10 Jolly Fun Holiday Crafts for Kids

Mini snowmen! Clothespin menorahs! These festive at-home projects – glitter and glue required! – will keep your little artists merry for hours

FAUX SNOWMEN

Simple household items (cheese grater, Ivory soap, toilet paper and large bowl) plus a little science, math and art can make for a fun winter creation thanks to blogger Jessica Wilson of Scrumdilly-do! Just mix the paper and shredded soap with a small amount of warm water until you find the perfect texture to create mini snowmen.

PAPER CANDY CANES

They may not be edible, but creating these paper candy canes by Skip to My Lou blogger (and mom of 3!) Cindy is just as addictive as the real thing. To get started, all you need is white copy paper, a ruler, a pencil, a marker and clear tape. Once you're done, tie a dozen or two to a long piece of yarn and hang them in your window or on your tree.

CLOTHESPIN MENORAH

This clever play on a traditional menorah is safe and perfect for little fingers – no fire involved. You can stick with one color or have your tots pick cool combos. Either way, the result will be a huge success.

TIN CAN CALENDAR

Are we there yet? Let your kids count down to Christmas with these bright and tangible daily reminders. To build their excitement even more, Cindy suggests filling cans with sweets or a tiny trinket. You can also drop in a slip of paper featuring an activity (make hot chocolate, read stories, play in the snow, help a neighbor) the whole family can enjoy.

TISSUE TREE

Inspired by a Christmas wall hanging from the 1960s, this vintage-y art is a cinch to make. You just need a cereal box, sponge, an old button and a small piece of burlap. "This project uses up all sorts of nifty developmental elements for your kiddo," says Wilson.

SANTA ORNAMENT

Store-bought holiday trimming doesn't have anything on this handmade Kris Kringle. "While having all my decorations matching is tempting, it means so much more to my children (and to me) to add those items that we created together,” says Cindy.

MINI WREATHS

Season's greetings! An unexpected source – the phone book – is the nuts and bolts of this festive adornment. For extra flair, your little ones can add sequins, ribbon or glitter.

POM POM TRIMMING

This adorable decor is easy as can be. Cut out cardboard circles and candy canes (or any shape you'd like) and apply lots of glue. It's the mini pom-pons that really make the flat surfaces pop, so choose festive colors that scream the holidays.

TINFOIL HANUKKAH CARDS

Friends and family will love these homemade holiday greetings. Not only are they a sweet memento, but they're also a great way to show off your child's artistic flair.

HOLIDAY COOKIE JAR

Gift your loved ones something sweet – homemade cookie mix in a jar! Just add layers of sugar, flour, oats and extras like MampM's (here's a great recipe) and decorate with ribbons and a pretty sticker. All they have to do is add butter, eggs and vanilla, and pop them in the oven. Yum!