Looking for easy and fun winter crafts for kids? Check out these simple DIY projects perfect for preschool and elementary school children! From handprint art to paper plate snowmen and nature art, these crafts are designed for January creativity. Each project is budget-friendly and quick to make, ensuring hours of engaging fun at home or in the classroom. Get ready to make winter unforgettable with these cheap ideas that spark imagination and joy! Perfect for keeping little hands busy during the colder months!
The Best Winter Crafts for Kids
Winter days are perfect for staying warm indoors and diving into fun craft projects! Here’s a list of easy winter crafts that preschool and elementary kids will love. These crafts are simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for January when snow days call for creative activities.
Each project includes easy-to-follow instructions, so you can dive right into a day of winter fun. Need some adult ideas? Here are easy and fun winter crafts for adults.
1. Snowman Paper Plate Craft
Materials: White paper plate, black and orange construction paper, glue, scissors.
- Start with a plain white paper plate as the snowman’s face.
- Cut out circles from black construction paper for eyes, hat, smile, and buttons.
- Cut a small triangle from orange paper for the nose and glue it on.
This cute snowman can be customized with all sorts of accessories such as a scarf!
2. Nature Art with Sticks and Leaves
Materials: Sticks, leaves, stones, flowers, glue (optional), paper or canvas
- Take a walk outside to collect various natural materials like sticks, leaves, stones, and flowers.
- Once you have a good selection, head back to a designated area (like a patio or backyard) to create art.
- Arrange the collected items into a design or picture on a piece of paper or canvas.
- If desired, use glue to secure the items in place.
- Display your nature art outdoors or bring it inside as a lovely reminder of your creative outdoor day.
This activity encourages kids to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature while fostering their artistic skills!
3. Handprint Mitten Garland
Materials: Construction paper, markers, scissors, hole punch, yarn
- Trace each child’s hand on construction paper and cut out the shapes.
- Draw mitten cuffs or patterns on the handprints.
- Punch a hole at the bottom of each mitten and thread them onto yarn.
- Hang up your garland as a colorful winter decoration!
This adorable garland is simple and a fun keepsake craft for kids.
4. Snowflake Painting with Cotton Swabs
Materials: Blue construction paper, white paint, cotton swabs
- Dip cotton swabs into white paint and use them to dot on snowflake patterns. You can also use a precut snowflake pattern and let kids paint over it.
- Connect the dots to make unique snowflake shapes. The cotton swab tips can be attached to the edge of the snowflake.
- Let them dry, and hang them up for wintery decor.
A quick, fun craft that lets kids explore shapes and symmetry.
5. DIY Puffy Snow Paint
Materials: Shaving cream, glue, paper, paintbrush
- Mix equal parts shaving cream and glue to create puffy paint.
- Let kids paint snow scenes or even puffy snowmen!
- Leave to dry—it’ll stay soft and squishy, like real snow.
Perfect for kids who love tactile crafts!
6. Winter Paper Plate Wreath
Materials: Paper plate, cotton balls, glue, blue construction paper, scissors
- Cut the center out of a paper plate to make a wreath base.
- Glue cotton balls around the edge of the plate.
- Add snowflakes cut from blue paper.
Kids can proudly hang this DIY wreath on their bedroom door!
7. Sock Snowman
Materials: White sock, rice, rubber bands, markers, buttons, fabric scraps
- Fill the sock with rice, sectioning it with rubber bands to create a snowman shape.
- Draw on eyes and a nose, add buttons, and use a scrap of fabric for a scarf.
- A small piece of another sock makes a perfect winter hat!
Simple and adorable, this is a keepsake for parents and kids alike.
8. Popsicle Stick Sleds
Materials: Popsicle sticks, glue, paint, string
- Glue sticks together to form a sled shape.
- Paint the sleds, and tie a piece of string on top to hang them.
- Kids can personalize with glitter or initials for their sleds!
A great craft for both decoration and pretend play!
9. Snowy Winter Tree Scene
Materials: Blue construction paper, white paint, brown paint, paintbrush, cotton balls
- Paint a tree trunk and branches on the blue paper.
- Dab white paint on cotton balls to create a snowy effect on branches and ground.
- Let dry—this makes a beautiful winter scene!
A simple way to create winter art and explore seasonal landscapes.
10. Paper Bag Penguin Puppets
Materials: Paper bags, black and white construction paper, googly eyes, glue, markers
- Glue black paper on the bag for the penguin body and white paper for the belly.
- Add googly eyes and draw on a beak and feet.
- Let kids put on a penguin puppet show!
Great for storytime or just a cute winter buddy!
11. Yarn-Wrapped Snowflakes
Materials: Craft sticks, glue, yarn, scissors
- Glue craft sticks in a snowflake shape.
- Wrap yarn around each stick to create a textured snowflake.
- Hang them for a cozy winter vibe.
Kids love wrapping yarn, and the results are cute for decorating!
12. Pom-Pom Snowman Craft
Materials: White yarn, cardboard, googly eyes, markers, fabric scraps
- Make a yarn pom-pom by wrapping yarn around cardboard.
- Tie, cut, and shape into fluffy snowballs.
- Stack two or three pom-poms to make a snowman, and decorate with eyes, a scarf, and a hat.
A soft, fluffy take on the classic snowman!
13. Button Snowflake Art
Materials: Buttons, glue, blue construction paper
- Arrange buttons in a snowflake shape on paper.
- Glue buttons down and let dry.
- Frame for cute and crafty winter art!
Easy and creative, this craft is perfect for kids who love patterns!
Winter offers a wonderful opportunity for kids to explore their creativity and enjoy engaging activities indoors and outdoors.
These easy and fun winter crafts are perfect for preschool and elementary children, providing simple, budget-friendly projects that inspire imagination and hands-on learning.
Whether making a paper plate snowman or embarking on creating nature art, these crafts foster creativity, promote outdoor exploration, and create lasting memories. So gather your materials, invite the kids to join in, and let the winter crafting adventures begin!