Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year, especially for children. Kids love lights, colors, sparkles, and fun activities, so why not turn this festive season into a hands-on creative adventure? This guide shares Easy & Cheap Christmas Crafts for Kids that parents, teachers, and caregivers can do without spending too much money. Every project is simple, safe, and perfect for both young and older kids.
These crafts encourage Creativity, build fine motor skills, and help children create meaningful handmade decorations. Best of all, you can make them using items you already have at home, paper, glue, old ribbons, buttons, cardboard, and more.
Why Christmas Crafts Matter For Kids
Christmas crafts are more than just a fun holiday activity. They help children:
1. Boost Creativity
Kids learn to mix colors, shapes, and textures while designing their own decorations.
2. Improve Motor Skills
Cutting, gluing, folding, and coloring help build hand-eye coordination.
3. Encourage Family Bonding
Craft sessions help families spend quality time together during the busy holiday season.
4. Reduce Screen Time
Crafting gives kids a healthy break from phones, tablets, and video games.
5. Build Confidence
Children feel proud when they create something beautiful with their own hands.
Materials You Can Use For Cheap Christmas Crafts
Before starting, gather simple and inexpensive supplies. You don’t need fancy or expensive items; most things are already in your home.
- Colored paper or construction paper
- Glue sticks
- Scissors (child-safe)
- Markers, crayons, colored pencils
- Cotton balls
- Buttons, beads, stickers
- Old socks or fabric scraps
- Twigs or leaves
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Popsicle sticks
- Glitter (optional)
- Cardboard or cereal boxes
- Ribbons and yarn
These low-cost materials make it super easy to create amazing Christmas crafts without overspending.
Top Easy & Cheap Christmas Crafts For Kids (Simple & Fun Projects)
Below are the best and most budget-friendly holiday craft ideas that work for kids of all ages.
1. Paper Plate Santa Claus
What You Need
- Paper plate
- Red paper
- Cotton
- Googly eyes
- Glue
How to Make It
- Turn the paper plate upside down.
- Cut a triangle hat from red paper.
- Add cotton to make Santa’s beard and hat fluff.
- Stick on googly eyes or draw them.
- Add a red circle nose.
This is one of the easiest projects under the category of Easy & Cheap Christmas Crafts for Kids, and perfect for preschoolers.
2. Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree
Materials
- Popsicle sticks
- Green paint
- Buttons or beads
- Small ribbon
Steps
- Paint the popsicle sticks green.
- Form a triangle shape like a tree.
- Add buttons as ornaments.
- Attach a ribbon to hang it on the tree.
This craft is adorable and can be used as a DIY Christmas tree ornament.
3. Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer
You Need
- Empty toilet paper roll
- Brown paint
- Googly eyes
- Red pom-pom
- Cardboard
How to Make It
- Paint the roll brown.
- Cut antlers from cardboard.
- Glue on eyes and a red nose.
- Attach antlers at the top.
It creates cute Rudolph decorations using recycled materials.
4. Cotton Ball Snowman
Materials
- White paper
- Cotton
- Black marker
- Orange paper
Steps
- Draw three snowman circles on paper.
- Fill them with cotton balls.
- Add buttons and a face using markers.
- Add an orange paper nose.
This is an excellent sensory craft for toddlers.
5. DIY Christmas Wreath (Paper Version)
Materials
- Green paper
- Red ribbon
- Paper plate
How to Make It
- Cut the center out of a paper plate.
- Glue strips or shapes of green paper around it.
- Add a bow made of red ribbon.
Kids can hang this wreath on their door proudly.
6. Handprint Christmas Tree
You Need
- Green paint
- Paper
- Glitter (optional)
Steps
- Paint the child’s hand and stamp it on the paper repeatedly to form a tree shape.
- Decorate with glitter dots or stickers.
This makes a beautiful keepsake for parents.
7. Sock Snowman
Materials
- Old white sock
- Rice (filling)
- Buttons
- Ribbon
- Markers
How to Make It
- Fill a sock with rice.
