[For Toddlers] A Big Roundup of Craft Ideas to Enjoy at Christmas

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Speaking of December, Christmas—the holiday children look forward to every year—finally arrives.

Getting presents is exciting, of course, but the sparkling trees and lights, and the reindeer and Santa Claus that create a thrilling atmosphere are also part of the fun.

So this time, we’ve gathered plenty of craft ideas for preschoolers that make the most of those festive motifs.

If your Christmas craft ideas are starting to feel stale, or you’re looking for something new, please use these as inspiration.

Because the things children make are regarded as works of art, we use the term “制作 (seisaku),” meaning “production/creation,” in the text.

[For Toddlers] A Big Collection of Craft Ideas to Enjoy at Christmas (71–80)

Sparkly ornaments made with pipe cleaners and glue

Why not make some sparkly ornaments to get into the Christmas spirit? You can use everyday materials like pipe cleaners and wood glue! First, shape a pipe cleaner into a triangle and coat the outside with wood glue.

Flip the pipe cleaner over onto a sheet of parchment paper and fill the inside with glue.

Next, dip a toothpick or similar tool into paint to draw patterns, and decorate with beads.

Once the glue is completely dry, slowly peel it off the parchment paper—and you’re done! You can also try shaping the pipe cleaner into a star or a boot, and have fun changing the paint colors.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to decorate the Christmas tree with handmade ornaments together with the kids?

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miyabi

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A Santa tree made by stacking triangles

This Santa tree, made by stacking triangles, is perfect for crafting with kids! The method is simple: cut construction paper into half-circles, join them to form cones, and then stack them.

By drawing Santa’s face on the top cone, children can express their individuality! You can also have fun customizing the decorations, like punching holes along the cone’s edge to thread yarn through.

Using star-shaped or round stickers makes it easy to decorate, so give it a try!

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Santa Claus and reindeer made with handprints

We’d like to introduce ornaments of Santa and a reindeer made using children’s handprints! Applying paint and pressing their hands onto construction paper lets them enjoy the feel of the paint.

It’s also fun to see how the look changes depending on how the paint is applied and how much pressure they use.

Once the handprints are done, add antlers to the reindeer.

You can also glue on a nose made from construction or origami paper and draw the eyes and mouth to give each one personality.

They make wonderful ornaments that capture a memory of those little hands as they grow!

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hanauta obasan

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[For Toddlers] A Grand Collection of Craft Ideas to Enjoy at Christmas (81–90)

Yarn-Wrapping Tree

Introduce a Christmas tree you can make by wrapping yarn, a material you can easily find around the house! Be sure to try it with your kids.

First, cut a piece of thick paper into a triangle and make small slits around the edges.

Next, wrap yarn around it, hooking it into the slits as you go.

Finally, decorate by gluing on beads, and finish by combining it with a base made from a cut toilet paper roll wrapped in origami paper.

It stands up on its own, so it makes a nice accent for your room and will help bring even more Christmas cheer!

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A tree made by threading yarn through it

Why not try making a cozy Christmas tree using yarn? It’s a great craft idea to make together with children.

Start by punching holes in a sheet of construction paper, then let the kids thread yarn through the holes to form the shape of a tree.

They can run the yarn straight or diagonally—anything goes.

Using multiple colors of yarn instead of just one will give it a stylish finish.

For the final touch, add colorful pom-poms or stick star-shaped stickers in the blank spaces for a lovely effect.

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Christmas cake made from a milk carton

This is a Christmas cake craft made from a milk carton—perfect for December activities or pretend parties! First, open the milk carton, cut it into three equal pieces, and form each piece into a triangle.

Secure the edge with double-sided tape.

Wrap a strip of vinyl tape around the middle and add fruit stickers to complete the cake base.

For the strawberry topping, wrap a crumpled tissue with origami paper.

One milk carton makes three cakes, and combining six pieces creates a whole cake! Kids can try the steps of crumpling the tissue and sticking on the stickers.

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Reindeer made from paper cups

These reindeer made from paper cups are perfect as Christmas decorations or ornaments! It’s great that they’re easy to make with everyday materials.

First, paint the paper cup with paint, then simply attach the reindeer’s facial parts.

You can use pieces the teacher prepared in advance or make use of round stickers.

Let the children try painting the paper cups and gluing on the reindeer parts.

Even if the paint isn’t applied perfectly or the pieces are a bit off, the result is charming and unique! Encourage the children to enjoy expressing themselves freely.

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