12 Easy Winter Crafts for Toddlers Using Household Items
Winter crafts for toddlers don’t require a craft store haul or a Pinterest-perfect setup. Honestly, some of the best toddler winter crafts happen with what’s already hiding in your kitchen drawer or recycling bin. We’re talking paper plates, cotton balls, toilet paper rolls, and a little imagination.
These simple winter crafts for kids keep tiny hands busy during those long, chilly afternoons when cabin fever is real. Plus, they’re low-mess, high-fun, and totally doable — even if your toddler’s attention span is about as long as a sneeze.
Let’s dive into 12 indoor winter activities for toddlers that’ll make you look like the craft hero you absolutely are ✂️.
Contents
- 1 Why Winter Crafts Matter for Little Hands
- 2 12 Easy Winter Crafts for Toddlers
- 2.1 1. Cotton Ball Snowman
- 2.2 2. Paper Plate Penguin
- 2.3 3. Toilet Paper Roll Snowflake Stamps
- 2.4 HADDIY Small Snowflakes for Craft,60 Pcs White Glitter Plastic Mi…
- 2.5 4. Popsicle Stick Snowflake
- 2.6 5. Handprint Snowman Card
- 2.7 6. Yarn-Wrapped Tree
- 2.8 TOAOB 1900pcs Pompoms for Crafts Small Size Pom Poms Balls Approx…
- 2.9 LIHAO 3 Skeins Yarn for Knitting Christmas Themed Yarn for DIY Xm…
- 2.10 7. Styrofoam Cup Igloo
- 2.11 Shop Square 12 Oz Disposable Foam Cups (100 Pack), White Foam Ins…
- 2.12 8. Coffee Filter Snowflakes
- 2.13 9. Marshmallow Snowman Snack
- 2.14 10. Paper Bag Reindeer Puppet
- 2.15 FOGWOWO 36 Pcs Reindeer Gift Bags DIY Reindeer Bags,Christmas Goo…
- 2.16 11. Salt Dough Ornaments
- 2.17 12. Ice Cube Painting
- 3 Grab Your Glue Gun and Get Crafting
- 4 FAQs
Why Winter Crafts Matter for Little Hands
Crafting isn’t just about glue and giggles. Winter art projects for toddlers help build fine motor skills, spark creativity, and give kids a sense of accomplishment. They say idle hands are the devil’s workshop — but with some paint and paper, they’re pure magic. Plus, these preschool winter crafts double as adorable décor you can hang on the fridge or send to grandma. Win-win.
12 Easy Winter Crafts for Toddlers
Warning: You might start hoarding toilet paper rolls after this.
1. Cotton Ball Snowman
Turn fluffy cotton balls into the cutest little snowman your fridge has ever seen. This is one of those cotton ball winter crafts that’s mess-friendly and toddler-approved. All you need is some glue, paper, and a few buttons or markers for the face.
What You’ll Need:
- White cotton balls
- Construction paper (blue or black works great)
- Glue stick
- Markers or buttons
- Orange construction paper (for the nose)
How to Make:
Draw three circles on the paper to guide your toddler. Let them glue cotton balls inside each circle to form the snowman’s body. Add button eyes, an orange triangle nose, and a drawn scarf. Done in under 15 minutes, and it’s frame-worthy.
🛒 Pro Tip: Grab a bulk pack of cotton balls on Amazon — they’re lifesavers for multiple snowman crafts for toddlers and sensory play.
Time Needed: Approx. 15 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Perfect for using up leftover craft supplies.
2. Paper Plate Penguin
This paper plate winter craft is ridiculously simple and oh-so-adorable. Your toddler gets to paint, glue, and giggle their way through making a penguin pal that’s ready to waddle onto your wall.
What You’ll Need:
- Paper plate
- Black and white paint
- Orange construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Glue stick
How to Make:
Paint the paper plate black, leaving a white belly oval in the center. Once dry, glue on googly eyes and an orange triangle beak. Add two orange feet at the bottom. Boom — you’ve got yourself a penguin craft for toddlers that’s fridge-magnet material.
🛒 Pro Tip: A set of washable acrylic paints is a must-have for toddler winter crafts. They clean up easily and come in every color you need.
