Christmas crafts you can do with the kids - on a budget!

December is my cue to slow down, crank up the Christmas tunes, and dive into cosy craft time with the kids. And the best part? You don’t need fancy supplies or a big budget. Most of these ideas use things already lurking in your cupboards - or a couple of low-cost extras for next week’s shop.

Here are our favourite cheap-and-cheerful Christmas crafts to try this year:

1.Decorate gingerbread men or houses

Nothing says Christmas quite like gingerbread. You can grab a ready-made kit or bake your own simple batch, then let the kids loose with icing, sprinkles, and sweets. We’ve even had competitions to see who can make the funniest one (spoiler alert: the wonky ones always win!)

Budget tip: Pound shops and supermarkets usually sell decorating kits for just a couple of quid.

2. Hot chocolate reindeer bags (or jars)

These are adorable and make lovely little gifts for teachers or grandparents. Simply fill a piping bag (or jar) with hot chocolate mix, mini marshmallows, and a few chocolate chips. Add googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose for Rudolph if you’re doing the bags!

Budget tip: You can make four or five reindeer bags from one big tub of cocoa - it works out far cheaper than buying ready-made ones.

3. Marshmallow Snowmen

Stack three marshmallows on a skewer, draw faces with melted chocolate or icing, and pop them in hot chocolate or wrap them up as sweet little treats.

Budget tip: Use what you already have for decorating - chocolate spread, raisins, or sprinkles all work perfectly.

4. Homemade chocolate truffles

These sound fancy, but they’re actually really easy! Melt chocolate into some of these fancy (but cheap moulds from Amazon)! Leave to set and pop into some clear bags!

Budget tip: Cheap chocolate works great for this as it’s melted down and remoulded anyway so no one will notice and you get to save a little extra!

5. Magazine collage Christmas trees or wreaths

Cut up old magazines or wrapping paper and use the colourful pages to make collage trees or wreaths. It’s a great way to reuse materials and keep little hands busy cutting and sticking.

Budget tip: around this time of year lots of the supermarkets are handing out free gift guide magazines if you don’t have any lying around the house!

6. Snowman slime

If you’ve got slime lovers in your house, this one’s a hit. Mix PVA glue, a pinch of baking soda, a few drops of contact lens solution, and some white glitter. Squish, stretch, and giggle- instant Christmas fun!

Budget tip: Use ingredients you already have from school supplies - no need for expensive kits.

7. Lollipop stick Christmas trees or stars

Paint some lollipop sticks, glue them into a tree or star shape, and decorate with buttons, beads, or scraps of paper. Add a bit of string and hang them on the tree!

Budget tip: Save lollipop sticks throughout the year (or buy a big pack for under £2 - they last ages).

8. Candy cane reindeer

Wrap pipe cleaners around the top of a candy cane to make antlers, stick on googly eyes, and add a red pom-pom nose. They’re perfect for popping into stockings or attaching to presents.

Budget tip: Buy a multi-pack of candy canes and craft a whole herd of reindeer to distribute out!

9. Homemade Christmas cards

Get out the stickers, glitter, and felt tips and the kids can design cards for grandparents, friends, and teachers. It’s thoughtful, creative, and way cheaper than shop-bought ones.

Budget tip: Cut old Christmas cards into shapes or use leftover wrapping paper for decorations.

10. Salt dough ornaments

Mix 250g plain flour, 125g table salt and 125ml warm water (add a bit more if needed), to make your own ornament dough. Roll it out, cut festive shapes with cookie cutters, and bake on a low heat. Once cool, paint and decorate!

11. Handprint or footprint reindeer

A brilliant keepsake idea for younger ones. Trace around your child’s hand or foot on brown paper, cut it out, and decorate it as a reindeer with eyes and a red nose. Frame it or pop it in a scrapbook for future Christmases.

12. Paper chain garlands

You can’t beat a good old-fashioned paper chain! Cut colourful strips of paper, loop them together, and hang them around the room. It’s simple, classic, and looks so cheerful. I did this as a child so it brings so much nostalgia back.

Budget tip: Use scrap paper, old colouring sheets, or leftover wrapping paper - it all works!

Christmas crafting doesn’t need to cost much at all. Most of these ideas use things you already have lying around the house- and that’s the joy of it. The kids will love the hands-on fun, and you’ll love knowing you’re making memories (and keeping them entertained without breaking the bank!).

So pop the kettle on, stick on Elf, and spend an afternoon getting crafty together. Because sometimes, the best Christmas gifts aren’t the ones under the tree- they’re the ones covered in glitter and giggles.

Comment below what your favourite Christmas craft is!