gift toppers or tree buddies.
Recycled holiday crafts
Clothespin snowflakes
Upcycle wooden clothespins into striking snowflake ornaments. Just remove the springs, glue six clothespin halves in a star shape, then paint white or metallic (A Hundred Affections). Add a loop of string to hang on branches or gift bags.
Toilet paper roll ornaments
Don’t toss that cardboard tube. Here’s how to turn it into festive decor:
- Flatten the tube and cut into ½-inch rings.
- Curve each ring into a petal and secure with glue.
- Cluster five petals to form a flower or six for a star.
- Paint, glitter, and add a ribbon loop.
Scatter them on your tree or string them into a garland.
Edible holiday crafts
Christmas cookies
Baking doubles as a craft when kids join in decorating. Use gingerbread, sugar, or shortbread dough and these tips:
- Pre-bake simple shapes: stars, trees, gingerbread people.
- Set out bowls of icing in piping bags and an array of sprinkles.
- Encourage kids to experiment with patterns and colors.
Display on a festive platter or wrap in cellophane as edible gifts.
Salt dough ornaments
Salt dough is cheap, kid-friendly, and bakes into durable keepsakes:
- Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup of salt, and about 1 cup of water into a stiff dough.
- Roll out on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut shapes with cookie cutters, and poke a hole for hanging.
- Bake at 200°F for 2–3 hours until dry.
- Paint, varnish, and thread with ribbon to hang.
Crafting by age group
To tailor projects to your child’s skill level, lean on age-appropriate ideas drawn from the “75+ Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids” collection (Gathered).
Preschooler crafts
- Fake snow sensory play made from baking soda and conditioner
- Handprint wreaths and paper plate baubles
- Salt dough handprint ornaments
Keep sessions under 30 minutes to match their attention span.
Kid-friendly crafts
- Button-tree collage on cardstock
- Popsicle stick reindeer or stars
- Easy snow slime in a jar
- Recycled paper straw wreaths
These projects boost fine motor skills and encourage recycling.
Teen crafts
- Instant-print sloth Christmas cards
- Marbled wrapping paper with Japanese Suminagashi
- Sewing felt gingerbread houses
- Pom-pom wreaths and macramé stars
- Origami festive figures
Offer more freedom to experiment with patterns and techniques.
Frequently asked questions
What are easy Christmas crafts for toddlers?
Opt for sensory-rich, low-prep projects. Fake snow play, handprint paintings, and salt-dough handprint ornaments are perfect. Supervise closely and keep glue and small bits out of reach.
How can I involve kids safely in crafts?
Use child-safe scissors, non-toxic glue, and washable paints. Always supervise hot glue or baking steps. Set up a clear workspace and lay down a newspaper or a craft mat.
What basic supplies should I keep on hand?
Stock up on paper, glue, scissors, markers, fabric scraps, and recycled materials like cardboard tubes. A small stash of buttons, ribbons, and pom-poms goes a long way.
Can I use recycled materials for Christmas crafts?
Absolutely. Clothespins, popsicle sticks, toilet paper rolls, and old buttons make fantastic art supplies. Recycled crafts teach kids about sustainability,y too.
How do I store and display handmade crafts?
Use clear boxes or zipper bags to protect ornaments. Create a dedicated craft shelf or branch display for paper and fabric projects. Rotate items each year to rediscover past creations.
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