Simple and Affordable Winter Crafts for Toddlers You Can Make with Everyday Items

Winter is a magical time for toddlers to explore creativity with simple materials at home. These winter crafts for toddlers are easy, fun, and budget-friendly, perfect for little hands to enjoy.

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Cardboard Tube Polar Bear Craft for Toddlers

This polar bear craft turns a simple cardboard tube into a fluffy winter animal. Toddlers can explore textures while painting and gluing.

Materials Needed:

  • Cardboard tube
  • White paint
  • Cotton balls
  • Black marker
  • Paper for ears
  • Glue

Steps:

  1. Paint the cardboard tube white and let it dry.
  2. Glue cotton balls around the tube for a fluffy texture.
  3. Cut out small paper ears and glue them on top.
  4. Draw eyes, nose, and mouth with a black marker.
  5. Optional: Create a snowy background with paper snowflakes.

Foil Art Snowflake Craft for Toddlers

Foil is shiny and crinkly, making it perfect for toddlers to explore while creating snowflakes. This craft develops fine motor skills and pattern recognition.

Materials Needed:

  • Aluminum foil
  • Paper
  • Glue
  • Marker
  • Glitter (optional)

Steps:

  1. Cut foil into small squares.
  2. Draw simple snowflake patterns on paper.
  3. Help toddlers press foil onto the patterns.
  4. Add glue and sprinkle glitter for extra sparkle.
  5. Display snowflakes on windows to catch light.

Pom-Pom Mitten Garland Winter Craft for Toddlers

Make a colorful mitten garland using pom-poms and paper for a tactile winter decoration. Toddlers practice counting, gluing, and threading skills.

Materials Needed:

  • Small pom-poms
  • Paper for mittens
  • String
  • Glue

Steps:

  1. Cut mitten shapes from paper.
  2. Let toddlers glue pom-poms onto the mittens.
  3. Thread a string through the tops of the mittens.
  4. Hang the garland on a wall or across a room.
  5. Encourage patterns or color mixing with pom-poms.

Egg Carton Penguin Family Craft for Toddlers

Transform egg cartons into a penguin family that toddlers can paint and assemble. This craft encourages imaginative play and fine motor skills.

Materials Needed:

  • Egg carton cups
  • Black or white paint
  • Paper for beaks and feet
  • Glue
  • Marker or googly eyes

Steps:

  1. Cut individual cups from an egg carton.
  2. Paint the cups black or white and let dry.
  3. Glue paper beaks and feet onto each penguin.
  4. Draw or stick eyes on each penguin.
  5. Arrange penguins on a cardboard base with paper snow.

Bubble Wrap Snow Print Painting for Toddlers

Create snow-like prints with bubble wrap for a fun textured painting. Toddlers enjoy the popping sensation and exploring patterns.

Materials Needed:

  • Bubble wrap
  • White or light blue paint
  • Paper
  • Crayons or markers

Steps:

  1. Cut bubble wrap into small squares.
  2. Spread paint on a tray.
  3. Let toddlers press bubble wrap into the paint and then onto paper.
  4. Repeat to create overlapping snow prints.
  5. Add extra details with crayons or markers once dry.

Puffy Paint Snow Scene Craft for Toddlers

Puffy paint creates a soft, textured snow effect that toddlers love to touch and decorate. This craft encourages color exploration and layering.

Materials Needed:

  • White glue
  • Shaving cream
  • Blue or gray paint
  • Paper
  • Spoon or spatula

Steps:

  1. Mix equal parts white glue and shaving cream to make puffy paint.
  2. Add a few drops of blue or gray paint for shading.
  3. Let toddlers spread the mixture on paper with a spoon or fingers.
  4. Create hills, snowmen, or snowflakes with the paint.
  5. Allow to dry completely before displaying.

Paper Plate Arctic Fox Craft for Toddlers

Turn simple paper plates into a cute arctic fox while toddlers practice cutting and coloring. This craft is perfect for winter-themed storytelling.

Materials Needed:

  • Paper plate
  • Orange and white paint
  • Black marker
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Steps:

  1. Paint the paper plate orange and let it dry.
  2. Cut out a white triangle for the fox’s face and glue it on the plate.
  3. Draw eyes, nose, and whiskers with a marker.
  4. Cut and attach ears to the top of the plate.
  5. Add details like snowflakes or trees for a winter scene.

Cotton Swab Snowy Tree Painting for Toddlers

Using cotton swabs to create snowy trees encourages toddlers to explore dotting techniques and patterns. It’s tactile and easy for little hands.

Materials Needed:

  • Cotton swabs
  • Brown paint or marker
  • Blue paint or paper for background
  • White paint

Steps:

  1. Draw or paint tree trunks on blue paper using brown paint.
  2. Dip cotton swabs into white paint and dot onto branches for snow.
  3. Encourage toddlers to fill the sky with snow dots.
  4. Add layers for a more textured snowy effect.
  5. Display finished snowy tree paintings on walls or fridge.

