Are you looking for fun ways to keep your little ones busy this holiday season?
We’ve got just the thing! Hand Christmas crafts are perfect for toddlers aged 2-3. They’re entertaining and help develop fine motor skills and creativity.
Imagine the joy on your child’s face as they create their very own Christmas decorations. These crafts will become treasured keepsakes for years to come.
We’ve compiled a list of 36 easy and engaging hand Christmas crafts designed for toddlers. From handprint reindeer to paper plate Santas, there’s something for every little artist.
Let’s explore and start crafting holiday magic with your little ones!
Creative Hand Christmas Crafts for Toddlers Aged 2-3
1. Handprint Christmas Tree
Materials Needed: You’ll need green paper, non-toxic paint, glue, star stickers, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out 4-5 handprints.
- Arrange in a tree shape and glue.
- Add a star on top and decorate with markers.
Customization Ideas: Try using different colors, adding glitter or cotton for a snowy effect, or writing the child’s name and year.
Parent Tips: Let toddlers help with gluing, use washable paints for easy cleanup, and pre-cut handprints if necessary.
2. Fingerprint Christmas Lights Garland
Materials Needed: You’ll need string, colored, non-toxic paints, and black construction paper.
Crafting Instructions:
- Dip fingers in different colors and press onto paper to create “lights.”
- Draw a black line between the fingerprints to form a garland.
- Cut out and string the garland for display.
Customization Ideas: Use glitter paint for a shiny effect or add small stickers for extra fun.
Parent Tips: Use washable paints and pre-cut the paper to make crafting easier for toddlers.
3. Handprint Santa Claus
Materials Needed: Red and white paper, glue, non-toxic paint, and googly eyes.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace the toddler’s hand on red paper and cut it out.
- Use the palm as Santa’s face and the fingers as his beard.
- Glue on googly eyes and paint Santa’s hat.
Customization Ideas: Add cotton balls for Santa’s hat or beard, and use glitter to decorate the hat.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut handprints and use large googly eyes for easy handling.
4. Handprint Reindeer Ornament
Materials Needed: Brown paper, googly eyes, a red pom-pom, and ribbon.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out a handprint from brown paper.
- Add googly eyes and a red pom-pom for the nose.
- Attach ribbon to hang as an ornament.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter to the reindeer or use different colored ribbons for variety.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut handprints and prepare the materials in advance for a smoother process.
5. Handprint Snowman Card
Materials Needed: White paint, black and orange markers, and construction paper.
Crafting Instructions:
- Paint the toddler’s hand white and press it onto the card to form a snowman.
- Use markers to add eyes, nose, and buttons.
Customization Ideas: To enhance the card, add glitter or small stickers, or use colored paper for the background.
Parent Tips: Use washable paint and help with drawing the small details.
6. Handprint Christmas Wreath
Materials Needed: Green construction paper, ribbon, and glue.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out multiple green handprints.
- Arrange them in a circle to form a wreath and glue them together.
- Add a ribbon bow on top.
Customization Ideas: Use shades of green or add glitter for a festive touch.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the handprints and let toddlers help with gluing.
7. Handprint Angel
Materials Needed: White paper, glue, gold glitter, and a marker.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out a handprint for the angel’s wings.
- Use a round shape for the face and add a body with gold glitter.
Customization Ideas: Add a small halo made of foil or glitter and personalize it with names.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut shapes and use a marker for simple details.
8. Handprint Elf
Materials Needed: Green and red paper, glue, and a pom-pom.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out a handprint for the elf’s hat from green paper.
- Add a pom-pom to the tip of the hat and decorate with red paper.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter to the hat or create small elf faces with markers.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the shapes and help with gluing the decorations.
9. Handprint Candy Cane
Materials Needed: White and red paint, and construction paper.
Crafting Instructions:
- Paint the toddler’s hand white and press it onto the paper.
- Use red paint to add stripes to make a candy cane.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter or a small ribbon to decorate the candy cane.
Parent Tips: Use washable paint and pre-cut the paper for an easy setup.
10. Fingerprint Christmas Ornaments
Materials Needed: Clear plastic ornaments, non-toxic paint, and ribbon.
Crafting Instructions:
- Dip fingers in paint and press onto the ornament to create colorful designs.
- Let dry and hang with ribbon.
Customization Ideas: Use different colors for each ornament or add small stickers for fun designs.
Parent Tips: Use easy-to-handle plastic ornaments and washable paint.
11. Handprint Holiday Card
Materials Needed: Construction paper, glue, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace the toddler’s hand on paper and cut it out.
- Use it as a cover for a holiday card and let them decorate with markers.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter, stickers, or ribbons to personalize the card.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the handprint and help toddlers with decoration ideas.
