45 Christmas Crafts That’ll Make Your Kids Think You’re A Holiday Genius! Where every glue stick becomes a magic wand
The holiday season is here, and your craft drawer is calling! Whether you’re a glitter-loving guru or more of a “does this glue stick still work?” kind of crafter, we’ve got your back with ideas that actually turn out cute.
Look, we’ve all been there – it’s December 1st, the kids are bouncing off the walls with Christmas excitement, and you’re frantically searching for activities that don’t involve eating more sugar cookies. Don’t worry, fellow parent, we’ve rounded up 45 absolutely doable holiday crafts from some of Instagram’s most creative (and realistic) parents.
From cardboard tube angels to galaxy snowflakes, toilet paper roll trees to no-bake gingerbread – these projects are perfect for crafters of all skill levels. Plus, we’ve added a sprinkle of eco-friendly options because saving the planet while making memories is totally in this season!
We’ve linked each original post under the pictures, so you can get the full craft details straight from the source. Save this page now (seriously, do it before your Pinterest board swallows it whole), and let’s get crafting! Who knows? You might even end up with some decorations worthy of the front hall tree!
1. One person’s Amazon box is another’s winter wonderland. Turn Trash Into Christmas Magic With This Cardboard Village!
Transform that forgotten cardboard box into a glowing winter village centerpiece. Just add a white pen, tea lights, and your kid’s artistic flair.
Instagram: familydaystriedandtested
2. Ridiculously Easy Window Stars That’ll Make Your Neighbours Think You’re Martha Stewart! Because nobody wants another craft that requires a PhD in origami.
Eight squares of transparent paper + glue = this stunning window decoration. Perfect for when you want to look crafty without losing your sanity! 🌟
Instagram: Booksandbabies
3. Turn Paper Bags Into Pinterest-Worthy Stars! Saving money and saving the planet can look this good
Transform everyday paper bags into stunning star decorations that look totally designer. Perfect for when your wallet says “shop your stash” but your heart says “make it magical!”
Instagram: fallfordiy
4. Toilet Paper Roll Angels That Don’t Look Like Toilet Paper Rolls! Because even bathroom supplies deserve their holiday moment
Turn that empty TP roll into a Pinterest-worthy angel ornament with pipe cleaners and twine. Budget-friendly holiday magic that’ll have guests asking which boutique you splurged at!
Instagram: artandcraftmom
5. Clear Baubles + Random Crafty Bits = Christmas Magic! Store-bought ornaments are so last year
Fill empty baubles with mini trees, pom-poms, and all that craft drawer chaos. It’s like making tiny snow globes, minus the drama of actual liquid!
Instagram: ourtripswithtwo
6. Easy Beaded Wreaths That Won’t End In A Crafting Crisis! Not all holiday memories need to involve vacuum cleaning
String some beads, add a bow, and boom – you’ve got Instagram-worthy ornaments that kids can make without redecorating your floors with glitter!
Instagram: thecraftpatch
7. Twiggy Trees That’ll Make Your Home Look Fancy AF! Who knew random sticks could look this expensive?
Turn backyard twigs into illuminated Christmas trees that look straight out of Pottery Barn. Just add hot glue, fairy lights, and watch your bank account stay happy!
Instagram: reveloideas
8. The Sweetest Nativity Scene Ever. Those tiny hands won’t stay tiny forever!
Transform your baby’s handprint into a personalised nativity ornament that’ll make you cry every Christmas for the next 50 years.
Instagram: tayplemmons
9. Accordion Angels For The Craft-Challenged! Not all DIY needs hot glue and tears
Just fold, pinch, add a sparkly head – boom, instant angel!
Instagram: thebarefoothomeschoolingmom
10. Luxe Looking Stars From Toilet Paper Rolls! Because your bathroom stash deserves a glow-up
Transform cardboard tubes into glittery star ornaments that look nothing like their humble bathroom beginnings. Proof that even TP rolls can have a Christmas miracle!
Instagram: 4plusmama
11. Nature-Printed Cards That Don’t Look Like Preschool Art! Sometimes the best crafting supplies grow outside
Turn leaves and pine needles into stunning Christmas tree cards that look totally professional. Mother Nature’s got your back on this Pinterest-worthy project!
Instagram: mudnbloom
If you’re for something to read whilst you are waiting for your glue to dry, grab a copy of our FART-TASTIC book, “How Tooter the Otter Saved Christmas”, a funny light hearted children’s story celebrating diversity, community and bravery! Available on Amazon nationwide. Amazon UK , Amazon US
12. Turn Tiny Handprints Into A Holly Jolly Wreath! Messy hands make the best Christmas memories
Create a wreath from handprints that’s both adorably festive and guaranteed to make grandparents cry. Warning: Green paint may end up everywhere – but it’s worth it!
Instagram: rachel_holdsworth_
13. Woodland Reindeer That’ll Make Your Tree Look Magical! Because store-bought ornaments never looked this cottagecore
Turn wooden slices into adorable reindeer faces that’ll give your tree that cozy forest vibe. Perfect for when you want your Christmas tree to look like it was decorated by woodland creatures!
