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Put on your favourite seasonal music and have a dance

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Put on your favourite seasonal music and have a dance

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Top 100 Christmas Songs of All Time 🎄 3 Hour Christmas Music Playlist

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Make a time-lapse video while you decorate your house (don’t forget the lights!)

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Make a time-lapse video while you decorate your house (don’t forget the lights!)

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Smartphone Photography – How to shoot time lapse 📱 DIY in 5 Ep. 24

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Video call your family or friends and show off your favourite silly hat

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Video call your family or friends and show off your favourite silly hat

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Watch a favourite seasonal film together with blankets and snacks

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Watch a favourite seasonal film together with blankets and snacks

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Popcorn in a microwave without any fat or sugar! Choose your favourite toppings for a low-calorie snack.

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Our decadent chocolate bark makes a perfect edible gift or Christmas treat. Swirl white, milk and dark chocolate with nuts and fruit for a moreish snack.

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Melt the remaining 50g white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the base of the bowl
doesn't touch the water. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the crispy cakes and sprinkle over the mini marshmallows, if using. Leave to set, then cut into 12 squares. Cut the squares in half diagonally to serve. Will keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

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Make these marshmallow crispy cakes for the family. Deliciously chewy and crisp, they're a lovely teatime treat and kids will enjoy helping to make them

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Spoon a little icing onto each cookie and attach half a marshmallow. Using a little icing, stick the other half on top at an angle. Drizzle a little more icing onto the cookie to make melting snow.

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Get little ones in the kitchen to assemble these cute festive biscuits - sticky fun for a wintry afternoon.

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Snowman Drive

Our snowman drive is a special festive version of our beetle drive game. Perfect to play as a class during the run up to Christmas. It also helps with counting skills when children add up their scores.

Don't miss the rest of our Christmas content.
Print Snowman Drive

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Our snowman drive is a special festive version of our beetle drive game. Perfect to play as a class during the run up to Christmas. It also helps with counting skills when children add up their scores.

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Make hot chocolate reindeer cones for your family and friends

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Make hot chocolate reindeer cones for your family and friends

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Have fun making these simple reindeer hot chocolate cones, filled with sweet festive goodies and decorated to look like Rudolph. They're easy enough for the kids to make themselves, and use storecupboard ingredients with just a handful of crafty bits and pieces. Give them as a gift and your recipient can turn them into a comforting mug of hot chocolate. The cellophane piping bags can be found in the baking aisle or in craft supply stores - just be sure to wash and re-use them afterwards.

Makes 1 hot chocolate cone (serves 4)

You will need
Small transparent piping bag
300g cocoa or drinking chocolate
50g milk chocolate chips
85g mini white marshmallows
Small elastic band or clear hair tie
Brown pipe cleaner
Glue
Googly eyes
Red pom-pom
Method
1. Open up the piping bag and carefully, using a large spoon, place the cocoa inside the bag until about two-thirds full. Be careful not to let too much cocoa touch the top of the bag.

2. Next, add a layer of milk chocolate chips then a layer of mini marshmallows on top. Twist the bag to close and seal with an elastic band

3. Wrap the pipe cleaner around the top of the bag to secure, then shape the ends into antlers.

4. Glue on two googly eyes in the centre and a red pom-pom on the end for the nose. Allow these to dry, then you're ready to give your hot chocolate cones as presents.

Top tips

* To make hot chocolate for 4 people, untie the bag and divide the marshmallows and chocolate drops between four mugs. Spoon in the cocoa powder. Heat approximately 1 litre of milk, then slowly mix the warm milk into the cocoa. Top with extra marshmallows.

* You can re-use the cellophane piping bags. Simply wash them out once you've used the filling, allow to dry and use them again.

* Customise your hot chocolate cones by adding ribbon and writing a tag for the recipient, if giving as a gift.
Let us know in the comments below what you think of our reindeer hot chocolate cones!
Looking for more Christmas craft inspiration? Try these fun ideas:
How to make a snow globe
Snow globe hot chocolate
Peppermint hot chocolate
DIY chocolate stirrers
Deluxe hot chocolate with marshmallows How to make fake snow
Salt dough Christmas decorations
Indoor activities for kids
Or try these delicious hot chocolate recipes:

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Make these reindeer hot chocolate cones as a quick and easy present for friends, family and teachers at Christmas - kids will love decorating the faces!

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Do a reverse advent calendar and give the items to a local foodbank

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Do a reverse advent calendar and give the items to a local foodbank

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Advent calendars are a much-loved tradition in the run up to Christmas but the reverse advent calendar is becoming increasingly popular - especially during the cost of living crisis.

And they are a great way to start teaching children about social responsibilty and getting them to think of others.

What is a reverse advent calendar?

Traditionally, advent calendars are used to count down the days of Advent in the run up to Christmas. The first day of advent falls between 27 November and 3 December, but most calendars start on 1 December and run until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Most calendars comprised a series of doors or windows to open, revealing a picture, small chocolate or little gift for each day.

But the reverse advent calendar turns this trend on its head. Instead of receiving a gift, those taking part in a reverse calendar DONATE an item each day.

