It’s that time of year where we’re busy shopping for holiday gifts, making yummy meals for family and friends, and watching tons of Hallmark movies to get in the festive spirit (tell me it’s not just me who enjoys these shows that all have very obvious endings!). Our kids are also getting so excited for Christmas outings, holiday lights, trees, and of course, Santa Claus! I find it’s also the perfect time to create lasting memories and traditions with my little guy with cute Christmas crafts. Now, no need to get nervous if you’re not a crafty person; you just need to have the right tools and a little patience, as crafting with kids almost always involves some sort of adventure (or misadventure, however you look at it).
I’m sharing some of my favorite Christmas crafts to make with your kids in the hopes these little keepsakes will bring fond memories of years past each time you look at them. Happy Holidays!
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Salt Dough Ornaments
Click here for instructions from Yummy Toddler Food.
A true classic. This is a great craft to do with babies since you only need a hand or footprint! You can also write an initial or other notes on the ornament with a toothpick. These are always fun to look back at, and see the tiny fingers year after year. Pro tip: Mod Podge the finished product to make it last longer, as these ornaments are known to disintegrate as years go by.
Wooden Forest
Click here for instructions from Studio DIY.
This is a little more involved for the adults, as you’ll have to glue the pieces together, but the finished product will be well worth it! Glitter, paint, and wooden shapes will make a Christmas forest, which can be used during the holidays as décor, and as a bonus, they can be used the remainder of the year as play pieces.
Pinecone Forest
Click here for instructions from Elementary Art Fun.
With a forest in mind, use pinecones easily found outside, and then add some paint and baubles to create a pinecone forest. Use plaster of Paris to make snow mounds, and stick the finished pinecones onto these for a winter wonderland scene. This craft is better for older kids, as it is slightly more messy and involved.
Cookie ‘Dough’
Click here for instructions from Studio DIY.
Cookies go hand-in-hand with the holidays, but depending on your kids’ age, they may not be able to fully assist you. While the adults are making the actual cookies, why not have some colorful holiday playdough ready for the kids to feel like they’re making cookies, too? They’ll be able to play with and cut this into cookie shapes themselves – so fun! This recipe is taste safe for curious kids.
Pom-Pom Filled Ornament
Click here for instructions from Real Life at Home.
Toddlers will enjoy picking up the pom-poms and stuffing them into the ornament, because it feels like a game to them. You can add other seasonal items inside the ornament, as well as decorate the outside with stickers, paint pens, or fingerprint art (lightbulbs, snowmen, etc.). We also like to include a special printed note on the ribbon or inside the ornament. The sky is the limit with this craft, and it can be as simple or ornate as you like.
Snow Globe
Click here for instructions from Sugar Spice and Glitter.
Grab a mason jar, some glitter, water, and your favorite holiday toy and voila, a snow globe is born! Sure to amaze your little ones. To personalize the globe, why not add a picture of your kids on the inside instead of a toy? Pro tip – Super glue the lid on so your children can’t accidentally open the globe and spill water everywhere.
What are your favorite kid-friendly Christmas crafts?
