🎄 15 Christmas Crafts For Kids To Make
🛠️ The Ultimate Maker's Toolkit
I've tested thousands of craft tools over the years. Whether you are quilting, crafting, or building mixed-media art, these are the top 5 absolute non-negotiable tools I personally recommend to guarantee professional results.
🪡 SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
The sewing community highly recommends this as the ultimate "bulletproof" entry-level machine. Its heavy metal frame powerfully pushes through thick denim and heavy quilt layers that would instantly jam a standard plastic machine.
✂️ Fiskars 8" Orange-Handled Scissors
Never settle for dull dollar-store blades. Wirecutter repeatedly names Fiskars the absolute best all-purpose craft scissor due to its legendary precision-ground blades and an ergonomic grip that prevents hand-cramping.
🔥 Gorilla Dual Temp Hot Glue Gun
Named Wirecutter's top choice because it literally does the work of two tools. It features dual-temperature settings offering low heat for delicate florals and blistering high heat for heavy wood adhesion repairs.
🖌️ Mod Podge Waterbase Gloss Sealer
The absolute undisputed champion of decoupage and paper crafts. Experts rely exclusively on this exact water-based formula because it glues, seals, and finishes beautifully without yellowing or flaking over time.
🎨 Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint (2 oz)
The quintessential, incredibly inexpensive craft paint. Woodworkers and hobby painters swear by its smooth flow and matte finish, providing massive value and remarkably thick color coverage on rough surfaces.
Got kids with energy levels set to merry-chaotic? Hand them glue sticks and let the crafts do the babysitting. These ideas are cute, doable, and won’t require a second mortgage in supplies. Bonus points if glitter doesn’t end up on the dog.
1. Pom Pom Snowman
Soft, squishy, and adorable—like a marshmallow with personality. Kids stack white pom poms, add a felt scarf, and glue on googly eyes.
- Use white pom poms, felt scraps, and mini buttons.
- Glue on a tiny orange paper triangle for the carrot nose.
Pro tip: Make a mini hat from a bottle cap and black paint. It looks fancy with zero effort.
It works because the textures are fun and the steps are simple.
2. Paper Plate Wreath
A wreath so easy, even the snack break won’t interrupt it. Cut the center out of a plate and decorate the ring.
- Glue green tissue paper squares for leaves.
- Add red pom poms as berries and a ribbon bow.
Pro tip: Use a hole punch at the top and loop yarn for instant hanging power.
It works because it looks festive with minimal cutting.
3. Salt Dough Ornaments
Classic, cheap, and keepsake-worthy. Mix flour, salt, and water, then cut shapes.
- Bake, cool, and paint with acrylics.
- Stamp names or handprints before baking.
Pro tip: Poke hanging holes with a straw so ribbon slides right in.
It works because kids love making something that actually goes on the tree.
4. Handprint Reindeer Cards
The cutest reindeer is your kid’s hand. Trace, cut, and glue onto folded cardstock.
- Use brown paper for the handprint and red pom pom for the nose.
- Draw antlers and add googly eyes.
Pro tip: Outline with a black marker for crisp, framed edges.
It works because it doubles as a card and a keepsake.
5. Glitter Pinecone Trees
Nature, but make it sparkly. Pinecones transform into tiny trees with a little color.
- Paint them green and dab white for snow.
- Dot with glitter glue and top with a paper star.
Pro tip: Glue the cone to a jar lid as a sturdy base.
It works because kids get texture, shine, and fast gratification.
6. Paper Chain Countdown
A countdown that won’t ask “Are we there yet” every hour. Kids build and tear off a link each day.
- Cut red and green strips of paper.
- Staple or tape into loops linked together.
Pro tip: Write kind acts or mini activities inside each link.
It works because it’s visual, interactive, and tradition-ready.
7. Sock Snowmen
No sewing, just cozy chaos. Fill a white sock with rice, tie off sections, and decorate.
- Add buttons, sharpie face, and a scrap-fabric scarf.
- Make a hat from the sock cuff.
Pro tip: Use rubber bands for shaping, then hide them with ribbon.
It works because squishy snowmen are irresistible.
8. Stained Glass Tissue Stars
Fake stained glass, real wow. Kids stick colorful tissue to contact paper.
- Cut a star frame from black paper.
- Sandwich tissue between two contact sheets.
Pro tip: Trim edges for clean lines and smooth corners.
It works because windows become instant art galleries.
9. Cinnamon Stick Tree Ornaments
Smells like a bakery, looks like a tree. Wrap ribbon around a cinnamon stick.
- Use green ribbons for branches, trimming them to a triangle shape.
- Add a tiny star at the top and a loop for hanging.
Pro tip: Dot with mini gems as ornaments for sparkle.
It works because it hits sight, scent, and simplicity.
10. Yarn-Wrapped Candy Canes
No actual sugar, still sweet. Kids wrap pipe cleaners in yarn for soft candy canes.
- Use red and white yarn on candy-cane bent pipe cleaners.
- Tie ends so they don’t unravel.
Pro tip: Add a bow and a name tag for gift toppers.
It works because it’s rhythmic and mess-light.
11. Santa Beard Countdown
Silly and satisfying. Santa’s beard grows with cotton balls each day.
- Print or draw a Santa face with numbered beard spaces.
- Glue one cotton ball per day.
Pro tip: Swap in pom poms if cotton goes MIA.
It works because it blends crafting and anticipation.
12. Cookie Cutter Print Art
Paint without drama. Dip metal cookie cutters in paint and stamp patterns.
- Use tree, star, and gingerbread shapes.
- Stamp wrapping paper or cards.
Pro tip: Mix a little glitter into paint for sparkle that actually dries.
It works because the results look polished with zero drawing skills.
13. Paper Straw Snowflakes
Geometric snowflakes, but chunky and fun. Cut straws and glue into patterns.
- Arrange six-point designs on cardstock.
- Add sequins or stickers to the ends.
Pro tip: Use a dot of hot glue (adult assist) for instant hold.
It works because the 3D look feels extra special.
14. Button Christmas Tree Art
Buttons finally earn their keep. Kids glue green buttons into a tree shape.
- Layer big to small for a tidy triangle.
- Add a brown paper trunk and a gold star.
Pro tip: Use contrasting background paper so the buttons pop.
It works because it’s tactile and color-rich.
15. Recycled Box Gingerbread House
No sugar crash, all creativity. Cover small boxes with kraft paper and decorate.
- Draw icing lines with white paint pens.
- Glue on pom poms, buttons, and paper mints.
Pro tip: Add a battery tea light inside for cozy glow.
It works because it’s sturdy, customizable, and display-ready.
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Conclusion
Keep it simple, keep it sparkly, and let the kids take the creative wheel. These crafts turn rainy afternoons into fridge-worthy masterpieces. Minimal supplies, maximum charm—plus you get twenty minutes to drink your cocoa while the glue dries. Win-win.
