There’s something magical about a quiet December afternoon when the house smells like cinnamon, the tree is twinkling, and little hands are busy crafting. For me, Christmas crafts with my kids have never been about perfect Pinterest-worthy results — they’re about messy glue fingers, giggles over glitter spills, and creating keepsakes that I tuck away year after year.
Some of the ornaments hanging on our tree right now are slightly crooked salt-dough stars from when my daughter was three, and honestly, they’re my favorite ones. These little projects aren’t just about filling time — they turn into traditions, memories, and decorations you’ll treasure forever.
The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune or have a craft closet full of supplies. Most of these ideas use things you already have around the house — paper plates, buttons, cookie cutters, or a bit of ribbon. And for the supplies you don’t have, I’ve added some affordable finds (like reusable piping bags or child-safe glue sets) that make crafting a little easier.
So grab some cocoa, spread a tablecloth (trust me, you’ll thank me later), and let’s dive into some fun and easy Christmas crafts your kids will love making — and you’ll love keeping.
Part 1: Paper & Card Crafts (First 5, Keepsake Worthy + Kid-Friendly)
1. Santa Handprint Ornaments
This is one of those crafts that makes my heart melt every year because it captures the kids’ tiny handprints forever. We use simple salt dough (flour, salt, water) rolled flat, and then press little hands into it. After baking and cooling, the kids paint the fingers white for Santa’s beard, the palm red for his hat, and add googly eyes and a cotton ball pom-pom on top. Every year, I look at those ornaments and remember just how small their hands once were.
It’s messy fun but so worth it. I usually cover the table with kraft paper and give each child their own mini paintbrushes. For longevity, I seal the ornaments with a thin layer of Mod Podge. They last for years if stored carefully in tissue paper.
Tip: Make extras and gift them to grandparents — trust me, they’ll treasure them.
You can browse through step-by-step tutorials by searching here: DIY Santa Handprint Ornament.
Helpful tools: a set of Christmas cookie cutters for uniform circles, kid-safe washable paints, and Mod Podge sealer.
2. Pinecone Christmas Trees
If you’ve ever gone on a fall walk with your kids, you know how many pinecones mysteriously end up in their pockets. Instead of tossing them, turn those treasures into mini Christmas trees! This craft is budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and honestly looks gorgeous when finished.
We start by giving the pinecones a quick rinse and letting them dry overnight. Then, I set the kids up with green acrylic paint and little brushes. They paint the scales to look like tree branches, and once they dry, we add decorations — tiny pom-poms for ornaments, sequins for sparkle, and a star glued to the top. Sometimes we glue them onto small wood slices or cardboard circles so they stand upright.
These make sweet little decorations for mantels, windowsills, or even as place settings at Christmas dinner. They also make adorable handmade gifts for teachers or grandparents.
Tip: Sprinkle glitter on the paint before it dries if you want that magical shimmer. Just be prepared for sparkles in your house until spring!
Here’s a search for tutorials to help you get started: DIY Pinecone Christmas Trees.
Helpful tools: assorted pom-poms, washable acrylic paint, and wood slices for crafts.
3. Sock Snowmen
This one is such a hit in our house that we’ve made a whole “snow family.” The best part? No sewing skills required! All you need are white socks, rice, rubber bands, and a few decorations.
Cut the sock at the heel, fill it with rice (a funnel or measuring cup works wonders here), and secure it with a rubber band. Then, tie off a “head” section with another band. The kids love picking out fabric scraps or colorful socks to turn into scarves and hats. For faces, we use buttons, felt cutouts, or just draw them on with fabric markers.
These sock snowmen look adorable on shelves and bring a cozy, handmade vibe to holiday décor. Every year, my kids insist on adding at least one new member to our snowman “family.”
Tip: If you want these to last beyond one season, store them in a zip bag when you pack away holiday décor to keep pests away.
Here’s a great place to find ideas: DIY Sock Snowman.
Helpful tools: plain white crew socks, bags of rice, and button assortments.
4. Salt Dough Ornaments
This one takes me straight back to my own childhood. Salt dough ornaments are simple, inexpensive, and make the sweetest keepsakes. We usually dedicate one afternoon in December to making a batch, and the kids proudly hang their creations on the tree every year.
