Simple DIY Christmas Decorations To Make With Kids
Christmas decorating can become one of the loveliest family traditions, especially when children have helped create the stars, garlands and ornaments around the house. Homemade decorations do not need expensive materials or advanced craft skills. A few sheets of paper, some recycled packaging and a little imagination can transform an afternoon at home.
These simple festive crafts are suitable for a range of ages, with adults handling scissors, glue guns and small pieces where needed. Younger children can enjoy painting and sticking, while older children can take charge of measuring, cutting and designing their own Christmas decorations.
The best part is that handmade pieces carry memories. A slightly wonky paper angel or glitter-free salt dough star can become a treasured part of your family’s Christmas collection for years to come.
Gather Simple Supplies
Before starting, make a small craft box from items already in the house. Cardboard delivery boxes, cereal packets, toilet rolls, paper bags, old magazines and clean glass jars all offer useful materials. Add child-safe scissors, glue, crayons, washable paint, ribbon, string and coloured paper.
You can also collect natural items during a winter walk. Pinecones, twigs and fallen leaves can become festive decorations with a little paint or ribbon. Check everything carefully before bringing it indoors, removing dirt, sharp edges and any tiny pieces that could be unsafe for toddlers.
A washable tablecloth or a sheet of newspaper will make tidying up much easier. Keeping supplies in shallow trays helps children see their options without tipping an entire box of craft materials onto the floor.
Turn Paper Into Festive Decorations
Paper snowflakes are an easy place to begin. Fold white paper several times, cut small shapes along the edges and open it carefully to reveal a symmetrical design. Older children can experiment with different folds, while younger ones can decorate pre-cut snowflakes with crayons or cotton wool.
For a colourful alternative, cut strips of paper and make a chain by looping and gluing each strip through the previous one. Use traditional red and green, winter whites and blues, or colours that match your family’s existing decorations. Paper chains can frame a fireplace, brighten a bedroom or decorate the children’s craft area.
Folded paper stars also look beautiful hanging in a window. Use old sheet music, brown paper bags or pages from a magazine for a varied display. A dab of glue and a length of thread are usually enough to turn each star into a tree or window decoration.
Compare Quick Christmas Craft Ideas
Some projects are ideal for a short activity before dinner, while others are better when you have a relaxed afternoon. Choosing according to age, drying time and available materials can prevent frustration.
| Decoration | Main Materials | Approximate Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper snowflakes | Paper, scissors, crayons | 15 minutes | Preschoolers with help and older children |
| Cardboard baubles | Cereal box card, paint, ribbon | 30 minutes | Painting and decorating |
| Salt dough stars | Flour, salt, water, paint | 45 minutes plus drying | A keepsake project |
| Pinecone trees | Pinecones, paint, card, glue | 25 minutes | Nature-inspired crafts |
| Jar lanterns | Clean jars, tissue paper, glue | 20 minutes | Decorating older children’s rooms |
| Paper chains | Coloured paper, glue or tape | 15–30 minutes | A shared family activity |
Keep several quick options available if children lose interest in a longer project. A child who does not want to wait for salt dough to dry may happily make a string of painted cardboard stars instead.
Reuse Packaging For Personalised Baubles
Empty cereal boxes and delivery packaging can be cut into circles, stars, hearts or festive animals. Paint both sides, then add patterns with pens, stickers, buttons or scraps of wrapping paper. Punch a small hole at the top and thread through ribbon once the decoration is dry.
Children can write their names and the year on the back, creating a simple record of how their artwork changes as they grow. These personalised baubles make thoughtful gifts for grandparents, relatives or teachers, particularly when paired with a handwritten Christmas message.
To make a three-dimensional decoration, cut two matching shapes and make a slit halfway up each one. Slide the pieces together so they cross at right angles, then add string to the top. Cardboard angels, stars and trees work especially well with this method.
Bring Nature Indoors
Pinecones can be turned into tiny Christmas trees with green paint, small paper decorations and a cardboard base. Children may enjoy adding dots of white paint to create snow or using wool scraps as garlands. Let the pinecones dry completely before displaying them.
Twigs can be arranged into a star shape and tied at the joins with string. Leave them natural for a rustic look or decorate them with paint, fabric scraps and small bells. A collection of twig stars looks attractive on a mantelpiece or grouped together as a wall display.
Another easy idea is a winter nature garland. Thread dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves or large wooden beads onto sturdy string. Adults should supervise closely and avoid small components around children who still put objects in their mouths.
Make Keepsake Ornaments
Salt dough is inexpensive and easy to mix using flour, salt and water. Roll it out, cut shapes with biscuit cutters and make a small hole in each piece before baking or air-drying. Once hard, the shapes can be painted and sealed with a child-friendly varnish if desired.
Handprints and fingerprints make the decorations especially meaningful. A handprint can become a reindeer, Christmas tree or snowman, while fingerprints can form berries on a holly design. Write the child’s age and the date on the back so the ornament becomes a yearly snapshot.
If you prefer a no-bake option, use air-dry clay or sturdy cardboard. Family initials, pets, houses and favourite festive characters can all inspire designs that feel personal rather than mass-produced.
Decorate On A Thoughtful Budget
Crafting at home can keep children entertained without adding much to the Christmas shopping bill. Save ribbons from previous presents, reuse gift bags and turn last year’s cards into gift tags or hanging decorations. Even small scraps of wrapping paper can be cut into flags for a miniature bunting string.
Set a spending limit before buying extras such as paint, glitter or special punches. If household finances are under pressure during the festive season, reading practical debt advice can help you approach seasonal costs with a clearer plan.
It is also worth deciding where the decorations will go before making them. A few carefully chosen pieces can have more impact than a large pile of crafts that needs storing. Keep a box for finished ornaments and label it with the year, so nothing gets lost after Christmas.
Keep Crafting Calm And Safe
Choose washable, non-toxic materials and provide close supervision for young children. Adults should manage hot glue, sharp scissors, craft knives and baking trays. Avoid loose glitter if you have pets or small children, as it can spread quickly and may be irritating if inhaled or swallowed.
Accept that homemade decorations will not look perfect. The enjoyment comes from choosing colours, trying new techniques and spending time together. If paint runs or a shape breaks, turn it into part of the design rather than treating it as a disaster.
Plan a simple clean-up routine at the end. Children can return unused materials to the craft box, place paper scraps in the recycling and wipe their own workspace with help. This keeps the activity manageable and teaches them that creative projects include caring for the space afterwards.
Choose one or two ideas, put on some festive music and let the children take the lead with their designs. Display their finished decorations proudly around your home, and make a note of which crafts become favourites for next year.