Ice Cube Watercolor Painting for Toddlers

Ice cube painting is a cool way for toddlers to explore color mixing while keeping hands messy-free. Melted ice adds a magical winter effect.

Materials Needed:

  • Ice cube tray
  • Water
  • Food coloring
  • Paper

Steps:

  1. Freeze water with a few drops of food coloring in ice cube trays.
  2. Once frozen, remove colored ice cubes.
  3. Let toddlers drag ice cubes across paper to create watercolor patterns.
  4. Observe how colors mix as the ice melts.
  5. Experiment with layering colors for a wintery effect.

Bottle Cap Snowman Building Craft for Toddlers

Using bottle caps, toddlers can build tiny snowmen and practice stacking, painting, and arranging. It’s a fun winter activity that strengthens fine motor skills.

Materials Needed:

  • Bottle caps
  • White paint
  • Markers
  • Glue
  • Paper or cardboard

Steps:

  1. Paint bottle caps white and let them dry.
  2. Stack 2-3 caps to form a snowman shape on paper.
  3. Draw faces, buttons, and scarves with markers.
  4. Glue caps to paper or cardboard for stability.
  5. Add background snow or trees with paint or crayons.

Tissue Paper Northern Lights Art for Toddlers

Tissue paper gives toddlers a chance to explore colors while creating a glowing northern lights effect. This craft combines tearing, layering, and painting skills.

Materials Needed:

  • Black construction paper
  • Tissue paper in blue, green, purple, and yellow
  • Glue stick
  • Paintbrush or sponge (optional)

Steps:

  1. Cut or tear tissue paper into small pieces.
  2. Apply glue to the black paper in wavy lines representing northern lights.
  3. Let toddlers stick tissue paper pieces onto the glue.
  4. Layer colors to create a glowing effect.
  5. Optional: Dab with a sponge to blend edges and give a soft glow.

Oatmeal Box Drum Winter Craft for Toddlers

Turn an empty oatmeal box into a drum for toddlers to explore rhythm and sound. This simple winter-themed activity is both creative and musical.

Materials Needed:

  • Empty oatmeal container
  • Construction paper
  • Markers or paint
  • Spoon or wooden stick

Steps:

  1. Cover the oatmeal box with paper and decorate with winter designs like snowflakes.
  2. Let toddlers color or paint on it.
  3. Place the lid back on securely.
  4. Give toddlers a wooden spoon or stick to play the drum.
  5. Encourage making winter rhythms or tapping along to songs.

Sock Snowball Toss Indoor Craft for Toddlers

This craft turns socks into soft snowballs perfect for indoor play. Toddlers work on hand-eye coordination while enjoying winter-themed fun.

Materials Needed:

  • Old socks
  • Cotton balls or fabric scraps
  • Rubber bands
  • Basket or target

Steps:

  1. Fill socks with cotton balls or fabric scraps.
  2. Tie the open end with a rubber band.
  3. Let toddlers throw the sock snowballs into a basket or at a target.
  4. Add points or make a fun game out of it.
  5. Optional: Decorate socks with winter faces or patterns before tossing.

Yarn-Wrapped Star Ornament Craft for Toddlers

Yarn wrapping lets toddlers practice fine motor skills while creating a simple winter ornament. Stars are classic winter shapes for decoration.

Materials Needed:

  • Cardboard or paper plate
  • Yarn
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Steps:

  1. Cut out a star shape from cardboard.
  2. Apply glue along the edges.
  3. Let toddlers wrap yarn around the star, covering it completely.
  4. Tie the end and trim excess.
  5. Hang as a winter ornament or attach to walls for decoration.

Cereal Box Winter Village Building for Toddlers

Using cereal boxes, toddlers can construct a winter village while exploring shapes and colors. It encourages imaginative play and storytelling.

Materials Needed:

  • Empty cereal boxes
  • Paint or markers
  • Scissors (adult-assisted)
  • Glue or tape

Steps:

  1. Cut cereal boxes into house shapes or towers.
  2. Paint or decorate with windows, doors, and roofs.
  3. Assemble boxes on a table to form a village.
  4. Add paper snow, cotton, or tissue paper for snow effects.
  5. Let toddlers create stories or move toy figures through the village.

Marshmallow Igloo Construction Craft for Toddlers

Toddlers can build a cozy igloo using marshmallows, encouraging fine motor skills and imaginative play. This edible craft adds extra fun because they can snack afterward.

Materials Needed:

  • Mini marshmallows
  • Toothpicks
  • Plate or tray

Steps:

  1. Start by forming a circle with marshmallows connected by toothpicks.
  2. Build up the walls layer by layer, connecting marshmallows with toothpicks.
  3. Gradually angle the top layers inward to form the dome.
  4. Leave a small opening for the entrance.
  5. Optional: Let toddlers decorate with colored icing or sprinkles.

