Are you looking for fun activities to do this holiday season? Creative Christmas crafts for kids that are sustainable, simple, and fun are a great way to spend time together while making decorations you’ll love. Even better, using natural materials and items you already have at home makes these crafts perfect for the whole family. These homemade holiday crafts are eco-friendly and easy to make, making them an excellent choice for creating lasting memories with your kids.
Let’s dive into three easy Christmas crafts for kids that are not only fun but also kind to the planet.
1. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
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To start, nothing says Christmas like the warm smell of cinnamon! These simple ornaments not only look great on your tree but also fill the room with a festive scent. Plus, they’re made with natural materials, so they’re good for the planet too. This makes them a perfect example of creative Christmas crafts for kids.
What You’ll Need:
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks per ornament
- Twine or ribbon
- Dried orange slices (optional)
- Mini pinecones or holly sprigs
- Eco-friendly glue (optional)
How to Make It:
- First, gather 3–4 cinnamon sticks and lay them side by side.
- Next, tie a piece of twine around the sticks to hold them together. Be sure to leave extra twine at the top to make a hanging loop.
- Then, decorate! Glue a dried orange slice or mini pinecone to the front. You can even add a sprig of holly for a pop of color.
- Finally, hang the finished ornament on your tree or give it as a homemade Christmas gift.
These DIY Christmas ornaments are not only beautiful but also reusable. When the holidays are over, you can store them for next year or compost the natural materials. They are a classic addition to any collection of sustainable Christmas crafts for kids.
2. American Flag-Inspired Christmas Stars
For something unique, this craft is perfect for kids who love creating rustic decorations. Using twigs and yarn, you can make colorful stars that remind everyone of classic American traditions. They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite colors. These stars are a fantastic example of creative and eco-friendly Christmas crafts for kids.
What You’ll Need:
- Twigs (about 6–8 inches long)
- Red, white, and blue yarn
- Scissors
- Twine or string for hanging
How to Make It:
- First, go outside and collect some twigs. Break them into equal lengths.
- Then, arrange the twigs into a star shape. Tie the ends together with twine to hold them in place.
- After that, wrap sections of the star with red and white yarn to mimic stripes. Use blue yarn on one part of the star to complete the look.
- Lastly, tie a loop of string to one point of the star for hanging.
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These stars are great for the tree, windows, or even as wall décor. Most importantly, they’re made with materials you can find right in your backyard, making them a truly sustainable choice for homemade Christmas crafts.
3. Dried Fruit Tree Decorations
If you love natural decorations, this craft is for you! Dried fruit ornaments are easy to make, smell amazing, and give your tree a rustic feel. Best of all, you only need a few simple ingredients. This is one of the most popular eco-friendly Christmas crafts for kids because it uses items you likely already have at home.
What You’ll Need:
- Oranges, apples, or both
- A baking sheet and parchment paper
- Twine or ribbon
- Scissors
How to Make It:
- First, slice the fruit into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Next, pat the slices dry with a towel to remove extra moisture.
- Then, place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 200°F for 2–3 hours. Flip the slices halfway through to ensure even drying.
- Once the fruit is completely dry, use scissors to poke a small hole near the top of each slice.
- Finally, thread twine or ribbon through the hole to create a loop for hanging.
These dried fruit decorations are completely biodegradable. After the holidays, you can add them to your compost or leave them outside for the birds. This makes them a wonderful addition to any list of sustainable Christmas crafts.
Why Choose Sustainable Crafts?
The holiday season can create a lot of waste. For instance, wrapping paper, plastic decorations, and store-bought ornaments often end up in the trash. However, by making your own creative Christmas crafts for kids, you reduce waste and teach kids the importance of sustainability. Moreover, crafting together is a great way to make lasting memories.
These crafts use materials that are easy to find. For example, cinnamon sticks, twigs, and fruit are natural and safe. In addition, you can reuse items like twine and ribbon, making these projects even more eco-friendly. These eco-friendly holiday crafts are a great way to embrace the joy of the season while helping the planet.
Tips for Crafting with Kids
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- Keep it simple: Choose crafts that don’t take too long. After all, kids love quick results!
- Supervise when needed: Help younger kids with cutting or tying knots.
- Encourage creativity: Let your child add their own decorations or use their favorite colors.
- Use what you have: These crafts are flexible. So, don’t worry if you don’t have every material—improvise with what’s available.
Bring the Holiday Spirit to Life
In conclusion, crafting is more than just making decorations. It’s about spending time together, being creative, and celebrating the joy of the season. These creative Christmas crafts for kids are sustainable, simple, and fun—perfect for creating memories while keeping the environment in mind.
Whether you’re making cinnamon stick ornaments, rustic stars, or dried fruit decorations, you’ll end up with unique pieces that add a special touch to your home. So grab your supplies and start crafting today!