Parents often struggle to find activities that keep little hands busy during the holiday season. The search for simple, engaging crafts that don’t require complicated supplies can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Many moms and dads want to create meaningful moments with their children, but don’t know where to start.
This blog offers 45 holiday crafts for toddlers. These projects use basic materials that most families already have at home, take minimal setup time, and result in keepsakes that families will cherish for years.
In the following sections, readers will find details for festive ornaments, greeting cards, and decorations that toddlers can make with just a bit of adult help.
Each craft includes tips for making the experience fun and stress-free for both parents and children. These activities not only fill time during the holiday season but also build fine motor skills and creative thinking.
Benefits of Holiday Crafts for Toddlers
The holiday season brings families together in special ways. For parents with toddlers, this time offers perfect opportunities to create meaningful memories through simple craft activities.
Making holiday crafts with little ones can make ordinary afternoons into magical moments of connection and joy.
The following are a few benefits of holiday crafts for toddlers :
- Builds fine motor skills – Cutting, gluing, and coloring help small hands gain better control and coordination
- Boosts creativity – Open-ended crafts allow toddlers to express themselves and think outside the box
- Creates family traditions – Annual craft sessions can become treasured customs that kids look forward to each year
- Enhances focus – Craft projects help toddlers practice sitting still and following steps
- Makes meaningful gifts – Handmade items become precious keepsakes for family members
- Teaches basic concepts – Colors, shapes, and counting naturally fit into craft activities
- Fosters language growth – Talking about the process builds vocabulary and communication skills
- Offers sensory exploration – Different textures and materials provide important sensory input
- Builds confidence – Completing a project gives toddlers a sense of achievement and pride in their work
Christmas Edition: Holiday Crafts for Toddlers
The Christmas season offers many chances for toddlers to get creative with festive materials. Simple projects like cotton ball snowmen, paper plate Santas, and handprint reindeer give little ones the joy of making their holiday magic.
The following are a few holiday crafts for toddlers that are easy and use basic supplies but result in charming decorations that capture the spirit of Christmas:
1. Handprint Ornament
This timeless keepsake involves dipping your child’s hand in paint and pressing it onto a round ornament.
Once it dries, you can add their name and the year with a marker. It’s a sweet way to capture a moment in time and hang those memories on the tree. Great for gifting to grandparents, too!
2. Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree
Kids can arrange and glue popsicle sticks into a triangle shape, then decorate with sequins, pom-poms, or stickers to resemble a mini Christmas tree.
Add a string to hang it on the tree or display it on the fridge. It’s an easy and colorful craft that also builds fine motor skills.
3. Paper Plate Santa
Using a paper plate as Santa’s face, toddlers can add cotton balls for the beard, googly eyes, and a red hat cut out from construction paper. This fun craft helps kids get creative with textures and shapes. It’s also a cute decoration to stick on walls or doors.
4. Pine Cone Ornament
Let kids collect pine cones and turn them into festive ornaments with paint, glitter, and small ribbons. They’ll enjoy brushing on sparkly paint and watching it become a magical Christmas piece. This craft connects nature with holiday fun and gives your tree a rustic charm.
5. Salt Dough Ornaments
Made with just flour, salt, and water, these DIY ornaments can be shaped using cookie cutters. Once baked and cooled, kids can paint and decorate them however they like. It’s a hands-on activity that doubles as a keepsake and allows for endless creative freedom.
6. Sock Snowman
With a white sock, rice filling, and some buttons or fabric scraps, toddlers can create their snowman buddy. No sewing is required; just tie the sock into sections and decorate! This adorable, squishy snowman is perfect for display and fun for little hands to make.
7. Graham Cracker Houses
This tasty craft lets kids build mini gingerbread-style houses using graham crackers, frosting, and colorful candies. It’s a deliciously fun way to encourage creativity and develop spatial skills. They can snack as they craft, making it a sweet holiday tradition for the whole family.
8. Candy Cane Reindeer
With just a candy cane, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and a red pom-pom, toddlers can turn a treat into a cute reindeer. Simply twist the pipe cleaners into antlers and glue on the eyes and nose. It’s an adorable and edible decoration that’s quick and fun to make.
9. Jingle Bell Bracelets
Using pipe cleaners and jingle bells, kids can create festive bracelets that jingle when they move. Simply slide the bells onto the pipe cleaner and twist it into a loop. It’s a fun wearable craft that combines music, movement, and the holiday spirit.
10. Christmas Tree Finger Painting
This messy but delightful craft lets kids create a Christmas tree using just their fingers and paint. They can dab on ornaments and lights using different colors, giving it a festive, handmade feel. It’s a perfect sensory activity for toddlers that doubles as fridge art.
11. Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer
Don’t toss those empty toilet rolls turn them into reindeer with some construction paper, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes. Kids can add a red nose for Rudolph and even make a whole reindeer crew. It’s a fun way to recycle while crafting holiday decorations.
12. Snowman Paper Plate Craft
Using cotton balls, construction paper, and markers, turn a plain paper plate into a jolly snowman. Kids can add a scarf, hat, and smile to bring their snowman to life. This easy, snowy-themed craft is great for decorating walls, doors, or windows.
13. Pom-Pom Ornaments
Kids can glue colorful pom-poms onto clear plastic ornaments or cardboard cutouts to make their colorful tree decorations. It’s an easy and mess-free activity that helps toddlers work on color recognition and coordination. Plus, the results are soft, cheerful, and perfect for little hands to hang.
14. Beaded Candy Canes
Using red and white beads and a pipe cleaner, children can create candy cane shapes by simply sliding the beads on and bending the ends. This craft is great for fine motor skill development and pattern practice. They also look super cute hung on the tree or as gift toppers.
15. Paper Chain Garland
A classic Christmas craft, paper chain garlands are made by looping and gluing strips of paper into interlocking rings. Toddlers love picking their favorite colors and helping with the simple gluing process. Hang them around the room or tree for a festive, handmade touch.
16. Handprint Wreath
Kids can trace and cut out several green handprints, then glue them in a circle to make a wreath. Add a red bow or pom-poms for berries to complete the look. It’s a sentimental keepsake craft that captures the size of your child’s hands during the holidays.
17. Yarn-Wrapped Ornaments
Kids can wrap colorful yarn around cardboard shapes like stars, trees, or circles to create textured ornaments. This simple craft is excellent for boosting hand-eye coordination and gives little ones a hands-on way to contribute to the holiday décor. Add a loop of string and hang them proudly on the tree.
18. Santa Beard Cutting Practice
This crafty activity is both festive and great for scissor skills. Kids cut along drawn lines on Santa’s paper beard, giving them a fun way to practice fine motor control. It’s simple to prep and doubles as a cute decoration when finished.
19. Reindeer Handprint Craft
With brown paint or paper, children create a reindeer using the shape of their hand as the head and antlers. Add googly eyes and a red nose for Rudolph, and you’ve got an adorable keepsake. It’s a charming blend of creativity and memory-making.
20. Christmas Card Making
Give toddlers markers, stickers, stamps, and holiday-themed cutouts to create their very own Christmas cards. They can decorate the front and scribble or stamp messages inside.
It’s a heartwarming activity that encourages personal expression and is perfect for gifting to family.
21. Footprint Mistletoe
Dip your child’s feet in green paint to stamp two footprints upside down as mistletoe leaves. Add red dots for berries and a ribbon to finish the look. This simple craft turns tiny toes into a holiday masterpiece you’ll treasure for years.
Engaging Holiday Crafts for Toddlers to Boost Creativity
Holiday crafting does more than fill time; it opens doors to creative thinking in young minds. When toddlers mix colors for a candy cane painting or arrange shapes for a paper menorah, they’re learning to solve problems and think in new ways.
These hands-on activities let children express their ideas while developing skills they’ll use for years to come.
22. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
Let kids create snowflake magic using popsicle sticks and a bit of sparkle. These snowflakes can be painted, glittered, or layered to form unique patterns.
They make cute holiday decorations and encourage creativity through simple materials. Great for practicing symmetry and fine motor skills, this winter-themed project is a hit at home or in the classroom.
What you’ll need:
Popsicle sticks
White paint or markers
Glue
Glitter or sequins
Ribbon or string for hanging
23. Cotton Ball Snow Scene
This craft brings winter indoors! Kids use cotton balls to build a snowy background on construction paper. They can add houses, trees, and animals to create their winter wonderland. It’s a sensory activity that promotes creativity and story-building. Whether it’s a peaceful snow day or a festive village, each snow scene is different and fun.
What you’ll need:
Blue construction paper
Cotton balls
Glue
Scissors
Crayons or markers
Craft paper for scenery cutouts
24. Reindeer Paper Headbands
Turn your little ones into festive reindeer with this cheerful headband craft. Made from construction paper and decorated with antlers and a red nose, it’s both wearable and fun. Perfect for holiday parties or classroom dress-up, this activity is simple to prepare and easy to personalize with extras like bells or stickers.
What you’ll need:
Brown construction paper
Red pom-poms or paper circles
Scissors
Glue or tape
Stapler
Googly eyes
25. Christmas Sticker Scene
Kids can create their holiday scenes using sticker sheets filled with trees, presents, elves, and more. It’s a low-mess, high-fun activity that lets children design and arrange their ideas freely. Ideal for younger children, it also helps with storytelling and hand coordination.
