50 DIY Christmas Crafts for Kids, Endless Laughter, and Family Bonding
Updated on December 16, 2022
DIY Christmas crafts for kids are a playful and helpful way to keep youngsters entertained and engaged during the holiday season. This article rounds up some of the best homemade Christmas crafting projects for children.
From snowflakes and gingerbread houses to paper ornaments and garlands, countless activities bring the joy of Christmas into homes. Such projects are fun and spark creativity in young minds. There is no need for your kids to limit themselves to traditional materials like construction paper for home crafts since there are many ways to use everyday items like plastic bottles or mason jars for imaginative creations. For example, turn empty toilet paper rolls into Santa Claus or Grinch for a touch of whimsy. Or teach your children about the importance of being eco-friendly by upcycling materials around the house. For instance, turn cardboard boxes into a regular-sized fireplace.
DIY Christmas crafts for kids are better when parents get involved since it is an excellent opportunity for family bonding and creating lasting memories. Here is a list of the homemade Christmas crafting projects for children described in this article:
- DIY polymer clay snowman ornaments
- DIY reindeer clay pot ornaments
- DIY terracotta pot Christmas tree
- DIY cotton ball Santa beard
- DIY scrap fabric tree ornaments
- DIY felt holy pin brooch
- DIY felt bulb garland
- DIY pom-pom painted Christmas tree
- DIY pom-pom angel ornaments
- DIY pom-pom ball ornaments
- DIY clothespin reindeer ornaments
- DIY popsicle stick Santa Claus
- DIY popsicle stick soldiers
- DIY popsicle stick house ornaments
- DIY popsicle stick sled ornaments
- DIY simple popsicle stick snowflakes
- DIY sparkly popsicle stick snowflakes
- DIY Santa Claus origami
- DIY paper Santa bow ornaments
- DIY paper light garland
- DIY paper chain garland
- DIY paper plate snowman head
- DIY paper plate wreath
- DIY paper plate Christmas trees
- DIY paper cup Christmas trees
- DIY toilet paper roll Santas
- DIY toilet paper roll Grinch
- DIY cupcake liner garland
- DIY cardboard fireplace
- DIY pinecone Christmas trees
- DIY pinecone gnomes
- DIY pinecone snowman ornaments
- DIY reindeer mason jar
- DIY snowman mason jar
- DIY pasta Christmas trees
- DIY bow tie noodle wreaths for cards
- DIY marshmallow garland
- DIY candy cane wreath
- DIY peppermint candy ornaments
- DIY decorated candles
- DIY plastic bottle votives
- DIY tea light snowman ornaments
- DIY melted crayon ornaments
- DIY chalkboard ornaments
- DIY thumbprint reindeer ornaments
- DIY fingerprint Santa Claus, sleigh, and reindeer
- DIY fingerprint elves
- DIY ninja turtle ornaments
- DIY penguin ornaments
- DIY Santa slime
Learn more about each homemade Christmas crafting project for kids, including sources with tutorials.
1. DIY polymer clay snowman ornaments
Polymer clay snowman ornaments are a fun DIY Christmas crafting project for kids. Kids love making stuff out of clay since it is easy to manipulate. This homemade project requires polyform clay, twigs, galvanized wire, wire cutters, and ornament hooks or baker’s twine. Check out Rhythms of Play for the complete step-by-step instructions.
2. DIY reindeer clay pot ornaments
Crafting reindeer ornaments from clay pots is a cute Christmas project for children. For this DIY project, you need small-to-medium terracotta flower pots, brown glossy acrylic paint, green satin ribbon, jingle bells, red buttons, googly eyes, tan chenille stems, tacky craft glue, a paintbrush, scissors, and tweezers. Visit Darcy and Brian to check out the full guide.
3. DIY terracotta pot Christmas tree
Making a Christmas tree from terracotta pots is a creative project for kids. To start working on this project, you need mini terracotta flower pots in three sizes, green acrylic paint, glitter foam paper for the star topper, a pipe cleaner to hang the star, and various decorations from your stockpile of crafting materials, such as sticker rhinestones, garland-style ribbon or beaded garland, pom poms, buttons, or sequins. Go to The Best Ideas for Kids for more details.
4. DIY cotton ball Santa beard
Using cotton balls, paper, and a popsicle stick to make a handheld Santa Claus beard is a simple DIY Christmas craft for preschoolers. Head over to East Coast Mommy to download the beard template and check out the directions.
