24 Cozy Winter Crafts for Kids: Keeping Little Hands Busy All Season

Winter has its own kind of magic—sparkling frost on the windows, snowflakes falling outside, and plenty of hot cocoa moments. But if you’re a mom, you also know that long winter days can sometimes feel really long when the kids are home and climbing the walls.

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That’s where winter crafts come to the rescue. Not only do they keep little hands busy, but they also spark creativity, build memories, and sometimes even double as cute seasonal décor.

Here are 24 fun, cozy, and easy winter crafts you can do with your kids. Whether you’re snowed in or just looking for an afternoon activity, these ideas will help turn a cold day into something special.

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Winter Crafts for Kids

Now that the snow is falling and the days are a little shorter, it’s the perfect time to bring out the craft supplies. Winter is full of inspiration—snowflakes, cozy mugs of cocoa, penguins, and twinkly lights—and kids love turning those seasonal touches into something creative. These easy crafts aren’t just a way to pass the time; they’re memory-makers that will keep little hands busy and hearts warm.

1. Paper Snowflakes

Classic and timeless, paper snowflakes are a must. All you need is some paper and scissors. Kids love unfolding their creations to reveal one-of-a-kind patterns, and you can tape them to windows for instant winter cheer.

The best part is that no two snowflakes ever turn out the same, which makes each one feel special and unique. You can even string them together to create a snowy garland or sprinkle them across the dining table for a whimsical touch.

It’s a simple activity, but it never fails to bring that magical “first snow” feeling indoors.

2. Snowman Sock Craft

This adorable project is as fun to make as it is to display. Fill a clean white sock with rice, tie it off with a string or rubber bands to form the body and head, then decorate with buttons, a ribbon scarf, and a tiny hat made from another sock.

Kids will love giving their snowman personality with different facial expressions or accessories. These little snowmen make darling decorations for shelves or mantels, and they’re soft enough for kids to cuddle.

Bonus: they also make sweet handmade gifts for grandparents.

3. Pinecone Bird Feeders

Turn a walk in the woods into a craft by collecting pinecones, then roll them in peanut butter and birdseed.

Tie a string at the top and hang them outside on a tree branch. Kids will love checking back to see which winter birds come by for a snack.

It’s a craft that teaches kindness to animals and appreciation for nature. Plus, it’s a fun way to bring a bit of outdoor magic to your backyard in the colder months.

4. Puffy Paint Snowmen

Mixing shaving cream with white glue creates a magical puffy paint that kids can’t resist. Have them use it to draw snowmen on blue construction paper, then add buttons, scarves, or glitter for extra flair.

Once dry, the snowmen actually puff up, leaving a cool 3D texture. This craft is especially great for sensory play since the mixture feels soft and foamy.

It’s a winter art project that’s equal parts messy fun and adorable keepsake.

5. Mason Jar Snow Globes

Nothing captures the wonder of winter like a snow globe, and making your own is easier than you think.

Glue small figurines—like mini trees, snowmen, or animals—to a jar lid, fill the jar with water and glitter, and screw it on tightly.

Shake it up and watch the “snow” swirl around. Kids love designing their own winter scenes and seeing them come to life inside the jar.

These make beautiful decorations for the season and even thoughtful, handmade gifts.

6. Winter Handprint Trees

This is one of those crafts that doubles as a keepsake you’ll treasure. Have your child dip their hand in brown paint and press it onto paper to create the trunk and branches of a tree.

Once dry, let them use white fingerprints to add “snow” or even dab on colorful fingerprints for holiday lights.

Every handprint tree looks different and captures a sweet moment in time. Frame it or tuck it into a scrapbook for a memory that lasts beyond the season.

7. Tissue Paper Snowflakes

Tissue paper snowflakes add a colorful twist to the classic version. Because tissue paper is thin, even little hands can cut through it easily.

When taped to windows, the light shines through, creating a stained-glass effect that brightens up gray winter days.