What you’ll need:
Christmas-themed sticker sheets
Plain or printed background sheets
Crayons or markers (optional)
Glitter glue (optional)
26. Snow Globe Drawing Craft
This drawing activity lets kids sketch a snow globe scene inside a round template. From snowmen to snowy cabins, the possibilities are endless. Add sparkle with glitter or foil and finish it off with a paper base. It’s a quiet and artistic holiday craft that makes a great keepsake.
What you’ll need:
Snow globe template or plain white paper
Pencils and markers
Glitter
Scissors
Glue
Colored construction paper
27. Mini Gift Box Decorating
Kids will love decorating small cardboard gift boxes to use as pretend presents or ornaments. This craft combines painting, drawing, and sticker fun, allowing kids to personalize each box. It’s a great way to practice wrapping and decorating skills while boosting their imagination.
What you’ll need:
Small cardboard boxes
Paint or markers
Stickers and washi tape
Glue
Ribbon or twine
Scissors
28. Holiday Suncatchers
Create colorful window decorations with holiday-themed suncatchers. Kids can use tissue paper or cellophane to fill in festive shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes. When held up to the light, the colors shine beautifully. It’s a great craft to brighten any space during winter.
What you’ll need:
Black construction paper (for outline)
Tissue paper or colored cellophane
Scissors
Glue stick or clear contact paper
Hole punch and string for hanging
29. Bubble-Wrap Printed Snowflakes
Put bubble wrap to fun use with this creative painting craft. Kids dip bubble wrap in white paint and stamp it onto blue paper to make snowy textures. Then they can layer on snowflake cutouts or designs. It’s simple, fun, and adds a neat texture to winter art projects.
What you’ll need:
Blue construction paper
White paint
Bubble wrap
Snowflake stencils or cutouts
Glue
Paintbrushes or rollers
30. Christmas Sensory Bottles
These calming bottles are filled with glitter, beads, and festive items that swirl and float when shaken. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, they offer visual stimulation and quiet fun. You can create themed bottles for snow, Santa, or even Christmas trees. Easy to make and reuse, they also double as cute decorations during the holidays.
What you’ll need:
Clear plastic bottles
Water or clear glue
Glitter
Small holiday trinkets or beads
Food coloring (optional)
Super glue (to seal the cap)
31. Ribbon Tree Art
Turn colorful ribbon scraps into a charming Christmas tree collage. Kids glue pieces of ribbon in a triangle shape on cardstock to resemble a tree, adding a star at the top. This is a great way to use leftover ribbon while encouraging creativity and color sorting. It’s simple, tidy, and looks great as a holiday card or wall decoration.
What you’ll need:
Cardstock or construction paper
Assorted ribbon strips
Scissors
Glue stick or liquid glue
Star stickers or cutouts
32. Holiday Stamping with Cookie Cutters
Dip cookie cutters into paint and stamp festive shapes onto paper. This holiday craft is perfect for young children as it’s easy to do and helps with grip and motor skills. Trees, stars, and candy canes come to life in bold colors. The finished prints can be turned into cards, gift wrap, or framed art.
What you’ll need:
Holiday-shaped cookie cutters
Washable paint
Paper plates
White or colored paper
Apron or smock
33. Gift Bow Sorting and Gluing
This craft mixes learning and creativity. Kids sort different sizes and colors of bows, then glue them onto paper to make patterns, trees, or abstract designs. It’s great for color recognition and practicing fine motor control. Plus, it uses up leftover bows from your holiday stash!
What you’ll need:
Assorted gift bows
Cardstock or poster board
Glue
Sorting trays or bowls
34. Ornament Suncatchers with Wax Paper
Create glowing ornaments using wax paper and crayon shavings. Melted between two wax sheets, the crayon colors blend into bright, stained-glass-like patterns. Kids can cut them into ornament shapes and hang them in the window for a festive touch. This project adds color and light to winter days.
What you’ll need:
Wax paper
Crayons
Pencil sharpener
Iron and towel (adult supervision)
Scissors
String or ribbon
35. Christmas Stencil Painting
Kids can paint within pre-cut stencils to create clean, holiday-themed designs. Use sponges or brushes to dab paint into tree, reindeer, or ornament outlines. It’s a great way to teach control and layering. Once dry, the artwork can be used for cards, gift wrap, or festive wall art.
What you’ll need:
Cardstock or canvas paper
Holiday stencils
Washable paint
Brushes or sponges
Painter’s tape (to hold the stencil in place)
36. Bell Shakers
Turn plastic cups or small containers into jingling bell shakers. Kids fill them with bells or beads, then decorate the outside with stickers or markers. It’s part craft, part musical toy, and perfect for singing holiday songs or adding rhythm to storytime. Safe and fun for younger kids too.