5. DIY scrap fabric tree ornaments
Making Christmas tree ornaments using scrap fabric is an uncomplicated DIY project for children. It is practical for decluttering leftover scrap fabric from previous crafting activities. The supply list for this project includes fabric remnants, yellow buttons, cinnamon sticks, twine, scissors, and a low-temperature hot glue gun. Check out Fireflies and Mudpies for the complete step-by-step instructions.
6. DIY felt holy pin brooch
A felt holy pin brooch is a charming DIY craft project for kids. This homemade project requires green felt, red or pink buttons, thread, a needle, scissors, a pin, and a template for the leaves. Visit Wild Olive to check out the full guide.
7. DIY felt bulb garland
Crafting a colorful bulb garland from felt is a terrific DIY Christmas project for toddlers. This homemade project requires felt in various colors, white felt for tops, Poly-fill or stuffing, coordinating thread for sewing, templates for the bulbs and tops, and a ribbon, string, thread or twine for stringing. Check out Oh Yay Studio for the complete step-by-step instructions.
8. DIY pom-pom painted Christmas tree
A fun Christmas activity for toddlers is painting ornaments on a two-dimensional paper tree with makeshift paintbrushes consisting of clothespins and pom-poms. For this DIY project, you need Christmas-tree-shaped paper or cardstock, clothespins, pom-poms, and paint. Visit Fantastic Fun and Learning to check out the full guide.
9. DIY pom-pom angel ornaments
Teach your kids to craft pom-pom angel ornaments to decorate the Christmas tree! To start working on this project, you need wooden beads in two sizes, silver paint, a paintbrush, pink yarn, black, red and pink markers, and scissors. Check out our guide for more details on making this pom-pom angel ornament.
10. DIY pom-pom ball ornaments
Covering the entire surface of styrofoam balls with colorful pom-poms is a playful DIY Christmas craft for kids. This crafting project uses white tacky glue, craft foam balls, ribbons, pom-poms, paper plates or tin foil, a wooden skewer or a thin paintbrush, a straight pin, and a flat, covered work surface. Go to Crafts by Amanda for more details.
11. DIY clothespin reindeer ornaments
Making reindeer ornaments from clothespins is an easy DIY Christmas crafting activity for the young ones. The supply list for this crafting project includes wooden clothespins, small wiggly eyes, brown felt, tacky craft glue, craft ribbon, tiny jingle bells, and scissors. Head over to Fireflies and Mudpies to learn more.
12. DIY popsicle stick Santa Claus
Making Santa Claus from popsicle sticks is another enjoyable Christmas project for toddlers. This homemade project requires popsicle sticks, glue, googly eyes, felt, cotton balls, and pom-poms. Check out Craftionary for the complete step-by-step instructions.
13. DIY popsicle stick soldiers
One way for kids to use popsicle sticks for DIY Christmas crafting projects is by turning them into soldiers. For this DIY project, you need acrylic paints, hot glue, a gold Sharpie marker, a black fine-point Sharpie marker, a ruler, brushes, and popsicle sticks. Visit Remodelando la Casa to check out the full guide.
14. DIY popsicle stick house ornaments
Have your kids craft a Christmas tree ornament out of popsicle sticks to keep them busy during the holidays. To start working on this project, you need long and short popsicle sticks, green paper, silver paint, a paintbrush, scissors, hot glue, a black marker, red ribbon with white dots, pom-poms, white pipe cleaners, and small pinecones. Get all the details for making this DIY popsicle stick house ornament from our website.
15. DIY popsicle stick sled ornaments
Making two-dimensional sled ornaments from popsicle sticks is a straightforward DIY Christmas crafting project for children. This homemade project requires popsicle sticks, small faux crafting pinecones, red pearled beads, white yarn, green paper, brown paper, a paintbrush, curved nail scissors, and a glue stick. Get the full instructions for making this DIY popsicle stick sled from our website.
16. DIY simple popsicle stick snowflakes
Get your kids involved and craft together simple snowflakes out of popsicle sticks for Christmas decorations. For this DIY project, you need popsicle sticks, hot glue or tacky glue, paint, and mounting tabs to attach the snowflake decorations to any surface. For example, stick the snowflakes to a wall or décor for a festive touch. Go to Sugarbee Crafts for more details.
