10 Fun and Festive Christmas Craft Ideas For Kids

Tis the season for festive creativity, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by engaging in delightful Christmas crafts with your little ones? These craft ideas not only promise entertainment but are also effortlessly easy for kids to bring to life. So, gather your art supplies and let the joyful crafting festivities commence!

10 Christmas Craft Ideas For Kids

Paper Plate Santa Claus

Creating a Paper Plate Santa Claus is a fun and simple craft that’s perfect for kids. Transform a simple paper plate into the jolly old man himself – Santa Claus! Kids can use construction paper, cotton balls, and markers to bring their Santa to life. This craft not only encourages creativity but also helps develop fine motor skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a Paper Plate Santa Claus:

Materials Needed:

• Paper plates
• Red and white construction paper
• Cotton balls
• Googly eyes
• Red pom-pom (for the nose)
• Black felt or construction paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Markers or crayons (optional for additional decorations)

To Make:

Cut Shapes:

• A red triangle for Santa’s hat.
• A white strip for the hat’s trim.
• Cut a black strip for Santa’s belt.
• Cut black ovals for Santa’s boots.

Assemble Hat:

• Glue the white trim to the bottom of the red triangle.
• Attach the hat to the top rim of the paper plate.

Facial Features:

• Glue googly eyes onto the plate.
• Attach a red pom-pom for Santa’s nose.

Belt and Boots:

• Glue the black belt across the plate.
• Attach the black ovals to the bottom for Santa’s boots.

Cotton Beard:

• Glue cotton balls along the bottom of the plate for Santa’s beard.

Optional Decorations:

• Add details like rosy cheeks or a mouth with markers or crayons.

Dry and Display:

• Allow the glue to dry completely.
• Display or hang your Paper Plate Santa Claus for festive cheer.

Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree

Let your kids craft their own mini Christmas tree ornaments using popsicle sticks. They can paint the sticks in festive colors, add glitter, and glue on sequins or beads to create unique decorations for the tree.

Materials Needed:

• Popsicle sticks
• Green paint
• Paintbrush
• Glue
• Small decorations (sequins, buttons, pom-poms)
• Craft paper or foam sheets
• Scissors
• Ribbon or twine (optional for hanging)

To Make:

Paint Sticks:

• Paint popsicle sticks green and let them dry.

Assemble Tree:

• Glue sticks together in a triangle shape to form the tree.

Decorate:

• Glue on small decorations as ornaments.

Create Trunk:

• Cut and glue a craft paper rectangle for the trunk.

Add Topper (Optional):

• Glue a star or shape to the top.

Let It Dry:

• Allow the glue to dry completely.

Hanging Loop (Optional):

• Attach a ribbon or twine for hanging.

Display or Gift:

• Display your popsicle stick Christmas tree or gift it to spread holiday cheer.

Salt Dough Ornaments

Combine 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of flour, and 1/2 cup of water to create a simple salt dough. Roll it out, cut festive shapes, and bake to create ornaments that can be painted and hung on the tree for years to come.

Materials Needed:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup warm water
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Drinking straw or toothpick
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes
• Ribbon or twine

To Make:

Mix the Dough:

• In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and warm water. Knead until a smooth dough forms.

Roll Out the Dough:

• On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut Out Shapes:

• Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Create a small hole at the top of each shape using a drinking straw or toothpick for hanging.

Bake:

• Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 hours or until hardened. Let them cool completely.

Paint:

• Once cooled, paint the ornaments with acrylic paints. Let the paint dry completely.

Add Details:

• Get creative by adding details with different colors, patterns, or even handprints.

Seal (Optional):

• If desired, seal the ornaments with a clear varnish or Mod Podge for longevity.

Attach Ribbon:

• Thread a ribbon or twine through the hole and tie a knot for hanging.

Display or Gift:

• Hang the salt dough ornaments on your tree, use them as gift tags, or give them as heartfelt, handmade gifts.

Jingle Bell Bracelets

Create jingle bell bracelets using pipe cleaners and colorful jingle bells. This craft not only engages children in the creative process but also adds a touch of holiday music to their attire.

Materials Needed:

• Jingle bells in various sizes
• Pipe cleaners or stretchy cord
• Small beads (optional)
• Scissors

To Make:

Gather Materials:

• Collect jingle bells in different sizes, pipe cleaners or stretchy cord, small beads (optional), and scissors.

Cut Pipe Cleaners:

• If using pipe cleaners, cut them to the desired bracelet length. For stretchy cord, measure and cut according to wrist size, leaving extra for tying.

Thread Jingle Bells:

• Thread jingle bells onto the pipe cleaner or stretchy cord. If you want, intersperse small beads between the bells for added decoration.

Create a Loop (Pipe Cleaner):

• For pipe cleaners, twist the ends together to create a loop and secure the bells. Trim any excess pipe cleaner.

Tie Knot (Stretchy Cord):

• If using stretchy cord, tie a secure knot to hold the jingle bells in place. Trim any excess cord.

