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Christmas crafts for teachers and parents

Blog
The YPO Team
05 Dec 2025

There’s something special about gifting a personalised present at Christmas. And when little hands create DIY gifts, it’s definitely a tear-jerking moment. So whether you’re a teacher looking for an art activity that doubles up as the perfect gift for their family or a parent who wants to treat their teacher to a homemade creation, nothing says thank you like one of our top Christmas crafts.

1. Christmas cards

A painted Christmas card made by little artists tops a supermarket buy. Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest ones - mini Picasso’s can try painting bauble circles, triangle Christmas trees and snowy mountains for their loved ones, with a range of decorations to complete the look. Just think about their parent or teacher’s reaction when they see it - priceless.

Christmas crafts - first blog image

What you’ll need:

306900 - Card Making Pack
307404 - Christmas Paint Set
759031 - Flower Palette - 2 Pack
731447 - Short Handle Paint Brushes
735100 - Colouring Pencils - 12 Pack
75126X - Broad Tip Colouring Pens - 25 Pack
307411 - Metallic Paint Sticks – 12 Pack
114847 - Mosaic Paper Pieces
108200 - Glitter Mosaic Shapes
308705 - Collage Craft Kit

Top tip:

Print out some patterns for your pupils to copy - that way they can keep track of their design and replicate the colour palette.

2. Fridge magnets

The best gifts to friends and family? Something they’ll actually use. Cue our favourite fridge magnet set, which children can decorate for their teacher, family or friends. Simply stick a polaroid picture behind the frame for a super-cute reminder of how much they mean to you. Then let the decoration begin - we love drawing designs with coloured pens, glitter mosaics, stick on gems and glitter. Want to level up your fridge magnet? Give it a fun pom pom makeover.

Christmas crafts - second blog image

What you’ll need:

332090 - Magnetic Frame
75126X - Broad Tip Colouring Pens - 25 Pack
301691 - Adhesive Gemstone Sequins
108200 - Glitter Mosaic Shapes
308705 - Collage Craft Kit

Top tip:

If they’ve decorated their magnet with colouring pens, let it dry before popping it into a Christmas card or wrapping it up - this may take about 10-15 minutes.

3. Christmas Tree Box

Planning a Christmas themed art session at school? Opt for these Christmas tree boxes, which come in a pack of 30. A great way for children to exercise their creative freedom, they just need to fold the tree’s edges and corners and stick each tab together (younger years may need a helping hand with this part). By the way, this works just as well as an after school club activity.

Christmas crafts - third blog image

What you’ll need:

135103 - Make a Christmas Tree Box Activity
75126X - Broad Tip Colouring Pens - 25 Pack
308705 - Collage Craft Kit
307404 - Christmas Paint Set
759031 - Flower Palette - 2 Pack
731447 - Short Handle Paint Brushes

Top tips:

Remember to fold these as the instructions say, otherwise the overall shape will look loose.

4. Wooden tree decorations

Get ready to personalise festive wooden ornaments that are thoughtful and unique (oh and they look divine when placed on a Christmas tree). Already designed in a santa, star, snowman, bell, reindeer and tree shape, all little artists need to do is colour in and add the final touches. This gift also works as a Christmas tree ornament, adding a festive and personal touch.

Christmas crafts - fourth blog image

What you’ll need:

759031 - Flower Palette - 2 Pack
307404 - Christmas Paint Set
735100 - Colouring Pencils
108200 - Glitter Mosaic Shapes
308705 - Collage Craft Kit

Top tip:

Try to colour these in with pencils as opposed to pens. The ornaments are on the smaller side, so using pens may leave some prints on their hands.

5. Christmas lantern

This super-sweet Christmas activity involves choosing a paper lantern (there’s a whole choice of colours), folding it into place, sticking down the side, tying up the top string, gluing on the candle cut outs and decorating to their heart’s content. Bonus, the string makes it perfect as a Christmas tree decoration.

Christmas crafts - fifth blog image

What you’ll need:

130745 - Candle Lantern Activity Kit
308705 - Collage Craft Kit
759031 - Flower Palette - 2 Pack
307404 - Christmas Paint Set
735100 - Colouring Pencils

Top tips:

Prepare to get glue on your hands here - sticking in the candles is a fun challenge. We say the messier the hands, the better!

Explore our extensive range of festive craft resources and products here, bringing all your creative projects and ideas to life. From messy play trays to glittery accessories, we’ve got everything you need to spread joy this Christmas season. Make this Christmas extra special with festive tools and inspiration.

Author

The YPO Team

YPO supplies products and services to a wide range of customers including schools, local authorities, charities, emergency services, public sector and other businesses such as nurseries and care homes. YPO are 100% publicly owned, by 13 local authorities, which means the profits made are returned to public sector customers, delivering even better value for money.