17. DIY sparkly popsicle stick snowflakes
Making sparkly snowflakes out of popsicle sticks and sequins or beads is a lovely DIY Christmas craft for toddlers. To start working on this project, you need popsicle sticks, a hot glue gun with glue sticks, white glue, washable dot markers, and decorations such as sequins, glitter, buttons, and jewels. Head over to Toddler Approved to learn more.
18. DIY Santa Claus origami
Making tiny Santa Clauses out of origami paper is an elementary DIY Christmas crafting project for toddlers. This tutorial calls for only three materials: rectangular paper strips(origami paper works best) with red and white sides, glue, tiny styrofoam balls, a cutter, and pencils or markers. The folding technique is the most crucial part. Follow the instructions in the Pinterest guide to create a small Santa Claus in seconds. After, make a small hole at one end of a styrofoam ball using the cutter to create a crease for putting on Santa’s hat. Draw black eyes and a pink nose with pencils or markers.
19. DIY paper Santa bow ornaments
Show your kids how to craft paper Christmas tree ornaments shaped like bows that remind them of Santa Claus. This crafting project uses red ribbons, red and black felt, silver foam paper, scissors, and hot glue. Read our full guide for making a DIY paper Santa bow ornament.
20. DIY paper light garland
Crafting a Christmas lights garland out of paper is an awesome DIY activity for children. The supply list for this crafting project includes gray and colored cardstock, a glue gun or paper glue, a hot punch, a scoring blade or another scoring tool, and twine, ribbon, or yarn. Check out Stubbornly Crafty for the measurements and step-by-step instructions.
21. DIY paper chain garland
Creating a paper chain garland in the shape of Santa Claus, a snowman, or a reindeer is an awesome DIY Christmas project for kids. Use the garland to decorate the Christmas tree, an empty wall, or a fireplace mantel. This homemade project requires construction paper and scrap pieces in several colors, buttons, twigs, googly eyes, red and white pom-poms, cotton rounds, tape, a hot glue gun. Visit Hello Wonderful to check out the full guide.
22. DIY paper plate snowman head
Crafting a snowman’s head out of a paper plate is a great DIY Christmas project for preschoolers. For this DIY project, you need orange, red and green paper, a pencil, a black marker, scissors, a glue stick, and googly eyes. View our guide with full instructions for making a DIY paper plate snowman head.
23. DIY paper plate wreath
Making a door wreath from a paper plate with a couple of lit paper candles is a cute DIY Christmas crafting activity for kids. To start working on this project, you need a sparkly red ribbon, a paper plate, scissors, a glue stick, and red, green and orange paper. Follow the instructions for making a DIY paper plate wreath.
24. DIY paper plate Christmas trees
Make Christmas trees from paper plates and use pom-poms as ornaments in this easy DIY crafting project for kids. This crafting project uses paper plates, clear tape, green paint, glue, and multicolored pom-poms. Go to Creative Family Fun for more details.
25. DIY paper cup Christmas trees
Crafting a bunch of miniature Christmas trees from paper cups and buttons is a wonderful DIY activity for preschoolers. The supply list for this crafting project includes green paper cups, gold glitter paper, a star paper punch, ornament strings, glue, a thumbtack and a knitting needle, medium jingle bells, and decorations like pom-poms, buttons, sequins, or beads. Head over to Fireflies and Mudpies to learn more.
26. DIY toilet paper roll Santas
Making tiny Santa Clauses out of toilet paper rolls is a simple DIY Christmas craft for kids. This homemade project requires toilet paper rolls, red, black and peach felt, googly eyes, red pom-poms, yellow buttons, cotton balls, mini red cups, glue, and scissors. Check out CBC Parents for the complete step-by-step instructions.
27. DIY toilet paper roll Grinch
Making Grinch from a toilet paper roll is a simple DIY Christmas crafting activity for kids. For this DIY project, you need an empty toilet paper roll, red and green paper, googly eyes, a cotton pad, a black marker, scissors, a glue stick, and two green fluffy pipe cleaners. Check out our full guide for making a DIY toilet paper roll Grinch.
28. DIY cupcake liner garland
Show your kids how to make a garland from cupcake liners shaped like tiny Christmas trees! To start working on this project, you need a string, small and medium cupcake liners in three colors or patterns, a glue, scissors, sticky tape, measuring tape, and gold stars. Go to Be a Fun Mum for more details.
