December 13th Christmas Countdown:
Holiday Crafts for Kids 🎨✨
Hey there, crafty friends! It’s Day 13 of our Christmas Countdown, and today we’re all about holiday crafts for kids. Because let’s face it—there’s something so special about receiving a gift that’s been lovingly (and sometimes messily) handmade by little hands. Plus, crafting is a great way to keep the kids entertained while adding a personal touch to your holiday season.
Whether you’re looking for simple, budget-friendly ideas or adorable keepsakes the family will treasure forever, I’ve got you covered. Let’s grab the glitter, glue, and all the googly eyes—we’re diving into easy crafts kids can make for family gifts. 🎄🎁
1. Handprint Ornaments 🎄
The Vibe: Sentimental, cute, and perfect for the grandparents.
What You’ll Need:
Air-dry clay or salt dough
Rolling pin
Paints (non-toxic)
Ribbon or twine
Cookie cutter (optional)
How to Make It:
Roll out the clay or dough to about 1/4-inch thick.
Press your child’s hand gently into the clay to create an impression.
Use a cookie cutter or shape the edges into a circle or heart.
Poke a small hole at the top for the ribbon.
Let it dry (or bake if using salt dough).
Once dry, let the kids paint their masterpiece and add a ribbon for hanging.
Why It’s Special: Handprint ornaments make wonderful keepsakes that family members will cherish year after year.
2. Mason Jar Snow Globes ❄️
The Vibe: Magical, sparkly, and totally customizable.
What You’ll Need:
Mason jars (clean and dry)
Small figurines or mini trees
Glitter (fine or chunky)
Water-resistant glue (like hot glue)
Distilled water
Glycerin (optional for slowing glitter movement)
Laminated picture of your child or children. (optional)
How to Make It:
Glue the figurine or mini tree to the inside of the jar lid and let it dry.
Fill the jar with distilled water and a teaspoon of glitter. Add a few drops of glycerin if you want the glitter to fall more slowly.
Screw the lid on tightly and shake to test the magic!
Decorate the outside of the jar with ribbon or stickers if you’d like.
Why It’s Special: Snow globes feel magical, and the kids can customize them to match each family member’s style or interests. My granddaughter loves to see her snow globe.
Christmas 2023. It included a mini tree, some holly berries, and a small ornament that floats to the top. Laminate a picture of your child so they can be part of the snow globe.
3. Holiday Card Collages 📬
The Vibe: Colorful, heartfelt, and perfect for family who live far away.
What You’ll Need:
Blank cards or cardstock
Old holiday magazines or wrapping paper scraps
Glue sticks
Markers, crayons, or stickers
How to Make It:
Have the kids cut out festive images, patterns, or words from magazines or leftover wrapping paper.
Glue the cutouts onto the cards to create fun holiday collages.
Let the kids write personal messages inside (or dictate for younger ones).
Add stickers or glitter for an extra festive touch.
Why It’s Special: Handmade cards are an easy way to share the holiday love, especially for family who can’t visit in person.
4. Popsicle Stick Picture Frames 📸
The Vibe: Adorable, customizable, and great for showcasing holiday memories.
What You’ll Need:
Popsicle sticks
Glue
Paints, stickers, or washi tape
Small family photos
Magnets or ribbon (optional)
How to Make It:
Glue the popsicle sticks together to form a square or rectangle frame.
Let the kids decorate the frame with paint, stickers, or tape.
Once dry, attach a small family photo to the back of the frame.
Add a magnet for the fridge or a ribbon for hanging.
Why It’s Special: These personalized frames are perfect for showcasing family photos and make adorable keepsakes.
5. DIY Hot Chocolate Kits 🍫
The Vibe: Yummy, cozy, and super easy for kids to assemble.
What You’ll Need:
Mason jars or clear bags
Hot cocoa mix
Mini marshmallows
Candy canes (whole or crushed)
Chocolate chips or sprinkles
Ribbon and tags
How to Make It:
Layer the hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, and any additional toppings in the jar or bag.
Seal the jar or bag and tie with a festive ribbon.
Have the kids write cute tags with instructions for making the hot cocoa.
Why It’s Special: These make thoughtful and delicious gifts that are fun to assemble and even better to enjoy.
Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Crafting with Kids:
Embrace the Mess: Crafting with kids = glitter everywhere. Accept it now, and you’ll have way more fun. 😉
Keep It Simple: The easier the craft, the less stressful it’ll be for everyone involved.
Make It Personal: Encourage the kids to think about what each family member might like—it makes the gifts extra special.
Set Up a Crafting Zone: Protect your table with newspaper or a tablecloth, and keep wipes handy for sticky fingers.
Why Handmade Gifts Are the Best 🎁
There’s something truly magical about receiving a handmade gift, especially from a child. It’s not about perfection—it’s about the love and effort that went into creating it. These crafts aren’t just gifts; they’re memories that will be cherished for years to come.
So, let’s get crafting! Which of these ideas will you try first? Or do you have a favorite holiday craft you’ve done with your kids? Share your ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear about your creations!
Stay tuned for Day 14, where we’ll keep the holiday magic going strong. Spoiler alert: it’s all about recharging over the holidays! 🎄✨