10 DIY Holiday Decorations You Can Make with Your Kids: Fun Family Crafts for Festive Cheer

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by creating festive decorations with your little ones? We've put together a list of fun and easy DIY projects that will brighten up your home and create lasting memories with your children.

These 10 DIY holiday decorations are not only simple to make but also provide a wonderful opportunity for quality family time. From colorful paper chains to handmade ornaments, there's something for every age group and skill level. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, gather some basic craft supplies, and let your creativity shine!

1) Handprint Reindeer Ornaments

We love these adorable handprint reindeer ornaments! They're a perfect way to capture our little ones' growth year after year. All we need are some basic craft supplies and our kids' creativity.

To start, we trace our children's hands on brown cardstock or construction paper. We cut out the handprints carefully, making sure to preserve each little finger.

Next, we turn the handprint upside down. The thumb becomes the reindeer's face, while the fingers transform into antlers. We add googly eyes and a small red pom-pom for the nose.

For an extra festive touch, we can tie a small ribbon around the "neck" of our reindeer. We punch a hole at the top and thread some string through to hang our creation on the tree.

This craft is suitable for kids of various ages. Younger children might need help with cutting, while older ones can take charge of the entire process. We can make multiple ornaments to give as gifts to grandparents or other family members.

2) Pinecone Snowy Owls

Let's create adorable pinecone snowy owls with our little ones! This craft combines nature and imagination for a delightful winter decoration.

We'll start by collecting pinecones during our next family walk. It's a fun way to get outdoors and gather materials for our project.

To make our owls, we'll need white paint, googly eyes, and small pieces of felt or paper for the beak and feet. Kids love painting, so let them go wild covering the pinecones in white.

Once the paint dries, we can help our children glue on the eyes, beak, and feet. For extra flair, we might add small twigs as perches or create mini scarves from colorful yarn.

These charming owls make great mantle decorations or cute additions to our holiday tree. We can even use them as gift toppers for a personal touch.

Crafting these snowy owl friends is not just about the end result. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to bond with our kids and nurture their creativity.

3) Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

Salt dough handprint ornaments are a cherished holiday craft that we love making with our kids. These personalized decorations capture a moment in time and become treasured keepsakes for years to come.

To create these ornaments, we mix flour, salt, and water to form a simple dough. We then roll it out and help our little ones press their hands into the soft mixture. It's always exciting to see their tiny handprints emerge!

After cutting around the handprints, we use a straw to make a small hole for hanging. We bake the ornaments in the oven until they're completely dry and hard. This process usually takes a few hours, but the wait is worth it.

Once cooled, we bring out the paints and let our kids' creativity shine. They love decorating their handprints with festive colors and glitter. We often add the year and our children's names to make them extra special.

These ornaments make wonderful gifts for grandparents and other family members. We enjoy hanging them on our tree each year, marveling at how much our children's hands have grown since we made them.

4) Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees

Let's create adorable miniature Christmas trees using popsicle sticks! This craft is perfect for little hands and offers a fun way to get into the holiday spirit.

We'll start by gathering our materials: popsicle sticks, green paint, glue, and small decorations like sequins or glitter. First, we'll paint the popsicle sticks green and let them dry completely.

Next, we'll arrange the sticks in a triangle shape, forming the outline of our tree. We can use a stronger adhesive like wood glue to secure the frame. Once it's dry, we'll fill in the middle with more popsicle sticks.

Now comes the fun part - decorating! We can use tiny pom-poms as ornaments, add a yellow star on top, or sprinkle some glitter for a snowy effect. Each child can personalize their tree however they like.

These popsicle stick trees make charming decorations for mantels or windowsills. They're also great as handmade gifts for grandparents or teachers. Our kids will beam with pride seeing their creations displayed throughout the holiday season.

5) Paper Chain Garland

Paper chain garlands are a classic holiday decoration that's perfect for making with kids. We love how simple yet festive these colorful chains can be. To create one, we'll need colorful construction paper, scissors, and glue or tape.

We start by cutting the paper into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Next, we form the first link by looping a strip and securing the ends with glue or tape. Our little ones can then thread the next strip through the first loop before closing it.

