Holiday Crafts For Kids
You may have already seen this in your own children, but researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that family activities, such as crafting, and shared moments of creativity improve emotional well-being for kids of all ages -- even the ones above 18! It's amazing how something as simple as a craft project can bring so much joy.
With the holidays around the corner, now's the time to turn ordinary afternoons into magical family memories.
Let's dive into some Holiday crafts for kids that make heartfelt gifts and unforgettable traditions.
Simple Holiday Craft Ideas for the Little Kids
Crafting with little ones can be messy and downright magical. The best part? Watching their faces light up when they see their creations come to life.
These holiday craft ideas are simple and guaranteed to make your home (and your heart) feel a little warmer this season.
Handprint Keepsakes
Is there anything cuter than tiny handprints? Probably not. Turn those tiny fingers into lasting memories by pressing them onto blank ornaments or heavy cardstock with paint or ink.
Once dry, let your child go wild with glitter, markers, or stickers. Relatives won't be able to resist a card with a handprint that's shaped into a reindeer or a festive tree.
Magical Shadow Boxes
If your child loves storytelling, this one's a winner. Grab a shoebox or any small container and help them create their own little winter wonderland.
Cotton balls become snow
Twigs turn into miniature trees
Tiny toy animals bring the scene to life
Bonus: these shadow boxes double as charming holiday decorations.
Salt Dough Suncatchers
Cut festive shapes
Stars
Trees
Candy canes
Fill the cutouts with colorful beads
Once they bake and cool, hang them up in a sunny window. When the sunlight streams through, the colors sparkle like stained glass.
It's a seasonal art activity they'll want to do again and again.
DIY Gifts for School-Aged Kids
As kids get older, their crafting skills level up, and so does their excitement about giving meaningful gifts. These DIY Holiday gifts are a perfect mix of fun and heartfelt.
Custom Mason Jar Lanterns
Picture a cozy glowing jar sitting on the mantle, flickering with warm light. Now imagine your child's face when they gift it to someone and hear, "You made this?!"
Start by having them frost the outside of a mason jar with glue and a little white paint. Then, they can decorate with:
Glitter
Holiday stickers
Snowflake cutouts
Pop in a battery-operated candle or fairy lights, and you've got a beautiful handmade treasure.
Personalized Bookmarks
For the bookworms in your life, a personalized bookmark is a gift they'll actually use (and cherish). Help your child cut out strips of cardstock and let them get creative with designs.
They can:
Draw
Paint
Press flowers and leaves onto them
Laminating the finished bookmarks makes them extra durable.
Decorative Candle Holders
Bring nature indoors with this craft. Start with a plain jar and let your child glue on:
Dried leaves
Berries
Twigs they've collected
Coat everything with Mod Podge to keep it sturdy, and pop a tealight inside. When it glows, it looks like something straight out of a Pinterest board.
Handmade Family Presents for Older Kids and Teens
Older kids love projects that feel a bit more grown-up -- and when they see the pride on a loved one's face after opening their gift, it's even more rewarding. These handmade family presents are fun to make and filled with heart.
Photo Garland Gifts
What's better than a string of twinkling lights during the holidays? A garland of cherished family photos! Print out a few favorites and let your child get creative by:
Adding borders with washi tape
Stickers
Glitter glue
Punch holes in the corners of the photos and string them together with twine or ribbon. You'll end up with a decoration that's equal parts personal and festive -- a gift that warms the heart every time it's seen.
Stamped Clay Bowls
Clay crafts never go out of style, especially when they're this customizable. Using air-dry clay, older kids can shape small bowls for trinkets or jewelry.
The real magic happens when they press seasonal stamps into the clay before it dries -- like:
Snowflakes
Stars
Evergreen branches
Once it's ready, a quick coat of paint or glaze adds the finishing touch. These bowls make elegant, handmade family presents that are both artistic and practical.
Beeswax Wraps
Want to teach your kids about sustainable gifting? Beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap, and they're surprisingly easy to make.
Cut cotton fabric into squares, then melt beeswax and spread it evenly over the fabric. Once cooled, these wraps can be folded around food or bowls.
Seasonal Art Activities to Start Traditions
Traditions bring your family together. These seasonal art activities are perfect for creating yearly rituals filled with:
Creativity
Laughter
Holiday cheer
Advent Calendar Crafts
Who doesn't love counting down to Christmas? Instead of store-bought calendars, encourage your kids to make their own.
Use small envelopes
Decorated boxes
Clothespins clipped to twine
Fill each one with a surprise -- maybe:
A piece of candy
A handwritten note
A tiny toy
This is one of those holiday craft ideas that kids will look forward to every year, and it doubles as a lesson in patience and anticipation!
Nature-Inspired Centerpieces
Turn a nature walk into a crafting adventure. Collect:
Pinecones
Twigs
Dried oranges
Sprigs of evergreen
Arrange them in a bowl or on a tray to create a stunning centerpiece. Add candles or fairy lights for a cozy glow.
Handwritten Story Ornaments
Every family has its share of holiday tales, so why not turn them into a cherished decoration?
Write a short family Christmas story on ornament-sized paper cards, then have your kids decorate them with drawings or stickers.
Celebrate the Holidays with Holiday Crafts for Kids
Crafting is a way to create joy and cherished memories. From simple projects for little ones to more intricate designs for older kids, these Holida crafts for kids bring families together in the most magical way.
At Konekt, we believe in the power of connection and creativity. Our workshops and spaces help kids thrive while making lasting memories.
Book a visit with us today and discover how we can make your holidays even brighter!