One of my favourite parts of Christmas isn’t the food (shocking, I know!)—it’s the crafts.
From the time my boys were little, crafts have been a big part of our Christmas traditions. Not because they’re Pinterest-perfect, but because of the laughter, the mess, the "Mum, look what I made!" moments.
Over the years, we’ve made everything from:
- Hand-painted wrapping paper
- Cookie plates for Santa
- Gift tags using shaving foam art
- Salt dough ornaments
- And about a million pom poms that somehow still turn up every year
These little craft moments might not look like much, but they’re the ones my kids remember. They’ve become part of our Christmas rhythm—quiet creativity in between the chaos.
And if you’re like me, and always on the lookout for low-prep ways to bring the magic without losing your mind… you’re in the right place.
Why I Love Christmas Crafts with the Kids
- It slows everything down. Craft time gives us a chance to sit, connect, and chat while the kids create. It’s often when we talk about what they’re looking forward to most about Christmas (and let’s be honest, what’s on their wish list).
- It becomes part of the décor. Our wrapping paper may be crumpled and slightly glittery, but it’s made with love—and there’s something extra special about a gift wrapped in your child’s artwork.
- It keeps little hands busy. Sometimes I need 30 minutes to finish baking or wrap gifts—and craft time gives them something fun (and productive!) to do that doesn’t involve a screen.
- It teaches that gifts come in many forms. A handmade gift tag, a hand-drawn card—these tiny things teach our kids that giving isn’t just about buying. It’s about thoughtfulness and love.
Easy DIY Wrapping Paper & Gift Tag Ideas
You don’t need a full craft cupboard or hours of free time. Here are a few easy ideas we come back to every year:
DIY Wrapping Paper
- Roll out a big sheet of butcher paper or brown craft paper
- Set out paints, sponges, stamps, or just crayons
- Let the kids go wild decorating
- Cut to size and wrap with string or ribbon
It’s cheap, fun, and looks amazing under the tree!
Handmade Gift Tags
- Use leftover artwork or card stock
- Let the kids draw Christmas designs or colour pre-made templates
- Add a hole punch and ribbon or string
You can even use things like cookie cutters or stencils to trace fun shapes (stars, trees, gingerbread men) and cut them out.
FREE DOWNLOAD:
6 Low-Prep Christmas Crafts and activities to Do with the Kids
Need some easy, mess-manageable ideas to fill an afternoon or weekend?
I’ve created a free printable guide with 6 of our favourite Christmas crafts—including:
- Gift Tag Colouring Templates
- DIY Wrapping Paper
- Shaving foam art
- Giant Gingerbread man
- Christmas ABC scavenger hunt (I had to put an educational one in there)
Download it here (Craft Guide and ABC Scavenger hunt cards)
These are low-cost, low-prep, and big on fun—perfect for creating Christmas memories without the stress.
While They Craft, You Bake
Craft time is also perfect for getting some baking done without little hands constantly sneaking dough.
Let the kids work on their projects while you prep your Christmas biscuits—or while you enjoy a hot cuppa in peace (let’s be real, that’s the dream).
And if baking’s not on your list this year, don’t forget—I’ve done it for you. My Christmas Collection is open for pre-orders, with:
- Gingerbread
- Vanilla Biscuits
-
Cupcakes
- Checkout my Christmas Collection Here.
Final Thoughts
Christmas isn’t just about getting things done. It’s about making memories—and the glitter-covered, glue-sticky kind are some of the best.
So this week, pull out the paper, crayons, and scissors—and make something together. It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, it’s better when it’s not.
Ready for next week’s post? We'll talk about writing a Letter to Santa.
You’re doing amazing. Keep going!