3 Easy Toddler Christmas Crafts – Even a 1 Year Old Can Do

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Let me paint you a picture: it’s December, you’re in your favorite oversized sweater, sipping cocoa (probably lukewarm because, you know, toddler life), and your little one is tearing apart the wrapping paper stash you swore you’d hide better. The holidays are here, and so is the chaos! But instead of drowning in glitter—or worse, toddler tantrums—how about channeling that energy into some festive crafting fun?

These 3 easy toddler Christmas crafts are the perfect antidote to “I’m bored, Mama!” They’re mess-friendly (because let’s face it, “mess-free” is a myth), super simple, and sneaky-good for developing your kiddo’s creativity and fine motor skills. Bonus: they double as adorable holiday decorations or gifts.

The best they are if not unique at least not that common I came up with them while Luca napped.

Why Christmas Crafts Are Perfect for Toddlers

Christmas crafts aren’t just about keeping tiny hands busy (though that’s a HUGE perk). They’re a magical combo of:

  • Bonding time: Who doesn’t want an excuse to sit down and laugh with their little one?
  • Creative exploration: Even if “creative” means putting stickers everywhere but the craft.
  • Learning opportunities: Shapes, textures, colors—hello, educational play!

Plus, if you’re anything like me, watching your toddler’s serious “crafting face” is pure comedy gold.

3 Easy Toddler Christmas Crafts

Let’s get into the good stuff. Here are three toddler-friendly Christmas crafts that’ll have you both grinning like Santa on cookie overload:

1. Christmas Sticker Tree Craft

Let’s kick things off easy-peasy. This one is all about stickers (aka the holy grail of toddler entertainment).

What you’ll need:

  • A pre-cut Christmas tree shape (use cardboard or construction paper)
  • Round stickers (red, green, gold—fancy vibes optional)
  • Glitter or markers for extra pizzazz

How to do it:

  1. Pre-cut a tree shape (your toddler’s scissor skills are not ready for this). I glued mine to cardboard, cause my paper was really thin.
  2. Hand over the stickers and let your kiddo go to town decorating the tree with “ornaments.”
  3. Feeling brave? Add some glitter glue or let them draw stars.

I added a glow in the dark star at the top and I’ll turn it into an Ornament for the tree.

Why it’s great:

Develops fine motor skills (and patience… yours, not theirs).


2. Cotton Snowman Craft

Warning: this one might make you want to dive face-first into a pile of fluffy cotton balls.

What you’ll need:

  • Cardboard snowman cutout
  • Double-sided tape or glue
  • Cotton balls
  • Optional: Buttons, scraps of fabric (think tiny scarves!)

How to do it:

  1. Cover your snowman cutout with double-sided tape.
  2. Let your toddler rip the cotton balls and stick cotton all over to “build” the snowman.
  3. Fancy it up with buttons for eyes or a little scarf.

Why it’s great:

  • Sensory play! Cotton balls = soft and squishy fun.
  • Your toddler gets to “build” a snowman without freezing their little hands off.

3. DIY Christmas Lantern with Newspaper

Ready to light up your toddler’s world—literally? Let’s make a lantern!

What you’ll need:

  • A small cardboard box. DIY or an empty box you have at home (like a cereal box)
  • Newspaper or tissue paper
  • Glue or tape
  • Child-safe LED light

How to do it:

  1. Cut star or snowflake shapes into the box (okay, this one’s your job You might also wrapped it in wrapping paper so it looks nicer).
  2. Let your toddler rip up the newspaper/tissue paper into small pieces.
  3. Help them glue the pieces inside the box to cover the cutouts.
  4. Pop in the LED light for an enchanting glow.

Why it’s great:

It’s a budget-friendly craft that looks super fancy when it’s done.

Tearing paper is oddly satisfying for toddlers (and, um, adults?).

Tips for Christmas Crafting with Toddlers

Crafting with toddlers is a little like herding cats—adorable, chaotic, and just a tiny bit messy. Here’s how to keep your sanity intact:

Let them lead. If your toddler wants to stick 30 stickers in one spot, roll with it. Picasso didn’t follow the rules either.

Keep it simple. Stickers, cotton balls, tape = your best friends.

Embrace the mess. It’s part of the fun (and memories).

Use safe materials. Non-toxic glue, toddler-safe scissors—no one wants a holiday ER trip.

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How to Display or Gift These Crafts

Once your mini Picasso finishes their masterpiece, show it off!

  • Sticker Tree: Slap it on the fridge like it’s a Michelin-star art piece.
  • Cotton Snowman: Gift it to Grandma—she’ll cry happy tears.
  • Lantern: Use it as a centerpiece for your holiday table. Instant cozy vibes.

Pro tip: Take photos of your crafts to remember them forever (because toddlers = destructive little tornadoes).

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Welcome to our little corner! I started this blog so I’d be forced to try new and fun activities with Luca. Some things I try work. Some are utter failures, but even that is fun. Here, I share ideas to help other mums focus on the magic of small moments, because sometimes it’s the littlest things that become the most memorable.

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