Time Needed: Approx. 20 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
3. Toilet Paper Roll Snowflake Stamps
Turn recycling day into art day. These DIY stamps are perfect for winter sensory activities for toddlers and create gorgeous snowflake patterns with zero artistic skill required (from you or your toddler).
What You’ll Need:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- White paint
- Blue or black construction paper
- Small paper plate (for paint)
How to Make:
Flatten and fold the toilet paper roll into a snowflake shape, securing with tape. Pour white paint onto a plate, dip the roll, and stamp away on dark paper. Each print looks like a unique snowflake craft for toddlers.
🛒 Pro Tip: Stock up on washable white paint — it’s the MVP of winter crafts with household items.
Time Needed: Approx. 10 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Great for upcycling cardboard rolls.
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- 【Glitter surface】classic white body with glitter powder, shining and delicate, full of winter feel, adding more fun and …
4. Popsicle Stick Snowflake
Nothing says winter like snowflakes, and these popsicle stick winter crafts are easy enough for tiny hands but pretty enough to hang as ornaments.
What You’ll Need:
- Popsicle sticks (6 per snowflake)
- White or blue paint
- Glue
- Glitter (optional, but highly encouraged)
- String for hanging
How to Make:
Paint the popsicle sticks and let dry. Glue three sticks together in a star shape, then glue three more on top, slightly offset. Add glitter while the glue is wet. Attach string and hang.
🛒 Pro Tip: Colored popsicle sticks from Amazon save you the painting step — major time saver for quick winter crafts for toddlers.
Time Needed: Approx. 25 min
Difficulty: Moderate ⭐⭐
5. Handprint Snowman Card
Handprint crafts are a rite of passage, and this one doubles as a keepsake. Perfect for winter crafts for 2 year olds who love getting their hands messy.
What You’ll Need:
- White paint
- Blue cardstock
- Markers or buttons
- Orange marker or paper
How to Make:
Paint your toddler’s hand white and press it onto blue cardstock. Once dry, turn the handprint into a snowman by adding eyes, a carrot nose, and buttons down the “body.” Write a sweet message inside.
🛒 Pro Tip: Keep baby wipes nearby for quick cleanup — because toddlers and paint are a chaotic combo.
Time Needed: Approx. 10 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
6. Yarn-Wrapped Tree
This winter art project for toddlers is all about texture and color. Wrap, stick, repeat — it’s oddly satisfying for both you and your little one.
What You’ll Need:
- Cardboard triangle (cut from a box)
- Green yarn
- Glue
- Pom-poms or buttons for “ornaments”
How to Make:
Cut a triangle from cardboard. Let your toddler wrap green yarn around it, securing with glue at the ends. Add colorful pom-poms or buttons as decorations.
🛒 Pro Tip: A yarn variety pack gives you tons of colors for this and other toddler winter crafts with construction paper.
Time Needed: Approx. 20 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Eco Note: Upcycle old cardboard boxes.
7. Styrofoam Cup Igloo
Got some old Styrofoam cups? Turn them into an igloo that’ll make your toddler feel like an arctic architect. This is one of those winter activities for toddlers that’s surprisingly fun.
What You’ll Need:
- Styrofoam cups (10-15)
- White glue or hot glue (parent handles this)
- Scissors
How to Make:
Arrange cups in a circle to form the base. Stack another layer on top, slightly inward. Keep stacking until you form a dome. Let your toddler help arrange and you handle the gluing.
🛒 Pro Tip: If you’re out of cups, grab a pack — they’re cheap and reusable for other crafts.
Time Needed: Approx. 30 min
Difficulty: Moderate ⭐⭐
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8. Coffee Filter Snowflakes
Coffee filters aren’t just for coffee anymore. These delicate snowflake crafts for toddlers are easy, pretty, and perfect for window décor.
What You’ll Need:
- Coffee filters
- Watercolor paints or markers
- Spray bottle with water
- String
How to Make:
Let your toddler color the coffee filter with markers. Lightly spray with water to blend the colors. Once dry, fold and cut snowflake shapes. Hang in windows.
🛒 Pro Tip: Washable markers work best and won’t stain tiny fingers.
