Christmas is less than two weeks away… How exciting! Do you have any fun festive plans for the holidays?

We’re big lovers of arts, crafts and sensory play! It’s relatively inexpensive, promises hours of engagement, promotes hands-on learning and it’s just a fabulous excuse to spend even more time with your lovely children.

The parents over in our blogging community have been very forthcoming with ideas to help inspire our fantastic followers, and I’ve also spent some time with my three year old son, Max, crafting and baking up a storm! Together, we’ve put together this handy collaborative guide to help you through the Christmas holidays.

Have fun!

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Rudolph Wall Art

The marvellous Xiao Yun Chen has shared her spectacular Rudolph wall art idea with us, and we LOVE it!

All you’ll need is…

• Large cardboard pieces
• Pencil
• Penknife/scissors
• Black and white permanent markers
• Toddler’s red washable marker/crayon
• Masking tape
• 3M wall mounting tape

It’s relatively uncomplicated, with absolutely amazing results that are sure to elicit admiration from your festive guests! You can find the full tutorial here.

DIY Christmas Themed Shape Sorter

Xiao Yun Chen has also very helpfully shared her DIY Christmas themed shape sorter tutorial with us – this is a great simple sensory activity to enjoy over the festive period.

All you’ll need is…

• A medium-sized cardboard box
• Pencil
• Wooden blocks in myriad shapes (I use Melissa & Doug’s Wooden Building Blocks)
• Penknife
• Art materials for decoration

Find the full tutorial here!

Natural Christmas Tree Decorations

The Natural Classroom has very kindly let us share their fabulous natural take on Christmas crafting; aren’t these natural tree decorations beautiful? It’s so easy to get hold of twigs, and it’ll be really fun to take your little one to the local woods to gather materials. Follow them here, and see the tutorial below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Zz89MBJyq/

Reindeer Small World Play

We also love this reindeer small world play sensory activity by The Natural Classroom – it’s so clever, and intended to promote imaginative, open ended play. You can buy reindeer figures at so many shops, and we love the use of cotton wool buds as snow.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5SNMxpB7qR/

Christmas Recycled Planters Craft

Thank you to Hello Wonderful for sharing this brilliant idea with us – find the tutorial here, and follow on Instagram here!

Rainbow Pasta Christmas Tree Craft

Another marvellous creation by Hello Wonderful, we’re in love with this idea. Pasta is cheap and probably stashed in your cupboard, and the results are so gorgeous. Find the tutorial here!

Festive Lollipop Stick Art

Make Merry and Create have shared their wonderful festive craft ideas with us. How wonderful is this lollipop stick art? See the full tutorial below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5tECoQhzHN/

Lollipop Stick Angels

Another beautiful craft idea from Make Merry and Create, we think that your children will love making these! See the full tutorial below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5k7BlThQOB/

Salt Dough

Salt dough is another simple yet versatile Christmas craft idea that you can enjoy with your kids! All you’ll need is…

• 1 cupful of plain flour (about 250g)
• half a cupful of table salt (about 125g)
• half a cupful of water (about 125ml)

This BBC tutorial is one of the best we’ve seen – you can make any shapes that you like, and once baked they can be decorated with any colours and materials that your child likes too! Read it here. You could also follow this Youtube tutorial… How gorgeous are these?!

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Do you enjoy arts and crafts with your little one, and perhaps want to share your own ideas with us?

Email in to [email protected] for guest blogging information!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this guide – we really appreciate it.

Love from Katie & Team BBY. Xx