Christmas crafts using paper cups
Paper cups are a classic craft item—easy to handle and perfect for all kinds of ideas.
You can find a wide variety at 100-yen shops, from plain white and patterned designs to plastic versions, making it easy to choose based on what you want to make.
In this article, we’re spotlighting this super useful item!
We’re sharing Christmas craft ideas using paper cups.
From decorative items like ornaments to toys you can make and play with, there are lots of ideas—take a look and give them a try!
Christmas crafts using paper cups (1–10)
Reindeer Marionette
Here’s how to make a cute reindeer marionette out of a paper cup.
You will need: a paper cup, colored construction paper, an awl (or hole punch), two plastic bottle caps, string, a pair of chopsticks, and glue.
First, make the reindeer decorations with the colored paper and glue them onto the paper cup.
Next, make four holes in the paper cup.
Make a hole in the center of each bottle cap as well.
Thread strings through the holes to create the arms and legs, and thread the caps onto the leg strings to secure them as feet.
Cross the chopsticks, secure them with a rubber band, tie strings to the four ends, and connect them to the paper cup and the reindeer’s legs.
You’re done! Try making Santa Claus or any other characters you like and have fun!
Santa Claus whose face changes
Here’s how to make a Santa Claus puppet from paper cups whose facial expressions change.
You will need two paper cups, origami paper, glue, scissors, a craft knife, and writing utensils.
First, glue red origami paper onto one of the paper cups.
Trim any excess with scissors or a craft knife.
Next, use the craft knife to cut a window for the face.
After cutting the hole, glue on Santa’s beard and hat.
On the other paper cup, draw various Santa faces that match the size of the window, and attach them around the cup.
Finally, stack the two cups together to complete it.
When you rotate the face section, Santa’s expression changes—it’s lots of fun.
Give it a try!
Christmas lights
Here’s how to make a Christmas light using a plastic cup.
You will need colored cellophane, decorative pom-poms, scissors, a plastic cup, cellophane tape, an LED light, and wood glue.
First, stick colored cellophane of your choice onto the plastic cup.
After applying the cellophane, decorate it however you like using the decorative pom-poms.
Finally, place the plastic cup over the LED light, and you’re done! Layering different colors of cellophane also looks beautiful.
Give it a try!
candle cup
Let’s make candle cups using paper cups and battery-powered LED lights! Using black construction paper, cut out silhouettes like Santa Claus, reindeer, and Christmas trees.
Glue the cutouts to the inside of the paper cup.
From the outside it looks like an ordinary paper cup, but if you darken the room and place an LED light inside, the paper you glued will appear as glowing pictures! You can use them at home for Christmas parties and more.
Xmas Present Cup
Here’s how to make a perfect Christmas gift cup.
You’ll need paper cups, colored origami paper, colored paper, thick cardstock, glue, and scissors.
First, use the colored origami paper and colored paper to freely create decorations like animals or characters.
Once you’re done, attach them to thick cardstock so they can stand up, and secure them in place.
Since you’ll be placing a paper cup over the top, be mindful of the area you glue so it doesn’t interfere.
Cut two thin strips of colored paper, cross them, and glue them onto the paper cup.
Then place the cup over the cardstock base, and your cute Christmas gift cup is complete! It also looks adorable as a table decoration for Christmas parties, so it’s highly recommended.
candy jar
A craft idea for a candy holder that can also be displayed as a Christmas ornament.
Let’s make small Christmas items by customizing supplies from the 100-yen shop.
Wrap a band around the top of a paper cup and create a Santa, reindeer, or snowman shape, then trim away the excess.
Punch a hole in the center of the top piece where you’ve applied double-sided tape, thread a ribbon through it, and decorate with pom-poms or beads.
By making a separate ribbon for decoration and another for hanging, you can use them according to the occasion.
It’s a Christmas item you can enjoy by filling it with your favorite treats like candies or chocolates.
Lantern
Here’s how to make a simple lantern using a paper cup! You’ll need a paper cup, construction paper, an LED light, masking tape, glue, and scissors.
First, use black construction paper to make Christmas-themed cutouts like a reindeer.
Try making any shapes you like.
Next, glue the cutouts to the inside of the paper cup.
After that, decorate the outside with your favorite masking tape.
Finally, place an LED light inside the cup, and your Christmas lantern is complete.
The cutouts inside will glow and look super cute.
Paper cup tree made with yarn and pom-poms
A Christmas tree made by decorating a paper cup with yarn and pom-poms.
This easy craft uses a paper cup to represent the tree’s base and trunk, and can be made in just a few steps.
Apply double-sided tape around the entire paper cup, then wrap yarn from the bottom to the top.
Attach pom-poms with glue and add a star made from origami paper, then finish by decorating with a ribbon.
Simply changing the yarn color or the types of pom-poms allows for a variety of arrangements.
Why not try making this perfect decoration for your Christmas party?
cracker
Let’s make an easy party cracker with a paper cup for Christmas parties and more! Punch a small hole in the bottom of a paper cup.
Cut eight slits around the rim and use a pen to curl them.
Thread a rubber band through the hole in the bottom and secure it with a small piece of chopped disposable chopstick.
Attach a weight made of aluminum foil to the part of the rubber band sticking out.
Then just put cotton balls or confetti inside and you’re done! Pull the aluminum foil, and the contents will pop out!
Christmas bell
Let’s decorate paper cups you have at home and make handmade bells you can enjoy the sound of! First, cut out colored construction paper to wrap around the outside of the cup.
Attach it to the outside with double-sided tape, then make a hole in the center of the cup’s bottom.
Bundle some craft bells with fishing line (monofilament) and secure them with a pipe cleaner, then thread it through from the inside of the cup.
Shape the pipe cleaner into a loop, attach a ribbon tied in a bow, and you’re done.
It’s also fun to draw illustrations on the outside of the cup or add stickers for extra flair!