Confession: I’m a craftaholic!

I love anything and everything homemade and artsy. Put on an apron and bring on the the paint, but please hold the glitter. (It gets everywhere – ahhhh!!!) Whenever time allows, I love sharing this outlet with my toddler. It can get messy, there’s a lot of negotiation going on, but it’s so fun to see her imagination run free. With a few tips and project ideas, you and and your little one will enjoy these holiday crafts for toddlers. It’s a great way to beat cabin fever, too!

Tips for crafting with a toddler:

• Supervise at your toddler at ALL times, especially when working with small objects.
• Keep your expectations low and your adaptability high. Kids’ attention span is unpredictable and activities might only last 5 minutes.
• Manage/embrace the mess. Cover floor and clothing (newspaper, a shower curtain, aprons, etc.) and keep paper towels or wipes handy.
• Use non-toxic paint and materials.
• Tape down any painting canvas. It will help keep the surface in place and it’ll be easier for the toddler to use.

Check out these 4 fun holiday crafts for toddlers:

1. Paint + Paper = Wrapping Paper

Lay out a big sheet of paper (or kraft paper roll) and pick out 2-3 festive colors. Give your toddler brushes, sponges, or let them use their own fingers to create a masterpiece. Once it dries, it works as a perfect wrapping paper. Personalized and cheaper than printed ones. Tip: do this year round and you’ll have a whole collection of wrapping paper for any occasion.

2. Paint + Cardboard + Tape = Gift Tags

Cut out holiday shapes on tape or vinyl adhesive before painting. Once your toddler is done painting, take the tape off and let dry. You can either cut out the gift tag shapes before or after painting. It’s a cute addition to any gift!

Bonus Tip: They work great as tree ornaments as well.

3. Beads + Chenille Stems (Pipe Cleaners) = Tree Ornaments

Place some big beads in a muffin pan. Guide your toddler on how to insert the stem through the bead. Let them go nuts! After a few beads are placed, twist the stem into itself and let them hang it on the tree.

Bonus: This craft also works their fine motor skills. Win-win!

4. Clear Plastic Orbs + Knick-knacks = Tree Ornaments

In a muffin pan, sort different small items (beads, sequin, buttons, felt balls, figurines, string, colored rice, anything!). Let your toddler fill a clear plastic ornament orb, found in most craft stores, to make their very own ornament. Hot glue the lid to the orb, away form the toddler, to prevent the items from spilling out.

Bonus Tip: Add a small picture to commemorate the year.

Have fun and truly be in the moment with your toddler!

Happy Crafting!

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