As we continue this process, our chain grows longer and more vibrant. We can mix and match colors to create patterns or stick to traditional holiday hues. It's a great opportunity to practice counting and patterning with younger children.

Once our chain reaches the desired length, we can hang it on the Christmas tree, across doorways, or along the mantel. It's amazing how such a simple craft can transform our space into a winter wonderland.

This activity is not only fun but also helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in children. Plus, we're creating lasting memories together during the holiday season.

6) Button Wreath Decorations

We love this charming craft that turns ordinary buttons into a festive wreath. It's a great way to use up spare buttons and create a unique holiday decoration.

To start, we'll need a foam wreath form, various buttons, and strong glue. Let's gather different sizes and colors of buttons for visual interest.

We begin by sorting our buttons by size and color. This helps us plan our design before gluing. Some of us like to create patterns, while others prefer a more random look.

Next, we apply glue to the back of each button and press it firmly onto the wreath form. We make sure to cover the entire surface, overlapping buttons slightly for a fuller appearance.

As we work, we can involve our kids by letting them choose button colors or patterns. It's a great opportunity for them to practice fine motor skills and creative thinking.

Once our wreath is complete, we add a ribbon for hanging. This button wreath makes a cheerful addition to doors, walls, or windows during the holiday season.

7) Snow Globe Jars

Snow globe jars are a magical craft that brings winter wonderland to life right in your home. We love how these miniature scenes capture the imagination of both kids and adults alike.

To create your own, start with clean glass jars. Mason jars work great, but any size will do. Let the kids pick small figurines or toys to place inside - trees, animals, or holiday characters are perfect choices.

Next, we'll add some sparkle. A mixture of glitter and fake snow creates that perfect wintry effect when shaken. Be sure to use waterproof glue to secure the figurines to the jar lid.

Fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water. Add a drop of glycerin to help the glitter float more slowly. This creates that dreamy snow globe effect we all love.

Carefully screw on the lid with the scene attached. For extra security, we recommend sealing it with hot glue. Now you have a beautiful, personalized snow globe to display or give as a gift.

This project is a hit with children of all ages. It's a wonderful way to spend a cozy afternoon and create lasting memories together.

8) Cinnamon Stick Reindeer

We love this charming craft that turns fragrant cinnamon sticks into adorable reindeer ornaments. It's a perfect holiday activity to enjoy with our little ones.

To start, we'll need cinnamon sticks, brown pipe cleaners, small red pom-poms, googly eyes, and hot glue. Parents should handle the hot glue gun while kids can assist with other steps.

Let's begin by bending a pipe cleaner into antlers and attaching them to one end of the cinnamon stick. Next, we'll glue on the googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose.

For an extra festive touch, we can tie a small ribbon around the reindeer's "neck." Our kids will love customizing their reindeer with different expressions or colorful accessories.

These cinnamon stick reindeer make wonderful ornaments for our Christmas tree or charming gift toppers. Plus, they'll fill our home with a delightful holiday scent.

9) Glitter Pinecone Ornaments

We love transforming natural elements into festive decorations, and glitter pinecone ornaments are a perfect choice. These sparkly creations add a touch of magic to any Christmas tree or holiday display.

To start, we'll gather pinecones from our backyard or local park. It's a fun outdoor activity for the kids to join in on. Once we have our pinecones, we'll clean them gently with a soft brush.

Next, we'll set up our glitter station. We'll need different colors of glitter, craft glue, and string or ribbon for hanging. Let's spread some newspaper to catch any stray sparkles.

We'll apply a thin layer of glue to the pinecone edges and sprinkle glitter over them. The kids will love watching the pinecones transform into shimmering ornaments. We can mix colors or stick to a single shade for a cohesive look.

After the glue dries, we'll shake off excess glitter and tie a ribbon to the top of each pinecone. These ornaments make wonderful gifts for grandparents or teachers, too.

10) Felt Christmas Trees

Creating felt Christmas trees is a fun and easy project to do with kids during the holiday season. We love this craft because it's simple enough for little hands to manage.

To get started, we gather green felt sheets, scissors, and some decorative elements like sequins or small pom-poms. We cut tree shapes from the felt in various sizes.

Next, we let our children's creativity shine as they decorate their trees. They can glue on colorful "ornaments" or use fabric paint to add festive details.

