Looking for a Christmas craft idea that doubles as a keepsake? This Rudolph hanging decoration is made using your child’s own footprint and handprints, so it’s not just fun to make – it’s something you’ll want to keep. Many families make one each year and love watching the decorations get a little bigger as their kids grow.
It’s a simple, low-cost craft that works well for toddlers right up to school-age children, and it’s a lovely one to do together at the kitchen table on a cosy December afternoon.
What You Need
- Brown paper (craft paper or a recycled brown paper bag works well)
- Pen or pencil
- Googly eyes (or make your own – see below)
- A red pompom or glitter for the nose (or red paper/felt as an alternative)
- Glue
- String
- Tape
How to Make Your Rudolph Decoration
1. Trace your child’s footprint onto the brown paper – this becomes Rudolph’s head.
2. Trace both of your child’s handprints onto the paper – these become the antlers. If you’re making these with more than one child, jot each child’s name or initials on the back of their prints so you don’t mix them up later.
3. Glue the antlers to the back of the head, positioned at the top.
4. Add the googly eyes to the face. No googly eyes on hand? Cut small black circles and glue them onto slightly larger white paper ovals for a homemade version.
5. Attach the nose using a red pompom or a little glitter. If you don’t have either, a small circle of red paper or felt works just as well.
6. Once the glue is dry, loop a length of string and tape it to the back of the head, between the antlers, to create a hanger.
7. Your Rudolph decoration is ready to hang on the tree, a window, or anywhere that needs a bit of festive cheer.
Tips for Making It Extra Special
- Write the date and your child’s age on the back before hanging it up – it’s a lovely detail to look back on in years to come.
- Keep each year’s Rudolph together in a labelled box so you can see how the decorations (and little hands and feet) have grown.
- If you’re short on brown paper, a cut-open paper bag or even brown wrapping paper works just as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this craft suitable for?
This craft suits a wide age range, from toddlers (with a little help holding still for the footprint!) to older children who can trace and cut their own prints.
Can I use a different type of paper?
Yes. Brown paper gives the classic reindeer colour, but craft paper, a paper bag, or even brown card will all work fine.
What if I don’t have googly eyes or a pompom?
No problem – you can make simple paper versions of both, as described in the steps above.
How long does this craft take?
Once the footprint and handprints are traced and cut, assembly is quick – most families finish in well under half an hour, not counting drying time for the glue.
Can this be made without tracing feet and hands?
The handprint and footprint element is what makes this craft special and keepsake-worthy, but you could adapt it using drawn or cut-out shapes if preferred.
More Christmas Craft Ideas
Looking for more festive projects to try with the kids? Browse our full collection of Christmas craft ideas for more easy, low-cost decorations and activities to enjoy together this season.
We’d love to hear from you too – if you have a favourite Christmas craft you make with your own children, share it in the comments below.
Don’t Miss Out on More Ideas
Want more simple craft ideas, activities, and family days out delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly inspiration, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for even more ideas.