Adjust and Customize:

• Slide the bells along the pipe cleaner or cord to adjust spacing. Add more bells or beads if desired.

Wear or Share:

• Slip the bracelet onto your wrist and enjoy the festive jingling sound. Make additional bracelets to share with friends or family.

Gift or Decorate:

• These jingle bell bracelets make great gifts or can be used as festive decorations for holiday gatherings.

Yarn-Wrapped Christmas Tree

Creating recycled yarn Christmas trees is a sustainable and festive craft project that repurposes old materials into charming holiday decorations. Follow these steps to make your own recycled yarn Christmas trees:

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard or foam cone
• Yarn scraps or old yarn in various colors
• Craft glue or hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Assorted decorations (optional)
• Star or tree topper (optional)

To Make:

Prepare the Cone:

• If using cardboard, cut it into a cone shape. If using a foam cone, it’s ready to use.

Start Wrapping Yarn:

• Apply a small amount of craft glue at the base of the cone to anchor the yarn.

Begin wrapping the yarn around the cone, securing it with glue intermittently. Ensure even coverage.

Continue Wrapping:

• Continue wrapping the yarn until the entire cone is covered. Adjust the tightness to your liking, making it denser for a fuller look.

Secure the End:

• When you reach the top, secure the end of the yarn with glue. Cut off any excess yarn.

Add Decorations (Optional):

• If desired, glue on decorations like mini ornaments, bows, or beads. Get creative with your embellishments.

Create a Tree Topper (Optional):

• Craft a star or use a small decorative item as a tree topper. Glue it to the top of the yarn-wrapped cone.

Let It Dry:

• Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the yarn-wrapped Christmas tree.

Display:

• Place your yarn-wrapped Christmas tree on a tabletop, mantel, or as part of a festive centerpiece.

Christmas Light Jars

Creating Christmas light jars is a simple and charming craft that adds a warm and festive glow to your holiday decor.

Materials Needed:

• Mason jars or glass jars
• String lights (battery-operated)
• Artificial snow or Epsom salt (optional)
• Decorative ribbon or twine
• Craft glue
• Small ornaments or figurines (optional)

To Make:

Prepare the Jars:

• Ensure the jars are clean and dry before starting the craft.

Add Snow (Optional):

• If desired, sprinkle a small amount of artificial snow or Epsom salt into the bottom of each jar for a snowy effect.

Arrange String Lights:

• Coil the string lights and place them inside the jars. Arrange them to your liking, making sure the battery pack is accessible.

Secure Lights:

• Use craft glue to secure the end of the string lights to the inside of the jar’s lid. This prevents them from moving around.

Decorate the Lid:

• Decorate the outside of the jar’s lid with ribbon or twine. Tie it in a bow for a festive touch.

Add Ornaments (Optional):

• Place small ornaments or figurines inside the jar, arranging them around the string lights.

Secure Lid:

• Screw the lid back onto the jar, ensuring it’s tightly secured.

Turn on the Lights:

• Turn on the string lights, and watch as your Christmas light jars illuminate with a warm and festive glow.

Display:

• Arrange the Christmas light jars on a mantel, tabletop, or as a centerpiece for a cozy holiday atmosphere.

Optional Personalization:

• Get creative by personalizing the jars with additional decorations, like bows, labels, or hand-painted designs.

Button Snowman

Creating a button snowman is a delightful and easy craft that’s perfect for the holiday season. This project is not only fun for kids but also a charming addition to your winter decorations. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a button snowman:

Materials Needed:

• Assorted white buttons (Three buttons in different sizes)
• Black buttons (small)
• Orange buttons or small orange beads
• Black felt or construction paper
• Glue (craft glue or hot glue)
• Small scrap of fabric or ribbon
• Googly eyes (optional)
• Cardboard or heavy paper (optional)

To Make:

Gather Buttons:

• Collect an assortment of white buttons for the snowman’s body. Find smaller black buttons for the eyes.

Arrange Buttons:

• Lay out the white buttons in a vertical row, starting with the largest button at the bottom and decreasing in size as you move up.

Glue Buttons:

• Using glue, attach the buttons to a flat surface, overlapping them slightly to form the snowman’s body.

Create Eyes and Mouth:

• Cut small circles from black felt or construction paper for the eyes. Optionally, you can use small googly eyes. Cut a small, curved shape for the mouth.

Add Carrot Nose:

• If you don’t have orange buttons, cut a small triangle from orange felt or use small orange beads for the snowman’s carrot nose.

Attach Fabric or Ribbon:

• Cut a small strip of fabric or ribbon and tie it around the snowman’s “neck” to create a scarf.

Make Arms (Optional):

• Cut small strips from black felt or construction paper to create the snowman’s arms. Glue them on either side of the snowman.

Create Hat (Optional):

• Cut a hat shape from black felt or construction paper. Glue it onto the top button as the snowman’s head.

Let It Dry:

• Allow the glue to dry completely.

Mount on Cardboard (Optional):

• For added stability, you can mount the button snowman on a piece of cardboard or heavy paper.

