Christmas Handprint Crafts Ideas are a wonderful way to bring joy and creativity into your holiday celebrations. These crafts use the simple, unique prints of your child’s hands to create festive decorations that are both meaningful and fun to make. Whether you are looking for activities to keep kids busy or special projects to do with the whole family, handprint crafts are perfect for spreading Christmas cheer.
Christmas Handprint Crafts Ideas
Christmas Handprint Crafts Ideas are fun and creative projects that turn kids’ handprints into festive holiday decorations. They make perfect personalized keepsakes and fun family activities for the season.
Handprint Christmas Tree
This simple and cheerful craft turns a child’s handprints into the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s colorful, fun, and makes a great wall or door decoration. Kids love choosing the colors and decorating the “tree” with handmade ornaments. It’s a creative way to capture holiday memories.
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Use green paint for the hands and layer them in a triangle shape.
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Add fingerprint ornaments using different paint colors.
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Top the tree with a yellow star cutout or sticker.
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Use glitter or sequins to make it sparkle.
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Write the child’s name and year at the bottom to remember it.
Handprint Santa Claus
Turn a red handprint into a jolly Santa with a little imagination and craft supplies. The fingers become Santa’s beard, and the palm makes his face. This project is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. It also makes a cute Christmas card.
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Use red paint for the hat and white for the beard.
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Glue on googly eyes and a cotton ball for the nose.
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Let the kids draw a smile or use a red pom-pom for a nose.
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Use white felt or cotton to decorate Santa’s hat.
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Mount the finished handprint on red paper to frame it.
Handprint Reindeer
This adorable reindeer craft uses brown handprints for antlers and a cut-out head or palm print for the face. It’s a great project that kids can personalize with a red nose and big eyes. Hang it on your wall or fridge as a cute holiday reminder.
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Paint the child’s hand brown for the antlers.
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Use a palm print or paper circle for the reindeer’s face.
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Add googly eyes and a red pom-pom for Rudolph’s nose.
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Use pipe cleaners to make 3D antlers.
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Write a festive message like “Merry Christmas” on it.
Handprint Wreath
This fun and festive wreath is made by layering green handprints in a circular shape. It’s perfect for doors or walls and makes a great group craft for classrooms or families. Add a red ribbon to complete the Christmas look.
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Use green construction paper or green painted handprints.
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Overlap handprints in a circle to form the wreath shape.
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Add red dots or pom-poms to look like berries.
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Attach a big red bow at the bottom or top.
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Write each child’s name on a different hand for a family wreath.
Handprint Snowman Family
Create a snowy scene with handprints transformed into a family of snowmen. Each finger becomes a different snowman, making it perfect for families with multiple kids. Display it as a cute snowy painting.
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Paint the palm white and press onto blue paper.
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Let each finger represent a snowman — decorate with hats and scarves.
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Use buttons, markers, or felt for details.
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Add snowflakes using white paint or glitter.
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Label each snowman with a family member’s name.
Handprint Angel
An angel made from a child’s handprint is a sweet and symbolic craft. It works well as a Christmas card or framed gift for grandparents. The handprint becomes the angel’s wings or body, depending on your design.
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Use white paint for the handprint on colored paper.
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Draw or glue a circle for the angel’s head.
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Add a gold halo made of paper, ribbon, or glitter.
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Use lace or doilies for a pretty dress effect.
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Write a short holiday blessing or verse underneath.
Handprint Elf
This playful elf craft brings lots of smiles during the holidays. Kids will enjoy turning their handprint into a tiny helper with a bright green or red costume. It’s great for classroom fun or decorating the fridge.
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Paint the hand green or red and press onto paper.
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Draw a cheerful elf face in the palm area.
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Add a hat with a bell or pom-pom.
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Use felt or foam sheets for 3D details.
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Let kids name their elf and write it below.
Handprint Christmas Lights
This bright and colorful craft is inspired by holiday string lights. Each handprint becomes a different colored light bulb on a painted string. It’s simple, fun, and perfect for decorating long walls.
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Paint hands in many colors and stamp them in a row.
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Connect handprints with a black curvy line to mimic the wire.
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Add white shine spots to make the “lights” glow.
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Use glitter for extra sparkle.
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Try this on a long roll of paper for a banner look.
Handprint Candy Cane
This sweet idea uses red and white handprints to form a candy cane shape. It’s festive and visually fun, making it ideal for younger kids. Great for cards, classroom displays, or tree decorations.
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Alternate red and white painted handprints in a curved shape.
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Use stiff paper or cardboard to support the structure.
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Add glitter glue for a shiny candy effect.
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Tie a ribbon at the top like a real candy cane.
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Let kids write a sweet holiday message on it.
Handprint Grinch
Create a cheeky Grinch using green handprints and a little bit of fun! This craft is a playful way to tie in a Christmas story and a holiday activity. Great for storytelling sessions or themed parties.