- Tie the top.
- Use a ribbon to create a “neck” of the snowman.
- Draw eyes and add buttons.
A soft and adorable decoration kids love to squeeze!
8. Paper Chain Garland
Materials
- Colored paper strips
- Glue
Steps
- Create loops from strips and glue them into chains.
- Hang them around the room.
This is super cheap and perfect for classroom decorations.
9. Pinecone Christmas Elf
You Need
- Pinecone
- Felt fabric
- Glue
- Pom-poms
Steps
- Add a felt hat to the pinecone.
- Glue on a small pom-pom for the nose.
- Kids can customize it however they like.
A natural and eco-friendly craft that costs almost nothing.
10. Cardboard Gingerbread House
Materials
- Cardboard
- Markers
- Stickers
- Buttons
Steps
- Cut cardboard into house shapes.
- Decorate like a gingerbread house using markers and candy-style stickers.
No baking required and totally mess-free!
11. Simple Christmas Cards
You Need
- Colored paper
- Markers
- Glitter
- Stickers
Steps
- Fold a paper sheet.
- Draw trees, stars, Santa hats, or bells.
- Add a sweet holiday message.
Kids can give these cards to teachers, friends, or family.
12. Recycled Jar Lanterns
Materials
- Empty jars
- Tissue paper
- Glue
- LED tealights
Steps
- Cover the jar with tissue paper pieces.
- Add glue to seal it.
- Place an LED light inside.
They glow beautifully at night.
13. Fingerprint Christmas Lights
Materials
- White paper
- Paint
- Black marker
Steps
- Draw a string.
- Let kids add fingerprints along the string to create colorful bulbs.
Fun, bright, and super creative!
14. DIY Snowflake Ornaments
Materials
- Paper
- Scissors
Steps
- Fold paper several times.
- Cut shapes slowly.
- Open it to reveal a beautiful snowflake.
A classic but always magical craft.
15. Christmas Countdown Calendar
Materials
- Paper
- Stickers
- Markers
How to Make It
- Draw 25 small boxes.
- Kids decorate each one.
- Check a box daily until Christmas.
It teaches responsibility and builds excitement.
How To Make Crafts Safe And Stress-Free
- Always supervise cutting or painting.
- Use non-toxic materials.
- Spread newspaper or plastic for easy cleanup.
- Keep small items away from toddlers.
- Encourage kids without judging their design.
Craft time should be fun, not perfect!
Benefits Of Easy & Cheap Christmas Crafts For Kids
Here’s what makes these projects special:
✔ Budget-Friendly
Most materials are recyclable or already at home.
✔ Time-Saving
Every craft takes 10–20 minutes.
✔ Perfect for All Ages
Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and older kids can enjoy them.
✔ Holiday Decorations
Kids feel proud seeing their crafts displayed around the home.
✔ Creative & Educational
These crafts help with imagination, problem-solving, and learning new skills.
Tips For Parents And Teachers
✓ Prepare all materials in advance.
✓ Show a sample, but let kids design freely.
✓ Celebrate their Creativity, even if the craft looks messy.
✓ Take photos of their finished creations.
✓ Use these crafts for classroom displays or home decorations.
Fun Ways To Display Kids’ Christmas Crafts
- Hang them on the Christmas tree.
- Make a craft gallery wall.
- Use them as table centerpieces.
- Add them to gift packages.
- Create a craft showcase corner at home.
Kids feel proud when their artwork is visible.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season becomes even more magical when kids create something with their own hands. These Easy & Cheap Christmas Crafts for Kids are perfect for families who want affordable, fun, and creative activities.
Whether it’s a cotton snowman, a popsicle Christmas tree, or a paper plate Santa, each project brings joy, learning, and family bonding. Most importantly, these crafts help kids make memories that last far beyond Christmas.
See our full list of holiday craft tutorials on Modizoo.com.
