Grab the glue, some paint and a bucket of patience – here are 15 of our favourite preschool Christmas crafts to make with your child. We promise they really are super easy!
Sign up for our free newsletter, packed full of ideas, competitions and offers. Did we mention it’s free?
If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling for quick, low-mess Christmas crafts to do with little ones, you’re not alone. With preschoolers and toddlers, “mess-free” is always the dream – even if it rarely turns out that way! The good news is that every craft below uses simple materials you probably already have at home, and none of them need special skills to pull off.
Let’s get started!
Easy Preschool Christmas Crafts
#1. Reindeer Thumbprint Ornaments
These adorable reindeer thumbprint ornaments are a firm favourite. So simple and easy, while adding a lovely bit of individuality to your Christmas tree.
To make this preschool Christmas craft you’ll need some baubles, a permanent marker and matte paint.
#2. Melted Snowman
Fancy making some super cute snowman faces from blobs of hot glue? This unusual idea is probably something you’ve never tried before, but it will earn a place of pride on your tree this Christmas.
This one needs overnight drying time, so it’s worth pairing it with one of the quicker crafts below while you wait.
#3. Playdough and Bead Christmas Trees
Hours of fun, and one you can come back to again and again. We love these playdough and bead Christmas trees. First, you’ll need to make some easy playdough.
It’s simple, hands-on fun. Just make sure you have a resealable jar or lunchbox to store the playdough in for next time.
#4. Footprint Christmas Tree Card
Need to make someone an extra special card this year? You can’t go wrong with a super cute footprint Christmas tree card.
This isn’t just a preschool Christmas craft – it works beautifully for all ages, from toddlers right up to bigger kids. A keepsake to be treasured by family for years to come.
#5. Paper Plate Reindeer
No preschool Christmas crafts list would be complete without Rudolph, our favourite lovable reindeer!
To create this paper plate reindeer, the kids will need some paper plates, felt, pom poms, googly eyes, glue and a sparkling imagination. Watch them proudly hang it on the tree once it’s done.
#6. Puzzle Piece Wreath Picture Frame
There’s nothing more special than a handmade present from a child, especially at Christmas. It’s an added bonus when you can recycle old, missing or worn jigsaw pieces to make it.
You could use a few paper plates glued together, card, or an inexpensive frame as the base.
#7. Beaded Candy Canes
Motor skills, motor skills, motor skills! This is a great one for practising hand-eye coordination.
We love a two-ingredient craft that can keep them entertained for the afternoon. Grab some beads and some metallic pipe cleaners, and brighten up the tree with your own beaded candy canes.
#8. Christmas Wrapping Paper
Help your preschooler get into the spirit of giving with this simple Christmas craft. It’s as easy as decorating plain paper with cookie cutters and paint, then using it to wrap your Christmas gifts. Genius!
#9. Popsicle Stick Tree
Keep those ice-pop sticks from summer and transform them into this Christmas tree craft. While you’re at it, why not recycle some spare buttons from old clothes too?
Let them use their imagination to decorate their very own Christmas tree to hang proudly at home. Preschoolers and toddlers will love this one.
#10. Santa Paper Plate
This is one of the simplest preschool Christmas crafts on the list, and it’s relatively mess-free too.
You’ll need cotton balls, a paper plate, glue and some coloured card. Take care with the glue so no sticky little fingers get stuck together (or to you!).
#11. Snowflake Ornaments
Homemade decorations are always more special than store-bought ones – the thought and creativity that goes into them make them worth so much more.
Stack up some craft sticks and layer them into the shape of a snowflake to brighten up the tree, the walls, or even their bedroom.
#12. Spiral Snowman
This spiral craft is a great one for getting your child’s motor skills moving. Let them practise with scissors to create their very own spiral snowman.
You could make a bunch of these and hang them from the ceiling all around your home. The kids always love this one!
#13. Santa Beard
A simple craft to recreate the big man’s famous beard. Using just a few basic materials, the kids will love the imaginative play that comes with this Santa beard craft.
File this one away for March too – paint it orange and you’ve got yourself a Leprechaun beard for St Patrick’s Day!
#14. Christmas Trees
Recycle some old necklaces or bracelets and use up your craft scraps to create mini Christmas trees. You could take it further and help the kids wrap up some old ring boxes to place underneath too.
#15. Button Christmas Wreath
This one should keep them occupied for at least one hot coffee! A stunning preschool Christmas craft that would make a beautiful gift for teachers or grandparents.
It’s pretty straightforward too – you’ll need a canvas, glue, some pom poms and a heap of buttons.
Which of these preschool Christmas crafts will you be trying with your kids? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are these Christmas crafts suitable for?
Most of these crafts work well for preschoolers aged three to five, and many are just as much fun for toddlers or older siblings too. Simple steps and everyday materials make them easy to adapt up or down.
Do I need any special supplies?
No – most of these crafts use things you’ll already have at home, like paper plates, glue, buttons, pom poms and craft sticks. A few need pipe cleaners, googly eyes or beads, which are widely available and inexpensive.
How long do these crafts take to make?
Most can be completed in under an hour, making them perfect for an afternoon activity. A couple, like the melted snowman ornament, need overnight drying time, so it’s worth planning those a day ahead.
Can these crafts double as gifts?
Yes – several of these, like the puzzle piece wreath frame and the button Christmas wreath, make lovely handmade gifts for grandparents or teachers.
Related Articles
- Easy Playdough Recipe for Kids
- Fun Christmas Activities to Do with Toddlers
- Simple Christmas Sensory Play Ideas
Save These Ideas for Later
Loved these crafts? Bookmark this page or save it to your favourite parenting board so you have all 15 ideas ready to go whenever you need a rainy afternoon activity or a last-minute Christmas project.
Want More Ideas Like This?
Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly activity ideas, craft inspiration and family fun delivered straight to your inbox – no spam, just good ideas when you need them.
