The Winter holidays are just around the corner and there’s nothing better than seeing your little one’s face light up with all the lights and holiday fun going on. There are so many ways to get your child involved in the fun in a manner that’s enjoyable for them. We’ve put together a list of exciting home projects you can help your kiddo with this month to get into the holiday spirit!
1. Lego Print Wrapping Paper
This is a craft that is pretty easy to do – not to mention, you can actually use the wrapping paper to wrap presents. For this project, you’ll need:
Easel paper
Painter’s tape
Lego Duplo blocks
Various colored paints
Scissors
A paper plate for the paints
Using painter’s tape, you’ll first need to tape each side of the easel paper onto a flat surface. Pour two or three paint colors onto the paper plate. Next, have your child dip the Lego blocks into the paint and press them into the paper.
Once the paper is totally dry, cut it at the tape so you’re only left with the paper. You’ll end up with a fun art project that you can actually wrap presents with!
2. Make a Holiday Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are the ultimate play accessory. You can customize them to your child’s interests and level of motor skills. For the base, you could choose from red and green dyed rice, fake snow (10 cups of flour and 6 oz of vegetable oil mixed together), or cotton balls.
What you fill the bin with is up to you. Here are a few ideas:
Measuring cups
Bagged cranberries
Holiday-shaped cookie cutters
Bells
Tinsel
Marshmallows
Bows
Candy canes
Other dollar store trinkets
Of course, always be sure your child is not at risk of choking on any of the items you choose for the sensory bin.
3. Decorate a Stocking
Who doesn’t love stocking stuffers? Even if you already have stockings for the family, you can have some fun decorating your own with the kiddos as a craft.
The local dollar stores often have inexpensive stockings and decorations you can get without breaking the bank. You’ll also need a hot glue gun to ensure your decor adheres to the stocking.
Here are some ideas for decorations:
Mini Christmas magnets
Tinsel
Felt cut into holiday shapes
Pom pom balls
Mini ornaments
It doesn’t have to be pretty – let your little one use their imagination and creativity to make a stocking they’ll love.
4. Make DIY Pom Pom Pinecone Ornaments
Handmade Christmas tree ornaments are always sentimental treasures for families. Some DIY ornaments require a lot of time and mess, but these cute and colorful pom pom pinecone ornaments are incredibly simple and fast. And honestly, this craft is great for any age.
Hit your local craft store (or dollar store) to pick up some pinecones and pom poms. Any size will work, but keep in mind that bigger pinecones mean more pom poms or bigger pom poms.
Add a small dab of hot glue to the bottom of each pinecone “branch”. Start with one or two at a time. Then, help your little one carefully place a pom pom on each glob of glue (making sure to avoid skin contact with hot glue). In about five to ten minutes, your child will have their own homemade ornament! Use your hot glue gun to put a string of ribbon or twine on the top of the pinecone. Once everything is dry, you can hang them up!
Have an Incredible Holiday Season
No matter how intricate or simple home projects are, the best part is making memories with your child – ones that they may remember forever. Enjoy the next few weeks of special time with your families!