Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for little ones, and it’s the perfect opportunity to engage toddlers in fun, hands-on crafting! These 11 Christmas crafts for toddlers are not only simple and festive, but they also help develop creativity, fine motor skills, and early learning concepts. Whether it’s creating a paper plate Santa or making jingle bell shakers, crafting together adds an extra layer of joy to the holiday season, especially for homeschooling families.

With easy Christmas crafts for kids, you can incorporate learning into the fun, teaching toddlers about colors, shapes, and textures through playful activities. From glittery snowflakes to pom-pom ornaments, these projects are designed to be both educational and entertaining, helping toddlers practice important skills while creating holiday memories that will last a lifetime.

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1. Handprint Reindeer Art

Materials Needed:

• Brown construction paper

• Googly eyes

• Red pom-poms or a red marker

• Glue

• Scissors

• Black or brown marker

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Trace the Hands: Start by tracing your toddler's hands on the brown construction paper. These will be the reindeer's antlers!

2. Create the Reindeer Head: Cut out an oval shape from another piece of brown construction paper. This will be the reindeer's face.

3. Assemble the Reindeer: Glue the handprint "antlers" to the back of the oval face, with the fingers pointing upward like antlers.

4. Add Eyes and Nose: Stick the googly eyes onto the face. For the nose, use a red pom-pom to create Rudolph’s signature look. Alternatively, draw the nose with a red marker.

5. Draw Details: Use the marker to draw on the reindeer's mouth and other small details.

6. Personalize: Write your child's name and the year on the reindeer's body for a special keepsake.

Learning Benefits: This Christmas craft for toddlers is not only fun but also a wonderful sensory activity. Kids will enjoy the tactile experience of handling paper and glue, while tracing and cutting help develop fine motor skills. Plus, this handprint reindeer becomes a treasured keepsake, capturing your child’s small hands and turning the project into a cherished holiday memory.

2. Salt Dough Ornaments

Materials Needed:

• 1 cup flour

• 1/2 cup salt

• 1/2 cup water

• Rolling pin

• Cookie cutters (Christmas shapes like stars, trees, etc.)

• Paint and brushes

• Ribbon or string (for hanging)

• Baking sheet

• Optional: Glitter or sequins for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of water until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it's smooth.

2. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. Let your toddler use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like stars, snowflakes, and Christmas trees. Don't forget to use a straw or pencil to poke a small hole at the top of each ornament for hanging later.

3. Bake the Ornaments: Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until they’re completely hardened. Allow the ornaments to cool.

4. Decorate: Once the ornaments are cool, let your toddler decorate them using paint, glitter, or sequins. They can get creative with colors and patterns, making each ornament their own unique creation.

5. Add Ribbon: Thread a piece of ribbon or string through the hole and tie it to make a loop for hanging the ornaments on the Christmas tree.

Learning Benefits: This festive Christmas craft for toddlers offers a full sensory experience. From mixing and kneading the dough to cutting out shapes and painting them, this craft encourages tactile exploration and fine motor development.

Baking the ornaments adds an exciting new dimension, giving toddlers a chance to learn patience and experience the transformation of their craft. The result is a set of beautiful, handmade ornaments that can be cherished for years, while also engaging your little one in creative, hands-on learning.

3. Cotton Ball Snowman

Materials Needed:

• Cotton balls

• White, black, and orange construction paper

• Glue

• Scissors

• Googly eyes (optional)

• Markers or crayons

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Snowman Base: Cut out three different-sized circles from white construction paper to form the snowman's body (large, medium, and small). If your toddler is able, they can help with this step, or you can pre-cut the circles for them.

2. Apply Glue: Help your toddler apply glue all over the surface of the circles.

3. Stick on the Cotton Balls: Let your child cover the circles with soft, fluffy cotton balls to create a textured snowman. The cotton balls can be pulled apart a little to make them stretch and cover the entire surface.

4. Add the Snowman's Features: Cut out small circles from black paper for the eyes and buttons, and a small triangle from orange paper for the nose. Help your child glue these onto the snowman. Alternatively, use googly eyes for a more playful look!

5. Draw or Glue on Accessories: Let your toddler add fun details, like a scarf or a hat, using markers, crayons, with paper or fabric cutouts.