12. Reindeer Footprint Art
Materials Needed: Brown paint, googly eyes, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Paint the toddler’s foot brown and press it onto the paper to make a reindeer.
- Add googly eyes and draw antlers with markers.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter to the reindeer or use pom-poms for the nose.
Parent Tips: Use washable paint and help with drawing the antlers.
13. Fingerprint Snowflakes
Materials Needed: Blue paper, white paint, and a fine-tip marker.
Crafting Instructions:
- Dip the toddler’s fingers in white paint and press onto blue paper to make snowflakes.
- Use a fine-tip marker to add details to the snowflakes.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter to make the snowflakes sparkle or use different colored paper for the background.
Parent Tips: Use washable paint and pre-cut the paper to save time.
14. Handprint Gingerbread Man
Materials Needed: Brown paper, glue, googly eyes, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out a handprint from brown paper.
- Add googly eyes and draw on buttons and a face with markers.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter or buttons for decoration, or use ribbon for a bowtie.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the handprint and let toddlers add the details.
15. Handprint Christmas Stocking
Materials Needed: Red paper, cotton balls, and glue.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out a handprint from red paper.
- Add cotton balls to the top of the handprint to form the stocking’s trim.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter, stickers, or a child’s name to personalize the stocking.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the shapes and help toddlers with gluing the decorations.
16. Fingerprint Star Ornaments
Materials Needed: Star-shaped cutouts, non-toxic paint, and ribbon.
Crafting Instructions:
- Dip fingers in paint and press onto star cutouts.
- Let dry and attach a ribbon for hanging.
Customization Ideas: Use different colors of paint or add glitter for extra sparkle.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the star shapes and use washable paints for easier cleanup.
17. Handprint Christmas Candle Holder
Materials Needed: Clear glass candle holders, non-toxic paint, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Paint the toddler’s hand and press it onto the glass to form a handprint.
- Let dry and use markers to add small decorations.
Customization Ideas: Use glitter paint for a shimmering effect or add stickers.
Parent Tips: Ensure the candle holders are large and easy to handle, and use washable paints.
18. Fingerprint Penguin
Materials Needed: Black and white paint, googly eyes, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Dip the toddler’s finger in black paint and press onto paper for the penguin’s body.
- Add white paint for the belly and googly eyes.
Customization Ideas: Add a small orange beak or a colorful scarf with markers.
Parent Tips: Use washable paints and pre-cut the paper for easy crafting.
19. Handprint Christmas Bell
Materials Needed: Yellow paper, ribbon, and glue.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out a handprint from yellow paper.
- Attach a ribbon to the top to create a hanging bell.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter or stickers for extra decoration.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the handprint and help with attaching the ribbon.
20. Fingerprint Candy Cane Card
Materials Needed: White card stock, red paint, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Use the toddler’s finger to make red stripes on a white card, forming a candy cane.
- Add a holiday message with markers.
Customization Ideas: Use glitter for extra shine or add small bows for decoration.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the card stock and use washable paints for easy cleanup.
21. Handprint Christmas Gift Tags
Materials Needed: Construction paper, markers, and string.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace the toddler’s hand on construction paper and cut it out.
- Punch a hole at the top and attach string to create a gift tag.
- Write a small holiday message with markers.
Customization Ideas: Decorate with glitter or stickers, and write personalized messages.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut handprints and let toddlers decorate with markers.
22. Handprint Snow Globe
Materials Needed: Clear plastic ornament, white paint, and ribbon.
Crafting Instructions:
- Paint the toddler’s hand white and press it onto the ornament.
- Let the paint dry, and attach a ribbon to hang the ornament.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter inside the ornament for a snow effect, or draw snowflakes with markers.
Parent Tips: Use washable paint and ensure the plastic ornaments are easy for toddlers to handle.
23. Fingerpaint Christmas Tree Ornament
Materials Needed: Green paint, clear plastic ornament, and ribbon.
Crafting Instructions:
- Dip fingers in green paint and press onto a clear ornament to form a tree shape.
- Let dry, and attach a ribbon for hanging.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter or small decorations like beads to the tree.
Parent Tips: Pre-prepare the materials, and use non-toxic, washable paint.
24. Handprint Snowman Plate
Materials Needed: White plate, black paint, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Paint the toddler’s hand white and press it onto the plate.
- Use markers to add eyes, buttons, and a hat to turn it into a snowman.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter or a ribbon around the snowman’s neck as a scarf.
Parent Tips: Use a lightweight, unbreakable plate for safety and easier handling.
