The holiday season is the perfect time to get crafty and creative, however, it can be hard to realise what to do that will engage teens and older children. So we have some great ideas and easy Christmas crafts and you are sure to find something that will inspire even the grouchiest grinch this season. From unique Christmas decor to DIY Christmas gifts, there are endless ways to spread holiday cheer and show off their creativity.
In this post, we’ve rounded up 15 fun and teen-friendly Christmas DIY projects that are easy to make, budget-friendly, and bring festive vibes to your home or as gifts for friends and family. I tried not to go with the obvious ideas such as gingerbread house decorating, making Christmas cookies or Christmas cards!
So, gather your supplies and let’s dive into these exciting holiday DIYs this festive season.
1. DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments
Add a personal touch to your Christmas tree with DIY ornaments! Microwave-drying clay and cookie cutters are a great start. Add some paint pens, glitter and glue and then just go and have fun.
- Supplies: Microwave drying clay, paint pens, glitter, small trinkets.
2. Ugly Christmas Sweater Decorating
The ugly Christmas sweater trend is a hit, and now you can make your own! Grab a plain sweater (get everyone to go thrifting and bring one of their own) and go wild with festive decorations like felt, pom-poms, tinsel, and fabric paint. The best part? The uglier, the better!
- Supplies: Plain sweater, fabric glue, various decorations (felt, tinsel, buttons, patches).
3. Mason Jar Snow Globes
Snow globes are always a magical winter decoration, and making your own is easier than you think! Use mason jars to create mini snow scenes with figurines, glitter, and water. They’re perfect as gifts or to brighten up your room. We made snow globe candle toppers inspired by Anthropology last year.
- Supplies: Mason jars, glitter, glycerin, mini trees or figurines, glue.
4. Christmas Light-Up Canvas Art
Brighten up your holiday decor with light-up canvas art! Paint a festive scene on a blank canvas (like a Christmas tree or snowflakes), then poke holes through the design to push string lights through for a glowing masterpiece.
- Supplies: Canvas, paint, string lights, craft knife.
5. Handmade Holiday Candles
DIY candles make for amazing gifts, and they’re fun to create! Melt down wax, add your favorite holiday scents (like peppermint or cinnamon), and use fun holiday-themed molds to make custom candles. I adore these ones made in a mug.
- Supplies: Candle wax, wicks, essential oils, candle molds, dyes.
6. DIY Hot Cocoa Jars
Create the perfect gift with DIY hot cocoa jars. Layer hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, and chocolate chips in mason jars, then decorate the jars with festive ribbons and tags. It’s a delicious and thoughtful present!
- Supplies: Mason jars, hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, ribbon.
7. Festive Phone Case Decorating
Give your phone a holiday makeover by decorating a plain phone case! Use paint pens, stickers, or rhinestones to add holiday designs like snowflakes, reindeer, or Christmas trees. These also make great personalized gifts for friends.
- Supplies: Plain phone case, paint pens, stickers, rhinestones.
8. Christmas Sock Gnomes
These adorable sock gnomes are super easy to make and can be used as cute decorations or gifts. Fill socks with rice or stuffing, then add a felt hat, nose, and beard for a festive gnome that adds charm to any holiday setup.
- Supplies: Socks, rice or stuffing, felt, glue, beads for noses.
9. DIY Holiday Wreaths
Design your own Christmas wreath using items like pinecones, fake holly, ribbons, and mini ornaments. You can hang it on your door or gift it to someone as a thoughtful, handmade decoration.
- Supplies: Wreath base, pinecones, ribbon, mini ornaments, glue.
10. Christmas Countdown Calendars
Advent calendars are always a holiday favorite. Create your own by using small envelopes or bags for each day leading up to Christmas. Fill them with tiny treats or notes to make the countdown even more exciting!
- Supplies: Envelopes, mini bags, twine, mini clothespins, small treats.
11. Holiday Nail Art
Get into the holiday spirit with DIY nail art! Use nail polish to create fun holiday designs like candy canes, Christmas trees, or snowflakes. Add glitter or nail stickers to make your nails extra festive.
- Supplies: Nail polish, nail art tools, stickers, glitter.
12. DIY Holiday Scrunchies
Scrunchies are making a major comeback, and holiday-themed ones are perfect for the season! Sew your own scrunchies using festive fabrics like velvet or Christmas patterns and give them as gifts or keep them for yourself.
- Supplies: Fabric, elastic, sewing kit.
13. Christmas Photo Booth Props
Hosting a holiday party? Make your own photo booth props with cardstock and fun designs like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and elf ears. Attach them to craft sticks for easy holding and watch your party photos come to life!
- Supplies: Cardstock, glue, craft sticks, markers, glitter.
14. Personalized Christmas Stockings
Make your own custom stockings by decorating plain ones with fabric paint, iron-on patches, or embroidery. Whether it’s for yourself or as a gift, personalized stockings are a fun and festive addition to any home.
- Supplies: Plain stockings, fabric paint, patches, glitter glue.
15. Holiday Bath Bombs
For a relaxing DIY project, make holiday-themed bath bombs! You can shape them into festive figures like snowmen or trees and add holiday scents like peppermint or cinnamon. These make excellent stocking stuffers!
- Supplies: Baking soda, citric acid, essential oils, bath bomb molds.
Conclusion
With these 15 Christmas DIYs, perfect for making with older kids and teenagers you can easily add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations and gift-giving. From creating your decorations to making thoughtful presents for friends and family, there’s something on this list for every one to enjoy. So gather your supplies, get creative, and make this holiday season even more festive with these fun Christmas craft ideas and craft projects!
Happy crafting and Merry Christmas! 🎄
