Introduction to Kids Christmas Crafts
The holiday season is my favorite time to get crafty with my kids. There’s something magical about sitting around the kitchen table with colorful supplies spread out everywhere, Christmas music playing in the background, and little hands working diligently on handmade treasures. I’ve found that **DIY kids Christmas crafts** not only keep my children entertained during the holiday break but also help create meaningful gifts that friends and family cherish far more than store-bought items.
When my daughter was five, she made her grandmother a lopsided clay ornament that honestly looked nothing like the reindeer it was supposed to be. But seven years later, that misshapen creation still holds the place of honor on Grandma’s tree. That’s the power of handmade gifts from little ones!
Beyond creating heartfelt presents, crafting with kids during the holidays teaches them valuable skills. They learn patience, following instructions, creative problem-solving, and the joy of giving something they’ve made with their own hands. I’ve watched my once-frustrated toddler develop into a patient crafter who understands that beautiful things take time and effort.
Let me share eight simple DIY kids Christmas crafts that have been hits in our home. These projects are accessible for various age groups (with appropriate supervision), use affordable materials, and create gifts that recipients will genuinely appreciate.
1. Handmade Christmas Cards
Christmas cards were my gateway into holiday crafting with kids. When my son was just two, I let him finger paint on folded construction paper, and voilà—we had our first handmade cards! As your children grow, these can become more sophisticated.
- Materials needed: Cardstock or construction paper, markers, crayons, stickers, glitter (if you’re brave!), ribbon scraps, buttons, and glue
- Basic steps: Fold cardstock in half, let kids decorate the front with a holiday theme, and write a personal message inside
- Age-appropriate variations: Toddlers can use stickers or fingerprints; older kids can create pop-up elements or practice calligraphy
Pro Tip: I’ve learned (the hard way) to put a plastic tablecloth under all crafting projects involving glue or glitter. It makes cleanup so much easier and prevents permanent damage to your furniture!
2. Festive Ornaments
Homemade ornaments have become our family tradition, with each child making at least one new ornament every year. They make perfect gifts for grandparents, teachers, and neighbors.
- Salt dough ornaments: Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 cup water. Roll out, cut with cookie cutters, poke a hole for hanging, and bake at 250°F for 2 hours. Once cool, kids can paint and decorate.
- Popsicle stick creations: Arrange popsicle sticks in shapes like stars or snowflakes, glue together, and decorate with paint, glitter, or small embellishments.
- Clear plastic ornaments: Fill clear plastic ball ornaments with colorful pom-poms, ribbon scraps, or even small toy figures for a snow globe effect.
Last year, my son made salt dough handprint ornaments for his grandparents, and I nearly cried seeing how much smaller his hands were in the previous years’ versions. These become precious keepsakes that track their growth.
3. Personalized Gift Wrap
Store-bought wrapping paper is nice, but nothing beats the charm of paper decorated by little hands. This Christmas craft for kids doubles as a practical item that showcases their creativity.
- Materials needed: Kraft paper or white butcher paper, paints, markers, stamps, sponges, potatoes (for potato stamps)
- Pattern ideas: Handprints, potato-stamped stars or trees, sponge-dabbed snowflakes, or simple marker drawings
- Finishing touches: Add natural elements like twine instead of ribbon, or attach a small ornament to the package
Pro Tip: Create an assembly line with your kids—one decorates the paper, another wraps the gifts, and another adds name tags. This makes the process more efficient and gives each child a special role.
4. Holiday Themed Picture Frames
Picture frames make wonderful gifts, especially when they contain a photo of the child who made them. I still have the popsicle stick frame my daughter made in preschool, complete with glued-on macaroni painted gold.
- Materials needed: Wooden or cardboard frames, paint, glue, decorative items (buttons, sequins, small pinecones, fabric scraps)
- Theme ideas: Winter wonderland with cotton ball “snow,” Santa’s workshop with small toy elements, or nature-inspired with pinecones and twigs
- Photo options: Include a recent photo of your child, a family picture, or a drawing they’ve made
I’ve found that dollar stores are treasure troves for inexpensive plain frames that make perfect bases for this project.
5. DIY Scented Candles
This project is better suited for older children (with close supervision), but even younger kids can help with certain steps. The result is a lovely gift that brings warmth and fragrance to any home.
