Easy Winter Crafts for Kids (Snowflakes, Snowmen + More)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

When it’s too cold (or too rainy) to play outside, a basket of craft supplies can save the day. These winter crafts for kids use simple things you probably already have, like paper plates, cotton balls, pinecones and glue, and they’re just right for cozy afternoons, school breaks and snow days.

Easy winter crafts for little ones (ages 2 to 5)

• Cotton ball snowmen. Draw three circles on blue paper and let kids glue on cotton balls. Add paper hats, buttons and a carrot nose.
• Paper plate snowman. Paint or color a paper plate, then add a scarf made from fabric scraps or felt.
• Handprint penguins. Paint a hand black, press it on paper and turn the palm into a penguin’s body with a white belly and orange feet.
• Tissue paper “stained glass.” Stick squares of blue, white and silver tissue paper onto contact paper and hang it in a sunny window.
• Snowy sponge painting. Dab white paint onto dark paper with a sponge to make a snowy night sky.

Winter crafts for older kids (ages 6 and up)

• Paper snowflakes. Fold a square of paper into a triangle a few times, cut small shapes along the edges and open it up. No two are alike!
• Popsicle stick snowflakes. Glue craft sticks into a star shape, paint them white and add glitter or sequins.
• Mason jar snow globes. Glue a small figure to the inside of a lid, fill a jar with water, a drop of glycerin and glitter, and seal tightly (a grown-up should help glue the lid shut).
• Yarn-wrapped trees. Wrap green yarn around a cardboard triangle and add bead or pom-pom “ornaments.”
• Salt dough ornaments. Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt and about ½ cup water, cut shapes, poke a hole for string and bake low and slow until hard. Paint when cool.

Nature-inspired winter crafts

• Pinecone owls or snowy trees. Dab white paint on pinecone tips for “snow,” or add felt eyes and wings to make owls.
• Pinecone bird feeders. Spread peanut butter (or sunflower butter for allergy-friendly homes) on a pinecone, roll in birdseed and hang it outside.
• Twig stars. Tie five small sticks together into a star with twine.
• Ice suncatchers. In freezing weather, fill a pie tin with water, berries, leaves and a loop of string. Freeze overnight and hang outside.

Tips for mess-free(ish) crafting

• Cover the table with an old tablecloth or newspaper.
• Use glue sticks for little ones and save liquid glue for older kids.
• Keep a damp cloth nearby for sticky fingers.
• Set out only what you need for one project at a time.
• Let kids make it their own. It doesn’t have to look like the picture!

Winter crafts FAQ

What supplies should I keep on hand for winter crafts?

Paper plates, construction paper, cotton balls, glue, safety scissors, craft sticks, yarn, pom-poms, washable paint and anything from nature like pinecones and twigs.

What winter crafts work for toddlers?

Cotton ball snowmen, sponge painting and tissue paper suncatchers are perfect. They’re simple, sensory and hard to get “wrong.”

You might also like:

• 25 Christmas Activities for Kids
• Free Letter to Santa Printable
• Easy Seasonal Decor Ideas