5 books full to the brim with Christmas craft projects for kids.

List by Tosca

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."
- Roy L. Smith

As a kid, my mum always had a roll of butcher paper, a container of crayons, colouring pencils, felts, various craft supplies and books full of craft ideas for all sorts of occasions. She would often tell us they were for rainy day activities and, seeing as how we lived in Wellington, there was certainly no shortage of those. Mum has always preferred homemade presents over store bought ones and, over the years, it's something I've been a bit wary about. I find it easier to to buy something than agonise over making something. Weirdly now, as an adult (or a pseudo-adult, anyway), I've found that it's something I'd like to go back to. So for those of you with children (sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren) who're hoping to find some craft ideas to work on, look no further: 5 books full to the brim with Christmas craft projects for kids! (Although we do have screeds more titles if you need more ideas - I'm never sure in this instance whether 'less is more' or not).



123 Christmas / words and recipes by Jocelyn Miller ; photography by John Williams ; illustration by Richard Deverell
Decorations, gifts, greetings cards, thank you notes...Whether you like to snip or stick or stitch or stir, this book is a cornucopia of quick and clever things to make at Christmas. Each of these 16 crafts can be achieved in just 1 2 3 steps, with each step explained in easy-to-follow diagrams. Crafts include: Christmas angels, jolly holly vases, cards to keep, brilliant bags, surprise cracker gifts, simple stockings, Christmas pudding truffles, pyramid boxes, snowball cakes, a note of thanks and peppermint creams. Ages 8+

The good green Christmas / words and crafts by Christina Goodings ; photographs by John Williams ; illustration by Adrian Barcla
Reduce, reuse, recycle! This craft activity book contains clear illustrated step-by-step guides for making a whole range of Christmas crafts and decorations, encouraging children to think about ways to celebrate the season without squandering resources or adding to landfill. Cards, decorations, gifts, giftwrap - all these can be produced simply, stylishly, and recyclably - often with reused, reusable or natural materials. Ages 9+

Big fun Christmas crafts & activities : over 200 quick & easy activities for holiday fun! / by Judy Press ; illustrated by Sarah Cole
For ages 3-7. Little hands will flourish as the author shows that creative expression, learning fun and respect for others can be the themes of engaging Christmas activities. Acts of Kindness encourage kids to do what comes naturally -- giving, caring and thinking of others at this special time of year. Quick and Easy sections provide simpler yet similar activities and crafts for younger children to do in shorter timer periods. Other sections include Waiting Games, Activities and Games Range, Light up the Night.

Christmas crafts from around the world / written by Judy Ann Sadler ; illustrated by June Bradford
Presents traditional Christmas customs, crafts, and recipes from various countries around the world. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.

Reviewer comment:

"A worthy addition to holiday craft collections." (School Library Journal)

"Though the projects have child-appeal, the instructions lack detail, supplies are not always well defined (dowel, skein), and the illustrations would be more helpful if they included labels" (The Horn Book)

"The tone is enthusiastic, and the attractive design, with an illustrated double-page spread for each project, will invite kids to give it a try. Another successful entry in the stellar Kids Can Do It series." (Booklist)

Fun-to-make crafts for Christmas / Tom Daning
From homemade ornaments to special Christmas gifts, this book has plenty of fun projects to make the holidays festive.

Reviewer comment:

"...the variety of projects, necessary materials, and skill levels will make these useful" (The Horn Book)

"Only a few of the projects have simple instructional sketches, and since the photograph of each project shows only the end result, some kids may not be able to visualize how to achieve the cute doily snowflakes or tissue Christmas tree..." (Booklist)