30 Best Christmas Crafts for Kids

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Christmas crafts for kids bring so much joy to the holiday season! There’s nothing quite like watching little faces light up when they create something special with their own hands.

As a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you’ll love these simple yet delightful projects that turn your home into a festive wonderland while keeping everyone happily busy during the Christmas season.

Why Christmas Crafts Matter for Children’s Development

Before I reveal our amazing collection, let’s talk about why these activities are so valuable. When children work on Christmas crafts for kids, they’re not just having fun, they’re developing crucial skills.

Fine motor skills improve as they cut, glue, and paint. Creativity flourishes when they choose colors and decorations. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making gifts and decorations by hand.

Moreover, crafting together creates precious family memories. Just like the simple Halloween crafts toddlers can actually make, these Christmas projects offer wonderful bonding opportunities that last long after the holidays are over.

Essential Supplies for Your Christmas Crafting Adventure

First things first, let’s gather our basic supplies. Having these items on hand will make your crafting sessions run smoothly:

Basic Materials You’ll Need:

Construction paper in festive colors (red, green, white, gold)
Child-safe scissors
Glue sticks and white school glue
Washable markers and crayons
Paintbrushes (various sizes)
Acrylic paint
Cotton balls and cotton swabs
Pipe cleaners
Popsicle sticks
Ribbon and yarn
Glitter (optional but fun!)
Paper plates
Toilet paper rolls and paper towel tubes

Now, let’s jump into our fantastic collection of christmas crafts for kids that will keep everyone entertained!

1. Paper Plate Santa Face

This adorable Santa craft is perfect for preschoolers and easy enough for toddlers with help.

Materials Needed:

1 paper plate
Red construction paper
Pink construction paper
Cotton balls
Black marker
Glue stick
Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Start by cutting a triangle from red paper for Santa’s hat
Cut a small circle from pink paper for his nose
Help your child glue the hat to the top of the paper plate
Next, glue cotton balls around the bottom edge for Santa’s beard
Add one cotton ball to the tip of the hat
Glue the pink nose in the center
Finally, draw two eyes and a mouth with the black marker

This simple project typically takes about 15 minutes and creates a decoration kids absolutely love showing off!

2. Handprint Christmas Tree Cards

These personalized cards make wonderful gifts for grandparents and family members.

Materials Needed:

Green washable paint
White cardstock
Brown marker
Star stickers or yellow paper
Wet wipes for cleanup

Instructions:

First, fold the cardstock in half to create a card
Paint your child’s hand with green paint
Press the hand firmly onto the front of the card, fingers pointing down
Repeat this process 2-3 times, slightly overlapping to create a tree shape
Once dry, use the brown marker to draw a trunk
Add a star at the top using stickers or cut yellow paper
Let your child write a special message inside

These heartfelt cards become treasured keepsakes that families cherish for years.

3. Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer

Transform everyday items into festive decorations with this creative christmas crafts for kids project.

Materials Needed:

Toilet paper rolls
Brown paint
Red pom-poms
Googly eyes
Brown pipe cleaners
Glue gun (adult use) or strong craft glue
Paintbrush

Detailed Steps:

Begin by painting the toilet paper roll brown and let it dry completely
While waiting, cut two pipe cleaners in half for antlers
Twist each piece to create branched antlers
Once the roll is dry, help your child glue on googly eyes
Attach the red pom-pom nose below the eyes
Carefully make small holes at the top and insert the pipe cleaner antlers
Secure with glue if needed

These adorable reindeer can stand on shelves or hang as ornaments!

4. Construction Paper Christmas Wreaths

This classic craft never goes out of style and helps develop scissor skills.

What You’ll Need:

Green construction paper
Paper plate
Red ribbon
Small red circles (berries)
Scissors
Glue stick

Making Your Wreath:

Cut out the center of a paper plate, leaving a ring
Have your child tear or cut green paper into small pieces
Apply glue all around the paper plate ring
Cover the entire ring with green paper pieces, overlapping slightly
Add red paper circles as holly berries
Tie a red ribbon bow and glue to the bottom
Punch a hole at the top for hanging

This project works well for various age groups and can be adapted based on skill level.

5. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

These delicate-looking decorations are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for window displays.

Supplies Required:

3 popsicle sticks per snowflake
White or silver paint
Glitter (optional)
Hot glue gun (adult supervision)
String for hanging

Assembly Process:

Paint all popsicle sticks and let them dry
Adults should use the hot glue gun to attach sticks in a star pattern
Start with two sticks crossed in an X shape
Add the third stick through the middle, creating six points
While glue is still warm, sprinkle with glitter if desired
Attach string for hanging once completely cool

Just like the 15 easy fall craft ideas for kids we’ve shared before, these seasonal decorations add homemade charm to any space.