Sponge-Stamped Snowflake Art for Toddlers

Using sponges to stamp is a fun way for toddlers to create snowflake patterns while exploring texture and shapes. It’s easy and minimally messy.

Materials Needed:

  • Sponges cut into snowflake shapes
  • White paint
  • Blue or dark paper
  • Plate for paint

Steps:

  1. Pour paint onto a plate for easy dipping.
  2. Let toddlers press the sponge shapes into the paint.
  3. Stamp the shapes onto the paper to form snowflakes.
  4. Layer multiple prints for a fuller snow scene.
  5. Optional: Add glitter for extra sparkle.

Paper Strip Snowstorm Collage for Toddlers

This craft helps toddlers explore layering, texture, and movement by creating a snowy scene with paper strips. It’s great for fine motor skills.

Materials Needed:

  • Blue construction paper
  • White paper strips
  • Glue stick

Steps:

  1. Tear or cut white paper into strips.
  2. Apply glue to the blue paper in a scattered pattern.
  3. Let toddlers place the strips randomly to represent falling snow.
  4. Layer strips for more depth.
  5. Optional: Add cotton balls or glitter to enhance the snowy effect.

Fingerprint Polar Bear Art for Toddlers

Fingerprint art allows toddlers to create personalized polar bears while learning about animals and practicing hand coordination.

Materials Needed:

  • White paint
  • Blue or black paper
  • Marker for details

Steps:

  1. Dip toddler’s finger in white paint.
  2. Press onto paper to create the polar bear’s body.
  3. Use fingerprints for the head and legs as well.
  4. Add eyes, nose, and mouth with a marker.
  5. Optional: Decorate background with snowflakes or icebergs.

DIY Snowflake Wand Craft for Toddlers

This craft combines imaginative play and creativity, letting toddlers design their own magical snowflake wands.

Materials Needed:

  • Pipe cleaners or sticks
  • Paper snowflakes
  • Tape or glue
  • Ribbon or yarn (optional)

Steps:

  1. Attach a paper snowflake to the top of a stick or pipe cleaner.
  2. Secure with tape or glue.
  3. Let toddlers add ribbon or yarn for extra flair.
  4. Optional: Decorate snowflake with glitter.
  5. Encourage imaginative play as they “cast winter magic.”

Pasta Necklace Snowflake Jewelry for Toddlers

Using pasta shapes, toddlers can create wearable winter jewelry while practicing threading and hand-eye coordination.

Materials Needed:

  • Pasta (penne, macaroni)
  • Yarn or string
  • Paint or markers
  • Scissors

Steps:

  1. Paint pasta in winter colors and let dry.
  2. Cut yarn or string to desired necklace length.
  3. Help toddlers thread pasta onto the string.
  4. Tie ends securely.
  5. Optional: Add paper snowflakes or beads for decoration.

Crayon Resist Snow Art Activity for Toddlers

This activity lets toddlers experiment with color, wax, and paint while exploring winter scenes in a fun, hands-on way.

Materials Needed:

  • White crayons
  • Watercolor paint
  • Paper

Steps:

  1. Draw snowflakes, snowmen, or other winter shapes with white crayon on paper.
  2. Let toddlers paint over with watercolors.
  3. Watch the crayon resist reveal the hidden shapes.
  4. Encourage them to experiment with layering colors.
  5. Optional: Add glitter or cotton for snow texture.

Ice Gem Sensory Bin Exploration for Toddlers

Ice gems give toddlers a sensory winter experience, combining cold textures, colors, and hands-on exploration.

Materials Needed:

  • Ice cubes or colored ice gems
  • Container or bin
  • Small scoops or spoons

Steps:

  1. Fill a bin with ice cubes or colored ice gems.
  2. Let toddlers touch, scoop, and explore the ice.
  3. Encourage stacking, counting, or simple games with the cubes.
  4. Optional: Add small winter figurines for imaginative play.
  5. Discuss how ice melts and the change in texture.

Glue and Salt Snow Painting Craft for Toddlers

This craft combines glue, salt, and watercolor to create sparkling snow art for toddlers, helping them explore texture and color.

Materials Needed:

  • White glue
  • Salt
  • Watercolor paint
  • Paper

Steps:

  1. Draw shapes or snowflakes with white glue on paper.
  2. Sprinkle salt generously over the glue while still wet.
  3. Let toddlers tap off excess salt.
  4. Use watercolor paint to color the salted glue for a sparkling effect.
  5. Optional: Repeat layering for more dimension.

Upcycled Lid Ornament Decoration for Toddlers

This craft lets toddlers turn old jar lids into festive winter ornaments, combining recycling with creativity.

Materials Needed:

  • Jar lids
  • Glue
  • Cotton, glitter, or small decorations
  • Ribbon or string

Steps:

  1. Apply glue inside the lid.
  2. Let toddlers add cotton, glitter, or small decorations.
  3. Attach a ribbon or string for hanging.
  4. Optional: Paint the lid edges for extra color.
  5. Hang on the tree or use as a winter decoration around the house.