5 Quick Last-Minute Toddler-Friendly Christmas Decorations To Try

Christmas Is Coming… and You’re Not Ready (My mum’s worst nightmare)

Let me set the scene. It’s December 23rd. The Christmas tree looks… sad. Your toddler has already ripped half the baubles off. Panic sets in. You think, “How am I supposed to make this magical when I haven’t even wrapped the presents?”

But fear not, fellow procrastinator! I’ve got 15 toddler-friendly Christmas decorations that are so easy, you’ll have time to actually sit down with those Christmas cookies. Bonus: they’re safe, fun, and might even keep your little one entertained long enough for you to sneak in a chocolate Santa (or three).

Why Toddler-Friendly Christmas Decorations Are a Game-Changer

First off, safety. Because let’s be honest, toddlers can turn anything into a weapon or a choking hazard. So, no glass baubles, no tiny beads, and definitely no glitter bombs (unless you enjoy vacuuming for eternity).

Second, memories. These moments of sticky fingers, messy tables, and slightly wonky crafts? You’ll remember them forever. Your toddler? Probably not. But hey, that’s why we take a million photos, right?

And the best part? These decorations are cheap. Like, already-have-the-supplies-in-your-junk-drawer cheap. No need to raid Pinterest for some impossible masterpiece that ends up looking like a Pinterest fail.

What You’ll Need For Simple Christmas Decorations for Toddlers(AKA Your Survival Kit)

Before we dive in, grab these supplies:

Pom-poms, pipe cleaners, glitter (optional but highly recommended for maximum chaos).
Paper (colored, plain, doesn’t matter—toddlers aren’t picky).
Felt (soft, colorful, and toddler-proof).
Glue (preferably non-toxic and washable… you’ll thank me later).
Cotton balls (because snow is magical).
Craft sticks (a.k.a. Popsicle sticks, for us mortals).
Safe paints (the kind that won’t stain your soul when your toddler smears it everywhere).
Ribbons (for that festive touch).

15 Toddler-Friendly Christmas Decorations

1. Paper Plate Christmas Tree

Cut a paper plate into a triangle, hand over some paint, and watch the magic (or mess) happen. Add stickers or pom-poms as ornaments. You can also cut paper trees from cardboard paper. Check this easy toddler Christmas craft here.

2. Pom-Pom Garland

Big pom-poms, toddler fingers, and string. Easy, adorable, and keeps them quiet for a solid 10 minutes.

3. Salt Dough Ornaments

Mix flour, salt, and water (super easy). Let your toddler squish and shape them, then bake. Once cool, they can paint their masterpiece. You can find a detailed instruction on salt dough ornaments here.

4. Handprint Reindeer Christmas Crafts

Trace your toddler’s hand. Cut it out. Add googly eyes, a red nose, and antlers. Instant fridge art.

5. Pinecone Ornaments

If you’re brave, let them paint pinecones. If not, just let them sprinkle glitter on top while you handle the glue.

6. Felt Christmas Tree

Cut out a felt tree and make Velcro-backed ornaments. Toddlers can “decorate” over and over without breaking anything.

7. Edible Garland

Cheerios, popcorn, and string. Warning: half will get eaten, but hey, it’s Christmas.

8. No-Break Bauble Christmas Crafts

Fill clear plastic ornaments with shredded paper, pom-poms, or toddler-safe glitter. No shattering = no stress.

9. Paper Snowflakes

Pre-fold the paper for them to snip. Sure, the snowflakes will look… abstract, but it’s about the process, not perfection.

10. Cupcake Liner Angels

Cupcake liners + pipe cleaners = cute little angels. Bonus: toddlers love scrunching the liners.

11. Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

Twist red and white pipe cleaners together. Your toddler gets a candy cane, and you get a few minutes of peace.

12. Cotton Ball Snowman

Glue cotton balls onto a paper snowman outline. Add a paper carrot nose and watch your toddler’s face light up.

13. Mini Popsicle Stick Stars

Glue three craft sticks into a star shape. Let your toddler paint or glitter it to their heart’s content.

14. Christmas Sensory Bottles

Fill empty plastic bottles with water, glitter, and tiny holiday trinkets. Shake, stare, repeat.You can find the full post on chrsitmas sensory bottles here.

15. DIY Wrapping Paper Christmas Crafts

Give them a roll of plain paper and some stamps or washable paint. It’s messy, but your presents will look one-of-a-kind.

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Safety First, Always

Avoid small parts. No one wants a festive trip to the ER.
Non-toxic everything—paint, glue, glitter.
Supervise, but don’t hover. Let them explore (just maybe not with scissors).

Making It a Moment

Put on some Christmas music (Mariah Carey or bust). Light a candle (out of toddler reach, of course). Sip your coffee (finally).

Let your toddler take charge, even if it means your decorations look more “abstract art” than “Pinterest chic.” This is about the memories, not the perfection. Plus, toddlers with glitter-covered fingers are weirdly adorable.

Wrapping Up Toddler-Friendly Christmas Decorations

There you have it—15 easy, fun, toddler-friendly chhristmas decorations that’ll save your sanity this Christmas. So, grab your toddler, your supplies, and get crafting. Who knows? You might even end up with a decoration that’ll stay in your family for generations.

Got a favorite? Or an epic craft fail story? Drop it in the comments—I need the laughs. Oh, and don’t forget to share this with a fellow stressed-out parent. We’re all in this glitter-covered boat together.

Want more chaos-friendly ideas? Check out my other posts like “Easy Toddler Christmas Crafts” or “Winter Themed Montessori Activities.”