Christmas Crafts for Kids: Easy, Festive, Hands On Holiday Fun

ByAmy
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Christmas crafting season is officially here – and this is one of my favorite ways to slow down and make memories with the kids (or add on more stress in an already stressful time of year?? Depending on the mood of the day). Whether you’re a parent looking for simple snow day activities, a teacher prepping for classroom holiday centers, or a grandparent wanting a cozy at home project, these Christmas crafts for kids are fun, hands on, and budget friendly.

Below you’ll find some of our most popular Christmas crafts, plus a few new festive additions including tissue paper stained glass nativity scenes, cinnamon ornaments, Q Tip Christmas trees, and DIY air dry clay ornaments. All sure to be a hit with your kids and maybe even let you have a drink of a festive beverage! Be sure to check out of favorite cozy winter drink recipes here!

1. Handprint Christmas Crafts for Toddlers

A keepsake you’ll cherish for years. These easy handprint crafts transform little hands into Christmas trees, reindeer, angels, and more. Perfect for toddler grandparent crafts and simple enough for classroom art time. Includes my favorite hack for getting perfect handprints – and avoiding the mess and frustration of painted handprints!
Check it out here!

2. DIY Popcorn Garland for the Holidays

A classic Christmas activity with a modern twist. This faux popcorn garland uses spray insulation foam to look just like the real thing—without the mess. Add wooden beads for a cranberry look and drape it on your tree or mantel. Adorable farmhouse Christmas vibes and reusable year to year!
Here is the tutorial!

3. Grinch Expanding Heart Stress Ball

A fun, squishy, Whoville themed craft kids adore. Watch the Grinch’s heart “grow” as you squeeze the stress ball—perfect for holiday parties, classroom calm corners, or Grinchmas celebrations.
Learn how here!

4. Homemade Grinch Playdough

Soft, vibrant green playdough —this recipe is a huge hit with younger kids and sensory seekers. Make it for Christmas break boredom busters or as a Grinchmas party activity.
Get the full recipe!

5. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

One of the easiest Christmas crafts for toddlers and preschoolers. Kids can paint, glitter, and decorate their own snowflakes—each one different and totally unique.
Click here for instructions!

6. Hot Cocoa Winter Sensory Bin

This one is always a crowd pleaser (and by that I mean that even I was SHOCKED at how long this bin entertained my kids)! Mini marshmallows make the perfect “snow” for scooping, pouring, and imaginative winter play. Create your own “hot cocoa mix” and add figurines, spoons, cups, and cookie cutters for hours of open ended fun.
See how to set it up.

7. Edible Play Snow

sensory bin with edible play snow, pine cones, polar bear and cup

Safe for toddlers and delightfully fluffy—this 3 ingredient edible play snow is a winter sensory classic. Perfect for indoor snow days without the cold.
Make it here!

8. Tissue Paper Stained Glass Nativity Scene

A beautiful tradition to start with your family. Layer tissue paper inside a simple black construction paper frame and seal with contact paper to create a stained glass effect. Hang it on windows so the colors glow with Christmas lights.
Why we love it: Stunning results with simple materials—great for all ages.

9. Cinnamon Cookie Cutter Ornaments

Your house will smell amazing while you make these. Combine cinnamon and applesauce to form a dough, roll it out, and use cookie cutters to make ornaments. After drying, add ribbon for hanging, or use glitter glue to decorate.
Perfect for: Gifting, classroom trees, keepsake ornaments
Tip: Seal them with Mod Podge to help them last longer (I still have mine from 30 years ago!).

10. Q-Tip Christmas Tree Craft

A simple process-art craft toddlers and preschoolers love. Poke Q-tips through holes in a cardboard tree as little “lights”. Love this as an art project that keeps kids occupied and builds skills!
Skills built: Fine motor skills, color patterns, creativity

11. DIY Air Dry Clay Ornaments

Beautiful, minimal, and timeless. Roll out homemade air dry clay and use cookie cutters to create stars, trees, and hearts. Kids can press textures (pine leaves, lace, stamps) into the clay before drying. Also works great for baby handprint ornaments!
Finish them with: Paint, twine, metallic markers, or simple white for a Scandinavian Christmas look.

Tips for Crafting With Kids at Christmastime

  • Keep a “craft tray” ready with scissors, crayons, glue sticks, and wipes.
  • Cover surfaces with old newspaper for faster cleanup.
  • Let kids lead the creativity—perfect doesn’t matter! Remind yourself of this again and again. Just because it isn’t how you envisioned it, doesn’t mean it isn’t exactly what your kids wanted!
  • Add Christmas music and hot cocoa for a cozy crafting atmosphere.
  • Save your favorites in a keepsake bin or use them as gifts for grandparents.

Christmas crafts are such a meaningful way to slow down and create connection in the middle of a busy holiday season. Whether you’re making easy sensory activities, classic ornaments, or cheerful Grinch themed projects (check out our Grinch snacks too!), each craft becomes part of your family’s traditions. The way I have held on to Christmas crafts I made as a child due to holiday nostalgia and sentiment is astounding. Use this roundup to create memories and keepsakes that your kids (and you!) will hold on to for many years.

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