To make the dough, mix one cup of flour, half a cup of salt, and half a cup of water until smooth. Roll it out and cut shapes with cookie cutters. Before baking, don’t forget to poke a little hole at the top with a straw for hanging. Bake at a low temperature (around 200°F) for 2–3 hours until completely hard.
Once cooled, the real fun begins. The kids paint them with acrylics, and I usually give them a coat of clear varnish so they last for years. Handprints, initials, or even fingerprints in the dough make them extra special.
Tip: Use glitter glue instead of loose glitter to cut down on mess but still add sparkle.
Find more ideas here: DIY Salt Dough Ornaments.
Helpful tools: Christmas cookie cutter set, clear acrylic varnish.
5. Paper Plate Angels
I love crafts that need only a couple of supplies, and paper plate angels are one of those “grab-and-go” projects when the kids are restless. With just paper plates, markers, and a bit of creativity, you can whip up a whole choir of angels.
Start by cutting one paper plate in half. Use one half as the wings and the other half as the angel’s gown. A circle of cardstock makes the face, and pipe cleaners or gold ribbon work beautifully as halos. My kids love coloring the gowns with markers and adding glitter for a little shimmer.
These angels look lovely taped to the fridge, hung on the tree, or lined up on a mantle. They’re especially great for classroom parties or Sunday school activities since they’re inexpensive and quick to make.
Tip: If you want sturdier angels that last, use cardstock plates instead of flimsy ones.
Here’s a search for simple tutorials: DIY Paper Plate Angels.
Helpful tools: sturdy white paper plates, pipe cleaners.
6. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
Popsicle stick snowflakes are one of those projects that never lose their charm. They’re easy enough for toddlers but still fun for older kids to decorate in their own way. Every December, we make a batch and hang them on windows where the light catches the glitter.
To start, glue 3–4 popsicle sticks into a crisscross pattern. Once the glue dries, it’s decorating time. We’ve used paint, glitter, sequins, buttons, even tiny pom-poms. Hot glue works best for heavy decorations, but if little ones are helping, white craft glue is safer (just be patient with drying time).
I like tying a loop of ribbon at the top so they hang nicely on the tree or in a window. The best part? No two ever turn out the same, which makes them feel extra special.
Here’s a search link for step-by-step guides: DIY Popsicle Stick Snowflakes.
Helpful tools: jumbo popsicle sticks, craft sequins, glitter glue pens.
7. Handprint Wreaths
This one always makes my heart melt because it turns into such a keepsake. Handprint wreaths are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, and they double as a sentimental memory of just how tiny their hands were one Christmas.
Trace your child’s handprint on green construction paper (you’ll need about 12–15 cutouts). Cut them out and arrange them in a circle, overlapping the palms so the fingers look like the “leaves” of a wreath. Glue everything together, then add a red bow or red paper “berries” for a pop of color.
We’ve laminated a couple of these over the years so they’ll last. Every time I pull them out of storage, the kids love comparing their hand size to the old ones. It’s one of those crafts that grows sweeter with time.
Check out some fun tutorials here: DIY Handprint Wreaths.
Helpful tools: construction paper pack, kid-safe scissors, glue sticks.
8. Mason Jar Luminaries
These glowing little jars bring such a magical feel to the house, especially when the kids get to decorate them. Mason jar luminaries are perfect because they’re simple, safe, and look so cozy flickering on the mantle or windowsill.
To make them, grab some clean jars and let your kids paint them with white, silver, or gold acrylic paint. You can dab the paint with a sponge for a frosted look, or use stencils to make stars and snowflakes. Once dry, drop in a battery-operated tealight, and suddenly you’ve got a handmade lantern that looks like it came straight out of a holiday boutique.
My kids love making these for their grandparents as little gifts. We usually add some ribbon or twine around the top and a tag with their name and the year. It’s a craft that doubles as a keepsake.
Here’s a search link for video tutorials: DIY Mason Jar Luminaries.
Helpful tools: mason jars, battery-operated tealights, holiday ribbon.
9. Christmas Countdown Paper Chains
Paper chains are a childhood classic for a reason — simple, colorful, and endlessly exciting for kids. At Christmas, we turn them into countdown chains, tearing off one loop each morning until the big day arrives.
