Christmas Crafts to do with Kids

Summer is a wonderful time of the year, but after a day or two without school the novelty of having little ones running around the house can quickly wear thin. So, whether you’re a mum with her hands full or a grandparent turned fulltime babysitter, here’s a handful of inspired craft ideas that’ll keep your little monsters entertained all summer long.

Treats for Santa

Rather than buy a packet of supermarket cookies, don your apron and whip up a scrumptious storm in the kitchen. Gingerbread men are always a hit, as they’re easy to bake and loads of fun to decorate. If you’re looking for more inspiration, these recipes from BBC are easy, and delicious! Just remember, mess is pretty much a guarantee when you walk down the baking route, so be prepared to smile and give the kitchen a good once over when you’re done. An alternative that doesn’t require any baking are these mellowpuff ‘Christmas Puddings’ and reindeer made with some sweets, pretzels and icing.

Potato Stamp Gift Wrap

A timeless favourite, the art of potato stamping has been loved by primary school teachers for decades. This Christmas we’re advocating for a revival, and calling on gift givers to create their very own potato stamp wrapping paper embossed with a kaleidoscope of festive shapes.

Mason Jar Madness

Come Christmas, empty mason jars can be used for so much more than homemade cranberry sauce. With ribbons, stickers, glue, glitter and any other craft materials you can find, you and the kids can transform your mason jar stockpile into a gorgeous set of homemade tealight holders. If you’re feeling ambitious, we also love these stunning homemade snow globes from the lovely Michelle Edwards.

Feathered Friend Ornaments

Christmas is all about giving, so why not bring an eco-friendly edge to your craft session and throw together edible ornaments for the feathered friends in your life? As well as decorating your Christmas tree, this recipe for homemade birdseed ornaments is a great way to keep the kids entertained, and get your kids connecting with nature.

Nutty Santas

Armed with little more than a bag of walnuts, a handful of cotton wool, a sheet of red paper and a few stick on googly eyes, you can create a set of adorable nutty Santas. Hang them on your tree, or give them away as cute token gifts.

Summer Snowstorm

It may be summer, but what would Christmas be without a little snow? You may not be able to recreate the winter wonderland of Whakapapa in July, but with a few packets of marshmallows on-hand you can forecast your very own snowstorm, then devour it when you’re done frolicking.

Cute as a Button

Too cute not to give away as gifts, handmade button ornaments are a great way to keep the kids entertained for hours. Trust Martha to come up with such an adorable idea.

Gingerbread House

Is it just us, or it impossible to resist the allure of a throwing a gingerbread house into the cart when you visit The Warehouse during the Christmas season? Or try these templates. This year, why not use your little ones as an excuse to indulge your wildest gingerbread house fantasies? Put them to work with a bowl of icing and a stockpile of sweets, and you’ll be free to run household errands for hours!

Have you got any unique Christmas craft ideas? We’d love you to share!