During the holiday season, finding ways to combine creativity with thoughtfulness can be a wonderful lesson for children. Crafting gifts is not just about the final product – it’s about teaching kids the value of time, effort, and the joy of giving something handmade. These simple yet meaningful holiday craft ideas can help kids create unique treasures that loved ones will cherish.

1. Reindeer Pots

Photo from: Roberts Crafts

Supplies:

• Terra cotta pots (various sizes)
• Brown and red outdoor acrylic paint
• Clear acrylic gloss
• Paintbrush
• Brown fun foam or chenille pipecleaner stems
• Googly eyes
• Large red pom poms
• Black paint pen or Sharpie
• Hot glue gun
• Sponge (for cheeks)

Directions:

1. Paint the terra cotta pot brown and let it dry completely.
2. Then coat it with a glossy clear acrylic sealer.
3. Create antlers using either fun foam (trace and cut hand shapes) or chenille stems (bend and twist into shape).
4. Attach antlers to the back of the pot using a hot glue gun.
5. Glue on wiggly eyes and a red pom pom for the reindeer’s face.
6. Draw a mouth using the black paint pen and sponge on red cheeks.

Wondering what to put inside? You might fill the pot with:

• Treats such as candy canes, chocolates, or homemade cookies
• Personalized notes, stationary, candles, and succulent plants
• Bath bombs, lotions, sleep masks, and spa themed items
• Holiday-themed ornaments, stickers, and jingle bells

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2. Snow Globe Ornaments

Photo from: Me and My Pink Mixer

Supplies:

• Clear plastic ornaments with removable tops
• Mini holiday figurines (like snowmen, reindeer, buildings, or trees)
• Faux snow
• Hot glue gun or mixed media glue

Directions:

1. Remove the top of the ornament and add a small amount of faux snow inside.
2. Hot glue a mini figurine to the inside of the cap.
3. Carefully place the figurine into the ornament, securing the cap back on.
4. Tie a ribbon around the top for hanging.
5. (Optional) Write a short holiday message on the outside using a paint pen.

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3. Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

Photo from: EatWheat.org

Supplies:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup water
• Acrylic paints
• Ribbon

Directions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, and water to create dough.
2. Roll out the dough and press your child’s hand into it to leave an imprint.
3. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut around the handprint.
4. Poke a hole at the top for threading ribbon later.
5. Bake at 250°F for 2-3 hours until hard. Let cool.
6. Paint the ornament and decorate as desired.
7. Thread a ribbon through the hole for hanging.

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4. Mason Jar Hot Cocoa Kits

Photo from: EmpressofDirt.net

Supplies:

• Mason jars
• Hot cocoa mix
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate chips or peppermint candies
• Ribbon and gift tags

Directions:

Step 1: Fill the Jars

1. In the bottom jar, add hot chocolate powder.
2. Fill the middle jar with mini marshmallows.
3. Use the top jar for candy decorations like chocolate balls wrapped in foil.

Step 2: Assemble the Snowman

1. Use hot glue to stack the three jars together securely.
2. Attach twig arms (or pretzel sticks) to the middle jar with hot glue.
3. Create the snowman’s face on the top jar by gluing chocolate chips for eyes and an orange polymer clay “carrot” for the nose. Add small dots of white icing or paint for detail.

Step 3: Add Accessories

1. Cut red felt to create a scarf and mittens. Attach them to the snowman, securing with glue.
2. Use embroidery floss to “string” the mittens together if desired.
3. Place a mini Santa hat on top for a festive finishing touch.
4. Decorate the scarf and mittens with star sequins or other festive embellishments.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Allow all glue and decorations to dry completely.
2. Include a gift tag with instructions for mixing hot chocolate (For example: “Mix 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate powder with 1 cup of hot water or milk. Enjoy!”)

Note: This project is ideal for older children. For an easy alternative, young children can help layer hot cocoa mix, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows in a mason jar, adding a festive ribbon around the lid to hold a homemade gift tag with cocoa-making instructions and a candy cane for stirring.

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5. Painted Wooden Spoons

Photo from: Pinterest

Supplies:

• Wooden spoons
• Acrylic paint and brushes
• Food-safe sealant
• Ribbon (optional)

Directions:

1. Paint festive designs (like snowmen, Santa, snowflakes, or stripes) on the handles and spoons.
2. Let the paint dry, then seal with a food-safe sealant.
3. Tie a set of spoons together with a ribbon for gifting.

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6. Pom Pom Wreaths

Photo from: TheScrapShoppeBlog.com

Supplies:

• 1-inch pom poms (3 colors)
• 1/2-inch pom poms (1 color)
• Ribbon (approximately 2-inch red velvet ribbon)
• Cardboard (cut into a 10-inch circle)
• Chalkboard paint or chalkboard vinyl
• Liquid adhesive (such as Fabri-Tac)
• Chalk (for seasoning the chalkboard)
• Scissors (for cutting the ribbon and cardboard)
• Glue gun (for attaching pom poms, ribbon, and hanger)
• 4-inch piece of ribbon (for the wreath hanger)
• Bow (made from the ribbon)
• Command hook (for hanging)

Directions:

1. Cut a 10-inch circle from cardboard and apply chalkboard paint or vinyl to the center.
2. Rub chalk over the surface and erase to “season” it.
3. Apply liquid adhesive to the cardboard in 3-inch sections and attach large pom poms, overlapping slightly over the chalkboard.
4. Fill in gaps with small pom poms around the outer and inner edges.
5. Make a bow with the ribbon and attach it to the bottom of the wreath.
6. Create a hanger by folding and gluing a 4-inch piece of ribbon to the back.
7. Write a message on the chalkboard, then hang the wreath using a Command Hook.

Looking for more creative ways to keep kids engaged? Shine NYC in Bridgehampton offers workshops and activities that spark imagination and creativity all year long. Contact us for details.