6. Coffee Filter Angels

These ethereal angels are surprisingly simple and absolutely beautiful.

Materials List:

Coffee filters
Watercolor markers
Spray bottle with water
Wooden clothespins
Gold pipe cleaners
Clear tape

Creation Steps:

Color the coffee filter with watercolor markers in light colors
Lightly spray with water and watch colors blend
Let dry completely
Gather the filter in the middle and clip with clothespin (this becomes the body)
Wrap gold pipe cleaner around the “neck” area for arms
Twist another piece into a halo shape and attach to the top

These angels make beautiful tree toppers or table decorations.

7. Salt Dough Ornaments

Nothing beats the satisfaction of making ornaments from scratch! This christmas crafts for kids activity creates lasting keepsakes.

Ingredients and Materials:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water
Cookie cutters
Drinking straw
Paint and brushes
Ribbon

Baking and Decorating:

Mix flour and salt in a large bowl
Gradually add water until dough forms
Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness
Use cookie cutters to create shapes
Use straw to make holes for hanging
Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours until hard
Cool completely before painting
Thread ribbon through holes once decorated

These ornaments become family heirlooms that bring back memories year after year.

8. Paper Bag Gingerbread Houses

This three-dimensional craft is less messy than real gingerbread but just as fun!

What You’ll Need:

Brown paper lunch bags
Construction paper
Crayons or markers
Cotton balls (snow)
Small candies or stickers
Glue stick
Scissors

Building Instructions:

Stuff the paper bag with crumpled newspaper
Fold the top into a triangle roof shape and staple
Cover the bag with brown paper to look like gingerbread
Cut and glue on windows, doors, and roof details
Add “snow” with cotton balls
Decorate with paper candies or stickers
Create a whole village by making several houses

9. Pinecone Christmas Trees

Bring nature indoors with these charming mini trees that smell wonderful too.

Supplies Needed:

Pinecones (various sizes)
Green spray paint
Small pom-poms or beads
Craft glue
Small star toppers
Glitter (optional)

Decorating Process:

Spray pinecones with green paint outdoors
Allow to dry completely
Glue small colorful pom-poms between the “branches”
Add a star to the top
Sprinkle with glitter while glue is wet if desired
Display in groups for a miniature forest effect

10. Handprint Wrapping Paper

Create unique, personalized gift wrap that’s almost too pretty to tear open!

Materials Required:

Large sheets of brown kraft paper or white paper
Green and red washable paint
Paper plates (paint palettes)
Wet wipes

Making Custom Wrap:

Spread paper on a large flat surface
Pour paint onto paper plates
Help children dip hands in paint and make prints all over paper
Create patterns by alternating colors
Add finger dots as berries between handprints
Let dry completely before using

This activity is messy but creates one-of-a-kind wrapping that recipients will treasure.

11. Clothespin Angels

Transform ordinary clothespins into heavenly decorations with this simple technique.

Supplies List:

Wooden clothespins
Coffee filters or tissue paper
Markers
Pipe cleaners
Small beads for heads
Glue

Angel Assembly:

Draw a face on the wooden bead
Glue bead to the top of clothespin
Gather coffee filter and glue to back of clothespin for wings
Wrap pipe cleaner around “neck” area for arms
Create halo with small piece of pipe cleaner
Add tiny details with markers

12. Paper Chain Garland

This classic craft teaches patterns and creates beautiful decorations.

What You Need:

Construction paper strips (1 inch wide)
Stapler or glue
Scissors

Chain Creation:

Cut paper into strips of equal width
Show children how to make the first loop
Thread next strip through first loop before closing
Continue until desired length
Hang around doorways or on the Christmas tree

Similarly to our 30 DIY Christmas gifts ideas anyone can make, these handmade decorations add personal touches that store-bought items simply can’t match.

13. Foam Cup Snowmen

These adorable snowmen are perfect for small hands and big imaginations.

Materials Needed:

White foam cups
Orange foam or paper (carrot noses)
Black buttons or circles
Fabric scraps (scarves)
Toothpicks
Markers

Building Your Snowman:

Stack three cups (largest to smallest)
Secure with toothpicks between cups
Cut tiny triangle for nose and attach
Add button eyes and mouth
Wrap fabric scrap around middle cup for scarf
Draw stick arms with marker

14. Candy Cane Mice

Turn candy canes into cute little creatures with this clever christmas crafts for kids idea.

