Easy and Fun Christmas Holiday Crafts for Kids and Families
The holidays are the perfect time to slow down, create meaningful memories, and get a little creative especially when budget and busy schedules are part of the picture. With these easy, cheap and fun Christmas holiday crafts for kids and families, you can turn simple materials into festive decor, heartfelt gifts, and quality time with your kids. Many of these crafts can be found at the dollar store. Whether you’re a mom looking to keep little kids hands busy during the season or just someone who loves to DIY with minimal stress, these winter crafts will bring sparkle, joy, and togetherness to your home.
And if you love keeping crafts easy and budget-friendly, you’ll also enjoy our post on DIY Home Updates That Add Style Without Breaking the Bank and Weekend DIY Projects That Boost Home Value.
1. Popsicle Stick Ornaments
Popsicle sticks are perfect for creating charming DIY crafts for Christmas, from miniature ornaments to festive frames. You can paint or use markers, glitter, and glue them into stars, trees, or snowmen for a personalized holiday touch. These simple crafts are fun for kids and adults of all ages and make delightful decorations or handmade gifts.
Why it works: It’s inexpensive, quick, and kids as young as preschool can help. Plus, each one becomes a personal keepsake.
2. Pine Cone Trees & Natural Elements
Bring the outdoors in by collecting pine cones, twigs, and evergreen sprigs (the kids love this part!). Turn pine cones into mini Christmas trees by gluing felt scraps, beads, or tiny pom-poms to simulate ornaments. Use twigs and greenery to craft rustic holiday centerpieces.
Why it works: It uses free or very cheap materials, gives children tactile crafting time, and feels both festive and nature-inspired. For more nature-based ideas, check out this post on 10 Easy DIY Christmas Crafts Using Nature at ourdaysoutside.com
3. Salt Dough Ornaments
Mix flour, salt, and water to create a simple dough. Use cookie cutters to shape stars, trees, or hearts, then bake, paint, and seal them. Add ribbon and you have keepsake ornaments or gift tags.
Why it works: It’s a multisensory activity (mixing, pressing, painting) that children love and the ornaments last for years. Instructions for homemade salt-dough holiday crafts are widely available. Better Homes & Gardens
4. Homemade Wreath
Creating a homemade Christmas wreath is a fun and festive way to add holiday cheer to your home. You can use materials like pinecones, ribbons, ornaments, and greenery to design a unique and personalized wreath. This DIY craft is perfect for family activities and makes a warm, welcoming decoration for any door or wall.
5. DIY Candy Cane Reindeer & Pretzel Ornaments
Use pipe cleaners, candy canes, googly eyes, and pom-poms to make angel or reinder ornaments. Or twist pretzels into shapes, glaze them, and wrap them for edible crafts.
Why it works: It’s adorable, quick, and kids get to help with the assembly. Simple enough to be a fun holiday table activity. Check out How to Make Candy Cane Reindeer at The Spruce Eats
Tips to Make Crafting Smooth and Fun
- Prep your supplies in advance: Have scissors, glue, markers ready so you dive straight into crafting.
- Choose age-appropriate tasks: Little ones might glue pom-poms, older kids can cut shapes or mix dough.
- Make cleanup part of the activity: Put down a sheet or tray, assign kids to help tidy up which teaches responsibility and keeps stress low.
- Turn crafting into a memory-making night: Play holiday music, serve hot cocoa, and let the crafting become part of the tradition. For more on group crafting fun, explore ideas for a festive craft night. A Hundred Affections
- Use the crafts as gifts: Handmade ornaments, a wreath, or decorated pine cones become heartfelt gifts for grandparents, neighbors, or teachers.
- Print Christmas Holiday Coloring Pages: Download Christmas holiday coloring pages featuring festive designs like Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and winter scenes. Perfect for kids, families, and holiday fun at home. And the best part, it’s FREE!
This holiday season, skip the stress of store-bought gifts and decorations and lean into the joy of making together. These easy and fun Christmas holiday crafts offer more than just festive decor, they bring connection, creativity, and memories to your home. Whether you’re crafting with toddlers or teens, each project becomes a little story you’ll look back on.
So gather your supplies, play some holiday music, and make this season shine with handmade magic. For more helpful ideas, check out our posts on How to Build a Positive Mindset During Stressful Seasons and Quick At-Home Self-Care Rituals for Busy Moms.
Happy crafting and cheers to joyful, creative holidays!
