[For Toddlers] A Big Roundup of Craft Ideas to Enjoy at Christmas
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.
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[For Toddlers] A Grand Collection of Craft Ideas to Enjoy at Christmas (91–100)
A reindeer that breaks easily
Would you like to make Santa’s partner, a reindeer, with origami? The folding steps are relatively simple, so try it with your kids! Since there are some finer folds, it’s best suited for ages 4 and up.
In particular, have an adult help with the final step of folding the antlers.
To finish, draw the reindeer’s eyes, nose, and mouth—using round stickers for the facial features works great, too.
This craft is perfect for Christmas origami projects and wall decorations, so why not boost the holiday spirit with this activity?
It Makes Sounds! Santa and Reindeer Hand Bell
Let’s all ring and play together with Santa and reindeer handbells! Decorate the sides of colored paper cups by attaching Santa Claus and reindeer ornaments made from colored construction paper and stickers.
Punch a hole in the bottom, thread jute twine through so the paper cup can hang, and tie a bell to the end of the twine—done! Since Santa and the reindeer are made by cutting out simple shapes, this is also great for scissor practice.
Play along to music and get into the Christmas spirit!
Climbing Santa
Thanks to songs and stories, we tend to picture Santa Claus coming down the chimney, but these days, fewer homes actually have one.
By making a decoration of Santa climbing a chimney, you can still enjoy that nostalgic Christmas atmosphere.
Using simple materials like a paper cup, straws, and string to create the base, then attaching a piece of construction paper with a drawing of Santa, you can easily make a Santa that moves up and down the chimney.
It’s a Christmas craft that’s fun to play with even after it’s finished.
Wobbly Santa
By taking advantage of the curve created when you fold a paper plate in half, you can make a gently rocking Santa Claus ornament that’s easy to craft and doubles as a toy kids can play with afterward.
Simply stick on a Santa hat, beard, and other features to the folded plate to make the face, and you’re done.
It’s an activity that’s easy for children to tackle.
Depending on the children’s needs, adults can prepare the necessary parts in advance, or start by making the parts together with the kids—by adjusting the steps, the crafting time itself can become part of the fun.
It’s a simple yet customizable project you’ll want to line up around the room.
Christmas tree hat
The decorated Christmas tree hats warm your heart with the cute looks of the children wearing them.
You can easily make them by shaping a hat from construction paper in your chosen tree color and decorating it with pom-poms or yarn, which you can also buy at 100-yen shops.
Since you’ll be punching holes and cutting out a star for the top with scissors, adults should support children who are not yet used to handling tools.
Unlike ornaments for decorating a room, these hats are items that soothe you with the delighted faces of the children.