Easy Winter Crafts for Children: Fun Ideas to Celebrate the First Day of Winter

Cotton Ball Snowmen

The first day of winter is just around the corner on December 21st, and what better way to celebrate than with some simple and fun winter-themed crafts? Whether you're at home or in the classroom, these easy-to-make crafts will bring the magic of the season to life. Let’s dive into five winter craft ideas that are perfect for children of all ages!

1. Snowflake Cutouts

Items Needed:

• White paper

• Scissors

• Pencil

• Glitter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by folding the white paper in half, and then fold it into a triangle.

2. Fold the triangle in half again, then fold it one more time to make a smaller triangle shape.

3. Use a pencil to draw different shapes (like lines, circles, and zigzags) along the edges of the folded paper.

4. Cut along the lines you've drawn to create the snowflake pattern. When you unfold the paper, you’ll have a beautiful snowflake!

5. For an extra touch, sprinkle some glitter over the snowflakes to make them sparkle like real snowflakes.

Why It’s Fun: This classic winter craft is a fun way for kids to practice their scissor skills while creating their own unique snowflakes.

2. Cotton Ball Snowman

Items Needed:

• Cotton balls

• Black construction paper

• Orange construction paper

• Glue

• Markers

• Buttons (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by gluing three cotton balls in a vertical line to form the snowman’s body.

2. Cut out small circles from black construction paper for the eyes and buttons, and an orange triangle for the carrot nose.

3. Glue the eyes, nose, and buttons onto the cotton balls to complete the snowman’s face and body.

4. Use markers to draw a scarf, arms, and other accessories for the snowman.

5. You can also glue on extra cotton balls around the snowman to create a snowy scene!

Why It’s Fun: This craft is simple, cute, and great for little hands! Kids will love creating their own snowmen with endless opportunities for customization.

3. Paper Plate Penguin

Items Needed:

• Paper plates

• Black construction paper

• Orange construction paper

• Googly eyes

• Glue

• Scissors

• Markers or crayons

Instructions:

1. Start by cutting a paper plate in half. Paint or color one side black for the penguin’s body.

2. Cut out small oval shapes from the black construction paper to create the penguin's wings, and glue them to each side of the paper plate.

3. Cut a small triangle from the orange construction paper for the beak and glue it onto the front of the paper plate.

4. Attach googly eyes above the beak.

5. To finish, you can draw on a scarf or even glue on a little hat for a personalized touch!

Why It’s Fun: This adorable penguin craft is perfect for young children and offers a chance to work on cutting and gluing while creating a cute animal to celebrate winter.

4. Winter Handprint Tree

Items Needed:

• White or dark-colored construction paper

• White paint

• Paintbrush

• Markers or crayons

• Glitter or stickers (optional)

Instructions:

1. Use a paintbrush to coat your child’s hand in white paint.

2. Help them press their hand firmly onto the construction paper with fingers spread out to create the branches of the tree.

3. Once the handprint is dry, use markers or crayons to draw a tree trunk at the bottom of the handprint.

4. Add snowflakes, stars, or other winter details around the handprint tree to complete the scene.

5. Optionally, add a sprinkle of glitter for some sparkle or use stickers to decorate the tree further.

Why It’s Fun: This craft not only creates a memorable keepsake but also allows kids to leave their mark with their handprint, making it a special part of the winter season.

Penguin Handprints