6. Display the Creation: Once everything is glued and dry, display your toddler's snowman on the fridge or as part of your Christmas décor!

Learning Benefits: This easy Christmas craft for toddlers is perfect for sensory development, as kids get to explore the soft texture of cotton balls while building their snowman. The process of gluing and placing the cotton balls helps improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, it encourages creativity as children personalize their snowman with fun accessories and expressions. This project brings the fun of winter indoors while promoting hands-on learning!

4. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

Materials Needed:

• Popsicle sticks (4-6 per snowflake)

• White and blue paint

• Glue

• Glitter, sequins, or stickers for decoration

• String or ribbon for hanging (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Popsicle Sticks: Help your toddler paint the popsicle sticks in wintery colors like white and blue. You can also sprinkle some glitter on the paint while it’s still wet to add sparkle. Allow the sticks to dry completely.

2. Assemble the Snowflake: Arrange the painted popsicle sticks in a snowflake shape by gluing 3-4 sticks in a crisscross pattern to form a symmetrical snowflake. Let the glue dry to secure the shape.

3. Decorate the Snowflake: Once the glue has dried, let your toddler decorate their snowflake using glitter, sequins, or small stickers. This is a great opportunity to talk about winter themes and encourage creativity.

4. Add String for Hanging (Optional): If you want to turn the snowflake into an ornament, glue a loop of string or ribbon to the back of the snowflake so it can be hung on the tree or in a window.

Learning Benefits: Crafting popsicle stick snowflakes helps toddlers explore the concept of symmetry and introduces them to winter themes in a fun and engaging way. Arranging the popsicle sticks into a balanced design encourages spatial awareness; while painting and decorating strengthen fine motor skills. This simple yet creative Christmas craft for toddlers also allows kids to explore patterns and colors, creating their own beautiful snowflakes that celebrate the magic of winter.

5. Pom-Pom Ornaments

Materials Needed:

• Colorful pom-poms (various sizes)

• Craft glue or glue sticks

• Small foam or cardboard circles (for the base)

• OPTIONAL: use the bell or star template provided below

• Ribbon or string (for hanging)

• Scissors

• Optional: Glitter or sequins for extra sparkle

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ornament Base: Start by cutting out small circles from foam or cardboard. These will serve as the base for the pom-pom ornaments. If you'd like to hang the ornaments, cut a piece of ribbon or string and glue or tape it to the back of the circle to form a loop.

2. Apply Glue: Help your toddler apply glue to the surface of the foam or cardboard base.

3. Stick on the Pom-Poms: Let your child choose from the colorful pom-poms and stick them onto the glue. Encourage them to mix and match colors, creating their own unique designs.

4. Optional Decorating: If your toddler wants to add some extra flair, sprinkle glitter or stick on sequins to make the ornaments sparkle.

5. Let it Dry: Allow the ornaments to dry completely before hanging them on the Christmas tree or around the house.

Learning Benefits: This colorful Christmas craft for toddlers is a fantastic way to encourage creativity and decision-making. Letting toddlers pick their favorite pom-pom colors and decide where to place them helps foster their sense of individuality and artistic expression. The process of sticking pom-poms also strengthens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These bright, fluffy ornaments are not only fun to make but also give toddlers a sense of accomplishment as they decorate for the holidays!

Get these free Bell & Star Templates for your projects!

6. Pinecone Christmas Trees

Materials Needed:

• Pinecones (collected or store-bought)

• Green paint

• Paintbrushes

• Glitter

• Small pom-poms, sequins, or tiny beads for decorations

• Glue

• Optional: Ribbon or string (for hanging if making ornaments)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Paint the Pinecones: Start by having your toddler paint the pinecones green to resemble a Christmas tree. You may need to help them with the tricky parts between the layers of the pinecone. Let the paint dry completely.

2. Add Glitter: While the paint is still wet or using glue, sprinkle some glitter over the pinecones to give them a frosty, festive sparkle. This adds a touch of magic and helps create a winter wonderland effect.

3. Decorate the Tree: Once the glitter is in place, let your child glue small pom-poms, sequins, or beads onto the pinecone. These will act as the ornaments or Christmas lights for the tiny tree. Your child can get creative with colors and placement.