25. Handprint Reindeer Hat
Materials Needed: Brown paper, glue, googly eyes, and a headband.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out the toddler’s handprints from brown paper for reindeer antlers.
- Glue them to a headband, and add googly eyes to complete the look.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter or stickers to the antlers for decoration.
Parent Tips: Use a soft, comfortable headband to help toddlers attach the antlers.
26. Fingerprint Christmas Tree Card
Materials Needed: Green paint, construction paper, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Use the toddler’s fingers to make a Christmas tree shape on the card with green paint.
- Add small dots for ornaments using different colors.
Customization Ideas: Add a star on top with stickers or glitter, and personalize with a holiday message.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the card and use washable paint for easier cleanup.
27. Handprint Christmas Garland
Materials Needed: Construction paper, string, and glue.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out several handprints from colored paper.
- Glue them to a piece of string, forming a garland.
Customization Ideas: Use different colors of paper or add glitter for a festive touch.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the handprints and let toddlers help with gluing them onto the string.
28. Fingerpaint Christmas Tree Decoration
Materials Needed: Green paint, paper, and ribbon.
Crafting Instructions:
- Use green paint and let the toddler’s fingers create a tree shape on paper.
- Cut out the tree and attach a ribbon for hanging.
Customization Ideas: Add small stickers for ornaments or glitter for a sparkly effect.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the paper for an easy setup and ensure paints are washable.
29. Handprint Christmas Bauble
Materials Needed: Clear bauble, non-toxic paint, and ribbon.
Crafting Instructions:
- Paint the toddler’s hand and press it onto the bauble.
- Let the paint dry, and attach a ribbon for hanging.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter or small decorations inside the bauble.
Parent Tips: Use plastic baubles and washable paint for safety and easy cleanup.
30. Fingerprint Christmas Wreath Card
Materials Needed: Green and red paint, white card, and ribbon.
Crafting Instructions:
- Use green fingerprints to form a wreath on the front of the card.
- Add red fingerprint berries and a ribbon bow.
Customization Ideas: Use glitter for a shiny effect or personalize with a message inside.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the card and use washable paint for an easy crafting experience.
31. Handprint Holiday Placemat
Materials Needed: Construction paper, clear contact paper, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out handprints from colored paper.
- Arrange them on a larger sheet and cover with clear contact paper to make a placemat.
Customization Ideas: Add names, glitter, or stickers for extra decoration.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the handprints and laminate the placemat for durability.
32. Handprint Angel Wings
Materials Needed: White paper, glue, and gold glitter.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out two handprints for the angel’s wings.
- Attach them to a round paper head and add gold glitter.
Customization Ideas: Add a small halo using foil or glitter for an extra angelic touch.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the shapes and guide toddlers through gluing the wings.
33. Fingerprint Rudolph
Materials Needed: Brown paint, red pom-poms, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Dip the toddler’s finger in brown paint and press onto paper to make a reindeer.
- Add googly eyes, draw antlers, and use a red pom-pom for the nose.
Customization Ideas: Use glitter for decoration or add small stickers for extra fun.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the materials and help toddlers with the details.
34. Handprint Christmas Star
Materials Needed: Yellow paper, glitter, and glue.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out handprints from yellow paper.
- Arrange in a star shape and glue them together.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter for sparkle or use different shades of yellow for variety.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the handprints and let toddlers help with gluing.
35. Fingerprint Nativity Scene
Materials Needed: Brown, blue, and yellow paint, and markers.
Crafting Instructions:
- Use fingerprints to create a simple nativity scene with figures and a manger.
- Add small details like stars and animals using markers.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter to the stars or personalize with a holiday message.
Parent Tips: Use washable paints and pre-cut the paper for easier handling.
36. Handprint Christmas Mitten Ornament
Materials Needed: Red construction paper, cotton balls, and glue.
Crafting Instructions:
- Trace and cut out a handprint from red paper.
- Glue cotton balls along the edges to create a mitten shape.
Customization Ideas: Add glitter, a ribbon, or write the child’s name on the mitten.
Parent Tips: Pre-cut the mitten and help with gluing the cotton balls.
Conclusion
We’ve explored a wide range of hand Christmas crafts perfect for toddlers aged 2-3. These activities are more than just fun – they’re a chance to bond with your little ones and create lasting memories.
As you work on these projects together, you’ll see your child’s creativity bloom and their fine motor skills improve.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but enjoyment. Let your toddler lead the way and embrace the messy, imperfect results.
These handmade decorations will become cherished keepsakes, reminding you of this special time in your child’s life.
We hope these craft ideas have inspired you to get creative this holiday season. Happy crafting, and may your home be filled with the joy and wonder of your toddler’s artistic creations!