What you’ll need:
Small plastic cups or containers with lids
Mini jingle bells or beads
Tape or glue
Stickers or markers
Ribbon (optional)
37. Paint Swatch Christmas Trees
Use green paint swatches to craft modern, artsy Christmas trees. Cut swatches into triangles and layer them onto cardstock to form trees. Add a trunk and star for a finished look. It’s a colorful craft that reuses materials and teaches shapes and color gradients.
What you’ll need:
Green paint swatches
Scissors
Glue
Brown and yellow paper (for trunk and star)
Cardstock or background paper
38. Clothespin Snowmen
Transform wooden clothespins into cheerful snowmen using paint, buttons, and felt scarves. This craft adds a fun twist to decorating and can double as an ornament or clip. Each snowman has its own personality, and kids enjoy assembling the faces and accessories. Easy and festive for all ages.
What you’ll need:
Wooden clothespins
White paint
Tiny buttons
Markers or paint pens
Felt or ribbon for scarves
Glue
39. Paper Plate Christmas Tree Hat
Turn a simple paper plate into a wearable Christmas tree hat! Kids cut and fold the plate into a cone shape, then decorate it with stickers, pom-poms, and stars. It’s a festive way to let them show off their holiday spirit and creativity. Perfect for classroom parties or at-home fun, this hat brings giggles and cheer with every wear.
What you’ll need:
Paper plates
Green paint or markers
Pom-poms, stickers, sequins
Star cutouts
Scissors
Glue or tape
Headband or string (optional, for securing)
40. Star Wand Craft
This glittery star wand brings a touch of magic to holiday play. Kids create a star shape from paper or foam, decorate it with glitter and stickers, then attach it to a stick with ribbon tails.
Great for pretend play or holiday shows, this easy craft lets imaginations shine bright during the season.
What you’ll need:
Yellow cardstock or foam sheets
Wooden dowel or craft stick
Glitter and stickers
Ribbon
Scissors
Glue or tape
41. Tissue Paper Wreath
This wreath craft uses crumpled tissue paper pieces to create a soft, textured design on a cardboard ring. Kids glue green tissue to form the wreath, then add red “berries” or a bow. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that doubles as a cute door decoration for the season.
What you’ll need:
Green and red tissue paper
Cardboard or paper plate ring base
Glue
Scissors
Ribbon (for bow or hanging)
42. Mitten Matching Craft
This educational craft helps young kids with pattern recognition. Children decorate pairs of mitten cutouts with matching designs and colors, then play a mix-and-match game.
It’s an excellent way to blend crafting with learning and makes a great winter-themed classroom activity or at-home game.
What you’ll need:
Printable or hand-drawn mitten templates
Colored markers or crayons
Glue
Scissors
Stickers or decorative tape
43. Reindeer Spoon Puppets
Wooden spoons become playful reindeer characters in this puppet craft. Kids paint the spoons, add googly eyes, pipe cleaner antlers, and a red nose. These reindeer puppets are perfect for storytelling, singing, or decorating.
Each child can give their puppet a name and personality, making it extra special.
What you’ll need:
Wooden spoons
Brown paint
Red pom-poms
Googly eyes
Pipe cleaners (for antlers)
Glue
Markers
44. Christmas Countdown Rings
Kids build excitement for Christmas with a chain of paper rings one for each day until the holiday. Each day, they tear one off to count down. Decorating the paper strips adds a personal touch. This simple tradition teaches numbers and builds anticipation with a visual reminder.
What you’ll need:
Red and green paper strips
Glue stick or tape
Markers or stamps
Scissors
Number stickers (optional)
45. Holiday Puzzle Craft
Turn holiday drawings into homemade puzzles! Kids create a festive picture, then cut it into pieces to reassemble. You can also glue their art onto cardboard for more durability. This activity encourages problem-solving and makes great homemade gifts or cards with a fun twist.
What you’ll need:
White cardstock or heavy paper
Markers or crayons
Scissors
Cardboard backing (optional)
Glue stick (optional)
Wrapping It Up
Holiday crafting with toddlers creates more than just paper snowflakes and handprint ornaments. These simple activities build lasting connections between parents and children during a special time of year.
When families sit down together with glue sticks and construction paper, they’re making memories that will last far longer than the decorations themselves. Try starting with just one or two crafts from this list. Watch your toddler’s face light up as they create something with their own hands. Take photos of the process, not just the finished product.
Ready to get started? Gather some basic supplies, clear a space at the kitchen table, and enjoy this precious time with your little one.
The mess will clean up, but the memories you make will stay with you both forever. Happy crafting!
