Lovely childcare

December: Craft ideas for 2-year-olds!

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.

Children eagerly awaiting Christmas.

To make them even more excited, we’ve gathered ideas for Christmas crafts you’ll want to make in December with 2-year-olds.

From Santa Claus and reindeer to Christmas trees and wreaths, there are plenty of wonderful craft ideas that make the most of children’s free expression.

Be sure to use these as inspiration and try making them together!

Because the children’s creations are treated as “artworks,” the term used in the main text is “制作 (seisaku).”

[December] Craft ideas for 2-year-olds! (31–40)

Christmas wreath with cardboard stamps

Let’s use a cardboard stamp to make a Christmas wreath.

You can use the stamp to create a fluffy wreath texture.

First, cut the cardboard to a suitable size and roll it up.

Next, draw a circle on construction paper and stamp along the outline of the circle.

Mixing green and light green looks beautiful.

Once the paint dries, attach the construction paper to a red backing and decorate the wreath with round stickers.

Finally, add a big ribbon to finish! Making this bright, festive wreath will really boost the Christmas spirit.

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3D Tree Made with a Clear Cup and Origami

You can make a 3D Christmas tree using a clear cup and origami.

It’s easy to prepare, so it’s recommended.

First, cut a piece of cardboard into a circle larger than the rim of the clear cup and attach double-sided tape.

Next, have the children decorate the clear cup with round stickers.

Then roll up green origami paper and pack it tightly into the cup.

Peel off the release paper from the double-sided tape on the cardboard, place the cup on top, and press to adhere.

Attach cotton around the cup to represent snow.

Finally, the teacher makes a hole at the top of the cup, inserts a star-shaped pick, and it’s complete!

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Handprint Christmas wreath

Work No. 033 / Making a wreath with 1-year-olds [Handmade toys by a nursery teacher]

Handprint Christmas wreath

If you’re making a handprint Christmas wreath, here’s an idea that lets two-year-olds take the lead.

The steps are simple: first, have them stamp their handprints on construction paper.

Then draw faces and sacks on the prints to turn them into Santa Clauses.

Finally, cut out the handprint Santas and attach them to the wreath to finish.

If the last step is difficult, please do it together with the teacher.

Since you’ll be using paint, proceed with careful attention to safety.

Displaying the cute wreath will make everyone even more excited for Christmas!

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In conclusion

We introduced Christmas craft ideas recommended for 2-year-olds.

There were plenty of fun activities to stimulate children’s five senses.

While they’re creating, provide support tailored to each child’s stage of development, encouraging them to feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence in being able to say, “I did it myself!” Displaying everyone’s creations in the room or hallway is sure to boost their excitement! Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere together, surrounded by their adorable works of art!