29. DIY cardboard fireplace
Building a fireplace out of cardboard is a delightful Christmas paper craft for toddlers and preschoolers. It brings the enchantment of a real fireplace into your home without any of the dangers associated with an open fire. To begin, you will need cardboard, scissors or an X-Acto knife, hot glue, spray paint, various craft supplies such as ribbon or pompoms, and additional decorations like small toys or figurines. Check out Goods Home Design for inspiration.
30. DIY pinecone Christmas trees
Making tiny Christmas trees from pinecones is an undemanding DIY crafting activity for kids. This crafting project uses pinecones, white felt, white paint, a paintbrush, wood slices, hot glue, and a black marker. Check out our complete tutorial for making a DIY pinecone Christmas tree.
31. DIY pinecone gnomes
Have your kids craft adorable gnomes from a bunch of pinecones as Christmas decorations! The supply list for this crafting project includes blue batik paper, wooden slices, spun cotton balls, pink paint, a paintbrush, red and black felt, scissors, hot glue, a dotting tool, and white, blue and orange pipe cleaners. Get the full instructions for making a DIY pinecone gnome from our website.
32. DIY pinecone snowman ornaments
Decorating snowman ornaments from pinecones is an adorable DIY Christmas craft that your children will enjoy. This homemade project requires red and black construction paper, a paintbrush, small styrofoam balls, white paint, pinecones, gold string, a glue gun, orange crepe paper, a black felt tip pen, and red and white pipe cleaners. Check out our pinecone snowman ornament guide for the complete step-by-step instructions.
33. DIY reindeer mason jar
Making a mason jar look like a reindeer is a playful Christmas crafting activity for youngsters. It is a great way to create a small decoration for a shelf, windowsill, mantel, or desk. For this DIY project, you need a mason jar, brown felt, a red pom-pom, googly eyes, paper, scissors, a pencil, a glue gun, and a silk ribbon. See our DIY reindeer mason jar guide for the crafting directions.
34. DIY snowman mason jar
Have your kids decorate a mason jar as a snowman as an entertaining DIY Christmas crafting activity. To start working on this project, you need artificial snow, a mason jar, large red pom-poms, red and white pipe cleaners, black buttons, orange air-dry clay, a glue gun, a sponge brush, a decorative mason jar lid, and decoupage glue. Go to Chica Circle for more details.
35. DIY pasta Christmas trees
Making small Christmas trees out of pasta would be a surprising DIY craft design for kids. This crafting project uses thick cardboard paper or thin cardboard, a hot glue gun, shell noodles (conchigliette) or bow-tie noodles (farfalle), glitter, and spray paint. Head over to Crafty Morning to learn more.
36. DIY bow tie noodle wreaths for cards
Have your kids craft tiny wreaths out of noodles and bow ties to attach to Christmas cards! The supply list for this crafting project includes mini bow-tie noodles (farfalline), green paint, a paintbrush, green glitter, a red ribbon, and glue. Check out Crafty Morning for the complete step-by-step instructions.
37. DIY marshmallow garland
Making a garland from marshmallows is a quick DIY Christmas craft project for kids that will transform a window into a gateway to a winter wonderland. This homemade project requires marshmallows, sewing thread, and a needle. Thread the marshmallows together to form long strings, tying knots at the ends to prevent the fluffy treats from falling off. The marshmallows should be a bit hard so that they do not slide off the string, so take them out of the bag and let them breathe for a day or two. Visit Betty Crocker for more info.
38. DIY candy cane wreath
Making a Christmas door wreath out of candy canes is a cool DIY project for kids. To start working on this winter decoration, you need large candy canes, small candy canes or snowflake ornaments, a hot glue gun, and a string or ribbon. Kids can hang the edible wreath on their bedroom door. Go to Crafty Morning for more details.
39. DIY peppermint candy ornaments
Help your kids make edible Christmas ornaments by melting peppermint candies and engage the entire family in this DIY crafting activity. To start working on this project, you need peppermint candies, metal cookie cutters, a non-stick cooking spray, parchment paper, a toothpick or a skewer for poking holes, and twine or ribbon to fasten ornament hangers. Use festive cookie cutters shaped like stars, Christmas trees, tree ornaments, and gingerbread men. Head over to Hello Homebody to learn more.
