Christmas is a magical time for families, and in many Indian homes, it’s celebrated with warmth, lights, music, and togetherness. But with toddlers, often times, parents may find it chaotic, messy and anxiety-inducing.
But the truth is, the Christmas season becomes even more special when young children are invited to create and participate rather than just observe.
Making ornaments together is one of the simplest and most joyful holiday activities for toddlers that many Indian families have embraced in recent years, especially as parents look for screen-free, meaningful ways to bond at home.
We will explore 5 easy DIY Christmas ornaments toddlers can make at home using safe, affordable materials readily available in Indian households or in local markets. These ideas are perfect examples of Christmas crafts for preschoolers, combining creativity, sensory play, and early skill development.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or preschool teacher, these easy Xmas crafts will help your little one experience the joy of Christmas through hands-on learning.
Why DIY Christmas Ornaments Are Perfect for Toddlers
Make no mistake, toddlers learn best through touch, repetition, and play. And these simple DIY Christmas ornaments for kids will encourage:
- Fine motor development (grasping, sticking, painting)
- Sensory exploration (textures, colours, shapes)
- Language growth (naming colours, objects, actions)
- Emotional bonding through shared activities
In the Indian context, where families often celebrate Christmas alongside other festivals like Diwali or New Year, crafting ornaments also helps children understand diversity and celebration in a gentle, inclusive way.
The key is to keep activities simple, safe, and process-focused rather than outcome-driven. Let toddlers explore freely, even if the ornament doesn’t look “perfect.”
Ornament 1: Fingerprint Christmas Tree Ornament
Why it works for toddlers
Fingerprint art is one of the most loved Christmas crafts for preschoolers because it requires minimal tools and maximises sensory engagement.
Materials needed
- Cardboard or thick chart paper
- Green, red, and yellow washable paint
- Cotton buds or fingers
- Ribbon or thread
How to make it
- Cut a triangle shape from cardboard to form a Christmas tree.
- Let your toddler dip their finger into green paint and dab it all over the tree.
- Add colourful fingerprint “ornaments” using other paint colours.
- Punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon for hanging.
Learning benefits
- Enhances sensory awareness
- Builds hand-eye coordination
- Introduces colours and shapes
This ornament is ideal for first-time crafters and works beautifully as an easy Xmas craft for children under 3.
Ornament 2: Paper Plate Santa Face
Why it works for toddlers
Paper plates are inexpensive, readily available in India, and perfect for toddler crafts.
Materials needed
- Paper plate
- Cotton wool
- Red chart paper
- Glue stick (non-toxic)
- Black marker
How to make it
- Colour the paper plate lightly or leave it white for Santa’s face.
- Help your toddler stick cotton wool around the edges for Santa’s beard.
- Cut a red triangle hat and paste it on top.
- Draw simple eyes and a nose.
Learning benefits
- Strengthens finger muscles through sticking
- Encourages facial recognition
- Builds attention span
This craft doubles as wall décor and introduces children to festive characters in a friendly, non-overstimulating way, a perfect pick for holiday activities for toddlers.
Ornament 3: Jingle Bell Ribbon Ornament
Why it works for toddlers
Toddlers love sound! This ornament combines music, movement, and creativity.
Materials needed
- Large jingle bells (toddler-safe)
- Colourful ribbons or wool
- Cardboard ring (cut from old boxes)
How to make it
- Tie the jingle bells to ribbons securely.
- Attach the ribbons around a cardboard ring.
- Let your toddler shake and explore the sounds before hanging it up.
Learning benefits
- Develops auditory skills
- Encourages cause-and-effect learning
- Supports rhythm and movement
This ornament is especially engaging for Indian toddlers, who are often exposed to music and rhythm early through rhymes and bhajans.
Ornament 4: Cotton Ball Snowman Ornament
Why it works for toddlers
Soft textures make this one of the safest and most comforting DIY Christmas ornaments for kids.
Materials needed
- Cardboard circles (2 or 3 sizes)
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Orange paper (for nose)
- Marker
How to make it
- Help your toddler glue cotton balls onto the cardboard circles.
- Stack the circles to form a snowman.
- Add simple facial features with a marker.
- Attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
Learning benefits
- Sensory development
- Shape recognition
- Sequencing (top to bottom)
Even though snow isn’t common in most parts of India, this activity is a great conversation starter on the seasons and weather, making it educational and festive.
Ornament 5: Handprint Star Ornament
Why it works for toddlers
Handprint crafts create keepsakes parents cherish for years.
Materials needed
- Yellow or gold chart paper
- Washable paint
- Glue
- Glitter (optional)
How to make it
- Paint your toddler’s palm and press it onto paper multiple times to form a star shape.
- Cut around the shape once dry.
- Add glitter or stickers for decoration.
- Attach a ribbon to hang.
Learning benefits
- Builds body awareness
- Encourages self-expression
- Creates emotional connection
This is one of the most popular and easy Xmas crafts in preschools and works well for memory-keeping.
Tips for Parents Doing Christmas Crafts at Home
When trying Christmas crafts for preschoolers or toddlers at home, keep these points in mind:
- Focus on process, not perfection: Toddlers may smear glue or mix colours, and that’s okay.
- Use safe materials: Always choose non-toxic glue, washable paint, and large craft items.
- Keep sessions short: 10–15 minutes is enough for toddlers to stay engaged without frustration.
- Capture the moment: Photograph the process, not just the finished ornament, it’s part of the memory.
These small adjustments make holiday activities for toddlers more enjoyable and stress-free.
How These Crafts Support Early Learning
Each of these DIY Christmas ornaments for kids supports early childhood development by:
- Improving fine motor skills
- Encouraging creativity and imagination
- Supporting language through naming and storytelling
- Building confidence through completion
Crafting also reinforces family bonding, which is central to Indian parenting values.
Making Christmas Meaningful at Home
You don’t need elaborate decorations or expensive supplies to make Christmas memorable. Sometimes, a cardboard star made with tiny hands holds more meaning than store-bought décor.
These easy Xmas crafts help toddlers to feel included, capable, and celebrated. By introducing Christmas crafts for preschoolers at home, you’re not just decorating your tree, you’re creating traditions, memories, and learning moments that last far beyond the festive season. At Kangaroo Kids, we incorporate art and creativity into every celebration.
