Creating Christmas crafts with children under 10 is a fantastic way to engage them in the festive spirit, while also helping them develop their creativity and fine motor skills.
With this in mind, we wanted to show you just five crafting ideas you could do as a family whilst enjoying one of the many Christmas breaks UK destinations have to offer this year.
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1. Pine cone Christmas trees
Pine cone Christmas trees are a simple yet charming craft that brings a touch of nature indoors.
First, take the children on a walk to collect pine cones—this in itself can be a fun adventure! Once you have your pine cones, you’ll need green paint, small pom-poms, biodegradable glitter, and a star for the top.
Let the kids paint the pine cones green, transforming them into miniature Christmas trees. After the paint dries, they can glue on small pom-poms as ornaments and add a sprinkle of glitter to give the trees a festive sparkle. Finally, top each tree with a tiny star made from cardboard or a small star sticker. These little trees make lovely decorations for your holiday home or a thoughtful handmade gift.
2. Salt dough ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are a classic Christmas craft that allows children to create their own unique decorations for the tree. To make the dough, mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of water until it forms a doughy consistency. Roll out the dough and use festive cookie cutters to create shapes like stars, bells, and Christmas trees. Or to add a personal touch, cut out around your hands.
Once the shapes are cut out, make a small hole at the top of each one using a straw—this is where the ribbon will go later. Bake the ornaments in the oven at a low temperature (around 100°C) for 2-3 hours until they’re hard. After they cool, the kids can decorate them however they wish. Thread a ribbon through the hole, and your salt dough ornaments are ready to hang on the tree.
3. Paper plate snowman
This craft is particularly suitable for younger children. You only need paper plates, cotton wool, glue, and basic craft supplies like felt tip pens, buttons, and card.
Let the kids cover the paper plates with cotton wool to create the snowman’s body. They can then use the card to cut out a hat, a carrot nose, and a scarf and glue them onto the snowman. Buttons can be used for the eyes and down the snowman’s front. Finally, draw a smile with a pen to give the snowman some personality. This cute snowman can be hung up as a decoration or as a mask.
4. Christmas cards with potato stamps
Making Christmas cards with potato stamps is an easy and fun way to create personalised greetings. Cut a potato in half and carve simple shapes like stars, Christmas trees, or snowflakes into the flat surface. Dip the potato stamp into some paint and press it onto blank cards to create festive designs.
Kids can mix and match different colours and patterns, adding extra decorations with pens, glitter, or stickers. These handmade cards are a wonderful way for children to send festive greetings to family and friends.
