The holiday season is a wonderful time for creativity, and making Christmas cards is a delightful way for kids to express their artistic flair while spreading joy. Handmade cards offer a personal touch that store-bought cards simply can’t match. Here are some fresh and fun ideas for simple Christmas cards that kids can make, along with easy-to-follow instructions.
1. Fingerprint Christmas Lights
Link- https://www.instagram.com/p/wIhFkiwDgz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Materials Needed:
- Blank cards or cardstock
- Washable ink pads (various colors)
- Markers
- Green pen or marker (for the string)
How to Make It:
- Create the Lights: Have kids dip their fingers in different colored ink pads and make fingerprints across the front of the card to represent Christmas lights.
- Add the String: Using a green pen or marker, draw a string connecting the fingerprints to mimic a string of lights.
- Decorate: Kids can add little details like stars or a Christmas tree on the front.
- Inside Message: Write a festive greeting inside the card.
Tips:
- This is a great sensory activity for younger kids who love getting messy.
- Encourage kids to mix colors for a more vibrant look.
2. Pine Cone Print Cards
Link- https://www.instagram.com/p/Blfr2QnA42E/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Materials Needed:
- Blank cards or cardstock
- Pine cones
- Brown paint
- Paintbrush
- Glitter (optional)
How to Make It:
- Prepare the Pine Cone: Dip a pine cone into brown paint or use a brush to apply paint to the pine cone.
- Stamp the Card: Press the painted pine cone onto the front of the card to create a textured print. This can resemble a Christmas tree or simply festive decorations.
- Add Glitter: While the paint is still wet, sprinkle some glitter on the print for a sparkling effect.
- Write a Message: Inside, kids can add a holiday wish.
Tips:
- Collect pine cones from outside for a nature-inspired craft.
- Use various colors of paint for different effects.
3. Christmas Tree Collage
Link- https://www.instagram.com/p/CjSXJBIJ4qU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Materials Needed:
- Green construction paper
- Blank cards or cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue
- Decorative items (sequins, buttons, small ribbons)
How to Make It:
- Cut the Tree: Cut out a large triangle from the green construction paper to create the tree shape.
- Create the Base: Glue the tree onto the front of the card.
- Decorate the Tree: Use sequins, buttons, and ribbons to decorate the tree. Kids can glue these on as ornaments and tinsel.
- Write a Greeting: Inside the card, write a cheerful message.
Tips:
- Encourage kids to use their imagination with decorations; the more unique, the better!
- This project can be extended by making a whole forest of trees.
4. Origami Christmas Cards
Link- https://www.instagram.com/p/CTjjduMnDqb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Materials Needed:
- Colored paper
- Blank cards or cardstock
- Scissors
- Markers
How to Make It:
- Fold Origami Shapes: Teach kids to fold simple origami shapes like Christmas trees, stars, or even Santa hats.
- Attach to Card: Once the origami piece is finished, glue it onto the front of a blank card.
- Decorate: Kids can draw additional designs or write a message next to the origami piece.
- Inside Message: Encourage a personal note inside.
Tips:
- There are many online resources for simple origami instructions.
- Use double-sided colored paper for more vibrant designs.
5. Nature-Inspired Wreath Cards
Link- https://www.instagram.com/p/B2BtsM3gH95/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Materials Needed:
- Blank cards or cardstock
- Green leaves (real or artificial)
- Small berries (real or artificial)
- Glue
- Ribbon (optional)
How to Make It:
- Create the Wreath: Have kids glue green leaves in a circular shape on the front of the card to form a wreath.
- Add Berries: Glue small berries around the wreath for decoration.
- Finish with Ribbon: If desired, add a small bow made of ribbon at the top of the wreath.
- Write a Greeting: Inside the card, write a festive message.
Tips:
- This craft uses natural elements, which makes each card unique.
- Discuss the different types of leaves and berries for a mini nature lesson.
