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🎄 What We’re Using This Christmas (Amazon Favorites)
Here are a few things we’re loving and actually using this Christmas season:
🎄Kids’ Christmas Activity Book (Amazon)🎄Christmas Playdough Kit (Amazon)🎄Christmas Book Set (Amazon)🎄Easy Gingerbread House Kit (Amazon)🎄Washable Christmas Stampers (Amazon)🎄Christmas Fun Game (Amazon)🎄Kids’ Christmas Craft Set (Amazon)Every December, I get this familiar urge to make Christmas magical—without making it overwhelming.
I want cozy afternoons, creative kids, and memories that feel sweet… not a house trashed with glitter I didn’t plan for and supplies I forgot to buy. If you’re nodding along, you’re in the right place.
Because here’s the truth: you don’t need fancy craft kits or a last-minute trip to the store to create meaningful Christmas crafts with your kids. Most of the time, the best crafts are the simplest ones—made with what you already have at home.
That’s why I put together this list of 25 easy Christmas crafts for kids using basic household supplies like paper, crayons, glue, cardboard, and recyclables. These crafts are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids, and they work beautifully for homeschool, winter break, classroom parties, or cozy afternoons at home.
If you’re looking for low-prep, low-stress Christmas crafts that actually keep kids engaged, let’s dive in.
Why Simple Christmas Crafts Matter
Before we jump into the list, I want to say this gently:
Your kids don’t need Pinterest-perfect crafts.
They need time, connection, and freedom to create.
Simple crafts:
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Reduce parent stress
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Encourage creativity instead of perfection
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Help kids build fine motor skills
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Create real memories (not pressure)
And best of all? You don’t need special supplies.
Basic Supplies You’ll Likely Already Have
Most of the crafts below use some combination of:
No glitter explosions. No specialty kits. No stress.
25 Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids
1. Paper Plate Christmas Wreath
Cut the center out of a paper plate and let kids decorate it with green crayons, torn paper, or finger painting. Add a paper bow for a festive touch.
Skills practiced: fine motor, creativity
2. Handprint Christmas Tree
Trace your child’s hands multiple times to form a tree shape. Color it green and decorate with drawn “ornaments.” You can also paint their little hand and stamp it on paper.
This one makes the sweetest keepsake.
3. Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer
Use a toilet paper roll, draw a face, and glue on paper antlers. Red crayon nose = instant Rudolph.
4. Christmas Card Collage
Cut up old Christmas cards or magazines and let kids glue pieces onto paper to create their own holiday scene.
Bonus: great way to reuse cards instead of tossing them.
5. Cotton Ball Snowman
Draw a snowman outline and let kids glue cotton balls inside. Add details with crayons or markers.
Perfect for younger kids.
6. Paper Snowflakes
Fold paper and cut simple shapes. Open it up and let kids admire their unique designs—no two are ever the same.
Hang them in windows for instant decor.
7. Cardboard Gingerbread People
Cut gingerbread shapes from cardboard boxes and decorate with markers or scrap paper.
Mess-free and sturdy!
8. Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees
Glue popsicle sticks into a triangle shape and decorate with markers, yarn, or paper scraps.
9. Christmas Countdown Chain
Make a paper chain with one loop for each day until Christmas. Tear one off each day—it builds excitement and teaches counting.
10. Fingerprint Ornament Art
Draw simple ornament outlines and let kids fill them in with fingerprints using washable paint or crayons.
11. Paper Bag Santa Puppet
Turn a brown paper bag into Santa using crayons, cotton balls, and paper. Great for imaginative play afterward.
12. Christmas Tree Shape Collage
Cut out a large triangle and let kids glue anything green they can find—scrap paper, tissue paper, magazine clippings.
13. Recycled Box Nativity Scene
Use small boxes or cartons to create a simple nativity scene with drawn characters.
A gentle way to talk about the meaning of Christmas.
14. Christmas Coloring Garland
Print or draw Christmas pictures, color them, and string them together for homemade decorations.
15. Paper Stocking Craft
Cut out stocking shapes and decorate them. You can even write kind notes or acts of kindness inside.
16. Snowy Winter Trees
Draw bare trees and use cotton balls or crumpled paper dipped in white paint to create snow.
17. Christmas Hat Craft
Cut out Santa hats or elf hats and decorate them. Tape a string on the back so kids can wear them.
18. Wrapping Paper Art
Let kids draw or paint on plain paper and use it as gift wrap for small presents.
This makes gifts extra meaningful.
19. Paper Chain Angels
Fold paper accordion-style and cut out angel shapes. When opened, they create a connected garland.
20. Christmas Shape Sorting Craft
Cut out circles, triangles, and rectangles to build Christmas pictures while practicing shapes.
Great for preschoolers.
21. Snowman Paper Plate Faces
Draw snowman faces on paper plates using crayons or markers. Add scarves with paper strips.
22. Handwritten Christmas Cards
Have kids create cards for grandparents, neighbors, or teachers. Even simple drawings mean so much.
23. Yarn-Wrapped Cardboard Trees
Cut tree shapes from cardboard and let kids wrap yarn around them.
Excellent for fine motor skills.
24. Christmas Memory Drawing
Ask kids to draw their favorite Christmas memory or what they’re most excited about this year.
This sparks meaningful conversations.
25. Kindness Ornament Craft
Cut ornament shapes from paper and write one kind act on each. Hang them up and do one each day.
This is one of my favorites.
Tips to Keep Christmas Craft Time Stress-Free
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Set expectations low—mess happens
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Let kids lead the creativity
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Prepare supplies ahead of time
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Stop before frustration starts
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Focus on connection, not perfection
Remember: crafting is about the moment, not the outcome.
Why These Crafts Actually Work
These Christmas crafts:
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Don’t require shopping trips
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Are adaptable for different ages
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Encourage creativity and independence
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Create keepsakes without pressure
They solve the real problem parents face during December:
keeping kids busy, happy, and learning—without burnout.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed this season, let this be your reminder:
You are doing enough. You are creating magic simply by showing up.
A stack of paper, a few crayons, and time together can turn an ordinary afternoon into a memory your kids will carry forever.
If you try any of these crafts, I’d love to hear about it. 💛
If you want even more simple Christmas activities, homeschool printables, or learning ideas to make the season magical, make sure to explore my other posts.
Your support helps me keep creating helpful content for your home and homeschool.
Leave a Comment
Which Christmas craft are you most excited to try with your kids this year?
Or do you have a go-to easy craft your family loves?
Leave a comment below—I read every one.
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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