The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, creativity, and family togetherness. Engaging kids in DIY Christmas projects not only sparks their imagination but also creates lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for simple crafts or festive decorations, here are some fun and easy ideas that kids of all ages can enjoy.
1. Handprint Christmas Cards
Supplies Needed:
- Construction paper
- Washable paint
- Glitter, stickers, markers
Handprint cards are a personal and heartfelt way for kids to express their holiday wishes. Have them dip their hands in washable paint, press onto construction paper, and decorate the prints as Santa, Christmas trees, or reindeer. Add a sweet holiday message inside for a thoughtful card to give family and friends.
2. DIY Popsicle Stick Ornaments
Supplies Needed:
- Popsicle sticks
- Paint and brushes
- Glue
- Googly eyes, buttons, ribbons
Transform simple popsicle sticks into festive ornaments. Create Christmas trees by gluing sticks into a triangle, painting them green, and adding button “ornaments.” Alternatively, kids can make reindeer using brown paint, googly eyes, and a red pom-pom for Rudolph’s nose. These ornaments make charming additions to the tree.
3. Mason Jar Snow Globes
Supplies Needed:
- Small mason jars
- Mini figurines (Santa, snowman, trees)
- Glitter
- Water and glycerin
Let kids create their own magical winter wonderlands! Glue a figurine to the jar lid, fill the jar with water, glitter, and a drop of glycerin to slow the falling glitter, then seal it. Shake and watch their excitement as snow falls inside their handmade globe.
4. Festive Paper Chains
Supplies Needed:
- Colored construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
Paper chains are a classic and simple craft that younger kids especially love. Cut strips of construction paper, loop them into circles, and secure with glue or tape. Create red and green chains to drape around the tree, fireplace, or doorways for an instant festive touch.
5. Salt Dough Ornaments
Supplies Needed:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Cookie cutters
- Paint and string
Mix up a batch of salt dough, roll it out, and let kids use cookie cutters to shape stars, snowflakes, or hearts. Poke a hole at the top for hanging, then bake. Once cooled, decorate with paint and string. These ornaments are perfect keepsakes for years to come.
6. Cotton Ball Snowman Craft
Supplies Needed:
- White cardstock or paper
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Markers and colored paper
Draw the outline of a snowman on a piece of paper and let kids fill it in with cotton balls. Add a carrot nose, buttons, and a scarf cut out from colored paper. This craft is easy, fluffy, and full of wintry fun!
7. Christmas Tree Pinecones
Supplies Needed:
- Pinecones
- Green paint
- Small beads or pom-poms
- Glue
Gather pinecones from the yard or a craft store and paint them green. Once dry, decorate them with beads or pom-poms to resemble ornaments. These tiny Christmas tree replicas can be displayed on shelves or used as table centerpieces.
8. DIY Holiday Wreaths
Supplies Needed:
- Paper plates
- Green tissue paper
- Glue
- Red ribbon or stickers
Cut the center out of a paper plate to create a wreath base. Kids can crumple green tissue paper into balls and glue them onto the plate. Add a red ribbon bow or stickers to complete the festive look.
9. Recycled Jar Luminaries
Supplies Needed:
- Empty jars
- Tissue paper
- Mod Podge or glue
- Battery-powered tealight candles
Recycle old jars into glowing luminaries. Cover jars with tissue paper pieces using Mod Podge, let dry, and place a tealight inside. These luminaries are a fun way to add soft lighting to your home during the holidays.
10. Santa Hat Cones
Supplies Needed:
- Red and white paper
- Glue
- Cotton balls
Make mini Santa hats by rolling red paper into cones and gluing them shut. Add cotton balls at the tip and around the base for a fluffy, festive touch. These hats are great for decorating tables or attaching to gifts.
11. DIY Advent Calendars
Supplies Needed:
- Small paper bags or envelopes
- Stickers, markers
- String and clothespins
Create a countdown to Christmas with a personalized advent calendar. Kids can decorate each bag or envelope, number them 1–25, and fill them with small treats or messages. Hang them on a string for a festive and interactive display.
12. Felt Gingerbread Houses
Supplies Needed:
- Felt sheets
- Glue
- Sequins, buttons, ribbon
Skip the mess of real gingerbread houses and make felt ones instead! Cut out gingerbread house shapes from felt, and let kids glue on buttons, ribbons, and sequins for decoration. These houses are durable and can be reused year after year.
13. Snowflake Cutouts
Supplies Needed:
- White paper
- Scissors
- Glitter (optional)
Teach kids to fold and cut paper into intricate snowflake patterns. Decorate the snowflakes with glitter for a sparkling effect. Hang them on windows or string them together for a wintry garland.
14. Holiday Button Art
Supplies Needed:
- Canvas or cardstock
- Buttons in various colors
- Glue
Let kids arrange and glue buttons to create holiday shapes like a Christmas tree, wreath, or snowman on a canvas. This craft is simple yet creates colorful and textured art for your home.
15. Candy Cane Reindeer
Supplies Needed:
- Candy canes
- Pipe cleaners
- Googly eyes and pom-poms
Transform candy canes into adorable reindeer. Wrap pipe cleaners around the curved top for antlers, glue on googly eyes and a red pom-pom for Rudolph’s nose, and voilà! These can double as cute edible gifts.
16. Jingle Bell Bracelets
Supplies Needed:
- Jingle bells
- String or pipe cleaners
Thread jingle bells onto a string or pipe cleaner to make festive bracelets. Kids will love jingling around the house with these musical accessories.
Tips for a Fun Crafting Session
- Prepare Ahead: Set up a crafting station with all materials ready to go.
- Keep it Age-Appropriate: Tailor projects to your child’s age and skill level.
- Embrace the Mess: Use washable supplies and lay down newspaper to keep cleanup stress-free.
- Celebrate Creativity: Let kids add their personal touch, even if it’s not picture-perfect.
Conclusion
Christmas DIY projects are an excellent way to spend quality time with your kids during the holidays. These simple crafts not only keep little hands busy but also add a personal touch to your holiday décor. Gather your supplies, put on some Christmas music, and let the creative fun begin!
