Getting children involved in making Christmas gifts and decorations is a wonderful holiday tradition that fosters creativity, builds lasting memories, and brings a special, personal touch to the festive season.
From simple activities like painting salt dough ornaments to assembling edible reindeer food, these projects offer valuable opportunities for kids to learn new skills and experience the joy of giving and creating.
We’ve found ten activities that we think your little ones (and the older generation) will love taking part in, in the run up to Christmas.
1. Get the kids involved with Christmas
Keep the kids happy in the run upto Christmas by letting them get crafty. Photo: the-paris-photographer-qbAR7FkGlgU-unsplash
2. Hand-made Christmas Cards
Making hand-made Christmas cards is a creative and personal way to send greetings. The list is endless: Potato print cards - Get an adult to cut half of a potato in a festive shape, get some paints and get stuck in. Give the paint a touch of sparkle with some colourful glitter. Hand print cards - There's nothing better than receiving a personalised hand print from a loved one, and nothing better than sticking your hand in the paint! Decorate each finger with gems and get your little one to draw in the fingernails, before signing it with their name. Photo: mel-poole-rn8-HaMMsR8-unsplash
3. Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt Dough Ornaments: These are a simple, inexpensive and fun way to create a unique keepsake that can last for years. They require just flour (two cups), salt (one cup), and water (one cup). In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and easy to handle. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness on parchment paper. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then create a hole with a straw at the top for hanging (not too close to the edge). Finally bake in a low-temperature oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for 1 to 3 hours, or until completely dry and hard to the touch, and paint! Photo: pexels-chavdar-dimitrov-149062537-10545212
4. Reindeer Food
Home-made Reindeer food: Making "reindeer food" is a fun, magical Christmas Eve activity for children. This version uses natural, edible elements for a safe and environmentally friendly option. Simply get 1 cup uncooked oats, 1/4 cup green and red sprinkles, Small, clear gift bags or jars, ribbon, twine, or pipe cleaners for sealing the bag. Mix the "magic" ingredients in a bowl, then spoon the mixture into the individual gift bags or jars. Tie the bags shut with a festive ribbon or twine. You can also use brown pipe cleaners to create "antlers" by twisting them around the top of the bag. Finally, either leave them where Santa can see them, or sprinkle on the lawn for Rudolph and his friends to enjoy. Photo: pexels-kate-l-2149358429-31024454