17 holiday crafts kids can make

Get creative this holiday and dress up your tree with these handmade christmas ornaments made from clay. They make great gifts, too. Get the instructions

This beautiful craft is simple and teaches kids how to sew on a button. Life skills! Pin to a coat or sweater to feel instantly festive (it also makes a great DIY gift for teacher). Get the instructions: wildolive.com

We’re the biggest fans of recycled crafts and with all the extra recycling that comes with this entertainment-heavy season, why not turn that plastic into holiday votives? These would also look great for New Year’s Eve–just make sure an adult does the cutting. Get the instructions: handmadecharlotte.com

These snowflakes are all unique (like the real ones) and can be made big or small. This craft uses hot glue–which dries super-fast–but you can also use white glue. Paint and display or dole out as gifts. Get the instructions: sugarbeecrafts.com

Deck the halls with something sparkly this Christmas. This DIY garland is made with bow tie pasta, and is a great gift the kids can make. Get the instructions

Make a colourful menorah from cereal boxes. You might have already guessed that we love to recycle. Get the instructions: creativejewishmom.com

Sometimes the simplest crafts are the cutest. This rustic-inspired Christmas tree craft is easy for little hands to make, and it it makes for a sweet personal holiday gift. Get the instructions

Kids will love making this adorable craft (and you will, too). If you don’t have old-fashioned wooden clothes pins, don’t fret, you can follow our craft stick doll craft  and add string to turn them into ornaments. Get the instructions: thehousethatlarsbuilt.com

Here is a great craft for Hanukkah week. It challenges little crafters to get creative, plus it’s kind of relaxing. When done, display on the table or string up into a mobile. Get the instructions: creativejewishmom.com

Granted, the kids version of these may not be quite as neat and tidy, but they will take great pride in contributing to the holiday tablescape. It’s a great conversation piece over dinner, too. Get the instructions: camillestyles.com

This activity is double-duty—it keeps the kids busy and you get gift wrap out of it. If you want to make it #extra, stamp the paper first and let kids colour in the shapes. Get the instructions: thecrazycraftlady.com

Who knew corrugated cardboard could be so festive? These DIY Christmas tree baubles are a great way to get the kids involved with holiday decorating. Get the instructions

Making felt balls from scratch is a great tactile activity to improve fine motor skills but you can also find these premade in craft and dollar stores. Pick up colourful beads and yarn while you’re there. Get the instructions: hellowonderful.co

Maybe if you make a play tree, your toddler will leave your real tree alone. Too good to be true? Probably, but it’s still adorable and fun. Get the instructions: pepperdesignblog.com

Your little elves will love making these adorable pine cone decorations this Christmas. Give them as gifts, or place them around the house for extra holiday cheer. Get the instructions

Keep the little ones busy during holiday parties or meals with this genius idea. Choose your supplies wisely or grandpa may end up with marker on his shoes. You don’t need a fancy ceramic egg tray, a paper one or a muffin tin works just fine. Get the instructions: hellosplendid.com

Let’s take that boring painted paper plate wreath that comes home from school to a new level. This crafter used a craft floral ring but you can still use that paper plate and paint or tape on the striped design. So easy, but actually pretty stylish. Get the instructions: madewithhappy.com

Read more: 24 ornaments kids can make 13 fun and easy rainy day crafts 8 essential craft supplies to keep on hand