4. Display or Hang: You can choose to display the pinecone trees as part of a winter scene or attach a ribbon or string to the top to turn them into ornaments for the Christmas tree. If you’re making a mini winter wonderland, gather several pinecone trees together to create a festive forest.

Learning Benefits: Crafting pinecone Christmas trees is a fantastic way for toddlers to explore texture, creativity, and holiday themes. The painting and decorating process helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, working with natural materials like pinecones allows children to connect with nature while getting into the holiday spirit. Whether displayed as decorations or hung on the tree, these adorable little pinecone trees add a fun, hands-on touch to your Christmas celebration!

7. Button Wreath Ornament

Materials Needed:

• Assorted buttons (green, red, white, or any festive colors)

• Thin wire or pipe cleaner

• Ribbon or string for hanging

• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Materials: Gather assorted buttons in different sizes and colors, focusing on festive colors like green, red, or white. You can even let your toddler choose their favorite buttons to personalize their wreath.

2. String the Buttons: Help your child thread the buttons onto a thin wire or a pipe cleaner. Encourage them to alternate colors and sizes to create a unique wreath design. This step is great for developing fine motor coordination and practicing color recognition.

3. Shape the Wreath: Once enough buttons have been strung, twist the ends of the wire or pipe cleaner together to form a circular wreath shape. If you’re using a pipe cleaner, you can twist the ends into a small loop for hanging.

4. Add Ribbon: Tie a festive ribbon or string at the top of the wreath to create a loop for hanging. You can also tie a little bow at the bottom of the wreath for extra decoration.

5. Display the Ornament: Let your toddler hang their finished button wreath on the Christmas tree or around the house as part of your holiday decorations.

Learning Benefits: Making a button wreath ornament is a fun way to help toddlers practice color recognition and fine motor skills as they sort and thread the buttons. The process of stringing buttons onto the wire or pipe cleaner strengthens hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Plus, this craft encourages creativity as toddlers choose their own colors and button arrangements. It’s a wonderful holiday activity that adds a personal, handmade touch to your Christmas decor!

8. Clothespin Christmas Trees

Materials Needed:

• Green construction paper or cardstock

• Clothespins (wooden or plastic)

• Scissors

• Small red and white buttons

• Mini pom-poms

• Glue

• Markers or crayons (optional for extra decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut Out the Tree Shapes: Start by cutting large triangles out of green paper to represent Christmas trees. You can help your toddler by tracing the shape first and then cutting it out, or if they’re old enough, they can practice cutting with safety scissors.

2. Decorate the Trees: Let your child decorate the tree shapes with small red and white buttons, mini pom-poms, or any other festive craft supplies you have on hand. Glue the buttons and pom-poms onto the tree as "ornaments." If they want, they can also use markers or crayons to draw additional decorations like stars or lights.

3. Attach the Clothespins: Once the decorations are dry, clip a clothespin to the bottom of each tree. This will act as the tree’s stand, allowing the tree to stand upright for display. If you want the tree to be taller, use the clothespin vertically; if you want a shorter tree, clip the clothespin horizontally.

4. Create an Assortment: Encourage your toddler to make several of these trees in different sizes and with various decorations. You can set them up as a cute Christmas display on a shelf or mantel, creating a mini forest of decorated clothespin Christmas trees.

Learning Benefits: Crafting clothespin Christmas trees is a great way to engage toddlers in fine motor activities, as they glue, clip, and assemble their creations. The process of cutting shapes, placing decorations, and standing the trees helps with hand-eye coordination and motor skills. These cute little trees also encourage creative expression as children choose how to decorate each one, fostering their artistic development while adding a fun, festive touch to your holiday decor.

9. DIY Jingle Bell Shakers

Materials Needed:

• Small jingle bells

• Pipe cleaners or thin ribbon

• Plastic or paper cups

• Tape

• Optional: Markers or stickers for decorating the cups

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bells: Start by threading small jingle bells onto a pipe cleaner or thin ribbon. You can use as many bells as you like to create a loud or soft jingle sound. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner or tie the ribbon to secure the bells in place.

2. Create the Shaker: Take two plastic or paper cups and place the jingle bells inside one of the cups. Then, place the second cup upside down on top of the first, creating a container with the bells inside. Secure the cups together with tape around the edges.

