Christmas Decorations To Make With Kids

Christmas Decorations to Make with Kids: Forget store-bought baubles! This holiday season, ditch the mall madness and unleash your inner child (and your kids’ inner artists) with a crafting extravaganza. We’re diving headfirst into a world of glitter, glue, and good old-fashioned family fun, transforming simple materials into dazzling Christmas decorations. Get ready to create memories (and maybe a little mess) as we craft ornaments, garlands, cards, and even a gingerbread house that would make Santa himself jealous!

From paper snowflakes that defy gravity to popcorn garlands that smell delightfully festive, we’ve got projects for every skill level. Whether your little elves are seasoned crafters or just starting their creative journey, these easy-to-follow instructions and inspiring ideas will have you decking the halls with handmade joy in no time. So gather your supplies, put on some holiday tunes, and prepare for a crafting adventure that’s as merry as it is memorable!

Simple Christmas Ornaments

Let’s unleash your inner artist (and your kids’!) with these super-simple, ridiculously adorable Christmas ornaments. Forget expensive store-bought decorations; we’re diving into the world of repurposed materials and crafting magic!

Easy Ornament Ideas

These five ornament designs are so easy, even Santa’s little helpers could manage them. Get ready for some festive fun!

Paper Plate Snowmen Transform plain paper plates into charming snowmen. Cut two plates in half, layer them slightly offset for a 3D effect, and add googly eyes, a carrot nose (orange construction paper!), and coal buttons (black marker). A festive scarf made from yarn completes the look. The layered effect creates a delightful, almost chubby snowman.

Cardboard Tube Reindeer Empty toilet paper rolls become majestic reindeer! Wrap the tubes in brown construction paper, add googly eyes, and cut out small antlers from brown felt or cardstock. Glue everything on, and voila! A miniature reindeer herd graces your tree.

Recycled Bottle Cap Angels Give those bottle caps a new life as heavenly angels. Glue a small circle of white felt to the inside of each cap to create a halo. Draw tiny faces with a marker, and glue on tiny wings cut from white cardstock. These little angels will add a touch of ethereal beauty to your tree.

Popcorn String Ornaments String popcorn kernels onto a piece of twine or yarn. This classic ornament is incredibly simple and smells wonderfully festive. Add cranberries or small bells for extra flair. The simple, natural aesthetic brings a rustic charm to your Christmas tree.

Pine Cone Christmas Trees Use small pine cones as the base for miniature Christmas trees. Paint them green, add tiny pom-poms as ornaments, and glue a small star to the top. These miniature trees add a touch of nature’s beauty to your festive decorations. The natural texture of the pine cone adds a unique tactile element.

Paper Snowflake Variations

Snowflakes are a classic Christmas craft, and these variations add a fun twist. Let’s get folding!

• Classic Six-Point Snowflake: Fold a square piece of paper in half, then in half again, and then in half once more. Cut various shapes along the edges, unfold to reveal a symmetrical snowflake. The classic design is simple yet elegant.
• Eight-Point Snowflake: Begin with a square, fold it into a triangle, then fold the triangle in half. Fold in half again, and then once more. Cut intricate designs along the edges for a more complex snowflake. The extra points add a unique touch.
• Layered Snowflake: Create two snowflakes using different sizes of paper. Glue them together slightly offset to create a 3D layered effect. This adds depth and visual interest to the design.

Decorative Christmas Garlands

Garlands add a touch of festive cheer to any space. These designs are easy to make and look fantastic.

Garland Creations

These three garlands offer a variety of textures and styles to enhance your holiday decor.

• Popcorn and Cranberry Garland: String popcorn kernels and cranberries alternately onto a long piece of twine. This classic garland offers a delightful mix of textures and colors, with a subtle rustic appeal. The natural sweetness of the popcorn adds a sensory dimension.
• Pine Cone Garland: Gather small pine cones and string them together with twine or fishing line. The natural earthy tones of the pine cones add a touch of rustic charm. Add small berries or other natural elements for added visual interest.
• Dried Orange Slice Garland: Slice oranges thinly and dry them in the oven. Once dry, string them together with twine or ribbon. The citrus scent adds a refreshing fragrance to your holiday decor. The vibrant color adds a cheerful pop of color.

Paper Chain Garland

A paper chain garland is a timeless classic, and the possibilities are endless!

Cut strips of various colored construction paper. Create links by gluing the ends together, forming a chain. Decorate with glitter, markers, or stickers for a personalized touch. A finished garland showcases a vibrant, playful aesthetic, perfect for children’s rooms or festive celebrations. The simple design allows for endless creativity and customization.

Felt Garland

Felt is a wonderfully versatile material for crafting. Its soft texture and ease of use make it perfect for creating a felt garland.

Cut out various Christmas shapes (stars, trees, ornaments) from different colored felt. Sew or glue the pieces together to create a garland. You can add glitter, sequins, or embroidery for extra detail. The finished garland presents a soft, tactile, and visually appealing decoration.

Christmas Cards and Gift Tags

Homemade cards and gift tags add a personal touch to your holiday gifting. Let’s get creative!

Unique Christmas Card Designs

These three designs offer a range of techniques for creating unique and memorable Christmas cards.