For an interactive twist, we sometimes make a large felt tree for the wall. We cut out ornaments and presents from different colored felt pieces. The kids can then rearrange these decorations on the tree throughout the season.

This project not only results in charming decorations but also helps develop fine motor skills. Plus, it's a great opportunity for us to spend quality time with our little ones during the busy holiday rush.

Why DIY Holiday Decorations Matter

DIY holiday decorations create lasting memories and add a personal touch to our homes. They bring families together and spark creativity during festive seasons.

Benefits of Creating Decorations with Kids

Making decorations with our little ones teaches valuable skills. It helps develop fine motor skills as they cut, glue, and craft. We're also nurturing their ability to follow instructions and see projects through to completion.

DIY decorations are budget-friendly. We save money while creating unique pieces that reflect our family's personality. It's a win-win situation!

These handmade items become cherished keepsakes. Years from now, we'll look back fondly on the ornaments and decorations we made together. They'll remind us of special moments and holiday traditions we've shared.

Fostering Creativity and Bonding

Crafting decorations lets our kids' imaginations soar. They can experiment with colors, textures, and designs. This creative freedom boosts their confidence and self-expression.

It's quality time well spent. We put down our devices and focus on each other. These moments strengthen our family bonds and create a sense of teamwork.

DIY projects teach problem-solving skills. When things don't go as planned, we work together to find solutions. This resilience carries over into other areas of life.

Handmade decorations tell our family's story. Each piece holds meaning and memories. Our home becomes a reflection of our shared experiences and love.

Materials and Tools You'll Need

Creating DIY holiday decorations with your kids is a fun and rewarding experience. We've compiled a list of essential items and eco-friendly options to get you started on your festive crafting journey.

Common Household Items

When it comes to holiday crafting, many of the materials you need are likely already in your home. Scissors, glue, and tape are must-haves for most projects. Don't forget about markers, crayons, and colored pencils for adding vibrant details to your creations.

Old newspapers and magazines can be repurposed for papier-mâché or collage projects. Empty toilet paper rolls and cardboard boxes make excellent bases for ornaments and figurines.

String, yarn, and ribbons are perfect for hanging decorations or creating garlands. We also recommend keeping a stash of buttons, beads, and sequins for adding sparkle to your designs.

Eco-Friendly and Affordable Options

We love using natural materials in our holiday crafts. Pinecones, acorns, and fallen leaves can be transformed into beautiful ornaments or wreaths. These items are free and readily available in most neighborhoods.

Recycled fabric scraps are great for making festive bunting or stuffed decorations. Old Christmas cards can be cut up and used for new projects, giving them a second life.

Consider using soy or beeswax candles for a natural, non-toxic alternative to paraffin wax in candle-making projects. For paint, look for water-based, non-toxic options that are safe for little hands.

Mason jars and glass bottles can be upcycled into stunning luminaries or snow globes. With a bit of creativity, everyday items can become magical holiday decorations.

Safety Tips for Crafting with Kids

When creating holiday decorations with children, safety should be our top priority. Let's explore how to choose age-appropriate tasks and use tools and materials safely.

Age-Appropriate Tasks

We always consider our children's abilities when planning craft projects. For toddlers, we stick to simple activities like finger painting or sticker placement. Preschoolers can handle tasks like gluing pre-cut shapes or stringing large beads.

Elementary-aged kids can take on more complex projects. We might let them use child-safe scissors or help with basic sewing. Tweens and teens can often handle most crafting tasks with supervision.

It's important to remember that every child develops differently. We assess each child's individual skills and comfort level before assigning tasks.

Using Tools and Materials Safely

We always supervise children closely when crafting. Sharp tools like scissors are kept out of reach when not in use. We teach proper handling techniques, such as carrying scissors with the blades closed and pointing down.

For glue guns and other heat-producing tools, we handle them ourselves or provide very close supervision for older children. We keep a first-aid kit nearby just in case.

When using paints or adhesives, we ensure proper ventilation and choose non-toxic, kid-friendly options. We also make sure everyone washes their hands after crafting to avoid ingesting any materials.

Protective gear is a must. We use safety goggles when working with small particles and smocks to protect clothing. By following these precautions, we can enjoy a fun and safe crafting experience with our kids.