Display:

• Display your charming button snowman on a shelf, mantle, or use it as a festive decoration.

Yarn Stars

Making yarn stars is a lovely and creative way to add a touch of whimsy to your holiday decorations. These stars can be used as ornaments, garlands, or even gift toppers. Here’s a simple guide on how to make yarn stars:

Materials Needed:

• Yarn in various colors
• Cardboard or sturdy paper
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Craft glue

To Make:

Prepare Materials:

• Gather yarn in the colors you want for your stars, cardboard or heavy paper, craft glue, scissors, and optional ribbon or twine.

Create Star Template:

• Draw a star shape on the cardboard or heavy paper. You can find star templates online if needed.

Cut Out Star:

• Cut out the star shape from the cardboard or heavy paper. This will be the base for wrapping the yarn.

Secure Yarn:

• Apply a small amount of craft glue at one point of the star. Place the end of the yarn in the glue to secure it.

Start Wrapping:

• Begin wrapping the yarn around the star, making sure to cover the entire surface. You can change colors or create patterns as you go.

Secure End:

• Once you’ve covered the entire star, secure the end of the yarn with glue. Trim any excess yarn.

Optional Hanging Loop:

• If you want to hang the yarn star, attach a loop of ribbon or twine to one of the star points before securing the end of the yarn.

Let It Dry:

• Allow the glue to dry completely.

Make More Stars:

• Repeat the process to create additional yarn stars in various sizes and colors.

Display:

• Display your yarn stars on a mantel, as a wall decoration, or hang them from a festive garland.

Felt Wreath

Creating a felt wreath is a delightful and festive craft that allows for creativity and personalization. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a felt wreath:

Materials Needed:

• Styrofoam wreath form (available at craft stores)
• Felt sheets in various colors (green for the wreath base, and additional colors for decorations)
• Fabric scissors
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Ribbon or twine for hanging
• Buttons, beads, or other embellishments (optional)

To make:

Prepare Wreath Form:

• If using foam, leave it as is. For a wire form, consider wrapping it with green felt or ribbon as a base.

Cut Green Felt Strips:

• Cut green felt into strips (1-2 inches wide). Adjust the length based on the wreath form size and desired fullness.

Wrap the Wreath:

• Glue one end of a green felt strip to the wreath form. Wrap it around, securing with glue as needed. Continue until the wreath is covered.

Create Felt Decorations:

• Cut out shapes from different colored felt for decorations. Common shapes include holly leaves, berries, or small ornaments.

Glue on Decorations:

• Arrange and glue the felt decorations onto the wreath. Add optional embellishments like buttons, beads, or bells for extra flair.

Make a Bow (Optional):

• Create a bow using ribbon or felt strips. Attach it to the wreath for a festive touch.

Attach Hanging Ribbon:

• If you want to hang the wreath, attach a loop of ribbon or twine to the top.

Allow Glue to Dry:

• Let the glue dry completely before handling or hanging your felt wreath.

Display or Gift:

• Hang your felt wreath on a door, wall, or use it as a centrepiece. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for the holidays.

Pasta Christmas Tree

Creating a pasta Christmas tree is a fun and festive craft that’s easy for kids and adults alike. This craft allows for creativity and customization, making it a delightful holiday project. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a pasta Christmas tree:

Materials Needed:

• Different shapes and sizes of pasta (penne, fusilli, bowtie, etc.)
• Green acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Cardboard or heavy paper
• Craft glue
• Small decorative items (optional)
• Ribbon or twine for hanging

To Make:

• Paint the Pasta:
• Lay out various pasta shapes on a disposable surface.
• Use a paintbrush to coat the pasta with green paint. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
• Experiment with different shades of green for a more dynamic look.

Let Pasta Dry:

• Allow the painted pasta to dry completely before handling.

Create Tree Base:

• Cut a triangular shape from cardboard or heavy paper to serve as the tree base.

Glue Painted Pasta:

• Apply craft glue to the painted pasta pieces.
• Arrange and glue the pasta onto the cardboard triangle, starting from the bottom and working your way up to form the tree shape.

Decorate (Optional):

• Add small decorations like buttons, sequins, or beads to represent ornaments on the Christmas tree.

Create Tree Topper (Optional):

• Craft a star or use a small decorative item as a tree topper. Glue it to the top of the pasta tree.

Attach Hanging Ribbon (Optional):

• If you want to hang the ornament, attach a ribbon or twine to the back of the cardboard triangle, securing it with glue.

Let It Dry:

• Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the pasta Christmas tree.

Display or Gift:

• Once dry, your Pasta Christmas Tree is ready to be displayed on a tabletop or hung as a festive ornament. It also makes a unique handmade gift.

Discover a budget-friendly array of festive Christmas decoration ideas suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. These 10 Christmas craft ideas tailored for kids are sure to amplify the magic of your holiday season. Embrace the joy of crafting as a family and forge lasting memories with these delightful and imaginative projects. Wishing you a cheerful crafting experience and happy holidays!