Kids will love experimenting with bold colors or layering different shades together. It’s a cheerful way to bring a little sunshine indoors during the cold months.

8. Cotton Ball Snow Scenes

Give kids a piece of blue construction paper and let them glue cotton balls down to make snowmen, snowbanks, or falling snow.

The soft, fluffy texture makes it extra fun for little ones. Add in some paper trees, tiny houses, or even glitter to complete the scene.

This project is perfect for toddlers since it’s more about placement and creativity than precision.

Hang their snowy masterpiece on the fridge and watch it bring smiles all season long.

9. Hot Cocoa Mugs Craft

Cut mug shapes out of construction paper and let kids decorate them with patterns, names, or designs.

Then “fill” the mugs with brown paper or paint for cocoa and top with cotton balls as marshmallows.

It’s a cozy craft that feels just right for winter afternoons. Pair the activity with real hot cocoa for an extra special touch.

Kids will be so proud to hang up their mugs as a festive decoration.

10. Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough is simple to make with just flour, salt, and water, and it opens the door to endless creativity.

Kids can cut out winter shapes like snowflakes, stars, or mittens, then bake them until hardened. Once cooled, paint and decorate them however you like—glitter, markers, or metallic paint all work beautifully.

These ornaments can be hung on a tree, strung into a garland, or gifted to family. It’s a tradition-worthy craft that feels just as magical year after year.

11. Mitten Garland

Trace your child’s hands onto colorful paper to create mitten shapes, then decorate them with patterns, glitter, or stickers.

Punch holes in the tops and string them together to make a garland. This is an easy, cheerful decoration for playrooms or bedrooms.

Kids love seeing their artwork become part of the holiday décor.

Plus, it’s a great way to involve little ones in decorating the house for winter.

12. Coffee Filter Snowflakes

Coffee filters are lightweight, fold easily, and cut into beautiful snowflakes with just a few snips. Kids can color them with markers before cutting, then spray lightly with water to create a tie-dye effect.

Hang them on windows for a colorful display that feels both festive and fun. This craft is inexpensive, quick, and great for groups of kids.

You’ll be amazed at how many unique designs they come up with.

13. Winter Fairy Jars

Transform a simple mason jar into a glowing winter lantern. Paint the inside with frosted paint or a mix of glue and glitter, then place a battery-powered tea light inside.

When lit, the jar glows like a magical fairy light. Kids will love watching their creations shine in the dark, making this perfect for cozy evenings at home.

They also double as charming nightlights for bedrooms.

14. Snowflake Wands

Every kid loves a little bit of pretend play, and these wands are perfect for sparking imagination. Cut out or buy foam snowflakes, attach them to popsicle sticks, and decorate with glitter, sequins, or ribbons.

Suddenly, your child is a snow fairy or an ice wizard twirling around the living room.

This craft is simple but brings hours of play afterward. It’s one of those projects that becomes more than just a decoration.

15. Polar Bear Plate Craft

Take a white paper plate and turn it into a polar bear face by adding googly eyes, a paper nose, and construction paper ears.

It’s an easy, kid-friendly project that requires minimal supplies. For extra fun, kids can add scarves, hats, or rosy cheeks. It’s a great activity to pair with reading a polar bear story or watching a winter animal documentary.

Cute and educational at the same time!

16. Icicle Sun Catchers

This craft works especially well if you live somewhere cold enough to freeze outdoors. Fill a pie tin with water, drop in natural items like berries or evergreen sprigs, and let it freeze.

Once solid, pop it out and hang it with a ribbon. In the sunlight, it sparkles like an icicle. If it’s not freezing outside, you can make smaller versions in your freezer for a similar effect.

17. Marshmallow Snowmen

Stack marshmallows with toothpicks to form snowmen, then use pretzel sticks for arms and candy bits for faces. This is part craft, part snack, which makes it a kid favorite.

