Christmas crafts for kids are a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season while keeping children engaged and happy. These fun activities allow kids to use their creativity to make beautiful decorations and gifts. Besides being enjoyable, Christmas crafts help develop fine motor skills as children practice cutting, gluing, and painting. They also encourage a sense of holiday spirit by getting kids excited about Christmas traditions and family time.
Christmas Crafts for Kids
Christmas crafts for kids are fun activities that spark creativity and bring holiday cheer. They help kids build fine motor skills while enjoying the festive spirit of Christmas.
Paper Snowflakes
Making paper snowflakes is a classic Christmas craft that kids love. It’s simple and helps them practice cutting skills. Kids can decorate windows or use the snowflakes as gift tags. This craft encourages creativity and patience as no two snowflakes are the same.
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Use white or colored paper for variety
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Fold the paper carefully before cutting
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Show kids simple patterns to cut along
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Use child-safe scissors
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Hang finished snowflakes with tape or string
Christmas Cards
Creating handmade Christmas cards is a great way for kids to share holiday wishes. They can draw, paint, or use stickers to decorate. This craft allows kids to express feelings and personalize messages for family and friends. It’s also a wonderful gift idea.
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Use thick paper or cardstock for durability
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Provide markers, glitter, and stamps
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Encourage kids to write their own messages
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Fold cards neatly for a clean look
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Let kids decorate envelopes too
Pinecone Ornaments
Pinecone ornaments bring a touch of nature into holiday decor. Kids can paint them or add glitter to make them shine. This craft is easy and uses materials found outside, making it fun to collect pinecones first. Pinecone ornaments look great on Christmas trees or as gifts.
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Gather clean, dry pinecones
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Use non-toxic paint and glue
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Add ribbons or string for hanging
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Let kids sprinkle glitter carefully
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Allow time for paint and glue to dry
Paper Chains and Garlands
Paper chains and garlands are simple, colorful decorations kids enjoy making. They help develop fine motor skills as kids cut and link paper strips. Kids can use different colors to match holiday themes. These garlands brighten up any room or Christmas tree.
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Use colorful construction paper
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Pre-cut strips for younger kids
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Teach how to loop and glue or tape strips
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Make garlands longer for bigger spaces
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Mix in shapes like stars for variety
Handprint Christmas Trees
Handprint Christmas trees are personal and fun keepsakes. Kids paint their hands and press them on paper in a tree shape. Then they can add decorations like stars or dots to finish. This craft is great for memory-making and easy enough for toddlers.
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Use washable, non-toxic paint
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Help kids spread their fingers for tree shape
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Add paper stars or stickers as decorations
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Write the child’s name and date on the craft
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Use green paint for the tree and other colors for decorations
Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer
Toilet paper roll reindeer are cute, eco-friendly crafts. Kids decorate empty rolls with paint, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners for antlers. This craft encourages imagination and recycling. Reindeer make perfect Christmas decorations or gifts.
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Use brown paint or wrap rolls in brown paper
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Attach googly eyes and pom-pom noses
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Twist pipe cleaners to create antlers
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Glue small bows or bells for extra fun
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Use hot glue carefully or help younger kids
Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are easy to make and can be baked at home. Kids shape the dough into stars, hearts, or trees and decorate with paint or glitter after baking. These ornaments are durable and make lovely keepsakes.
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Mix flour, salt, and water to make dough
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Roll out dough to even thickness
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Use cookie cutters for shapes
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Bake ornaments on low heat until hard
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Paint and add ribbon for hanging once cool
Painted Rock Ornaments
Painting rocks is a creative and simple craft that kids enjoy. Smooth rocks become colorful Christmas ornaments or paperweights. This craft encourages painting skills and imagination. Kids can create designs like snowmen, Santa, or holly leaves.
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Collect smooth, flat rocks
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Use acrylic or washable paint
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Paint simple Christmas designs or patterns
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Let rocks dry completely before handling
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Add a ribbon or glue magnet on the back
Egg Carton Christmas Lights
Using egg cartons to make Christmas lights is a fun recycled craft. Kids paint each cup bright colors and string them together. This craft brightens any room and teaches kids about reusing materials. It’s safe and enjoyable for all ages.
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Cut egg carton cups individually
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Paint in different bright colors
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Use a string or yarn to connect lights
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Glue a paper clip or hook to hang
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Let paint dry fully before stringing
DIY Christmas Gift Tags
Making gift tags lets kids personalize presents for family and friends. They can use stamps, drawings, or stickers to decorate small pieces of cardstock. This craft is quick and adds a special touch to gifts.