Required Supplies:

Candy canes
Pink felt or foam
Googly eyes
Gray or white pom-poms
Craft glue
Scissors

Mouse Making:

Glue pom-pom to curved end of candy cane
Add googly eyes to pom-pom
Cut small ear shapes from pink felt
Glue ears behind eyes
Draw whiskers with fine marker if desired

These make adorable gifts or tree ornaments!

15. Construction Paper Poinsettias

Create beautiful flowers that last all season long.

Materials List:

Red construction paper
Green construction paper
Yellow paper or small buttons
Scissors
Glue stick
Pencil for tracing

Flower Assembly:

Trace and cut 6-8 petal shapes from red paper
Cut leaf shapes from green paper
Arrange petals in circular pattern, overlapping slightly
Glue petals in place
Add green leaves around edges
Place yellow center in middle

16. Sock Snowmen

Give old socks new life as adorable winter friends.

What You’ll Need:

White tube socks
Rice or beans for filling
Rubber bands
Orange felt
Buttons
Fabric scraps
Permanent markers

Snowman Creation:

Fill sock with rice, leaving some space at top
Tie off with rubber band to create head
Add another rubber band for middle section
Cut small triangle from orange felt for nose
Sew or glue on button eyes and mouth
Add fabric scrap as scarf
Use buttons down the front

17. Paper Plate Christmas Tree

This dimensional tree stands beautifully on tables or shelves.

Supplies Required:

3 paper plates of different sizes
Green paint
Brown construction paper
Star stickers
Small decorations
Stapler

Tree Construction:

Paint all plates green and let dry
Cut each plate in half
Form each half into a cone shape and staple
Stack cones from largest to smallest
Cut trunk from brown paper and attach
Decorate with stickers and small ornaments

18. Fingerprint Christmas Lights

Create glowing decorations using just fingerprints and imagination.

Materials Needed:

Black construction paper
Washable paint (multiple colors)
Fine markers
Wet wipes

Light String Steps:

Draw wavy lines across paper with marker
Help children dip fingers in different colored paints
Press fingerprints along the drawn lines
Clean hands between colors
Once dry, add small details with markers

19. Egg Carton Christmas Trees

Recycle egg cartons into adorable miniature forests.

Required Items:

Cardboard egg cartons
Green paint
Scissors
Small decorations
Glue
Paintbrush

Tree Making:

Cut egg carton into individual cups
Trim edges to create tree shape
Paint green and let dry
Stack 2-3 cups for fuller trees
Glue decorations on branches
Create entire forest scenes

20. Reindeer Handprint Art

Capture little hands forever with this sweet keepsake craft.

What You Need:

Brown paint
White paper
Googly eyes
Red pom-pom
Black marker
Wet wipes

Handprint Process:

Paint child’s hand brown
Press firmly on paper with fingers spread wide
Let dry completely
Add googly eyes to thumb area
Glue red pom-pom as nose
Draw mouth and antler details

This christmas crafts for kids project creates precious memories parents will treasure forever.

21. Paper Cup Bell Ornaments

Transform simple cups into beautiful ringing decorations.

Materials Required:

Paper or plastic cups
Gold or silver spray paint
Ribbon
Small jingle bells
Hole punch
Decorative elements

Bell Creation:

Spray paint cups and let dry
Punch hole in bottom of cup
Thread ribbon through hole from inside
Tie jingle bell to end of ribbon inside cup
Create loop at top for hanging
Add decorative touches as desired

22. Melted Crayon Ornaments

Create beautiful stained-glass effects with this fascinating technique.

Supplies Needed:

Clear plastic ornament balls
Crayon shavings
Hair dryer
Funnel (optional)

Melting Process:

Remove top from clear ornament
Add crayon shavings inside
Replace top
Use hair dryer to heat ornament gently
Watch crayons melt and swirl
Let cool completely before handling

Safety note: Adult supervision required for this activity.

23. Cotton Ball Snow Globes

Create magical winter scenes without water or mess.

Materials List:

Clear plastic containers
Cotton balls
Small Christmas figures
Glue
Glitter
Blue construction paper

Snow Globe Assembly:

Glue Christmas figures to lid of container
Fill jar with cotton balls (snow)
Add glitter for sparkle
Carefully place lid on jar
Invert so figures are on bottom
Decorate outside with blue paper

24. Peppermint Plate Craft

Combine art and the sweet smell of peppermint in this delightful project.

Required Materials:

Paper plates
Red and white paint
Cotton swabs
Peppermint extract (optional)

Peppermint Creation:

Paint entire plate white as base
While wet, use cotton swabs to create red spiral design
Let dry completely
Add drop of peppermint extract for scent
Display as decoration or use as place settings

25. Bottle Cap Wreaths

Give bottle caps new purpose as miniature decorations.