Instagram: hoglet_and_twig
14. Gingerbread Men Who Won’t Get Eaten! Cardboard tastes terrible but looks amazing
Let kids go wild decorating these cookie-free characters. All the creativity of decorating gingerbread, without the “where did all my candy toppings go?” mystery!
Instagram: adventures.of.aanda
15. Handprint Christmas Trees That Beat Store-Bought Cards! Nothing says ‘I made this’ quite like tiny green palm prints
Turn those little hands into a festive tree, add some sparkle, and voila – instant keepsake! Perfect for grandparents who cry at everything handmade
Instagram: i.giochi.di.anna
16. Not Your Average Cardboard Box Reindeer! Recycling has never looked this cute
Transform boring cardboard into a whimsical reindeer that looks straight out of a storybook. Add twine, twigs, and greenery for maximum woodland charm!
Instagram: hyokim_crafts
17. Paper Bag Houses That Look Better Than Real Gingerbread!” Also plus points since it won’t get stale or eaten by the dog
Transform lunch bags into glowing gingerbread houses that’ll make your home look like a magical Christmas village. Zero baking skills required!
Instagram: melodyinthemaking
18. Rainbow Santa’s Beard Goes Tie-Dye! Classic white beards are so last Christmas
Turn boring cotton pads into a psychedelic Santa masterpiece with food coloring and water. Warning: Your kids might never look at regular Santa the same way again!
Instagram: merel.speelt.plays.gioca
19. Rocking Paper Plate Pals That Actually Rock! Everything’s better with a wiggle
Turn paper plates into festive friends that dance across your table. Perfect for kids who can’t sit still (so… all of them)!
Instagram: diary_of_the_dentons
20. Design Your Own Magical Christmas Sweater! Glitter on paper beats glitter on clothes
Let kids go wild decorating paper sweaters with all the sparkly chaos they can handle. All the festive fun, none of the itchy aftermath!
Instagram: tufftrayobsessed
21. Stack Some Scrap Felt Into The Cutest Trees Ever! Because your craft drawer deserves a clean out too
Turn those random felt scraps into rainbow Christmas trees that look totally Pinterest-worthy. Finally, a use for all those tiny pieces you couldn’t bear to throw away!
Instagram: montessoriinspiredco
22. Make Snowflakes Pop With This Paint and Tape Trick! Regular snowflake crafts don’t look this fancy!
Create stunning winter art using tape, paint, and whatever stamping tools you can find. Bonus: Your kids will think you’re a genius when the tape comes off!
Instagram: tri.tra.trulla.mama
23. Toilet Paper Roll Trees That Actually Look Fresh! Not every Christmas tree needs to be pine
Turn real leaves into mini Christmas trees that’ll make Mother Nature proud. Plus, finally a reason to keep those empty TP rolls
Instagram: jaslearningwithkids
24. “The Cutest Paper Plate Rudolph This Side of The North Pole!”
Transform a plain paper plate into a reindeer mask that’ll have everyone asking where you bought it. Warning: May cause excessive nose booping
Instagram: nabanita_417
25. This Hedgehog Turned Christmas Tree Thief Is Everything! Regular forest animals need holiday sparkle too
Turn real pine sprigs into an adorable hedgehog’s festive backpack. Nature meets whimsy in this woodland-inspired craft
Instagram: whattodowithrasemoquette
26. Popsicle Stick Trees That’ll Give You Major Scout Badge Vibes! Retro crafts hit different
Turn basic craft sticks into nostalgic tree ornaments with pom-poms and sparkle. Warning: May cause flashbacks to friendship bracelet making!
Instagram: adaywith_elsieandtheo
27. No-Shake Snow Globes That Smell Like Christmas! Because real snow globes don’t have cinnamon magic
Create play-dough winter scenes with DIY scented houses that make your craft room smell like a bakery. Zero chance of breaking, infinite chances for creativity!
Instagram: whimsicallyangieco
28. Paper Plate Trees That Only Look Complicated! Fancy crafts shouldn’t need fancy supplies
Cut one paper plate into three, add some sparkle, and boom – instant Christmas tree magic. Perfect for when you need a craft win in under 10 minutes!
Instagram: kindergartenblog
29. Create A Magical Star-Studded Tree With Flour! Sometimes the best decorations leave their mark
Make snow angels? Nah – arrange cardboard stars, dust with flour, and reveal a twinkling tree silhouette. Double the crafting fun with both cookies and snowflake art
Instagram: englishandartforkids
30. Bottle Cap Tree That’s Saving The Planet! Recycling should sparkle too
Turn those drink caps into a rainbow Christmas tree masterpiece. Finally, a reason to feel good about all those soda bottles!
Instagram: kikka_arte
31. A Christmas Tree That Glows Without Plugs! Just add dots, paint, and tiny fingers
Turn Q-tips into magical paintbrushes and watch your tree light up with rainbow dots. Perfect for little artists still mastering their grip!