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Cut cardstock into small tag shapes
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Punch a hole for ribbon or string
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Use markers, glitter, or stickers for decoration
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Write names or messages clearly
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Tie tags to gifts with colorful ribbon
Leaf and Twig Decorations
Leaf and twig decorations bring a natural look to Christmas crafts. Kids can collect leaves and twigs to glue on cards or make simple wreaths. This craft connects kids to nature and inspires creativity.
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Collect clean, dry leaves and twigs
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Use glue sticks or craft glue
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Arrange leaves and twigs in fun shapes
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Add small decorations like berries or beads
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Frame the decoration or hang with string
Playdough Christmas Shapes
Using playdough to create Christmas shapes is a soft, sensory craft. Kids can mold trees, stars, and snowmen with their hands. This craft promotes creativity and fine motor development. Plus, it’s easy to clean up!
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Provide red, green, white, and blue playdough
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Use cookie cutters for holiday shapes
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Encourage kids to add details with tools or fingers
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Let creations air dry or keep for reuse
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Store playdough in airtight containers
Handmade Christmas Stockings
Making Christmas stockings is a fun sewing or gluing craft for kids. Using felt or fabric, kids can cut shapes and decorate stockings with glitter, buttons, or pom-poms. This craft makes a special decoration and gift holder.
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Use felt for easy cutting and gluing
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Pre-cut stocking shapes for younger kids
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Provide glue or safe sewing needles
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Decorate with buttons, sequins, or fabric paint
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Add a loop for hanging
Salt Dough Keepsakes
Salt dough keepsakes are personalized crafts where kids imprint their hands or feet before baking. These make meaningful gifts and holiday decorations that families treasure. It’s simple and fun for all ages.
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Roll out salt dough evenly
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Press hand or foot gently into dough
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Cut around imprint with a knife
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Bake at low temperature until hard
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Paint or write names and dates after baking
Glittery Star Ornaments
Glittery star ornaments add sparkle to Christmas trees. Kids can cut stars from cardboard and cover them with glue and glitter. This craft is simple and makes beautiful decorations. It encourages fine motor skills and creativity.
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Cut star shapes from thick cardboard
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Brush glue evenly on the star
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Sprinkle glitter generously
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Shake off excess glitter
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Attach a string for hanging
Safety Tips and Materials Needed
When kids are doing Christmas crafts, safety is just as important as fun. Using the right materials and giving proper supervision helps make the crafting time enjoyable and worry-free. Choosing age-appropriate supplies and planning for clean-up will keep things organized and safe for everyone involved.
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Use Non-Toxic Materials and Child-Safe Tools
Always check that paints, glues, and markers are labeled non-toxic. Use child-safe scissors with blunt ends and avoid any small items that could be a choking hazard for younger kids. -
Choose Age-Appropriate Craft Supplies
Pick simple crafts for younger kids with fewer small parts. Older children can handle more detailed crafts with cutting or hot glue (with adult help). Match the craft difficulty to the child’s age and skill level. -
Provide Close Supervision
An adult should always be nearby, especially if scissors, glue guns, or small decorations are used. Guide kids step-by-step and help them when needed to avoid any accidents. -
Prepare for Easy Clean-Up
Cover the work surface with newspaper or a plastic sheet. Keep wet wipes, paper towels, and trash bags close by. Have kids wear old clothes or aprons to protect from paint and glue. -
Teach Safe Crafting Habits
Show kids how to hold scissors safely and remind them not to run while crafting. Encourage them to clean up after themselves and wash their hands after using paints or glue.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure a safe and happy crafting experience for all ages during the Christmas season.
FAQ
What are some easy Christmas crafts for young children?
Simple crafts like paper snowflakes, handprint Christmas trees, and paper chains are perfect for young kids. They use basic materials and are fun, safe, and easy to make.
What materials are safe to use with kids for Christmas crafts?
Use non-toxic glue, child-safe scissors, washable paints, construction paper, and natural items like pinecones. Always check labels to ensure materials are safe for children.
How can I keep the mess under control while crafting with kids?
Cover the table with newspaper or a plastic sheet. Have kids wear aprons or old clothes. Keep wipes and trash bags nearby for quick clean-up.
How much supervision do kids need during these crafts?
Young children should always be closely supervised, especially when using scissors, glue, or paint. Older kids can work more independently but still need occasional guidance.

Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.