5 Handmade Christmas Crafts for Children to Make and Give

The holiday season is a time for spreading joy and love, and making cherished memories. What better way to celebrate than by creating handmade gifts with your little ones? 

We’ve handpicked a selection of DIY Christmas gifts that are not only easy for children to make, but they’re also gentle on our wallets and the planet.  

Make your Christmas sparkle with these lovely homemade Christmas gift ideas.  

1. Salt Dough Christmas Tree Decorations 

Transforming simple ingredients from your kitchen into charming ornaments, salt dough decorations are a classic craft that children of all ages can enjoy. Flour, salt, and water combine to create a mouldable dough that can be shaped into festive designs. Once baked and cooled, it’s time for the fun part – painting and decorating! These ornaments are not only eco-friendly but are keepsakes for years to come.  

You’ll need:  

• Flour 
• Salt 
• Water 
• Cookie cutters 
• Paints and brushes 
• Ribbon or twine for hanging. 

Instructions:  

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 250g of plain flour, 125g of table salt, and 125ml of water. Knead the mixture until it becomes a pliable dough. 
2. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create your chosen shapes. Poke a hole using a straw or cocktail stick near the top to allow for hanging. 
3. Place the creations on a baking sheet and bake at 100°c for 2-3 hours, or until completely hard.  
4. Once cooled, let the little artists loose with paints and brushes to add their personal touch.  
5. Once dry, thread a ribbon or twine through the hole.  

If you are already a Busy Bees parent, there is more information on this festive activity available on the UP app, along with many other Christmas crafts and activities! 

2. Lollipop Stick Photo Frames 

Give your lovely photos a festive twist with lollipop stick photo frames. The frames can be customised with Christmas-themed decorations, making them the perfect addition to the tree or keepsakes.  

You’ll need:  

• Lollipop sticks 
• Glue  
• Paints, pens, and any other decoration you wish to add. 
• Photographs 

Instructions:  

1. Arrange the lollipop sticks to create a frame around your chosen photo, slightly overlapping at the corners.  
2. Glue the sticks together at the corners and let them dry. You can reinforce these with elastic bands if required.  
3. Finish the frame using paints, pens, or anything else you wish to decorate with.  
4. Once dry, attach your chosen photo to the back of the frame.  
5. Add a ribbon or twine for hanging, if desired.  

Find a handy step-by-step guide, with pictures here.

3. Painted Bookmarks 

Encourage the love of reading with these beautifully personalised bookmarks. Simple, practical, and made with love. These bookmarks are perfect for gifting along with a favourite book. Children can let their creativity run wild as they design unique patterns and images.  

You’ll need:  

• Card or paper 
• Paints, brushes, pens, or pencils 
• Ribbon or string 
• A laminator (optional) 

Instructions:

1. Cut the card or paper into strips, around 5cm wide and 15cm long. 
2. Let your little artists colour, paint, and decorate their bookmarks to their heart’s content.  
3. Allow to dry completely if using paint. 
4. Laminate if desired.  
5. Pop a hole-punch through the top and thread a ribbon or string for an extra touch.  

4. Painted Glass Jar Vase 

Transforming everyday jars into stunning vases is a wonderful way to bring a touch of nature indoors. This project not only repurposes items you might already have at home but also means your little one can give a beautiful selection of flowers to a loved one with their homemade Christmas gift. 

You’ll need: 

• Empty and clean jars 
• Acrylic paints 
• Paintbrushes 
• Twine or ribbon (optional) 

Instructions: 

1. Make sure the jars are clean and dry. 
2. Let the children get creative with paints on the outside of the jars. 
3. Allow the paint to dry completely. 
4. Feel free to add ribbon or twine around the neck of the jar. 
5. Pick your favourite blooms and pop them in the jar with some water to give to your loved one! 

5. Painted Candles  

Turn plain candles into works of art with this simple, yet impressive DIY Christmas gift. By using different colours and patterns, they can create beautiful, festive, and personalised candles that will add a warm and cosy glow to any space.  

You’ll need:  

• Plain candles (pillar or taper) 
• Acrylic paints (note: acrylic paint is safe to use on candles so long as you use non-toxic, water-based acrylic paint). 
• Paintbrushes 

 Instructions:

1. Ensure the candles are clean and don’t have any dust on them from packaging.  
2. Let the children paint their chosen designs directly onto the candles.  
3. Allow the pain to dry completely. 
4. Once dry, the candles are ready to light and display! 

6. Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper 

Add an extra personal touch to your gifts with this wrapping paper craft. Using the simplest materials, your child can create something wonderful to wrap their homemade Christmas gifts in. Not only will it look brilliant, but it’s also a sustainable wrapping choice that can be easily recycled!  

You’ll need: 

• Brown parcel paper 
• Acrylic paints 
• Cookie cutters or vegetable stampers 
• Plastic container 

Instructions:

1. Lay out the brown paper on a flat surface. 
2. Invite your child to do some painting, showing them the colours and encouraging them to choose for themselves.  
3. Pour the paints into the plastic container and show them how to dip the cutters or stampers into the paint and press onto the paper.  
4. Leave the paper to dry completely, and then use this to wrap up your presents.  

This festive craft is simple yet effective, more information on the benefits of this craft for your child’s development can be found on our UP app. Not a Busy Bees parent yet? Learn more about our UP programme, specifically designed for children aged 0-5, full of resources, guides and information from the experts!  

This Christmas, let the spirit of giving take on a new form with these delightful DIY gifts made with love and care by little ones. Not only are they easy on your pocket, but they’re also kind to the planet. From personalised ornaments to hand-painted bookmarks, these creations will undoubtedly bring smiles and warm hearts. So, gather your little ones, roll up your sleeves, and let the Christmas crafting begin!  

With more than 40 years of experience, we love celebrating lots of different holidays with the children in our care. Discover more about how we celebrate holidays in our nurseries - find your local Busy Bees and book a tour!