Easy Christmas Craft Projects

Christmas is the perfect time to gather the kids around the craft table and create magical memories together. These fun and inexpensive Christmas crafts are designed to be simple enough for little hands with some adult assistance, helping them create lovely Christmas themed keepsakes that they can treasure throughout the holiday season.

1. Paper Plate Christmas Trees 🎄

What you'll need: Paper plates, green paint, star stickers, cotton balls, child safe stickers & PVA craft glue.

Instructions: Cut a paper plate in half and then 1 of the halves into half again (making sure that one half is larger than the other). Paint the 3 plate sections green. Once dry, let the children assemble the 3 plate pieces into a tree shape (see diagram below). Decorate the tree with cotton ball 'snow' and star stickers.  Don't forget to put a star on top of the tree!

2. Handprint Reindeer Cards 

What you'll need: Brown cardstock, googly eyes, red pom-poms, black marker, child safe scissors and *PVA craft Glue.

Instructions: Trace around your hand on the brown cardboard and then cut out your hand shape with safety scissors to create the reindeer's head and antlers. Write a message on one side for grandparents or a special friend! Stick googly eyes and a red pompom nose on the other side to complete your Christmas reindeer.

3. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes ❄️

What you'll need: Wooden popsicle sticks, white craft paint, paint brush, PVA glue*, glitter, thin ribbon and essential oil (optional).

Instructions: Paint the popsicle sticks white and then glue together in a star pattern. (See diagram). Paint again with a thin layer of *PVA glue and sprinkle with glitter. Once dry tie a ribbon around the snowflake to hang.

Adaptation for older children: Make your snowflakes scented!  Add 1-2 drops of child-safe essential oils to both the white paint and PVA glue before applying it to the snowflakes. Peppermint, orange, or vanilla are great choices for the holiday season! The scent will be subtle and lasting as it's sealed under the glitter.

*White in colour, PVA Glue dries clear and cleans up easily with water. It is non-toxic so ideal for craft activities with children and works particularly well with wood, cardboard and embellishments.

4. Salt Dough Ornaments

What you'll need: 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, festive cookie cutters, craft paints and ribbon

Instructions: Mix ingredients to form dough. Roll out and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Use a straw or pencil to make a hole towards the top of the shape (for hanging). Get an adult to place the shapes on an oven tray and bake at 100°C for 1 - 2 hours. Once cool, paint your salt dough ornaments and then add a ribbon for hanging.

5. Pinecone Christmas Trees 🌲

What you'll need: Pinecones, green paint, glitter, small beads, PVA craft glue and star stickers.

Instructions: Paint pinecones green and let dry. Paint again with a thin layer of the craft glue and sprinkle with glitter. Glue small beads between the 'branches' and add star stickers as decorations. Don't forget to add a star on top! 

Age-Appropriate Adaptations

Ages 2-4: Focus on simple painting, sticking, and decorating activities. Pre-cut any shapes and provide large brushes for gluing and painting.

Ages 5-8: Introduce basic cutting with child-safe scissors and more detailed decorating techniques.

Ages 9+: Encourage independent project completion and more complex construction techniques.

Creating Lasting Memories

These crafts not only provide hours of entertainment but also create fun decorations and gifts that carry the love and effort of little hands! Most importantly, they offer opportunities to slow down during the busy holiday season and focus on what truly matters – spending quality time together as a family.

Happy crafting, and may your holidays be filled with creativity, laughter, and magical family moments!