15 Christmas Crafts for Toddlers to Make This Holiday Season

The holiday season is magical, especially when you share it with your toddler. I love watching little ones light up as they create something special. 

Crafting with toddlers brings joy, builds memories, and helps them learn. In this article, I’ll share 15 Christmas crafts perfect for kids ages 1 to 3. 

Each one is safe, simple, and packed with festive fun. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher, these ideas will keep your toddler engaged and happy. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

• 15 Toddler-Friendly Christmas Crafts
  • 1. Paper Plate Santa Face
  • 2. Handprint Reindeer Ornament
  • 3. Cotton Ball Snowman
  • 4. Pinecone Christmas Tree
  • 5. Popsicle Stick Ornaments
  • 6. Fingerprint Christmas Lights
  • 7. Tissue Paper Wreath
  • 8. Salt Dough Ornaments
  • 9. Paper Candy Cane
  • 10. Gingerbread Man Decorating
  • 11. Sponge-Stamped Christmas Tree
  • 12. Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes
  • 13. Pom-Pom Garland
  • 14. Egg Carton Jingle Bells
  • 15. Yarn-Wrapped Ornaments
• Conclusion 

15 Toddler-Friendly Christmas Crafts

Each craft below includes a description, materials, steps, time estimate, learning benefits, variations, and tips. I’ve kept everything simple so you and your toddler can focus on fun.

1. Paper Plate Santa Face

Nothing says Christmas like Santa’s jolly face! This craft turns a plain paper plate into a cheerful decoration. Your toddler will love gluing cotton balls for his fluffy beard.

Materials: Paper plate, red and white construction paper, cotton balls, googly eyes, glue stick, black marker, red pom-pom.

Steps:

1. Cut a triangle from red paper for Santa’s hat.
2. Glue the hat to the top of the paper plate.
3. Stick cotton balls along the bottom for a beard.
4. Add googly eyes above the beard.
5. Draw a mouth with the black marker.
6. Glue a red pom-pom for the nose.

Time: 15 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Gluing strengthens fine motor skills. Naming colors and shapes (red triangle, white cotton) builds vocabulary.

Variations: Use your toddler’s handprints for the beard. Add glitter to the hat for extra sparkle.

Tips: Pre-cut the hat for younger toddlers. Use a washable glue stick to keep things tidy. Hang the finished Santa on the fridge for everyone to admire.

2. Handprint Reindeer Ornament

This keepsake captures your toddler’s tiny handprint as a reindeer’s antlers. It’s perfect for gifting or decorating the tree.

Materials: Brown washable paint, white cardstock, red pom-pom, googly eyes, ribbon, black marker.

Steps:

1. Paint your toddler’s hand with brown paint.
2. Press their hand onto the cardstock to make antlers.
3. Glue googly eyes below the handprint.
4. Add a red pom-pom for the nose.
5. Draw a mouth with the marker.
6. Punch a hole and tie a ribbon loop.

Time: 10 minutes (plus drying time).

Learning Benefits: Painting feels fun and sensory. This craft creates a memory you can revisit each Christmas.

Variations: Use footprints for a larger reindeer. Add jingle bells for a festive touch.

Tips: Use non-toxic, washable paint. Keep wipes nearby for quick hand cleaning. Write the date on the back to track your toddler’s growth.

3. Cotton Ball Snowman

This fluffy snowman is a tactile delight. Your toddler will enjoy sticking soft cotton balls to create a wintery friend.

Materials: Blue construction paper, cotton balls, glue stick, orange paper, buttons or markers for features.

Steps:

1. Draw a snowman outline (three circles) on the paper.
2. Spread glue inside the circles.
3. Stick cotton balls to fill the outline.
4. Cut a small triangle from orange paper for the nose.
5. Glue on the nose and add buttons or draw eyes and a scarf.

Time: 20 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Touching cotton balls teaches texture. Counting balls introduces numbers.

Variations: Make a snowman family with different sizes. Add twig arms from a nature walk.

Tips: Let your toddler squeeze the glue stick to build grip strength. Watch buttons closely to avoid choking hazards.

4. Pinecone Christmas Tree

Turn a pinecone into a mini Christmas tree! This craft brings nature indoors and lets your toddler decorate with colorful pom-poms.

Materials: Pinecone, green washable paint, small pom-poms or beads, glue stick, star sticker.