Here’s how: cut strips of red, green, and white construction paper (about an inch wide). Let the kids decorate each strip with stickers, glitter glue, or doodles. Then loop them together with tape or glue to make a long chain. If you start on December 1st, you’ll end up with 25 links — one for each day until Christmas.
What makes this extra fun is letting the kids personalize their strips. Last year, my daughter drew little snowflakes on hers while my son added Santa stickers. Each morning they race to see who gets to tear off the day’s link.
Want a little upgrade? Write a small activity or act of kindness on the inside of each loop (like “bake cookies” or “call Grandma”). It turns the countdown into daily holiday magic.
Tutorials: DIY Christmas Paper Chains.
Helpful tools: construction paper set, Christmas stickers, glue tape roller.
10. Pinecone Ornaments
Pinecones are one of those magical, free treasures of winter. Every year, my kids and I collect a bagful from the park and turn them into rustic little ornaments that look straight out of a farmhouse holiday catalog.
Here’s how we do it: first, make sure the pinecones are clean and dry (a quick rinse and air-dry works). Then, paint the tips with white acrylic paint or brush them with glue and roll them in glitter for a snowy sparkle. Tie a loop of twine or ribbon around the top, and voilà — a handmade ornament ready for the tree.
What I love most is that no two ever look the same. Some years we’ve even added tiny pom-poms into the scales to make them look like colorful Christmas lights. The kids get such a kick out of hanging their creations on the tree and pointing them out to visitors.
Here’s a video search link: DIY Pinecone Ornaments.
Helpful tools: craft glitter, mini pom-poms, jute twine.
11. Candy Cane Reindeer
If you want a craft that doubles as a treat, candy cane reindeer are perfect. These have been a staple in my kids’ classrooms for years — they’re festive, inexpensive, and adorable.
All you need are candy canes, googly eyes, brown pipe cleaners, and a red pom-pom. Wrap the pipe cleaner around the curved end of the candy cane to make antlers, glue on the googly eyes, and finish with the pom-pom nose. Suddenly, you’ve got Rudolph in candy form.
Kids love handing these out as little gifts, and they’re easy enough for even toddlers to help with. My daughter once made a whole “herd” to give to her teachers, and they were a huge hit.
Want to get creative? Use different colors of pom-poms for silly reindeer personalities, or add a little bow for extra flair.
Tutorials: DIY Candy Cane Reindeer.
Helpful tools: googly eyes, pipe cleaners, red pom-poms.
12. Handprint Wreaths
There’s something timeless about crafts that capture tiny handprints. A handprint wreath is not only fun to make, but it also becomes a keepsake you’ll want to pull out every year.
Start by tracing your child’s hand onto green construction paper (or cardstock for durability). Cut out about 15–20 handprints — depending on the size — and then arrange them in a circle to form a wreath. Kids can glue them down themselves, layering as they go, and finish with a big red bow at the bottom.
What I love most is that it turns into a record of those little hands. I still have one from when my son was 3, and every year it makes me tear up to see how small his hands once were. You can even write the year on the back so it becomes a memory marker.
Search for tutorials: Handprint Christmas Wreath.
Helpful tools: cardstock paper, kid-safe scissors, glue sticks.
13. Jar Lid Snow Globes
This craft feels magical, but it’s surprisingly easy. If you’ve got leftover mason jar lids, you can turn them into mini snow globes that kids will love to shake and admire.
Here’s how: hot glue a small plastic figurine (like a Christmas tree or snowman) to the inside of the lid. Fill the jar with water, add a pinch of glitter (silver or white works best), and a drop of glycerin to slow the falling snow. Screw the lid on tightly, seal with hot glue if needed, and let the kids give it a shake.
They make sweet little decorations for shelves or even as gifts for grandparents. My daughter once made one with a tiny deer figurine, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces to pull out each year.
Search for tutorials: DIY Mason Jar Snow Globe.
Helpful tools: plastic figurines, craft glitter, mason jars.
14. Paper Plate Angels
Paper plate crafts are such a lifesaver when you want something affordable, easy, and guaranteed to keep little hands busy. Turning them into angels is one of the sweetest Christmas crafts you can do with toddlers and preschoolers.
All you need is a sturdy paper plate. Cut it into thirds so one piece forms the angel’s body and the other two become wings. Glue them together, then let your kids decorate with paint, markers, or even glitter. Add a small circle of construction paper or felt for the face, and pipe cleaners make the perfect golden halo.
