The holiday season is a magical time for families, filled with opportunities to bond, celebrate, and create cherished memories. For toddlers, this season offers endless excitement as they explore new textures, colors, and activities. Crafting with toddlers during the holidays isn’t just about fun—it’s an excellent way to foster creativity, develop fine motor skills, and encourage sensory exploration. At ABC Ault Child Development Center, we believe in the power of hands-on learning, which is why our toddler programs focus on engaging, educational activities that inspire young minds. If you’re searching for “free preschools Ault,” we’re here to provide enriching programs that support your child’s growth. Here are some holiday craft ideas to try with your little one!
1. Handprint Holiday Cards
Materials Needed:
- Cardstock or construction paper
- Washable paint
- Markers or crayons
Help your toddler create personalized holiday cards for family and friends using their handprints. Dip their hands in washable paint and press them onto the cardstock to form festive shapes like Christmas trees, reindeer, or wreaths. Once the paint dries, decorate the cards with markers or crayons. Not only is this craft a heartfelt keepsake, but it also allows toddlers to explore colors and textures.
Developmental Benefits:
- Enhances fine motor skills
- Encourages sensory exploration
- Promotes creativity
2. Pinecone Ornaments
Materials Needed:
- Pinecones (cleaned)
- Non-toxic glue
- Glitter, sequins, or pom-poms
- Ribbon
Collect pinecones during a nature walk, then turn them into beautiful ornaments. Your toddler can decorate the pinecones with glue and glitter or attach colorful pom-poms. Tie a ribbon to the top of the pinecone to create a hanger for the ornament. This activity combines the joy of outdoor exploration with the fun of crafting.
Developmental Benefits:
- Builds hand-eye coordination
- Encourages creativity
- Connects toddlers with nature
3. Paper Plate Snowmen
Materials Needed:
- Paper plates
- Non-toxic glue
- Cotton balls
- Markers or crayons
- Googly eyes (optional)
Transform ordinary paper plates into adorable snowmen. Help your toddler glue cotton balls onto the plates to mimic snow, then use markers or crayons to draw the snowman’s face and buttons. Add googly eyes for an extra touch of fun. This simple craft allows toddlers to practice sticking, drawing, and assembling.
Developmental Benefits:
- Enhances fine motor skills
- Boosts sensory development
- Encourages imaginative play
4. Festive Playdough Creations
Materials Needed:
- Homemade or store-bought playdough
- Holiday-themed cookie cutters
- Beads or buttons for decoration
Toddlers love squishing and shaping playdough, making it the perfect medium for holiday crafts. Provide holiday-themed cookie cutters (like stars, trees, or candy canes) and let your little one create festive shapes. They can also decorate their creations with beads or buttons, adding extra flair to their masterpieces.
Developmental Benefits:
- Strengthens hand muscles
- Supports sensory exploration
- Fosters creativity and imagination
5. Salt Dough Ornaments
Materials Needed:
- Salt dough (mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, and ½ cup water)
- Cookie cutters
- Paint
- Ribbon
Create lasting memories by making salt dough ornaments. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to shape it into holiday-themed designs. Bake the ornaments at a low temperature until hard, then let your toddler paint and decorate them. Add ribbons for hanging, and you’ll have a keepsake to cherish for years.
Developmental Benefits:
- Develops fine motor skills
- Encourages creativity
- Teaches cause and effect (baking and hardening)
6. Tissue Paper Wreaths
Materials Needed:
- Paper plates
- Green and red tissue paper
- Non-toxic glue
Cut out the center of a paper plate to create the wreath base. Help your toddler tear pieces of tissue paper and glue them onto the plate to mimic a holiday wreath. Add a red tissue paper bow for the finishing touch. This craft is easy, colorful, and perfect for little hands.
Developmental Benefits:
- Promotes hand-eye coordination
- Builds fine motor skills
- Enhances color recognition
7. Holiday-Themed Sensory Bottles
Materials Needed:
- Empty plastic bottles
- Glitter, beads, or small holiday-themed trinkets
- Water or clear glue
Fill plastic bottles with water or clear glue, then add glitter, beads, and small holiday trinkets. Seal the bottle tightly and let your toddler shake and explore their creation. These sensory bottles provide a calming, engaging activity that captures the magic of the season.
Developmental Benefits:
- Encourages sensory exploration
- Builds focus and concentration
- Promotes fine motor skills
8. Candy Cane Lacing Cards
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard or thick cardstock
- Red and white yarn
- Hole punch
Cut out candy cane shapes from cardboard and punch holes along the edges. Provide red and white yarn for your toddler to thread through the holes, mimicking the stripes of a candy cane. This activity helps toddlers develop their pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination.
Developmental Benefits:
- Improves fine motor skills
- Teaches pattern recognition
- Builds concentration
9. Holiday Cookie Decorating
Materials Needed:
- Pre-baked sugar cookies
- Frosting
- Sprinkles and edible decorations
Turn cookie decorating into a fun and festive craft. Provide pre-baked sugar cookies, colorful frosting, and edible decorations for your toddler to use. Let them design their cookies however they like, and enjoy the delicious results together.
Developmental Benefits:
- Encourages creativity
- Teaches basic cooking skills
- Provides sensory exploration
10. DIY Holiday Garland
Materials Needed:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- String
Help your toddler cut out holiday shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes from construction paper. String the shapes together to create a festive garland for your home. Your toddler will love seeing their artwork displayed as part of your holiday decor.
Developmental Benefits:
- Builds hand-eye coordination
- Promotes creative expression
- Encourages teamwork
Explore More with ABC Ault Child Development Center
Crafting with toddlers isn’t just a way to celebrate the holidays—it’s an opportunity to foster their creativity, fine motor skills, and sensory development. At ABC Ault Child Development Center, we’re dedicated to providing enriching activities that inspire young learners. Our programs, including toddler programs, focus on hands-on experiences that support essential developmental milestones.
If you’re looking for “free preschools Ault,” we invite you to learn more about our offerings. Discover how we combine play, exploration, and learning to create a nurturing environment where your child can thrive. Visit our programs page to explore how we can support your family this holiday season and beyond.
Happy holidays from all of us at ABC Ault Child Development Center!
