16 Fun and Easy Toddler Holiday Crafts to Deck the Halls
Parenting with toddlers can be a wild ride. And during the holidays it can be especially fun (and crazy)! We know that the holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and fun— so what better way to celebrate than with some delightful and easy toddler holiday crafts? These activities are not only simple enough for toddlers to enjoy, but they also provide a great way for families to create meaningful decorations and keepsakes for the home. Let's dive into some fun holiday toddler crafts that will turn your home into a festive wonderland!
1. Handprint Christmas Tree
Create a personal Christmas tree with your toddler’s handprints! Simply paint their hands green and have them stamp them onto a large piece of paper in a triangle shape to resemble a tree. Add a star at the top and some colorful "ornaments" made of pom-poms or stickers.
Incorporation Tip: Frame this festive artwork or hang it on fridge!
2. Salt Dough Ornaments
Mix up a batch of salt dough (just flour, salt, and water) and help your toddler roll it out. Use cookie cutters in fun holiday shapes like stars, snowmen, or bells. Once baked and hardened, your toddler can paint them in holiday colors! These Santa handprint ornaments are super cute.
Incorporation Tip: Hang these ornaments on your Christmas tree or use them as special gift tags.
3. Paper Plate Snowman
All you need are some paper plates, glue, and basic craft supplies like buttons and markers to create a cute snowman. Your toddler can glue together three plates and decorate the snowman with a scarf, buttons, and a big smile.
Incorporation Tip: Hang this snowman on a door or wall as part of your holiday décor.
4. Pinecone Christmas Trees
Gather some pinecones from outside, paint them green, and let your toddler glue on small beads or buttons to act as ornaments. Add a star on top, and you have adorable mini Christmas trees.
Incorporation Tip: These little trees make great table centerpieces or mantel decorations.
5. Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer
Turn a simple toilet paper roll into a festive reindeer by adding googly eyes, pipe cleaners for antlers, and a red pom-pom for a nose. Your toddler can color or paint the roll and help with the assembly.
Incorporation Tip: These reindeer can be displayed on shelves or added to your holiday table setting.
6. Jingle Bell Bracelets
With just some string and a few jingle bells, your toddler can create a bracelet that jingles as they move! It’s an easy and fun way to engage them in crafting and music.
Incorporation Tip: Let your toddler wear their bracelet while they help decorate the tree or during family sing-alongs.
7. Snowflake Window Clings
Make your own snowflake window clings using glue and glitter. Your toddler can help by sprinkling the glitter over the glue snowflakes you've drawn on wax paper. Once dry, peel them off and stick them on your windows.
Incorporation Tip: These snowflakes add a frosty charm to any window or glass door.
8. Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree Ornaments
Gather some popsicle sticks, glue, and paint, and help your toddler create small Christmas tree ornaments. Decorate with glitter, pom-poms, or beads.
Incorporation Tip: These make great gifts for family or can be proudly hung on your own tree.
9. Paper Chain Garland
A classic craft! Help your toddler cut strips of red and green construction paper, then loop and glue them together to create a long garland.
Incorporation Tip: Hang this festive garland around the Christmas tree or along the staircase.
10. DIY Wrapping Paper
Lay out some plain kraft paper and let your toddler go wild with stamps, markers, or paint to create unique wrapping paper.
Incorporation Tip: Use this personalized paper to wrap gifts for grandparents or friends.
11. Christmas Wreath with Handprints
Cut out a large circle for the base of the wreath, and help your toddler trace and cut out their handprints from green construction paper. Arrange and glue the handprints in a circle, then decorate with stickers or bows.
Incorporation Tip: Hang this wreath on your front door or in a window.
12. Felt Christmas Tree
Create a felt Christmas tree by cutting out a large triangle of green felt. Let your toddler decorate the tree with felt ornaments that can easily be placed and removed.
Incorporation Tip: This is a fun, mess-free way to keep toddlers entertained while the real tree gets decorated.
13. Clothespin Angels
Turn simple clothespins into angels by adding paper wings and a small wooden bead for the head. Your toddler can paint or color the angels however they like.
Incorporation Tip: These angels can be added to your tree or placed on mantels as decorations.
14. Holiday Pom-Pom Wreath
Using a cardboard ring as the base, help your toddler glue colorful pom-poms all around it to create a playful holiday wreath.
Incorporation Tip: Hang this wreath on the front door for a burst of color and fun.
15. Paper Plate Santa
Help your toddler create a Santa face using a paper plate, cotton balls for the beard, and construction paper for the hat and features.
Incorporation Tip: Display this jolly Santa on a wall or the fridge.
16. Reindeer Headband
Cut out antlers from brown construction paper and attach them to a simple headband. Your toddler can wear this festive creation while running around the house pretending to be a reindeer!
Incorporation Tip: These make fun accessories for holiday photos.