I’ve kept the angel my daughter made when she was four — complete with lopsided wings and a sparkly pink face — and it still gets a place of honor on our mantle. These also double as inexpensive tree toppers if you don’t already have one.
Search for tutorials: DIY Paper Plate Angel.
Helpful tools: paper plates, pipe cleaners, craft paints.
15. Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are the ultimate keepsake craft. Not only do they look charming on the tree, but they also capture little handprints, fingerprints, or creative designs that last for years.
The recipe is simple: mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and about 1 cup of water until a dough forms. Roll it out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. If you want to make handprint ornaments, just press your toddler’s hand firmly into the dough before cutting. Poke a small hole at the top for hanging. Bake at 200°F for about 2 hours (or until hardened), then paint and seal with clear varnish.
These are a tradition in our house. Every year, my kids make a new one, and when we decorate the tree, we get to look back at how their little hands grew. They also make perfect gifts for grandparents.
Search for tutorials: Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments.
Helpful tools: cookie cutters, rolling pin, clear varnish sealer.
16. Cinnamon Stick Reindeer
If you love a craft that smells like Christmas while doubling as décor, cinnamon stick reindeer are perfect. These are ridiculously simple but turn out so adorable that kids will want to hang them everywhere — on the tree, on doorknobs, even on gift bags.
Here’s how to do it: take three cinnamon sticks and hot-glue them into a triangle shape (two for the head, one for the base). Add googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and pipe cleaner antlers. Tie a ribbon or string at the top to make them ready for hanging.
Not only do they look cute, but they also make your house smell amazing. I made a batch with my kids last year and tucked a few into teacher gifts. They were a hit!
Search for tutorials: DIY Cinnamon Stick Reindeer.
Helpful tools: cinnamon sticks bulk pack, googly eyes, pom-poms for crafts.
17. Pinecone Christmas Trees
Pinecones are one of those natural treasures that kids love collecting, and they make the sweetest little Christmas trees with just a splash of paint and glitter.
To make them, start with a handful of pinecones (clean and dry). Paint the tips with green craft paint, then while still wet, sprinkle on glitter or tiny star sequins. Glue a small wooden bead or star to the top, and you’ve got a mini forest ready for display.
These look charming on windowsills, mantels, or even as table decorations. My daughter once painted hers rainbow colors, and honestly, it was so cheerful that I didn’t stop her — who says Christmas trees have to be green?
Search for tutorials: Pinecone Christmas Tree DIY.
Helpful tools: pinecones for crafts, glitter set, mini star toppers.
18. Handprint Wreath
This one is sentimental and fun all at once. Trace your child’s handprints on green construction paper, cut them out, and glue them into a circular wreath shape. Add bows, berries (pom-poms), or even tiny bells for decoration.
What makes it special is that every year you can add new handprints as your child grows — so the wreath becomes a timeline of Christmases past. I have one from when my kids were toddlers, and looking back at those tiny handprints always makes me teary.
Search for tutorials: DIY Handprint Wreath.
Helpful tools: green construction paper set, mini craft bells, red craft bows.
19. Salt Dough Ornaments
This is one of those timeless crafts that doubles as a keepsake. Mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough, roll it out, and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Let the kids press in handprints, stamp patterns, or just poke holes for ribbon hangers. Bake until hard, then paint and decorate.
We’ve done this every December, and the kids love seeing their old ornaments come out of the box each year. They’re not perfect — some are cracked or painted a little wild — but that’s what makes them precious.
Search for tutorials: DIY Salt Dough Ornaments.
Helpful tools: Christmas cookie cutter set, non-stick baking mat, kids paint set.
20. DIY Snow Globe Jars
Nothing feels more magical to kids than shaking up their very own snow globe. All you need are small mason jars, glycerin (or clear glue), glitter, and a few little figurines. Hot-glue the figurine to the inside of the jar lid, fill the jar with water, a drop of glycerin, and glitter, then screw the lid back on tight.
The first time we made these, my daughter carried hers everywhere for weeks. She said it was like having her own “mini Christmas world.” They make wonderful gifts for grandparents too.
Search for tutorials: DIY Snow Globe Jars.
Helpful tools: mini mason jars, glycerin for crafts, holiday figurine set.