They can make a whole marshmallow snow family and then eat it afterward. It’s perfect for a winter playdate or snow day treat. The best part? Minimal cleanup since everything is edible!

18. Snowflake Pasta Art

Dye pasta shapes in wintery colors like white, blue, or silver, then glue them onto paper to create snowflakes.

This combines crafting with a fun sensory activity. Kids love sorting the pasta shapes and piecing them into snowflake patterns.

Add glitter or sequins to make the snowflakes sparkle even more. It’s a great project for all ages and budget-friendly, too.

19. Penguin Handprint Craft

Paint your child’s hand black, press it onto paper, and let it dry. Then add a white belly, orange beak, and feet to turn it into a penguin.

Each penguin is unique, just like the little hands that made them. This is a sweet keepsake for younger kids and a fun way to learn about winter animals.

Display them on the fridge or add them to a scrapbook for years to come.

20. Winter Slime

Slime never goes out of style with kids, and this winter version is extra magical. Mix white glue, baking soda, and contact solution to make slime, then stir in blue glitter or snowflake sequins.

It’s stretchy, sparkly, and perfectly wintery. Kids will spend ages pulling, poking, and stretching it. Just be prepared for lots of giggles and maybe a little mess!

21. Snowman Paper Chains

Cut strips of white paper, loop and glue them together, and watch your paper chain grow. Each loop becomes a snowman body, and kids can decorate faces and scarves on each link.

Hang the finished chain across a wall or doorway for a festive decoration. It’s an easy way to make something big and impressive without a lot of work.

Plus, it keeps kids busy for quite a while.

22. Puffy Polar Bears

Cut a polar bear outline from paper, then let kids glue on cotton balls or shredded tissue to make it fluffy. Add googly eyes, a nose, and maybe even a little scarf for character.

The end result is a soft, cuddly-looking bear that’s perfect for winter. It’s a fun tactile activity that works well for toddlers and preschoolers.

Hang them on the wall to create a little polar bear family.

23. Snowflake Window Clings

Mix equal parts white glue and dish soap, then use a squeeze bottle to draw snowflake designs on wax paper.

Let them dry completely, peel them off, and stick them to your windows. Kids are amazed that they made their own “stickers.”

These clings can be repositioned and reused, which makes them perfect for decorating windows all winter long. It’s a magical little project with a big payoff.

24. Winter Village Collage

Give kids colored paper to cut out houses, trees, and snowmen, then glue everything onto a large sheet of paper to build a winter village.

Add cotton ball snow, glitter, or stickers for extra charm. This project encourages creativity since kids can design their own buildings and layouts.

When finished, the collage makes a beautiful wall display. It’s a collaborative craft that the whole family can work on together.

Tips for Making Winter Crafts Easier

• Keep a basket of supplies ready. Stock up on basics like glue, scissors, construction paper, cotton balls, glitter, and paint so you’re always prepared.
• Embrace the mess. Winter crafts often involve glitter, glue, and sticky little hands. Spread out newspaper or use a plastic tablecloth to make cleanup easier.
• Turn on cozy vibes. Light a candle, play soft music, and sip cocoa while you craft together. It turns a simple project into a memory.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to mean boredom or screen overload for your kids. With these 24 craft ideas, you can fill chilly afternoons with creativity, laughter, and a little seasonal sparkle.

Whether you’re making snowflakes for the window, whipping up homemade slime, or creating keepsake handprint art, the real beauty is in the time you spend together.

So grab your supplies, pour the hot cocoa, and let the magic of winter crafting begin.

These small, simple projects turn ordinary days into something memorable. Kids will remember the gluey fingers, the sparkle of glitter, and the giggles that come from making something side by side with you.

And you’ll have sweet keepsakes—whether it’s a puffy paint snowman or a paper plate polar bear—to tuck away as reminders of this season. Crafts aren’t just about keeping kids busy; they’re about slowing down, connecting, and finding joy in the little things.

This winter, let the crafts you make be part of the cozy stories your family tells for years to come.

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