Learn how to make it here. With these 16 easy toddler holiday crafts, your home will be filled with festive cheer, and your toddler will have a blast helping decorate. These crafts are a fun way to bond as a family, spark creativity, and create lasting memories.
Extra Resources: Looking for holiday planning tips? We got you covered.Our best tip for surviving the holidays with kids? Babywearing! Get some babywearing tips for chasing toddlers and getting things done.
Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles were extra fussy, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. Even though I don't live in an area with trails and surrounded by nature, simply behind outside changed everything. A little vitamin D does wonders!
Cognitive Development
Nature is a sensory wonderland for babies. The different sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate your baby’s senses and promote cognitive development. Watching leaves rustle, hearing birds chirp, and feeling the texture of a tree bark can all contribute to their learning and development.
All About Baby Carriers for Nature Adventures
Choosing the Right Baby Carrier
When it comes to selecting the best baby carrier for summer adventures, there are several options to consider.
Types of Baby Carriers:
- Wraps: Perfect for newborns, providing a snug and secure fit.
- Slings: Ideal for quick and easy use, offering good ventilation.
- Soft Structured Carriers: Versatile and comfortable for both parent and baby, suitable for longer trips.
Factors to Consider:
- Baby’s Age and Weight: Ensure the carrier is appropriate for your baby’s size and weight. For example, Ergobaby’s Embrace Newborn Carrier is perfect for the fourth trimester where baby is small and you’re looking for an easy way to stay close. As they grow, you’ll want to upgrade to an all-position carrier that’s meant for growing babies.
- Parent’s Comfort and Ergonomics: Look for carriers with padded shoulder straps and lumbar support if you’re planning on longer outings.
- Ease of Use: Choose a carrier that is easy to put on and take off.
- Climate and Breathability: Opt for carriers made of breathable fabrics to keep you and your baby cool in hot weather.
Safety Tips:
- Proper Positioning: Ensure your baby is seated correctly, with their legs in an "M" position and their head should be close enough to kiss.
- Checking for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your carrier for any signs of damage.
- Ensuring Adequate Support: Make sure the carrier provides proper support for your baby’s head and neck.
Exploring Nature with a Baby Carrier
Ideal Spots for a Nature Walk with Baby
- Parks and Gardens: Great for leisurely walks and picnics.
- Nature Trails and Forests: Perfect for more adventurous outings.
- Beaches and Lakesides: Wonderful for enjoying the water and sand, with the right carrier.
Activity Ideas
- Hiking: Enjoy a scenic hike with a hiking baby carrier that offers support and storage.
- Bird Watching: Use your carrier to keep your baby close while you explore and observe wildlife.
- Picnics: A carrier can free up your hands, making it easier to carry picnic supplies.
Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures
While baby carriers are fantastic for mobility and closeness, depending on the adventure of choice you might want to be a stroller along too.
There are a LOT of baby stroller options on the market. So we understand how confusing it can be to choose the one that’s right for your family. Not only are there a variety of brands, but a variety of strollers that serve different purposes.
There are a few types of strollers on the market:
- Full-sized stroller: This is typically the stroller parents thing of buying for all its versatility.
- Lightweight or umbrella stroller:These compact strollers are perfect for on-the-go adventures.
- Jogging stroller: Designed for parents who want to combine fitness with outdoor adventures.
- Double stroller: Designed for parents with multiple kids, especially twins.
- Car seat carrier: These strollers connect to a specific car seat. We don't typically recommend these as they can be unsafe for baby and uncomfortable for parents who are pushing.
Learn more about the types of strollers and which one would be best for you.
Benefits of Bringing a Stroller
- Storage Space for Gear: Ample room for carrying all your essentials like a diaper bag, beach toys and more.
- Shade and Weather Protection: Built-in canopies to shield your baby from the sun when they are lounging.
- Options: If you have more than one kid, you can stroll with one and carry the other. Or, if you’re getting warm or your little one is getting fussy, you can switch up their position from stroller to carrier or vice versa.
Safety Tips for Strollers
- Ensure your stroller is in good working condition. Make sure buckles are still buckling and that there are no rips or holes that could compromise your baby’s safety.
- Use sunshades or bug nets to protect your little one’s skin.
- Securing the baby properly: always buckle up your baby for safety even if you think they are old enough to go without the buckle.
Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers
For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.
Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.
Transition Tips
- Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
- Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.
Tips for a Successful Adventure
Planning Ahead
- Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
- Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
- Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.
Summer adventures with your baby are a wonderful way to create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of nature together. From baby carriers to strollers, Ergobaby products are designed to provide comfort and ease for both you and your little one. So, gear up, get outside, and explore the world with your baby by your side.
Ready to embark on your own summer adventures? Check out Ergobaby’s range of baby carriers and strollers to find the perfect match for your family’s needs. Visit our website today and start planning your next outdoor excursion!