Instagram: letsplaylittleone
32. Play Kitchen Donuts With A Holiday Twist! No calories in cardboard frosting
Whip up some puffy paint to create forever-fresh Christmas wreaths that look good enough to eat. The perfect addition to any pretend bakery
Facebook: katerpiller1981
33. Torn Paper Advent Candles With Meaning! Simple craft, powerful message
Create a glowing reminder of hope using torn paper and thoughtful reflection. Let each piece tell part of the Christmas story while little hands stay busy!
Instagram: everyday_mom_4life
34. Life-Size Elf Selfie Station For The Win! Step into the magic with this photo-worthy prop
Cut a face hole in your elf drawing and watch everyone line up for their elfie moment. Warning: May cause excessive holiday photo bombing!
Facebook: keeleymckendree
After a busy day of crafting, why not grab a hot chocolate and cuddle up in your cosy blanket to watch our educational kids YouTube channel Story Time With Karyn, where we bring stories to life through low-stimulation animations and discuss the morals of the story with the characters themselves.
35. Life-Size Snowman Ball Drop Game! Active play meets holiday fun
Transform your wall into a snowman target practice zone with paper, scissors, and balls. Perfect for burning off that candy cane energy!
Instagram: gogreen.kids
36. Handprint Angels That’ll Make Grandma Cry! Your kids’ palms never looked so heavenly
Transform paper plates and glittery handprints into a choir of adorable angels. Perfect for Christmas cards or making your fridge look like it’s hosting a celestial concert
Instagram: childquoteoftheday
37. Turn Outgrown PJs Into Wreath Glory! Those too-small Christmas jammies finally have a purpose
Transform old holiday fabrics into a fluffy wreath masterpiece. The perfect way to immortalize those festive PJs your kids wore for exactly two minutes!
Instagram: barton_seagrave_guides
38. Northern Lights Meet Christmas Art! Where chalk dust becomes holiday magic
Create stunning silhouette art with just chalk and paper cutouts. Watch little faces light up when you peel away to reveal their masterpiece! ✨
Instagram: create.play.today
39. Glowing Angels That Light Up The Night! Coffee filters never looked this heavenly
Transform everyday filters into illuminated angels that cast a magical glow. Add a wooden slice base and battery light for instant Christmas charm!
Instagram: kreativesfunkeln
40. Christmas Sensory Bottles That’ll Mesmerize Kids! Santa, elves, and reindeer learn to float
Transform plastic bottles into magical snow globes without the breakage risk. Perfect for tiny hands to shake, rattle, and explore festive fun!
Instagram: sos_ziamarty
41. Origami Stockings Spark Holiday Magic! Santa deserves artful toe-wiggle room
Transform simple patterned paper into a charming string of folded stockings. Perfect for minimalists who want their decor with a crafty twist!
Instagram: craftymumofgirls
42. Star Light, Star Bright, DIY Tonight! Store-bought stars can’t hold a candle to handmade magic
Turn simple ribbon into a twinkling garland that rivals anything from the big box stores. One spool makes endless possibilities – better warn the neighbors, stars are about to become your love language!
Instagram: hauz.and.co
43. Paper Plate Party Faces! Because who says masks are just for Halloween?
Transform humble paper plates into festive character masks that’ll have the kids giggling through December. Santa, elves, and snowmen – no fancy craft store run needed, just raid your pantry supplies!
Instagram: lazyweaner
44. Sponge Trees With Googly Personality! Regular Christmas trees don’t wink back
Turn a humble kitchen sponge into a forest of wide-eyed, grinning Christmas trees. Finally, a holiday craft where mess-making is actually part of the magic!
Instagram: simplycraftykids
45. When humble grocery bags meet magical lighting
Transform ordinary paper bags into an ethereal wreath that glows like freshly fallen snow. Who knew your lunch sack stash could look this luxe?
Instagram: shweta.craftland
And there you have it – your complete guide to Christmas crafting that won’t end in tears (yours or theirs)! Save this page, bookmark it, write it on a candy cane – whatever you need to do to keep these ideas handy. Remember, the best crafts are the ones that actually happen, even if your paper plate wreath looks more like a wobbly circle, or your pinecone reindeer needs extra googly eyes.
Pro tip: Keep some “emergency crafts” ready for those moments when cabin fever hits hard. A few sheets of paper and some markers totally count – and if anyone says different, remind them that even Santa’s elves take snack breaks!
From our crafty corner to yours, here’s to a season of glue-stick magic, creative adventures, and precious handmade memories! After all, it’s not about Pinterest perfection – it’s about creating joy, one toilet paper roll masterpiece at a time.
Got a craft idea that needs sharing? We’d love to see your holiday creativity in action! Tag us on Instagram @ChangeTheWorldWithKaryn or submit your crafty moments through our website. Let’s spread some holiday cheer, one glitter spill at a time! 🎄✨
Now go forth and create some magic – your kids (and your recycling bin) will thank you!
A special thanks to our wonderful ChangeTheWorldWithKaryn intern Jefferson Roi Barabad , who’s hard work and time went into researching the best Christmas crafts on Instagram!
Merry Christmas everyone.