Steps:

1. Paint the pinecone green and let it dry.
2. Glue pom-poms or beads as ornaments.
3. Place a star sticker on top.

Time: 15 minutes (plus drying time).

Learning Benefits: Painting connects kids to nature. Sorting pom-pom colors teaches categorization.

Variations: Use glitter paint for shine. Glue the pinecone to a cardboard base for stability.

Tips: Go on a pinecone hunt with your toddler for extra fun. Choose large pinecones for easy handling. Dry the pinecone overnight to avoid sticky paint.

5. Popsicle Stick Ornaments

Popsicle sticks make adorable ornaments like stars or trees. Your toddler will love painting and decorating these sturdy shapes.

Materials: Popsicle sticks, glue stick, washable paint, ribbon, sequins.

Steps:

1. Glue popsicle sticks into a star or triangle shape.
2. Paint the shape in festive colors.
3. Glue on sequins for sparkle.
4. Tie a ribbon loop for hanging.

Time: 20 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Arranging sticks teaches shapes. Adding sequins builds patterns.

Variations: Make snowflakes or candy canes. Use different colors for variety.

Tips: Pre-glue shapes for younger toddlers. Choose large, non-toxic sequins. Display on your tree or gift to grandparents.

6. Fingerprint Christmas Lights

Your toddler’s fingerprints become colorful Christmas lights in this playful craft. It’s quick and makes a cute card or wall art.

Materials: Black marker, colorful washable finger paints, white paper.

Steps:

1. Draw a wavy line with the marker for the light strand.
2. Dip your toddler’s finger in paint and press along the line as bulbs.
3. Connect the prints with the marker to finish the strand.

Time: 10 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Finger painting boosts fine motor control. Mixing colors teaches creativity.

Variations: Add glitter to the bulbs. Draw a tree outline and place lights on it.

Tips: Use washable paints for easy cleanup. Frame the artwork as a holiday card. Let your toddler choose the colors for extra fun.

7. Tissue Paper Wreath

This vibrant wreath uses crumpled tissue paper for a festive look. Your toddler will love the squishy texture.

Materials: Cardboard ring, green tissue paper, glue stick, red bows or pom-poms.

Steps:

1. Cut a ring from cardboard (like a donut shape).
2. Crumple green tissue paper into small balls.
3. Glue the balls onto the ring.
4. Add red bows or pom-poms as berries.

Time: 25 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Crumpling paper builds dexterity. The wreath introduces holiday symbols.

Variations: Use multicolored tissue for a rainbow wreath. Add a ribbon loop for hanging.

Tips: Pre-cut the cardboard ring. Let your toddler glue independently for confidence. Hang the wreath on your door for a proud display.

8. Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough is soft and fun to shape. These ornaments are perfect for stars, hearts, or other holiday shapes.

Materials: Flour, salt, water, cookie cutters, washable paint, ribbon.

Steps:

1. Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, and ½ cup water to make dough.
2. Roll out the dough and cut shapes with cookie cutters.
3. Bake at 250°F for 2 hours.
4. Paint the cooled shapes.
5. Tie a ribbon loop for hanging.

Time: 30 minutes (plus baking).

Learning Benefits: Kneading dough is sensory fun. Measuring ingredients introduces math.

Variations: Press handprints into the dough. Add cinnamon for a holiday scent.

Tips: Supervise baking closely. Store ornaments in a dry container. Paint with non-toxic colors for safety.

9. Paper Candy Cane

Twist paper strips into a classic candy cane. This craft is simple and great for little hands.

Materials: Red and white construction paper strips, glue stick, scissors (for adult use).

Steps:

1. Cut red and white paper into 1-inch strips.
2. Twist one red and one white strip together.
3. Glue the ends to hold the shape.
4. Bend the top into a cane hook.

Time: 15 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Twisting paper improves coordination. Alternating colors teaches patterns.

Variations: Draw stripes with markers. Make longer strips for a garland.

Tips: Use thick paper for sturdiness. Pre-cut strips to save time. Hang on the tree or use as a bookmark.

10. Gingerbread Man Decorating

Decorate a paper gingerbread man with stickers and buttons. It’s a sweet way to spark imagination.

Materials: Brown construction paper, markers, stickers, glue stick, buttons.

Steps:

1. Cut a gingerbread man shape from brown paper.
2. Draw a face with markers.
3. Glue on stickers and buttons for decorations.