Time Needed: Approx. 15 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
9. Marshmallow Snowman Snack
Who says crafts can’t be edible? This winter craft for 3 year olds is equal parts art project and snack time.
What You’ll Need:
- Large marshmallows (3 per snowman)
- Pretzel sticks
- Mini chocolate chips
- Toothpicks
How to Make:
Stack three marshmallows on a toothpick. Use mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, and pretzel sticks for arms. Eat immediately or display briefly before someone sneaks a bite.
🛒 Pro Tip: Keep extra marshmallows on hand — half will be eaten before the snowman is done.
Time Needed: Approx. 5 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
10. Paper Bag Reindeer Puppet
Turn a plain paper bag into a reindeer puppet that’s perfect for storytelling and pretend play. This is one of those no mess winter crafts for toddlers that keeps the chaos to a minimum.
What You’ll Need:
- Brown paper bag
- Construction paper (brown, red)
- Googly eyes
- Glue stick
- Markers
How to Make:
Glue a red circle (nose) onto the bottom flap of the bag. Add googly eyes above it. Cut and glue brown antlers and ears onto the top. Let your toddler use it as a puppet.
🛒 Pro Tip: A pack of googly eyes is a craft essential — they make everything cuter.
Time Needed: Approx. 15 min
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
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11. Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough is the MVP of winter fine motor activities for toddlers. It’s homemade, cheap, and turns into keepsake-worthy ornaments.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup water
- Cookie cutters (snowflakes, trees, stars)
- String
How to Make:
Mix flour, salt, and water into a dough. Roll out and let your toddler cut shapes with cookie cutters. Poke a hole at the top for string. Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours. Paint once cool.
🛒 Pro Tip: Winter-themed cookie cutters make this even more fun.
Time Needed: Approx. 3 hours (mostly baking)
Difficulty: Moderate ⭐⭐
Eco Note: All-natural and homemade.
If you’re hunting for more creative projects to brighten up your space, check out our guide to creative garden decorating ideas for outdoor inspiration. And if you’re into handmade gifts, our post on crochet gifts for men has some seriously thoughtful ideas. Plus, if you’re looking to spruce up your workspace while the kids craft, don’t miss our office decor ideas for dream workspace.
12. Ice Cube Painting
This one’s part craft, part science experiment. Freeze paint in ice cube trays and let your toddler “paint” as they melt. It’s a cool twist on snow day activities for toddlers.
What You’ll Need:
- Ice cube tray
- Washable paint
- Popsicle sticks
- White paper
How to Make:
Mix paint with water, pour into ice cube trays, and insert popsicle sticks. Freeze overnight. Let your toddler drag the frozen paint cubes across paper as they melt.
🛒 Pro Tip: Use washable paint to save yourself a cleanup headache.
Time Needed: Approx. 10 min (plus freezing time)
Difficulty: Easy ⭐
Grab Your Glue Gun and Get Crafting
There you have it — 12 easy winter crafts for toddlers that require nothing more than what’s already in your home. Whether you’re tackling a snow day or just need a rainy afternoon project, these winter break crafts for toddlers are quick, fun, and mess-friendly (mostly). So grab your supplies, crank up a playlist, and let the creativity flow. Because honestly, creativity looks good on you ✨.
FAQs
What are easy DIY winter crafts for toddlers?
Easy winter crafts for toddlers include cotton ball snowmen, paper plate penguins, handprint cards, and popsicle stick snowflakes. These projects use household items and are perfect for little hands.
What household items can I use for winter crafts?
Paper plates, toilet paper rolls, cotton balls, popsicle sticks, coffee filters, and paper bags are all great for winter crafts. You probably have most of these in your recycling bin or pantry.
Are winter crafts for toddlers messy?
Most of these crafts are low-mess, especially if you use washable paint and glue sticks. Prepping with a plastic tablecloth or old newspaper helps too.
What are good indoor winter activities for toddlers?
Crafting, sensory play, baking, building forts, and reading books are all great indoor winter activities. The crafts listed here double as both entertainment and keepsakes.
Can 2-year-olds do winter crafts?
Absolutely! Choose simpler projects like handprint snowmen, cotton ball crafts, or marshmallow snowmen. Just be ready to help with the gluing and keep materials non-toxic.