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Paint the hand green and press onto paper.
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Draw or glue on mischievous Grinch facial features.
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Add a red Santa hat with a cotton trim.
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Outline the handprint with black marker for definition.
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Use glitter to make the hat pop.
Handprint Stocking
Design a bright red Christmas stocking using handprints as decorative trim. It’s a fun way to mix art and tradition. Kids can personalize their stocking for a festive touch.
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Cut a stocking shape from red paper or cardstock.
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Add white handprints to the top as the fluffy trim.
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Decorate with stickers, names, and holiday shapes.
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Use hole punch and string to hang it.
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Add a note or small treat inside for fun.
Handprint Snow Globe
This magical snow globe features a white handprint as the snowy scene inside the globe. It’s a mix of painting and imagination that kids will love. Frame it or gift it as a winter keepsake.
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Paint a handprint with white paint in the center of a circle.
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Decorate the fingers with snowflakes, trees, or mini snowmen.
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Cut out and mount the circle on a globe-shaped base.
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Add glitter or fake snow around the edges.
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Write the date and child’s name at the bottom.
Handprint Gingerbread Man
Make a yummy-looking gingerbread man using a brown handprint. Kids can decorate it just like a real cookie with buttons and frosting designs. It’s a tasty-looking craft with no baking needed!
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Paint the hand brown and stamp it on paper.
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Draw a smiling face on the palm.
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Add gumdrop buttons with pom-poms or stickers.
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Use white paint or glue for “icing” outlines.
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Display it with other gingerbread crafts for a themed look.
Handprint Nativity Scene
This thoughtful craft uses handprints to tell the story of the Nativity. Create baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and angels using handprints in different colors. It’s a meaningful way to reflect on the reason for the season.
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Use different paint colors to create each figure.
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Add halos or head coverings with gold or fabric scraps.
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Draw a stable or background with markers.
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Label each character for learning.
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Add glittery stars above to complete the scene.
Handprint Christmas Cards
These handmade cards are full of love and creativity. Use your child’s handprint as the main design and decorate it to look like a tree, Santa, or reindeer. Great for gifting to family and teachers.
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Fold cardstock in half and stamp a handprint on the front.
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Add drawings, messages, and stickers.
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Write “Merry Christmas” or another holiday greeting.
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Let kids sign their names for a personal touch.
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Use envelopes and send them to friends and family.
Tips for Crafting with Kids
Crafting with kids is a fun and joyful experience, especially during the holidays. It allows children to explore their creativity, express emotions, and create something meaningful with their own hands. However, to make the experience smooth and safe, it helps to plan ahead. Here are some helpful tips for making your Christmas handprint crafts fun, safe, and memorable:
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Prepare Your Workspace for Easy Cleanup
Cover your table or floor with newspaper, plastic cloth, or old sheets.
Keep paper towels, baby wipes, and trash bins nearby for quick cleanup.
Use washable paints and water-based glues that are easy to clean.
Dress kids in old clothes or aprons to protect their outfits.
Set up all materials in advance so kids can focus on crafting. -
Encourage Creativity and Let Kids Add Their Own Flair
Give kids choices in colors, decorations, and design styles.
Avoid focusing on “perfect” results—celebrate their imagination!
Let them experiment with glitter, stickers, buttons, or recycled materials.
Praise their efforts and display their creations proudly.
Include siblings or friends to make it a shared, creative experience. -
How to Preserve Handprint Crafts
Laminate flat crafts to protect them from damage or fading.
Use clear contact paper or plastic sleeves if a laminator isn’t available.
Frame special handprint artwork to display during the holidays.
Store fragile crafts in labeled boxes to reuse year after year.
Take photos of larger projects to keep memories without storing everything. -
Safety Tips for Using Craft Materials
Always supervise young children when using scissors, glue, or paint.
Choose non-toxic and kid-safe craft supplies labeled “washable” or “child-safe.”
Avoid small pieces (like buttons or beads) for toddlers to prevent choking.
Teach kids to wash hands after using paint or glue.
Keep hot tools (like glue guns) out of reach unless used with adult help.
FAQ
What are Christmas Handprint Crafts Ideas?
Christmas Handprint Crafts Ideas are fun holiday projects where kids use their painted handprints to create festive art like Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and more. These crafts are great for decorating the house or giving as heartfelt gifts.
What age group are Christmas Handprint Crafts Ideas suitable for?
Christmas Handprint Crafts Ideas are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and young kids, typically ages 1–10. Even older children and adults can enjoy them as a fun family activity!
What materials do I need for handprint crafts?
Basic supplies include washable paint, paper or canvas, brushes or sponges, glue, scissors, markers, and decorations like glitter, googly eyes, and stickers.
Are handprint crafts messy?
They can be a little messy, but with proper prep—like covering the workspace and using washable paints—it’s easy to manage and clean up afterward.

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.