Easy Christmas Decorations To Make With Young Children
Christmas crafting with young children does not need a cupboard full of specialist supplies. A cardboard box, a few paper scraps and some washable paint can become cheerful decorations that feel personal and cost very little.
For Australian families, the festive season arrives during the summer school holidays. That makes simple projects especially useful: children can craft at the kitchen table, on the veranda or outside under shade, then leave their creations to dry while everyone enjoys a cool-down.
The best homemade decorations are safe, achievable and relaxed. They may be a little wonky, but that is part of their charm. Focus on shared time, easy clean-up and decorations that can be displayed proudly throughout December.
| Decoration | Suitable age | Main supplies | Mess level | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper baubles | 2+ | Coloured paper, glue, ribbon | Low | 15 minutes |
| Salt dough shapes | 3+ | Flour, salt, water, paint | Medium | 30 minutes plus drying |
| Paddle-pop-stick trees | 3+ | Craft sticks, paint, decorations | Medium | 25 minutes |
| Cardboard wreath | 4+ | Cardboard, greenery, tape | Low | 30 minutes |
| Nature garland | 2+ with help | Leaves, paper, string | Low | 20 minutes |
Paper Baubles For The Tree
Paper baubles are an excellent first Christmas craft because children can tear, scrunch, colour and stick without needing precise cutting skills. Draw circles on coloured paper or old gift bags, cut them out in advance and let little ones decorate each piece with crayons, dot paint, stickers or tissue paper.
Fold two decorated circles in half and glue the backs together, adding a loop of ribbon or wool before the final edges are sealed. For toddlers, avoid small loose embellishments that could be swallowed and choose chunky crayons or child-safe glue instead.
Use recycled cereal boxes as a stronger base if the decorations need to survive several weeks. A splash of red, green, gold or silver paint gives them a festive finish, while Australian children may enjoy adding bright summer colours such as turquoise, yellow and coral.
Salt Dough Keepsakes
Salt dough ornaments can become annual keepsakes with handprints, fingerprints or simple shapes. Mix two cups of plain flour with one cup of salt and roughly three-quarters of a cup of water, adding the water gradually until the dough is soft but not sticky.
Roll it out and use biscuit cutters to create stars, bells, circles or gingerbread people. Make a hole near the top of each shape with a straw before drying. The ornaments can air-dry for a day or two, or an adult can bake them at a low temperature until firm.
Once cool, children can paint them and add their name and the year on the back. In Australia’s warm weather, place them somewhere dry and shaded while they set rather than leaving them in direct sun, which can cause some pieces to crack. Keep the finished dough decorations away from pets, as the high salt content can be harmful if eaten.
Paddle-Pop-Stick Christmas Trees
Paddle-pop-stick trees are inexpensive, sturdy and easy for small hands to decorate. Arrange three craft sticks into a triangle and secure the corners with glue, or ask an adult to use a low-temperature glue gun. Add a fourth stick across the bottom as the trunk.
Children can paint the frame green, leave the wood natural or cover it with patterned paper. Small paper circles, pom-poms, buttons and star stickers work well as decorations, although young children should use larger pieces under close supervision.
A name and date written on the back turns each tree into a personal keepsake. They can be hung from a doorknob, attached to a present or displayed on a mantel. In a busy Australian household, they are also light enough to pack away without taking up much storage space.
Nature-Inspired Garlands And Wreaths
A nature garland brings an Australian feel to Christmas decorating. Collect fallen gum leaves, seed pods and small twigs from your own garden or use paper versions if local rules do not allow collecting from public parks. Never remove living branches or plants from reserves, and avoid unknown berries that may be poisonous.
Thread large paper shapes onto string, or tape leaves and stars along a length of recycled wrapping paper. An adult should handle needles and supervise scissors, while younger children can choose the order of the pieces and press down the tape.
For a wreath, cut the centre from a paper plate or a piece of cardboard. Cover the ring with green paper, paint or fabric scraps, then add leaves, red paper berries and a large bow. If the weather is hot or bushfire conditions are a concern, use paper and fabric rather than dry foliage near lights, candles or outdoor cooking areas.
Budget-Friendly Crafting And Safe Displays
Homemade decorations are a useful way to keep festive spending under control, particularly when children want to make something new every afternoon during the holidays. Save cardboard packaging, brown paper, ribbons from gifts and clean jars throughout the year. Op shops can also be helpful for finding fabric remnants, old Christmas cards and inexpensive craft materials.
When buying supplies online, check delivery times, return policies and the reputation of unfamiliar sellers before entering payment details. The same careful checking approach discussed in this due diligence guide can help families assess whether a website is genuine, transparent and suitable for a purchase.
Look through trusted family product reviews before investing in paints, craft kits or storage containers. A low-cost set is not always good value if it dries out quickly or contains tiny pieces unsuitable for young children.
Keep decorations away from candles, heaters and hot outdoor cooking areas. Avoid placing strings where toddlers can pull them down, and use battery-operated lights rather than exposed flames. During Australian summer, adhesive can soften in heat, so check that hanging decorations remain secure and move delicate pieces indoors if the afternoon becomes particularly warm.
Making The Activity Feel Special
Set up a washable tablecloth, an old baking tray or a large sheet of newspaper before the crafting begins. Place only a few supplies within reach so the table does not become overwhelming. A short session after breakfast or during a quiet arvo often works better than expecting young children to concentrate for an entire afternoon.
Let children make choices even when the final result is unconventional. A purple paper wreath, a tree covered in too many stickers or a handprint ornament with uneven edges still carries a lovely memory. Adults can prepare tricky steps, but children should have room to lead the creative part.
Create a small display area for finished work, perhaps on a hallway wall, fridge or bedroom door. Add the year to each keepsake and take a photograph before packing everything away. After Christmas, store fragile pieces in a labelled box with tissue paper so the family can enjoy opening them again next festive season.