Time: 15 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Decorating encourages role-play. Drawing faces teaches emotions.

Variations: Use felt for a reusable gingerbread man. Add yarn for hair.

Tips: Provide a template for the shape. Avoid edible decorations to keep it safe. Display as a festive banner.

11. Sponge-Stamped Christmas Tree

Stamp a tree with sponge triangles for a bold, green masterpiece. Your toddler will love the stamping action.

Materials: Green washable paint, sponges cut into triangles, white paper, star sticker.

Steps:

1. Dip the sponge triangle in green paint.
2. Stamp layers to form a tree shape.
3. Place a star sticker at the top.

Time: 10 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Stamping teaches shapes. Layering builds spatial awareness.

Variations: Use potato stamps instead. Add dot “ornaments” with a fingertip.

Tips: Thin the paint with water for easier stamping. Use a large sponge for small hands. Frame the tree for a holiday gift.

12. Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

Bead pipe cleaners to make sparkly candy canes. This craft is great for fine motor practice.

Materials: Red and white pipe cleaners, pony beads.

Steps:

1. Twist one red and one white pipe cleaner together.
2. Thread pony beads onto the pipe cleaners.
3. Bend the top into a cane shape.

Time: 20 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Beading improves hand-eye coordination. Alternating beads teaches patterns.

Variations: Shape into wreaths or stars. Use glittery pipe cleaners.

Tips: Choose large beads to avoid choking. Pre-twist pipe cleaners for younger kids. Hang on the tree or use as gift toppers.

13. Pom-Pom Garland

String colorful pom-poms for a festive garland. It’s simple and adds cheer to any room.

Materials: Yarn, colorful pom-poms, needle (for adult use).

Steps:

1. Thread a needle with yarn (adults only).
2. String pom-poms onto the yarn.
3. Knot the ends to secure.

Time: 15 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Threading builds sequencing skills. Choosing colors encourages decision-making.

Variations: Alternate pom-pom sizes or add jingle bells. Make shorter strands for tree decor.

Tips: Pre-thread a few pom-poms to start. Use thick yarn for easy handling. Drape over a mantel or window.

14. Egg Carton Jingle Bells

Turn egg carton sections into jingle bells that shake and shine. Your toddler will love the sound.

Materials: Egg carton, washable paint, small bells or beads, string.

Steps:

1. Cut the egg carton into individual sections.
2. Paint the sections in bright colors.
3. Place a bell or bead inside each section.
4. Glue sections shut and tie with string.

Time: 20 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Shaking bells explores sound. Recycling egg cartons teaches eco-awareness.

Variations: String into a mobile. Make a necklace for pretend play.

Tips: Secure bells tightly to avoid spills. Use non-toxic paint. Let your toddler shake the bells for music time.

15. Yarn-Wrapped Ornaments

Wrap yarn around cardboard shapes for cozy ornaments. This craft is great for texture lovers.

Materials: Cardboard cutouts (circles or stars), yarn, glue stick, beads.

Steps:

1. Glue one end of the yarn to the cardboard.
2. Wrap yarn around the shape tightly.
3. Glue the end to secure.
4. Add beads for decoration.

Time: 25 minutes.

Learning Benefits: Wrapping yarn builds patience. Feeling textures expands sensory skills.

Variations: Use red and green yarn. Cut shapes like hearts or trees.

Tips: Start with simple shapes like circles. Help younger toddlers with wrapping. Hang on the tree or gift to family.

Conclusion

Wow, what a festive lineup! These 15 crafts bring holiday cheer while helping your toddler grow. From gluing cotton balls to stamping trees, each activity sparks creativity and builds skills. I love how these projects turn simple supplies into memories. Your toddler’s proud smile will light up the room!

Want to keep the fun going? Try a themed craft day, like “Santa Saturday” or “Snowman Sunday.” Turn crafts into gifts for grandparents or teachers. You could even make an advent calendar with one craft per day. Share photos of your creations online to inspire others!

If things get messy, don’t worry. Use washable paints and keep wipes handy. For drying times, set crafts aside during nap time. If your toddler has allergies, swap out materials—like felt for cotton balls. 

For more ideas, check out toddler craft books at your library or browse Pinterest for inspiration. Dollar stores and recycling bins are great for budget-friendly supplies.

Thank you for crafting with me! I hope these ideas fill your home with holiday joy. What’s your toddler’s favorite craft? Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable!