It gets so cold outside this time of year. The wind howls loudly, and the snow piles up high against the door. You and your kids might feel a bit trapped indoors during this season, which makes it the perfect time to try a fun winter craft for kids.
Cabin fever sets in pretty fast when you can’t play outside comfortably. You need something fun to do that engages everyone. Finding a great winter craft for kids is the perfect solution to beat the boredom.
It keeps little hands busy for hours while developing their minds. It also helps create fun memories together as a family. Plus, you end up with adorable decorations for your home that everyone will love.
We gathered some of the best ideas to spark your creativity today. You will learn about art projects using recycled materials you likely have at home. You will also find nature-inspired creations that celebrate the beauty of the season.
These ideas work for toddlers and older children alike, ensuring everyone is included. Let these projects bring some joy to your gloomy winter days. Get ready to transform your home into a magical winter wonderland.
Table of Contents:
- Nature-Inspired Winter Craft for Kids
- Playful Penguin Crafts
- Beautiful Snowflakes and Stars
- Creative Creatures of the North
- Decorating the Tree and Home
- Paint and Paper Projects
- Even More Fun Ideas
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Nature-Inspired Winter Craft for Kids
You can still go outside for a bit, even when it is chilly. Bundle up warm and take a walk around the neighborhood. Look for supplies like twigs, pine cones, and bright berries.
Nature offers free materials for beautiful art, making it budget-friendly. Collecting them is half the fun for curious little ones. It gives the kids a reason to get some fresh air during the short day season.
Bringing these items inside helps bridge the gap between the outdoors and your warm home. You can create natural ornaments that look stunning on a mantelpiece. It creates a rustic feel that plastic decorations simply cannot match.
Ice Suncatchers
This project creates something magical for your yard or porch. Enjoy a winter foraging walk to collect berries, twigs, and other natural materials. These items add color and texture to these pretty ice suncatchers.
Hands-on Learning with Life C’s explains how to make an ice suncatcher to hang in your garden or kitchen window. The ice captures the sunlight perfectly, sparkling like a diamond. It teaches kids about the science of freezing and melting too.
This activity requires some adult supervision when handling the frozen disks. You can use a piece of cotton wool or string to create the hanger before freezing. It is a wonderful experiment for young children to observe over time.
Rustic Ornaments
Grab some twigs from your yard that have fallen in the wind. You can turn them into lovely star ornaments for your winter tree. They look rustic and charming when hanging on a branch.
You just need some strong glue and some rustic string or twine. Make these simple but effective star ornaments by following Simple as that blog step-by-step plan. They add a cozy farmhouse feel to your decor that is very trendy right now.
This is an easy winter project that requires minimal supplies. It helps develop fine motor skills as kids arrange the twigs. You can even paint them white for a snowy effect.
Related Reading: 6 Indoor Activities for Kids on Rainy Days
Floating Candles
Walnuts are another great natural supply found in many backyards. They have a great texture and a sturdy shell. You can turn the shells into tiny boats or atmospheric lights.
Follow Woodlark blog’s tutorial to learn how to craft these beauties. These little lights look warm and inviting on a dark evening. Older children will love this delicate work and the beautiful result.
Handling the small shells requires good hand-eye coordination. It is a calm activity perfect for a quiet afternoon. The final product makes a lovely centerpiece for a holiday dinner.
Bird Feeders
Don’t forget our feathered friends during the cold months. Food is scarce for birds in winter, and they need extra energy. You can help them out by creating simple bird feeders.
Grandir UK explains how to make a pinecone bird feeder using suet or peanut butter. It is messy but worth it for the wildlife you will attract. Your kids will love watching birds come to snack on their creation.
This cone bird feeder project is excellent for sensory play. Spreading the seeds involves tactile engagement and motor planning. It teaches empathy and care for nature in a fun way.
Playful Penguin Crafts
Penguins are the undisputed stars of the winter season. They waddle and slide on the ice, bringing smiles to everyone. Kids always seem to love their tuxedo-like appearance.
You can make penguins out of almost anything found in your craft bin. Paper, paint, and paper glue are all you need to get started. Here are some favorites to try with your little ones.
Shape Penguins
I made this adorable 2D shape penguin craft to make with my girls years back. It is still a favorite each winter season with so many of you. It helps little ones learn their shapes while they craft.
They get to cut and paste circles, triangles, and squares together. This repetition reinforces their understanding of geometry. Use black and orange construction paper for the best results.
It ends up looking super cute and distinct. You can stick it on the fridge to display their hard work. It makes everyone smile every time they walk into the kitchen.
Handprint Art
Handprints make great keepsakes for parents and grandparents. Use the best ideas for kids tutorial to make your handprint penguins. You simply use black and white paint on their little hands.
Your child’s hand becomes the penguin’s body in an instant. It documents how small they once were, freezing a moment in time. Grandparents love getting these as gifts on Christmas day.
This project is great for young children who enjoy sensory experiences. Be sure to have wipes ready for the cleanup. Use white paper or a blue background for a snowy contrast.
Related Reading: Keeping Kids Active for Health and Happiness
Story Stones
Rocks can tell a story if you paint them right. Paint smooth stones to look like penguins or other arctic animals. This leads to hours of imaginative play on the living room rug.
Taking inspiration from the story we created our own Hiku Penguin Story Stones along with a Hiku Sensory Bin. It brings books to life and encourages literacy. Kids can retell their favorite winter tales using the props.
Egg Carton Penguins
Do not throw away egg cartons after breakfast. They are perfect for crafting bodies for small creatures. Cut the cups out individually to start this project.
These egg carton penguins are really easy to make. You can switch out the materials for what you have on hand. Use paint to turn the cardboard black and white.
They stand up on their own, making them great for play. You can make a whole colony of them to decorate a shelf. Add wiggly eyes to give them a goofy personality.
Beautiful Snowflakes and Stars
Snowflakes are iconic symbols of the chilly weather. No two are ever the same, which makes them fascinating. Crafting them is a classic winter activity that never gets old.
You can make them simple or fancy depending on your time. Paper is the usual go-to material for this. But there are other ways to create snowflakes too.
Paper Plate Flakes
Paper plates are sturdy and easy to cut. They are easier for toddlers to handle than thin paper. They hold paint and glue very well too.
Learn how to make a paper plate snowflake with this guide by Messy Little Monster. You can cut cool patterns into the edges with safety scissors. Add glitter for extra sparkle to mimic real snow.
This plate snowflake craft is great for developing grip strength. Punching holes or cutting wedges requires effort. It is a basic craft with stunning results.
Quilled Snowflakes
Older kids might like a challenge with their art. Quilling involves rolling paper strips into tight coils. It creates beautiful 3D designs that look very professional.
Create paper snowflakes or a winter scene using this guide from Arty Crafty Kids. You use toilet paper rolls for this method. It is a smart way to reuse waste and be eco-friendly.
This technique is perfect for arty crafty kids who have patience. The results look like intricate lace. They make beautiful ornaments for windows.
Tissue Paper Art
Colors look great against a white background. Tissue paper bleeds color when wet, creating a tie-dye effect. This effect looks like watercolor paint but is easier to control.
You place tissue on paper and wet it with a brush. Bleeding Tissue Paper projects are very popular in classrooms. The result is a vibrant, snowy art piece full of color.
This is a fun activity for exploring color mixing. Children can watch the blues and purples blend together. It is a low-stress art project.
Stick Snowflakes
Popsicle sticks are very versatile for structure. Glue them into a star shape to form the base. Then decorate them however you like with beads or sequins.
We love the snowflakes made by Crafts by Courtney. Use buttons, jewels, or paint to customize each one. They are very durable and can be stored for next year.
You can also create a snowflake mobile with these. Hang them at different lengths from the ceiling. It creates a magical winter atmosphere in a bedroom.
Creative Creatures of the North
The Arctic is full of cool animals that kids adore. We already talked about penguins, but there are more. Don’t forget the other furry friends of the north.
Polar bears and owls live there too, braving the cold. Foxes run through the snow with their thick coats. Let’s make some of these friends to keep us company.
Popsicle Stick Animals
You can make more than snowflakes with sticks. Build little puppets of your favorite animals. It is simple and cheap to execute.
Learn how to make popsicle stick arctic animals with this Messy Little Monster guide. You can make a walrus or a bear with felt ears. Kids can put on a puppet show after the glue dries.
Add googly eyes to bring them to life. This craft sparks storytelling skills. It is a fun create session for a rainy afternoon.
Related Reading: 15 Tips for Managing Screen Time Effectively for Kids
Pinecone Owls
Turn pinecones into wise birds. You need felt scraps and some big eyes. Cotton balls make them look snowy and fluffy.
See how to make it by following this tutorial on Easypeasey and Fun. They look fluffy and wise sitting on a shelf. Perch them on your shelves or in the Christmas tree.
This uses the pine cone you found earlier. It combines nature with crafting perfectly. The texture is great for sensory exploration.
Arctic Foxes
Foxes are cute and clever animals. A paper plate works for the face because it is round. It creates the perfect shape for a fox head.
We decided it would be fun to make one as a craft so we put together this Paper Plate Arctic Fox Craft. Use tissue paper to make it furry and white. It is great for texture and visual appeal.
This is one of those paper crafts that toddlers can easily do. Tearing the tissue paper is good for motor skills. The result is always adorable.
Polar Bears
The king of the Arctic needs a spot in your gallery. You can use paper for this one or even a paper cup. It involves cutting and layering different shapes.
Let dry and read about this fun project. It captures the bear’s big paws nicely. Kids feel proud of this one because it looks impressive.
Try using puffy paint to simulate fur. Mix glue and shaving cream for this effect. It creates a polar bear that is fun to touch.
Peg Dolls
Small wooden pegs can be people or animals. You paint them with fine brushes to add details. They are tiny and precious additions to a toy set.
We have a lovely deer and a big moose from a winter forest, plus a polar bear and huskies visiting from the arctic. You create a whole winter scene with these figures. It is a toy and a craft in one.
This activity is better for older children with steady hands. It requires fine motor precision. The dolls last a long time as keepsakes.
Decorating the Tree and Home
You want your home to look festive for the holidays. Homemade decorations are the best kind to hang up. They have more meaning than store-bought ones.
Your kids will point them out proudly to every visitor. You can keep them for years and look back on them. Here are some winter craft ideas to try.
Salt Dough Keepsakes
Salt dough is a classic recipe used for generations. You bake it hard in the oven so it stays solid. It lasts forever if stored correctly.
Making salt dough handprint art is a fun and easy activity to do with toddlers. Learning and exploring through play has this step-by-step guide. Or make a snowman with the dough.
There are so many wonderful things to enjoy making and creating with your children. If you are feeling creative, create a heart crafty shape. Paint it red or green for a pop of color.
3D Baubles
Flat paper is fine, but 3D stands out more. But 3D paper crafts are cooler because they have depth. They pop off the branch of the Christmas tree.
Check out these 3D Christmas Tree Baubles made from paper strips. You cut and fold circles to create a sphere. It teaches geometry in a fun way.
This is a great use for colorful construction paper. Mix and match colors for a vibrant look. It is a great project for developing fine motor skills.
Clay Animals
Modeling clay is another option for ornaments. It comes in bright colors right out of the package. You don’t even need to paint it afterwards.
Older children will enjoy making these colourful animal decorations to hang on the Christmas tree or turn into ornaments. BBC Countryfile Magazine has this handy step-by-step guide. Make foxes or badgers to celebrate nature.
This project appeals to arty crafty kids who love sculpting. It allows for high levels of detail. The finished animals look like little treasures.
Pine Cone Angels
Angels fit the winter theme well during the holidays. A pine cone makes a great dress shape for an angel. Use wings made of lace or paper to complete the look.
Follow this guide from The Best Ideas for Kids to make your own. It is sweet and simple enough for a quick afternoon session. It sits nicely on a mantle too.
You will love creating these with materials from the garden. It brings a natural element indoors. Add a pipe cleaner halo for the finishing touch.
Paint and Paper Projects
Sometimes you just want to paint without too much structure. It is relaxing for both adults and kids. It lets kids express emotions freely.
You can paint snow scenes or winter storms. You can paint trees covered in frost. Let their imagination go wild with the colors.
Finger Painting
Toddlers love getting messy with their art supplies. Finger painting is perfect for them to explore textures. They can tap out leaves or snow with their fingertips.
Easy Peasy and Fun has this finger painting tutorial for a winter tree. You make a bare tree silhouette first. Then you add the snow with fingers dipped in white paint.
This activity promotes excellent hand-eye coordination. It is tactile and engaging for sensory seekers. Keep plenty of paper towels nearby.
Sparkly Art
Winter sparkles naturally due to ice and frost. Your art should too, so get the glitter out. Use glitter or Epsom salts for a crystal effect.
This is winter process art at its best, focusing on the making rather than the result. The texture is amazing when it dries. It looks like real frost on a windowpane.
You can create a flat snow globe effect on paper. Use blue paper and white glitter. It is easy peasy and looks magical.
