Now that Thanksgiving is over and the holiday shopping is (mostly) done, I can focus on all things Christmas! If you still need gift ideas, I have a bunch of gift guides for all ages. Or you can skip on down to see all of the simple Christmas crafts for kids that I'm recommending this year.
As much as I love this time of year, it can also feel busy, stressful, and exhausting. Your list of things to do gets longer, you're rushing around more trying to get everything done in time, and you're trying to plan fun Christmas activities for your whole family to enjoy. All while doing your regular, non-holiday tasks.
Phew! Should we all take a deep breath together? I think so.
It's always my goal to make parenting easier for you. So to help you slow down a bit and be in the moment with your family, I put together a list of Christmas crafts for kids and adults. This way you can hopefully get some time back in your day to focus on what really matters, like spending quality time with your kids.
If you're thinking, this all sounds great, but I don't even have time to read this post, I get it! My tip is to start with one simple thing everyone can do together.
Or you can have everyone pick one thing to do from my list below! This way everyone has a say and feels included.
Whatever you decide, I want to make this really easy for you. We all know there is plenty for parents to do this time of year already! That’s why all of these Christmas crafts for kids are fun, stress-free, low-mess, and easy to set up.
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Art Activities and Christmas Crafts for Kids
Christmas Coloring Tablecloth — ages 1+
This tablecloth is made by one of my favorite small businesses. And it's created by a Mom, so she kept the important things in mind! If your toddler can't stand when coloring pages don't lay flat or if your preschooler is working on coloring in the lines, they will love this coloring sheet.
Why I love this option:
Coloring is one of those activities that's truly perfect for all ages. And it helps kids build important skills, too.
Along with developing fine motor skills, coloring encourages creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making. Plus it's a calming and mindful activity that's been known to reduce stress. So if things are feeling chaotic at any point this Christmas, just set out this long coloring sheet with your favorite coloring supplies! I lay this out for my kids on the floor and they love laying down, listening to Christmas tunes while they color.
I highly recommend palm grip crayons for toddlers and washable crayons, washable markers, or dot markers for preschoolers.
Felt Christmas Tree — ages 1+
If your toddler really wants to help out with the tree this year (or re-arrange ornaments), try redirecting them to this felt Christmas tree! Toddlers and young kids will love decorating their own tree with glittery ornaments. And it comes with a cute, little pouch for them to play with.
Why I love this option:
This felt Christmas tree encourages creativity and hand-eye coordination. Plus it's perfect for busy toddlers who love to help and want to be part of the holiday fun. This was a favorite of my kids when they were little!
While most Christmas crafts for kids are a one-and-done activity, kids can re-decorate this tree every day — or even multiple times day. Plus you can re-use it year after year.
Skillmatics Foil Fun "Christmas Ornaments" — ages 4+
Making your own ornaments is super easy (and mess-free!) with this holiday set. All you have to do is press the foil sheets on top of the ornament designs, then peel them away.
While the recommended age is 4+, I think younger kids could do this activity with some help. And my older kids still love working on simple arts and crafts activities like this!
If you already have enough ornaments for your tree, you can string them together to make your own holiday garland or add them to your wrapped presents. (Side note — these are my favorite wrapping supplies).
Why I love this option:
Holiday crafts for kids can often be messy. So if you're not in the mood to clean one more thing, foil art is the perfect activity. And it encourages creative thinking! As one Amazon reviewer said, "I think I love foil art more than my daughter."
Color with Stickers & Paint by Stickers Christmas — ages 4+
When it comes to finding fun and simple holiday crafts for kids, you can't go wrong with stickers. While kids younger than the recommended age of five could do this activity with some help, keep in mind they may be more inclined to "think outside the box" with the sticker placement. (If you currently have stickers on your floor or couch, you know what I'm talking about!).
Why I love this option:
There's something meditative about matching numbered stickers to sticker sheets. It allows both kids and adults to slow down and create some festive art without any pressure to use your artistic skills. Plus it helps kids work on manual dexterity and numbers.
My own kids became expert counters using these sticker books! I recommend using the color with stickers series first since they are easier.