6. Paper Plate Christmas Cards
Materials Needed:
- Paper plates
- Cardstock
- Scissors
- Markers
- Glue
How to Make It:
- Cut the Plate: Cut a paper plate in half to create a semicircle. This will serve as the front of the card.
- Decorate the Plate: Use markers to draw festive designs like snowflakes, ornaments, or Santa Claus faces.
- Attach to Card: Glue the decorated half-plate onto a folded piece of cardstock to create a card.
- Write a Message: Inside, encourage kids to write a warm holiday greeting.
Tips:
- This craft is fun because kids can use the plate as a canvas for drawing.
- Consider using paper plates in different colors for a variety of designs.
7. Santa Hat Cards
Link- https://www.instagram.com/p/DBIduhZMN2y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Materials Needed:
- Red and white construction paper
- Blank cards or cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue
- Cotton balls (optional)
How to Make It:
- Cut the Hat: Cut a triangle from the red construction paper for the hat. Cut a strip of white paper for the brim.
- Assemble the Hat: Glue the white strip at the base of the triangle. If desired, glue cotton balls on the tip of the hat for added texture.
- Attach to Card: Glue the hat onto the front of the card.
- Decorate: Kids can add additional decorations like sparkles or doodles around the hat.
- Write a Greeting: Add a festive message inside the card.
Tips:
- This design is simple and can be made in various sizes.
- Kids can personalize the hat with their names or additional designs.
8. Snow Globe Cards
Link- https://www.instagram.com/p/DBqpRHdgts-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Materials Needed:
- Transparent plastic or glass jars (small)
- Blank cards or cardstock
- Glitter
- Miniature holiday figures (small trees, snowmen)
- Water (for real snow globes)
How to Make It:
- Create a Scene: In a small jar, arrange miniature figures and add a sprinkle of glitter to create a snow globe effect.
- Seal the Jar: If using water, fill the jar and securely seal the lid.
- Attach to Card: Glue the jar onto the front of a folded cardstock card.
- Write a Message: Encourage kids to write a cheerful greeting inside.
Tips:
- This project can be a bit more advanced, so adult supervision may be needed.
- Discuss how real snow globes work and encourage creativity in their designs.
9. Mosaic Christmas Cards
Link- https://www.instagram.com/p/C-X8w1Iu9Lp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Materials Needed:
- Colored paper (various colors)
- Blank cards or cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue
How to Make It:
- Cut Paper into Squares: Have kids cut colored paper into small squares or shapes.
- Create a Design: On the front of the card, glue the paper pieces in a mosaic pattern to create a Christmas tree, star, or ornament.
- Add Details: Use markers to outline the shapes or add additional designs.
- Write a Message: Inside the card, have kids write a personal holiday greeting.
Tips:
- Encourage kids to use color theory to choose complementary colors for their mosaics.
- This project is a great way to develop fine motor skills.
10. 3D Snowman Cards
Link- https://www.instagram.com/p/DAP8KUJMR9j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Materials Needed:
- Blank cards or cardstock
- White pom-poms (various sizes)
- Scissors
- Markers
- Glue
How to Make It:
- Create the Snowman: Use different sized pom-poms to form a snowman. Glue them together (large on the bottom, medium in the middle, small on top).
- Attach to Card: Glue the assembled snowman to the front of a folded card.
- Decorate: Kids can use markers to draw the snowman’s face, buttons, and scarf.
- Write a Message: Add a festive note inside the card.
Tips:
- This tactile project is engaging and allows for creativity.
- Kids can make a whole family of snowmen for their cards!
Conclusion
Making Christmas cards is a fantastic way for kids to embrace the holiday spirit while developing their creativity and fine motor skills. Each of these simple card ideas offers a unique way for children to express themselves and share their festive cheer. Whether they choose to create colorful mosaics, adorable snowmen, or nature-inspired designs, these handmade cards will surely bring joy to everyone who receives them. Gather the materials, set up a crafting station, and let the holiday card-making fun begin!