Snowy Trees Collage
Collages use up paper scraps that might otherwise be thrown away. You cut triangles for trees of different sizes. Glue them on a background to make a forest.
Make a forest of Snowy Trees like this project from Krokotak. Add white paint splatters for a storm effect. It creates a moody winter scene.
This is a classic kids craft that teaches spatial awareness. Arranging the trees requires planning. It creates a lovely landscape.
Windsocks
Hanging art is fun because it moves. Windsocks dance in the breeze and catch the eye. You can hang them indoors or on a porch.
Follow this easy guide by I Heart Crafty Things to make one. Streamers make it flow beautifully in the wind. It brightens up a dull corner of the room.
You can use paper cups as the base for the windsock. Decorate the cup with stickers or paint. It is a fun create project that doubles as a decoration.
Even More Fun Ideas
We are not done yet with the inspiration. The list goes on because winter is long. You need enough ideas to last all winter.
Here are a few random favorites we enjoy. They didn’t fit a category perfectly. But they are still awesome projects to try.
| Craft Name | Key Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Hats | Construction Paper | Kids Aged 3-6 |
| Snowmen Cartons | Egg Cartons | Toddlers |
| Origami Bookmark | White Paper | Older Children |
Winter Hats
You can decorate paper hats to look like beanies. Use cotton for the puff ball on top. Use crayons for the patterns on the hat.
Use a printable template like this one from Easy Peasy and Fun or create your own. It is good for coloring practice and creativity. It is quick and easy for kids aged three and up.
This allows kids to design their dream hat. They can love making different styles. Hang them in a row like a garland.
Snowmen Cartons
Back to the egg cartons for a moment. Stack three cups to build a tall tower. It makes a perfect snowman craft body.
An easy snowman craft that’s perfect for recycling those old egg cartons. Give him a scarf made of ribbon. Add a tiny carrot nose made of orange paper.
This project helps with motor skill development as they stack and glue. Add pipe cleaner arms to finish the look. It is a great recycled project.
Bookmarks
Reading is a cozy winter activity for cold days. You need a bookmark to save your place. Why not make a penguin one?
Continue reading about this origami style craft that folds onto the page. It sits on the page corner perfectly. It is very useful and cute.
Older children will enjoy the precision of origami. It requires focus and patience. The result is practical and fun.
Quilting Projects
Maybe you have fabric scraps lying around. Quilting is an old art form. It is comforting in winter to work with fabric.
You can make a no-sew quilt by tying knots. Or try a simple stitch if they are older. It is a fun winter craft that teaches traditional skills.
This engages fine motor skills in a new way. Knotting requires dexterity. The final product is warm and fuzzy.
Conclusion
You have so many options now to keep busy. The cold weather doesn’t have to be boring or frustrating. You can turn your home into an art studio with easy winter crafts.
Pick a project from this list to start today. Gather your supplies like paper glue and scissors. Sit down with your children and enjoy making something new.
You will bond over the mess and the fun. You will laugh at the silly mistakes and sticky fingers. These moments are precious and fleeting.
So grab that glitter and the paper snowflake templates. Find those old egg cartons in the bin. It is time to make a special winter craft for kids today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family Christmas gift ideas for all ages?
Look for gifts everyone can enjoy together. Food baskets, board games, movie sets, and small home gadgets work well because no one feels left out.
Are shared family gifts better than individual presents?
Shared gifts reduce clutter and help everyone spend more time together. Instead of buying four separate things, you get one item that actually gets used.
How can I pick a family gift on a small budget?
Set a clear spending limit before you shop. Affordable picks like popcorn kits, Jenga, or a simple winter craft for kids still bring a lot of joy.
What is a fun family gift that encourages bonding?
Game night staples like Jenga or a movie scratch-off poster are great for connection. They get everyone in the same room and talking.
What is a good Christmas gift for grandparents?
Personalized decor is usually a hit. Items like acrylic family trees or snowman displays with the grandkids’ names create sweet keepsakes.
Are food baskets good family gifts?
Yes, because food brings people together fast. Chocolate baskets, popcorn sets, and spice kits make easy holiday treats with no cleanup.
How do I choose a gift for big families?
Pick items that serve at least four to six people. Look for things that can be shared around the table or the living room.
What can I give families who love movies?
A movie night popcorn kit or an IMDb scratch-off poster makes picking a film simple. It turns scrolling time into actual family time.