40. DIY decorated candles
Decorating candles with crayons and doodles is a simple DIY Christmas craft for kids to express their creativity. This crafting project uses plain candles and colorful marker pens for creating joyful designs. Drawing on candles will be exciting for kids to use an uncommon medium that isn’t paper. To give them a task, have the kids personalize each candle for their friends, family members, and teachers to prepare small and meaningful Christmas gifts. For more inspiration, check out Red Ted Art.
41. DIY plastic bottle votives
Making colorful votives from plastic bottles is an easy Christmas handcraft project for kids. The supply list for this crafting project includes Mod Podge Satin, a Mod Podge decoupage brush, tissue paper, scissors, a craft knife, a circle punch, empty plastic bottles, clear tape, and battery-operated tea lights. Visit Handmade Charlotte to check out the full guide. Use the cheerful votives to hold battery-operated tea lights or candies and decorate the dining room table, a fireplace mantel, or a windowsill.
42. DIY tea light snowman ornaments
Making snowman ornaments out of tea light is a nice arts and crafts Christmas project for kids. This homemade project requires battery-operated tea lights, a black and an orange Sharpie, red ribbon, red pipe cleaners, red pom-poms, black felt, and a glue gun. Go to One Little Project for more details.
43. DIY melted crayon ornaments
Decorating glass ornaments with melted crayons is an exciting DIY Christmas crafting activity for kids. For this DIY project, you need clear glass ornaments, crayons, a mini craft knife, protective plastic or newspaper, a hair dryer, and embellishments. Head over to Instructables to learn more.
44. DIY chalkboard ornaments
This DIY Christmas project teaches you how to paint regular ornaments with chalkboard paint for kids to paint or draw with chalk. To start working on this project, you need plastic ornament bulbs, chalkboard paint, a paintbrush, colored chalk or chalk pens, and baker’s twine. Check out A Night Owl for the complete step-by-step instructions.
45. DIY thumbprint reindeer ornaments
Decorating plain Christmas ornaments with reindeer-shaped thumbprints is an easy DIY arts and crafts project for toddlers. This crafting project uses craft paint and a paint brush. Visit Little Bit Funky to check out the full guide.
46. DIY fingerprint Santa Claus, sleigh, and reindeer
This DIY Christmas crafting project for kids shows how to draw Santa Claus with a sleigh and flying reindeer using fingerprints and paints. Go to Crafty Morning for more details.
47. DIY fingerprint elves
Drawing smiling elves using fingerprints is a nice DIY Christmas crafting project for toddlers and preschoolers. The supply list for this crafting project includes green, red and white paint, together with a black marker. Head over to Crafty Morning to learn more. Add the fingerprint elves to Christmas cards or gift tags for a touch of whimsy.
48. DIY ninja turtle ornaments
Making ninja turtle ornaments is an elementary DIY Christmas craft for toddlers and preschoolers. This homemade project requires green ball ornaments, hot glue or Elmer’s glue, googly eyes, and blue, red, orange and purple ribbon. Check out The Crafting Chicks for the complete step-by-step instructions.
49. DIY penguin ornaments
Show your kids how to craft wood slice Christmas ornaments with penguins made from pebbles and dressed with scarves and pom-pom beanies. For this DIY project, you need wood slices, rocks, a pencil, acrylic paints, two paintbrushes, googly eyes, pom-poms, tree bark, small decorative snowflakes, screw eyes, Christmas twine, scissors, and a hot glue gun with glue. Check out the full instructions for making a DIY penguin ornament.
50. DIY Santa slime
Making Santa slime is a gooey and super-fun Christmas crafting activity for children of all ages. To start working on this festive ooze, you need red glitter glue, liquid starch, and cinnamon extract. There are many playful uses for this slime. For instance, kids can squeeze the slime down a small jar or container until their hear fart sounds. Or you can turn the slime into stocking stuffer or party favors in empty jars. Go to Growing A Jeweled Rose for more details.
Conclusion
Overall, the DIY Christmas crafts for kids outlined in this article will help capture the holiday spirit at home while providing hours of entertainment for the entire family throughout the season. Making creative decorations with the youngsters guarantees a memorable experience filled with joyous laughter. It also serves as a unique way of teaching children valuable skills while fostering meaningful, deeper family relationships. For more inspiration, check out these easy crafts for kids.
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