As the weather gets chillier and the days are darker, I often try to find some easy and fun activities to keep my toddler entertained while I cook dinner, tidy up, or need a few minutes where I’m not the main source of entertainment.
Here are three holiday craft ideas that can be made using a few simple items you likely already have!
1. Wreath Art
Use a paper plate and cut out a circle in the center. Paint or color the plate green, and once it’s dried, get creative in decorating! We used pom-poms and clothesline clips to dip into colorful paint for ‘ornaments,’ but you can use stickers, markers, or even glue on dots or poms. We tied a ribbon through the bottom using hole punches to complete the look.
2. Gingerbread Taste-Safe Playdough
This is fun for all ages. Create a homemade playdough with holiday spices that takes just a few minutes to assemble. These are taste-safe for little ones who like to put everything in their mouth but are not edible. I pulled out some holiday-themed sprinkles and cookie cutters that kept my little one entertained enough to cook dinner! Store in cling wrap or a tightly zipped ziplock bag
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup salt
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp all spice
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup boiling water
Mix all dry ingredients and oil, slowly add water (I only needed ¾ water, but it will vary depending on the batch), and mix until it comes together. Knead the playdough. This recipe comes from one of my favorite moms to follow – Mothercould. You could make a plain version without spices or a ‘chocolate’ one with cocoa powder. 
3. Fluffy Snowman Craft
Using paper or a paper plate, cut out a circle and use cotton balls to make a snowman base. Then, use a smaller circle to decorate his face. We found the perfect stick hands outside to finish off our little snowman! 
We love to craft things and gift them to our family and friends. Nothing is more special than your child’s eyes light up when they see their artwork hanging proudly at someone’s house!