• Painted Christmas Cards: Use watercolors or acrylic paints to create festive scenes or abstract designs. The vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes create a dynamic and personalized card.
• Glittery Christmas Cards: Add sparkle and shine to your cards with glitter glue or glitter pens. The shimmering effect adds a touch of magic and festivity.
• Collage Christmas Cards: Create a collage using scraps of paper, fabric, or other materials. The mixed-media approach creates a unique and textured card.

Gift Tag Templates

These simple designs are easy for children to replicate, adding a personal touch to your gifts.

Simple Star A simple star shape cut from cardstock, decorated with a marker or glitter. You also will receive the benefits of visiting easy christmas crafts for toddlers to make today.

Christmas Tree A small Christmas tree shape, decorated with colored markers or stickers.

Reindeer A simple reindeer shape, with googly eyes and a red nose.

Snowflake A simple snowflake shape, decorated with glitter or white paint.

Santa Hat A small Santa hat shape, decorated with red and white paint.

Personalized Gift Tags

Add a truly unique touch with handprint or footprint gift tags.

Trace a child’s handprint or footprint onto a piece of cardstock. Decorate the print with markers, paint, or glitter to create a festive design. Add a small ribbon or string for hanging. The final product showcases a cherished memory, making the gift extra special. The unique design adds a personal touch that can’t be replicated.

Creative Christmas Tree Decorations

Let’s go beyond the usual baubles and create some unique tree ornaments using natural materials and simple crafts.

Natural Material Ornaments

These ornaments bring the beauty of nature to your Christmas tree.

• Pinecone Ornaments: Paint pinecones in festive colors, add glitter, or attach small beads for extra detail. The rough texture and natural color variations create a rustic and charming ornament.
• Twig Star Ornaments: Glue small twigs together to create star shapes. Paint them gold or silver for a glamorous look. The intricate design adds a touch of elegance to the tree.
• Berry Ornaments: String colorful berries onto a piece of twine or wire to create a simple yet elegant garland. The vibrant colors and natural texture add a touch of whimsy.

Paper Chain and Star Ornaments

Paper chains and stars are classic Christmas decorations, and easy to customize.

Create paper chains using various colors and patterns of paper. Fold paper into stars using different folding techniques to create a variety of sizes and shapes. These classic decorations add a touch of playful charm to your Christmas tree. The versatility of paper allows for endless customization options.

Beaded Ornaments

Beaded ornaments offer a chance to experiment with color and texture.

• String beads of various colors and sizes onto a piece of wire or fishing line.
• Create simple patterns or designs by alternating colors or bead sizes.
• Knot the ends of the wire or fishing line securely to prevent the beads from falling off.
• Shape the beaded wire into a circle, star, or other desired shape.
• Add small charms or pendants for extra detail.

Gingerbread House Construction: Christmas Decorations To Make With Kids

Baking and decorating a gingerbread house is a fun family activity. Let’s build a sweet masterpiece!

Gingerbread House Assembly

This step-by-step guide will help you construct a delicious gingerbread house.

1. Prepare the gingerbread dough according to your recipe. Roll it out and cut out the house pieces using a template.
2. Bake the gingerbread pieces until golden brown and slightly firm.
3. Prepare the royal icing. This acts as the glue for the house.
4. Assemble the house by carefully gluing the walls and roof together using the icing.
5. Let the icing set completely before decorating.

Each stage creates anticipation and a sense of accomplishment. The final structure, a magnificent gingerbread house, is a testament to collaborative effort and creative flair.

Gingerbread House Decorating Ideas

These decorating ideas offer a variety of styles and techniques.

• Classic Candy Decor: Use gumdrops, sprinkles, and candy canes for a traditional look. The bright colors and varied textures create a visually appealing design.
• Whimsical Icing: Use different colored icings to create intricate designs on the house. The intricate patterns add a touch of elegance and artistry.
• Minimalist Design: Use a simple icing base and add a few strategically placed candies for a clean and modern look. The minimalist approach highlights the architectural details of the house.

Gingerbread House Template, Christmas decorations to make with kids

A simple template makes construction easier.

A printable template includes detailed dimensions for each house piece (walls, roof, base). Clear cutting lines ensure accurate cutting and assembly. The template streamlines the process, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable construction experience. The template ensures consistent sizing and accurate assembly of the gingerbread house.

So there you have it – a whirlwind tour of festive crafting! From shimmering ornaments to a gingerbread house fit for a king (or a very hungry family), you’ve now got the tools to transform your home into a handmade holiday haven. Remember, the most beautiful decorations aren’t necessarily the most perfect; they’re the ones filled with love, laughter, and the unique fingerprints of your family.

Happy crafting, and Merry Christmas!

General Inquiries

What if my kids are too young to use scissors or glue?

No problem! Adapt the projects to their age. For toddlers, focus on simpler activities like stringing popcorn or decorating pre-cut shapes. Adult supervision is always crucial.

How can I make these decorations last longer?

Use high-quality materials, and for paper crafts, consider laminating or using sealant spray to add durability. Store delicate items carefully to prevent damage.

What if I don’t have all the materials listed?

Get creative! Substitute materials as needed. The beauty of these projects lies in their adaptability. Use what you have on hand and let your imagination run wild!

Are these decorations suitable for younger children?

Absolutely! Many projects can be adapted for different age groups. Always supervise young children and choose age-appropriate materials and techniques.