My oldest son and I always enjoy doing a few Christmas crafts together. He usually gives out his crafts with his homemade Christmas cards to friends and family each year.  This week we made a few quick and easy crafts that take minimal prep!

Candy Cane Circles

I traced and cut out about 6-7 circles on red and white cardstock, approximately 1 inch in diameter. I also cut a piece of 8.5 X 11 inch green cardstock in half using my paper cutter.  I then put some glue in the shape of a candy cane on the green cardstock and my son placed the circles on the glue. This activity is great for 3-4 years olds as they are learning about patterns!

Afterwards, my son wanted to make more so I used my Cricut Expression to cut more circles quickly!

Candy Cane Thumb Printing

I cut a piece of 8.5 X 11 inch green cardstock in half and put some red and white Crayola washable paint on a plastic plate. My son then used his thumb to make each print for the candy cane. I had baby wipes close by so that we could clean his hand each time.  For younger children, it may be beneficial to draw the shape of a candy cane on the paper with a pencil to make it easier for them to where to place their thumb.

 

Christmas Gift Tags

I used my Cricut Expression to cut a gift in the shape that I wanted on a piece of cardstock. You could also just draw and cut out the shape to make the stencil.  Next, we traced the gift tag onto the Christmas cards that we received last year, being careful to place the stencil in the most appropriate spot on the card. My son then used a small round hole punch to make the hole for the ribbon.  This makes a quick and easy gift tag, while reusing old cards!