Shake Up the Holiday Fun: 2 DIY Crafts to Do with Your Kids

Cold winter days inside can be dark and dreary for your kids—but they definitely don’t have to be! Why not mix up the usual indoor activities with a fun, family craft that they can enjoy all season long? There are countless kid-friendly crafts you can try, from pom-pom garlands to snowball wreaths.

But if you’re looking for something with a little more pizzazz, we’ve got two great ways for you to bring some snowy fun indoors!

For starters, why not help your kids create their very own winter wonderland in a jar? (AKA, DIY snow globes!)

This quick and easy craft is completely customizable so your kids can show off their holiday spirit in their own way. It’s the perfect family activity for any cold winter day. (Pro tip: assemble these inside a box to minimize the mess and make cleanup a breeze).

DIY Glitter Snow Globes

•       Small, empty glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (mason jar, jelly jar, or baby food jar)
•       Hot glue gun or super glue
•       Water
•       Light corn syrup
•       Faux snow
•       Glitter
•       Toy/mini trees, animals, houses, or other holiday-themed figurines
•       Gold spray paint (optional)

Instructions

1.     If desired, spray the lid of your jar with gold spray paint and allow it to dry thoroughly.
2.     Use glue to stick your trees or other figurines to the bottom of the lid. Allow glue to dry completely.
3.     Fill the jar half-way with water.
4.     Put several pinches of snow and glitter in the jar.
5.     Add corn syrup until almost full, making sure to leave room for a little air at the top.
6.     Line the inside rim of the lid with glue and screw it on tightly.
7.     Turn your jar upside-down and enjoy your homemade snow globe!

If you’re looking for something a little more classic, how about a snowflake mobile? This fun upgrade on the timeless paper snowflake craft has a bit more sparkle and will add some extra holiday cheer to your child’s room or play space.

Snowflake Mobile

•       Construction paper
•       Glitter
•       Faux snow
•       Stick glue
•       Scissors
•       Fishing line
•       Tree branch

Instructions

1.     Go out with your kids to find the perfect tree branch for their snowflakes to hang from.
2.     Help your children cut snowflakes from the construction paper. Fold each piece into halves, quarters, or even eights, then cut out small pieces before unfolding to create their snowflakes.
3.     Use a glue stick to add glitter and faux snow to the snowflakes and allow to dry completely.
4.     Use fishing line to attach the snow flakes to the branch at different lengths.
5.     Use more fishing line or small decorating nails to hang the mobile.

Fun holiday crafts don’t have to be complicated or expensive! Try these with your kids and add some extra festivity to your next dreary day!