3. Decorate the Shaker: Let your toddler decorate the outside of the shaker using markers, stickers, or even Christmas-themed wrapping paper. This step helps develop creativity and makes the craft even more personal and fun.

4. Shake and Play: Once the shakers are ready, your toddler can shake them to make music. Incorporate rhythm learning by encouraging your child to shake along to the beat of their favorite Christmas songs or make up their own jingles.

Learning Benefits: Crafting DIY jingle bell shakers is not only a fun Christmas craft for toddlers but also a great way to introduce toddlers to the concept of music and rhythm. By shaking the bells, they can experiment with different sounds and movements, helping them develop a sense of rhythm and coordination. The process of threading bells onto pipe cleaners also strengthens fine motor skills, making this a well-rounded activity that encourages both creativity and learning through play.

10. Paper Plate Santa

Materials Needed:

• Paper plate

• Red paint

• Paintbrush

• Cotton balls

• Glue

• Black marker or black paint for the eyes

• Red marker or paint for the nose

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create Santa’s Hat: Start by painting the top portion of the paper plate red, leaving the bottom half unpainted. This red section will be Santa’s hat. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

2. Add the Hat’s Fur: Once the paint is dry, glue cotton balls along the edge of the red hat to make the fur trim. You can also add a cotton ball at the bottom side of the hat for the fluffy pom-pom.

3. Make Santa’s Beard: Glue cotton balls along the bottom half of the paper plate to create Santa’s fluffy beard. Toddlers can help press the cotton balls into place, which is a fun sensory experience for them.

4. Draw the Face: In the center of the plate, where there’s no cotton, paint or draw a red nose using a marker or red paint. Then, use black paint or a marker to create two small round eyes just above the nose. You can also draw a small smile if you like!

Learning Benefits: The Paper Plate Santa is a simple and fun Christmas craft for toddlers that engages them with painting, gluing, and sensory play. As they glue cotton balls and paint the face, toddlers practice fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. This activity also helps children learn about facial features, colors, and textures while creating a festive holiday craft that can be displayed at home as part of your Christmas decorations!

11. Puffy Paint Candy Canes

Materials Needed:

• White shaving cream

• White glue

• Red food coloring

• Large candy cane-shaped cutouts from cardstock

• Paintbrushes or cotton swabs

• Optional: Glitter for extra sparkle

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Puffy Paint: To make the puffy paint, mix equal parts of shaving cream and white glue in a bowl. This mixture will create a fluffy, textured paint perfect for this craft. Divide the mixture into two separate bowls.

2. Add Color: In one bowl, add a few drops of red food coloring to create red puffy paint. Stir gently until the color is evenly mixed. Leave the other bowl white for the classic candy cane stripes.

3. Paint the Candy Cane: Give your toddler a candy cane-shaped cutout and let them use a paintbrush or cotton swab to alternate between the red and white puffy paint, creating the candy cane’s signature stripes. Encourage them to paint in horizontal lines across the shape, covering the entire candy cane.

4. Add Extra Fun (Optional): If your child wants a bit of extra sparkle, sprinkle a little glitter on top of the wet puffy paint for a magical touch.

5. Let it Dry: The puffy paint will take some time to dry, but once it’s set, the candy cane will have a fun, raised texture that toddlers can touch and explore.

Learning Benefits: Making puffy paint candy canes is an excellent way to promote sensory exploration and fine motor skill development. The unique texture of the puffy paint gives children a tactile experience, while the painting process helps them practice hand-eye coordination and color recognition. This festive craft also encourages creativity and provides an opportunity for hands-on holiday fun!

Conclusion

These 11 Christmas crafts for toddlers are not only easy to make but also educational, offering plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. From developing fine motor skills to exploring colors, textures, and shapes, these fun holiday projects can fit seamlessly into your homeschooling routine. Each craft brings a little festive joy while allowing your child to express creativity and build cherished holiday memories.

Feel free to tweak these ideas to suit your family’s traditions or come up with new ones! We’d love to hear about your favorite Christmas crafts for toddlers and how you make the holiday season special with your little ones. Please share your thoughts on my Facebook page.