Easy Christmas DIY craft projects you can whip up with the kids

The holiday break from school can be exhausting. Or, it can be a fun way to bond with your kids and get some help on the finishing touches of gift-giving.

We’re not saying put your kids to work creating last-minute gifts, but, er, well, actually, that’s exactly what we’re saying. Your kids will have a blast with these crafts, and it’ll get them invested in the season and teach about the joy of giving—from your hearts and hands.

Here are a few Christmas craft projects to whip up with your kids during Christmas break.

Personalized ornaments for relatives

Whether you’re expecting guests or will be visiting relatives for the holidays, inexpensive, personalized tree ornaments are fun to make and can be hung on the tree for years to come.

Ideas:

• Blogger Whatever offers a simple instructional for making glitter ornaments using pre-cut wooden snowflakes from a hobby store and a photo.
• Check out Michaels’ instructions to use wooden cut-outs and burlap. Super easy and takes only 15 minutes.
• Don’t have time to hit the stores first? Throw together these no-cook ornaments using items in your pantry.

Table decorations for Christmas dinner

Deck the table with cheerful DIY crafts.

Ideas:

• Older kids will enjoy the challenge of these foldable fir trees, instructions courtesy of Krokotak. Younger kids can decorate them with glitter, silver star stickers or write guests’ names and use them as place cards.
• Make a larger tree centerpiece out of paper scraps that you already have lying around the house, or hit up a craft store to gather a few inspiring patterns. This Dr. Seuss-style tree looks more elaborate than it is. These instructions by Gluedots.com will surprise you with their simplicity. Kids of all ages can help.

Thoughtful, last-minute gifts in a jar

Use leftover or inexpensive mason jars (even the jar your spaghetti sauce came in!) to put together “gifts in a jar.” We love the various inspirations from Family Fun magazine: Fill the jar with bite-sized chocolate bars, or make a spa jar, complete with small-sized samples of soap, lotion, a wash cloth, nail polish and other beauty goodies. These are great ideas for “secret Santa” gifts.

Want to put together an inexpensive gift for a kid in need or younger relative? Ask your kids to fill the jar with small toys and knick-knacks that they no longer play with. This not only helps your kids develop compassion and selflessness, but it’ll clean out the playroom and drawers to make space for new stuff.

Or simply hit up Walmart for a big, inexpensive bag of gumballs. They’re colorful and also a hit, and kids will enjoy filling the jar.