Holiday Smencils — ages 5+
These smencils are super cute and include seasonal scents, like candy cane, sugar plum, and gingerbread. Plus they're made from recycled newspapers, so they're eco-friendly.
Why I love this option:
I'm all about practical ideas. Kids can use these scented pencils well beyond the holiday season — and you can use them to inspire some fun family activities!
One idea is to have everyone write (or draw) something they love or appreciate about each member in the family. Then everyone guesses who wrote what. This is a great way to reconnect and strengthen family bonds, plus it gives everyone a little happiness boost.
As far as Christmas crafts for kids go, they can use these smencils to make scented holiday cards or gift tags. My kids love bringing these with them to school too!
Advent Notebook — ages 6+
This advent notebook is a fun twist on a classic holiday activity — the countdown to Christmas! Inside are coloring pages, writing prompts, and more ready-to-go activities that encourage creative and cognitive skills.
Why I love this option:
There are so many cute advent calendars nowadays, but most of them involve getting more toys and books. If you typically declutter before Christmas like I do and want a little less stuff in your home this holiday season, I highly recommend this advent notebook.
Once the notebook is completed, you can keep it stored away with other Christmas memories. Then look back on them every year to see how your kid's creativity has grown!
Christmas Fun Mad Libs — ages 7+
Who doesn't love mad libs? This booklet includes 21 fill-in-the-blank stories all about Christmas.
To turn this into a fun family activity, everyone can fill out their own story, then read it aloud themselves — or pass it to the next person to read. You could also bring this book to a larger family gathering and have everyone pair off to form teams, then vote for your favorite. If you do multiple rounds, you can even challenge everyone to not use the same words again.
Why I love this option:
Ok, this one isn't crafty, but it is entertaining! I love Mad Libs because it's a fun way for kids to learn about different parts of speech and work on language skills. If done in larger groups, it can also encourage teamwork, collaboration, and confidence.
Christmas Paper Airplanes - ages 7+
My girls make paper airplanes all the time, so I had to include this cute idea in my roundup of Christmas crafts for kids. This kit includes 60 holiday sheets and an instruction book that shows kids how to make 10 different paper airplanes.
Why I love this option:
This Christmas craft helps kids develop their creativity and work on fine motor skills. Plus it’s an easy way for everyone to have fun.
Everyone in your family can pick one style of paper airplane to make, then compete to see which one flies the farthest. Another option is to fly it through a wreath (if you have one inside). Or you can pick a target for the planes to land on — an empty Amazon box is perfect for this!
Design Your Own Snow Globes - ages 8+
This DIY kit includes everything you need to make your own snow globes. I just ordered them for my girls to try and can’t wait to see their creations! All you have to do is fill the snow globe with water, and then add a drawing or photo.
Why I love this option:
These snow globes are a simple and fun activity for kids that encourages them to get creative and have a say in the holiday decor. I love handmade decorations because they always feel more special. Plus they make great gifts for grandparents, too.
Cookies & Cocoa Puzzle — ages 10+
This puzzle is a favorite of my kids. With Christmas cookies, cocoa, and comfy mittens, this is not your typical Christmas puzzle. My kids love its vibrant colors and rich details — just looking at it makes me want to do some holiday baking and get cozy by a fireplace!
Depending on your kids’ ages and how responsible they are with puzzle pieces, kids younger than 10 may be able to join in on this family activity, too. We did this puzzle several times last year when my youngest was six.
Why I love this option:
Puzzles are perfect for older kids and adults to work on together. And it's an activity that you can work on slowly all season long. It also encourages so many useful skills.
Not only can puzzles improve strategic thinking, planning, and patience, but they can also give your self-esteem a little boost once completed — and every time you finally find that piece you've been looking for.
Other Christmas Activities
That's a wrap on Christmas crafts for kids! Some other fun ways to spend time with your family indoors are playing board games, baking holiday treats (read this post for tips!), and reading Christmas books. Or you can set up a popcorn and cocoa station at home before settling in to watch your favorite Christmas movies from the couch.
I always love hearing what makes the holiday special for you. If you have more ideas for what you like to do with your family in December, please share them below!
Thank you for the idea on the Felt Christmas Tree! What a lovely idea that is also safe for babies!