What You’ll Need:

Metal bottle caps
Green paint
Small red beads
Ribbon
Drill (adult use)
Wire

Wreath Steps:

Paint bottle caps green
Adults drill small hole in each cap
Thread wire through holes to form circle
Glue red beads as berries
Add ribbon bow
Hang as ornaments or gift decorations

26. Paper Bag Reindeer

Transform lunch bags into adorable reindeer puppets.

Supplies Required:

Brown paper bags
Construction paper
Googly eyes
Red pom-poms
Glue stick
Scissors

Puppet Making:

Keep bag folded flat
Cut antler shapes from brown paper
Glue antlers to top of bag
Add googly eyes
Attach red pom-pom nose
Draw mouth on flap
Use as puppet or decoration

27. Tin Can Luminaries

Create beautiful light displays with recycled materials.

Materials Needed:

Clean tin cans
Hammer and nail
Towel
Battery-operated tea lights
Paint (optional)

Luminary Steps:

Fill cans with water and freeze overnight
Place towel around frozen can
Use hammer and nail to create design patterns
Remove ice once holes are complete
Paint if desired
Add battery lights inside

Important: Adult supervision required for hammering.

28. Yarn Christmas Trees

These soft, textured trees add cozy charm to holiday displays.

Required Items:

Cardboard cones
Green yarn
Craft glue
Small decorations
Scissors

Tree Wrapping:

Start at bottom of cone
Apply glue to small section
Wrap yarn tightly around cone
Continue until entire cone is covered
Secure end with extra glue
Add small decorations as ornaments

29. Cookie Cutter Suncatchers

Create colorful window decorations that catch beautiful light.

Materials List:

Large cookie cutters
Colored tissue paper
Contact paper
Scissors
Hole punch
Ribbon

Suncatcher Steps:

Cut contact paper slightly larger than cookie cutter
Remove backing from half the contact paper
Let children place tissue paper pieces on sticky surface
Cover with second piece of contact paper
Trim around cookie cutter shape
Punch hole and add ribbon for hanging

30. Handprint Christmas Wreath

End our collection with this beautiful keepsake that captures growing hands.

Final Craft Supplies:

Green paint
Large white paper
Red ribbon
Wet wipes
Markers

Wreath Instructions:

Paint child’s hand green
Make handprints in circle pattern on paper
Overlap prints to create full wreath shape
Let dry completely
Add red ribbon bow at bottom
Write child’s name and year inside wreath

This final christmas crafts for kids project creates a treasured memory that families will display year after year.

Tips for Successful Christmas Crafting Sessions

Now that we’ve covered 30 amazing projects, let’s talk about making your crafting sessions successful and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Setting Up Your Space

Creating the right environment makes all the difference. Choose a well-lit area with plenty of workspace. Cover surfaces with newspaper or plastic tablecloths for easy cleanup. Have wet wipes readily available, and dress children in old clothes or smocks.

Managing Different Age Groups

When crafting with multiple children of varying ages, consider having older kids help younger ones. Prepare simpler versions of crafts for toddlers while letting older children add more details. Remember that the goal is fun, not perfection.

Making It Educational

These christmas crafts for kids offer wonderful learning opportunities. Practice counting with ornaments, discuss colors and patterns, and talk about Christmas traditions from different cultures. You can find more inspiration by checking out our creative ideas on Pinterest where we share even more seasonal projects.

Preserving Your Christmas Craft Memories

Don’t forget to document these special moments! Take photos of children working on their projects, and create a scrapbook or photo album of your holiday crafting adventures. These pictures become precious memories that families treasure for generations.

Consider creating an annual tradition where you make one special ornament each year. Over time, you’ll build a collection of handmade decorations that tell the story of your family’s growth and creativity.

Conclusion: Making Magic with Simple Materials

The beauty of christmas crafts for kids lies not in perfection, but in the joy of creating together. These 30 projects offer endless opportunities for family bonding, skill development, and holiday magic. From simple paper plate Santas to elaborate salt dough ornaments, each craft provides a chance to slow down, be present, and create something beautiful with your own hands.

Remember that the best part isn’t the finished product – it’s the laughter, conversation, and memories made along the way. These handmade treasures will remind you of little hands working carefully, proud smiles when projects are complete, and the special warmth that comes from creating holiday magic together.

So gather your supplies, embrace the mess, and dive into these wonderful christmas crafts for kids. Your holiday season will be filled with creativity, joy, and beautiful homemade decorations that make your celebration uniquely yours. The memories you create will last long after the last ornament is packed away, becoming part of your family’s cherished holiday traditions.

Happy crafting, and may your holiday season sparkle with creativity and joy!