- Materials needed: Soy wax flakes, wicks, essential oils, mason jars or heat-safe containers, decorative items for the outside of the jar
- Holiday scent combinations: Cinnamon and orange, pine and vanilla, or peppermint
- Decoration ideas: Tie ribbon around the jar, attach a cinnamon stick to the outside, or let kids decorate the jar with paint pens before adding the wax
Pro Tip: Always supervise closely when working with melted wax, and consider letting younger children only decorate the containers while adults handle the hot wax portion.
6. Christmas Cookie Jars
Cookie jars combine crafting with baking, making them perfect for food-loving recipients. My kids love creating the layered look and designing the recipe tags.
- Materials needed: Mason jars with lids, ingredients for cookies (flour, sugar, chocolate chips, etc.), decorative fabric, ribbon, recipe cards
- Assembly: Layer dry ingredients in the jar, creating distinct colored layers. Seal tightly.
- Decoration: Cover the lid with fabric secured by a ribbon, attach a handwritten recipe card with baking instructions
One year, we made hot chocolate jars instead, layering cocoa powder, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes. They were a huge hit with my children’s teachers!
7. Custom Jewelry
Handmade jewelry is perfect for grandmothers, aunts, or family friends. Even young children can string beads with some assistance, while older kids can create more complex designs.
- Materials needed: Beads in various sizes and colors, elastic cord or jewelry wire, clasps (for older kids’ projects), charms
- Project ideas: Simple beaded bracelets, necklaces with a special charm, or earrings for more advanced crafters
- Personalization options: Use letter beads to spell names or messages, or incorporate birthstone colors
I still wear the mismatched bead bracelet my son made me three Christmases ago. It’s not exactly fashionable, but it’s one of my most treasured accessories!
8. Painted Flower Pots
This DIY Christmas craft creates a gift that keeps on giving, especially when paired with a small plant or seed packets.
- Materials needed: Terracotta pots, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, sealer spray, potting soil, and plants or seeds
- Design ideas: Holiday characters, winter scenes, abstract patterns, or handprints
- Plant pairings: Succulents (low maintenance), herbs for a kitchen windowsill, or flower bulbs that will bloom later
Pro Tip: Apply a clear sealer after the paint dries to protect the design, especially if the pot will be used outdoors or watered regularly.
My daughter once painted a pot with tiny fingerprint Christmas lights all around the rim. We planted paperwhite bulbs in it for her teacher, who sent us a photo when they bloomed in January—a lovely post-holiday surprise!
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are safe for kids to use in crafts?
Safety should always be your priority. Look for non-toxic, washable art supplies labeled specifically for children. For younger kids, avoid small items that could be choking hazards. I always check product labels for age recommendations and supervision requirements. Water-based paints, child-safe scissors, and school glue are generally good choices for most ages.
How can I ensure my child’s safety while crafting?
Always supervise children during crafting sessions, especially when using tools like scissors. Create a designated crafting space away from pets and younger siblings who might grab materials. Have a first aid kit nearby, and be particularly cautious with hot glue guns, which I reserve for older children or adult use only. I also make sure my kids know not to put craft materials in their mouths.
What are some quick cleanup tips for after crafting?
Cleanup used to be my crafting nightmare until I developed a system! I now place a plastic tablecloth or old sheet under all projects. I keep baby wipes handy for quick hand cleaning, especially with paint or glue. Having a dedicated “drying area” where projects can sit undisturbed has saved many creations from being accidentally smudged. I also involve the kids in cleanup as part of the crafting process—it teaches responsibility and makes the whole experience more manageable.
How can I make crafting more fun for my kids?
Turn on festive music, serve special snacks, or create a little friendly competition for who can make the most creative design. I’ve found that telling stories about the recipients while we craft helps my kids connect emotionally to what they’re making. Also, don’t hover too much—some of their most creative work happens when I step back and let them experiment without too much direction.
What are some eco-friendly crafting ideas?
We try to incorporate recycled materials whenever possible. Empty toilet paper rolls become napkin rings, old Christmas cards get cut up for gift tags, and outgrown clothes provide fabric scraps. Nature items like pinecones, twigs, and dried orange slices make beautiful decorations. I also look for biodegradable glitter alternatives and water-based, non-toxic paints to reduce our environmental impact.
