Winter is a magical time of year. As the days grow shorter and the weather keeps us inside, it’s the perfect opportunity to engage kids in fun and creative projects. These winter crafts not only keep little hands busy but also spark kids imagination and bring the family together. Whether you’re looking to create charming decorations, thoughtful gifts, or just enjoy some quality time with your little ones, there’s a craft for every child and every skill level.
Don’t worry if you’re not a crafting expert—these projects are simple and enjoyable for both kids and parents. With just a few basic supplies, you can transform a quiet afternoon into a festive workshop! Plus, the sense of accomplishment kids feel when they complete their own masterpiece is truly priceless.
So, gather your materials, put on some cozy music, and let’s dive into a world of winter crafts that will warm your hearts even on the coldest days.
1. Paper Snowflakes
Materials:
- White paper
- Scissors
- Glitter glue (optional)
Instructions:
Creating paper snowflakes is a timeless winter craft that kids of all ages can enjoy. I remember doing it every winter when I was a child and now I still enjoy doing it with my kids! It’s a simple activity that turns a plain sheet of paper into a beautiful, intricate design—just like the real snowflakes.
Start by gathering some basic supplies: all you need is paper, scissors, and a touch of creativity. This craft is perfect for those cozy afternoons when the kids need something fun and calming to do indoors.
To begin, fold a square piece of paper in half diagonally to form a triangle, and then fold it again to make a smaller triangle. From here, the magic happens! Using scissors, kids can cut small shapes along the edges of the folded triangle.
What I love about it the most is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Each snowflake will be unique, just like those in nature.
Once the cutting is done, carefully unfold the paper to reveal the stunning snowflake design.
Sometimes, we decorate our snowflakes with glitter glue; but it’s just an option.
My favorite part is watching the kids unfold their winter creations! I love seeing how proud they are of their work.
2. Snowman Wreath
Materials:
- Paper plates
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
- Cotton balls
- Buttons (optional)
Instructions:
Making a snowman wreath is a wonderfully engaging and festive project that kids will absolutely love. This craft is quite easy to make and adds a cheerful, homemade touch to your winter decorations.
To get started, you’ll need a paper plate, construction paper, scissors, glue, and some other craft supplies like markers, buttons, and cotton balls. It’s a fantastic way for kids to get hands-on and creative, transforming a paper plate into an adorable winter door decoration.
Begin by cutting a smaller circle from the center of the paper plate to create the snowman’s head. The remaining ring of the plate will serve as the snowman’s body. You can either glue or staple the head to the body.
Kids can decorate the head with a drawn or cut-out hat, eyes, a carrot nose, and a smile. We prefer to use buttons for the eyes and the smile. For the body, glue on cotton balls and maybe even a scarf made from fabric or construction paper.
Once everything is assembled, you’ll have a delightful snowman wreath ready to hang on your door or wall.
This project is super fun and gives kids a great sense of accomplishment as they see their snowy friend come to life.
3. Footprint Reindeer
Materials:
- Construction paper
- Paint
- Markers
- Googly eyes (optional)
- Red pom-pom (optional)
Instructions:
The footprint reindeer project is a heartwarming craft that captures a special moment in time—your child’s footprint! This project is simple, fun, and creates a keepsake that you’ll cherish for years to come. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate the holiday season.
This project can be done in two different ways, depending on whether you like to get more or less messy. We don’t mind the mess so we used paint for ours but if your child doesn’t like to have their feet painted, feel free to use the other method. Both ways are fun and will make an adorable reindeer.
For the first method, paint your child’s foot with brown washable paint and have them press it onto a piece of paper. Once dry, we use paint and markers to add the reindeer’s eyes, nose, and antlers.
The second method involves tracing your child’s foot onto construction paper. Add a red pom-pom for the nose, googly eyes, draw antlers, and maybe even a little bow to complete the look. Kids can also decorate it with crayons, markers, and other craft supplies if they wish.
Both methods result in an adorable reindeer that captures the unique shape of your child’s foot, making it a perfect holiday keepsake.
This craft is sure to bring lots of smiles!
*I did both of my kids’ footprints on the same project. I think it’s a super adorable craft to display around the house all winter long!
4. Footprint Snowman
Materials:
- Construction paper
- Paint
- Glitter tape
- Markers
- Googly eyes (optional)
- Buttons (optional)
Instructions:
The footprint snowman project is a delightful way to turn your child’s footprint into an adorable snowman keepsake! This craft is not only fun but also a precious way to capture something special. My kids love getting their feet a little messy, and the end result is a charming winter decoration or a heartfelt gift for loved ones. With just a few simple supplies, you can create a unique and memorable piece of art.
Start by painting the bottom of your child’s foot with blue washable paint and pressing it onto a sheet of paper. Once the footprint dries, use markers or paint to add eyes, nose, and buttons. You can add googly eyes and actual buttons for a playful touch.
For extra fun, kids can decorate the background with snowflakes or a wintry scene.
This craft leaves you with a keepsake to treasure for years to come!
*Similar to the reindeer project, I did both of my kids’ footprints here as well.
5. Popsicle Stick Ornaments
Materials:
- Popsicle sticks
- Glue
- Paint
- Markers
- Stickers
- Buttons
- Construction paper
Instructions:
Popsicle stick ornaments are a fantastic way to let kids’ creativity shine while creating festive decorations for your home. This hands-on craft is perfect for kids of all ages and offers endless possibilities for personalization. Whether you’re decorating a single stick or gluing a few together to create fun shapes, each ornament becomes a unique masterpiece.
Gather some popsicle sticks, glue, paint, and an assortment of craft supplies like buttons, stickers, and markers, and you’re ready to begin!
To start, kids can paint or color the popsicle sticks in festive colors or patterns. For a basic ornament, they can decorate a single stick with stickers, sequins, or even a hand-drawn design. For more intricate creations, try gluing sticks together in shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes. Once the paint and glue are dry, add lots of details to make each ornament unique.
These ornaments are not only fun to make but also add a personal touch to your winter décor. Plus, they make wonderful handmade gifts that family and friends will cherish for years.
These winter crafts are designed to be simple, engaging, and allow children to explore their creativity while celebrating the winter season.
Each project, whether it’s a sparkling snowflake or a cheerful snowman wreath, brings joy and a sense of accomplishment. These moments spent crafting together are not just about creating beautiful decorations but also about making lasting memories. Watching your child’s eyes light up with pride as they display their handmade creations is truly heartwarming, and it’s honestly my favorite part of the whole process.
Remember, the true beauty of these crafts lies in the imperfections and the joy they bring. Embrace the mess, celebrate the creativity, and cherish the time spent together. These projects are more than just a way to pass the time. They’re an opportunity to bond, laugh, and share the wonder of winter.
Your little artists are sure to surprise you with their imagination and the delightful creations they bring to life!
What are your favorite winter crafts? How do you display or preserve the crafts to cherish those memories?