At the end of advent, the calendar will result in a collection of 24 goods that can be dropped off at a local food bank, shelter or other good cause in time for Christmas.

Choosing a good cause

The Trussell Trust, which supports a network of 1,200 foodbanks, is currently seeing unprecented demand for its services.

This winter will also be exceptionally busy for many other organisations, including women's shelters, baby banks, homeless shelters and even animal shelters.

The cause you choose to support is up to you and your family.

If you are looking for a local good cause to support the Trussell Trust's website allows you to search by postcode to find your nearest foodbank, along with their opening hours and contact details.

Check first your donations will be welcome

Before you start, make sure you get in touch with your chosen charity to check that they are happy to accept your donations.

They will be able to give you instructions for how to drop your completed calendar off and the type of items they can accept as donations.

They may have a wish list of items they are in particular need of at the moment or a list of things that they will always need.

Depending on their opening hours over the winter period, you may need to start your advent early so that it is ready in time to donate to your chosen cause before the end of the year.

If you are running late, as long as you haven't collected any perishable items you may be able to drop off your calendar in the new year, as most charities will be in need of donations year-round.

Start collecting

If your chosen charity has given you a wishlist of item or other instructions, show your children and talk to them about it.

Then you'll need a bit of space to collect all your donated items ready to go to the charity.

A spare shelf or a couple of large boxes could work well - just make sure babies or very young children can't reach it and tamper with the items.

You could decorate the box with wrapping paper or ask your children to create their own design - perhaps add numbers to count down to the end of advent, when your calendar will be complete.

Popular items to donate

The items you collect will of course depend on the good cause you have chosen and what they have asked for.

As a general rule it's best to choose non-perishable items with a long use-by date for food banks and they will not accept any expired or opened products.

Personal care items such as soaps, deodorants and feminine products are also usually welcome. As well as the usual dried pasta and tins of food, try to also include long-life milks, coffee, tea and fruit juices, which don't get donated as often.

Remember free-from products for those with allergies will also be welcome.

Donations don't always have to be bought. Some charities may accept second-hand items if they are still in good condition - just be sure to check with your chosen good cause before you start collecting.

Items including toys, clothes and blankets may be accepted, depending on the charity you have chosen.

Once your collection is complete, all you need to do is drop off your 24 donated items as arranged with your chosen charity.

The reverse advent calendar is a good way to teach young children about social responsibility and thinking about the festive season as a time of giving - not just receiving.

Happy collecting!
This article first appeared in Under 5 magazine.
Where next?
Teaching children kindness Why hugs and kisses help your child thrive 6 ways to help your child develop a growth mindset

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What is a reverse advent calendar and how do I make one?

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What is a reverse advent calendar? The reverse advent calendar turns this expensive trend on its head. Instead of receiving a gift, those taking part in a reverse calendar donate an item each day.

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Donate good quality items to a charity shop

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Donate good quality items to a charity shop

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Do something kind and thoughtful for a neighbour

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Do something kind and thoughtful for a neighbour

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Kids may be little, but they can make a big difference in the world by performing these simple acts of kindness.

Random acts of kindness may sound simple, but they're almost a revolutionary act in our world. Showing kindness requires courage, honesty, and thinking outside the box. It's so worth it, though, to see the look of appreciation and delight on the recipient's face. These small acts of service and random acts of kindness for kids can make a huge difference, for both the giver and the receiver. And that's true whether you're nine or 99.

Children are naturals when it comes to performing little acts of kindness. In fact, many of us adults take our cues from them! But sometimes kids need a little extra nudge to think about others. Whether it's showing kindness to their families, friends, communities, animals, or the planet, we've got thoughtful ideas for kindhearted kiddos of every age. We've also got plenty of kindness memes and kindness quotes to put you in the right frame of mind.

Random acts of kindness for family

Send a get-well card

Have your child make and send a get-well card to a loved one who isn't feeling well, or make a batch to drop off at the local hospital. Little artists will particularly love doing this one! Check out these sweet get well wishes you can add onto a message or a card for a loved one.

Text someone a funny meme

Are you always telling your kid to get off their phone? Put their love of tech to good use by having them text a funny meme to a family member. (Just make sure it's appropriate!) It's a quick way to put a smile on someone's face.

Give someone a compliment

Learning how to give a kind, sincere compliment is a skill-and now is the perfect time for your child to practice. Start with one of these little compliments you should be giving every day.

Do a chore for a sibling

Kids doing a small chore for a brother or sister is an easy way to show kindness, particularly if they are having a bad day. It can also increase that loving sibling bond.

Fly View Productions/Getty Images

FaceTime a grandparent

Nothing cheers up a grandparent like seeing the sweet face of their grandchild. Littles already love calling, but it may feel even more meaningful coming from an older child or teen.

Walk the dog

If you have a dog, encourage your child to take it on walks. If you don't own one, offer to walk the dog of an elderly relative, a disabled neighbor, or a friend who's out of town.

Make a family member's bed

Making someone's bed is a small kindness that can make a big difference in their day. Kids can add a note or small piece of candy on the pillow to make it extra special.

gradyreese/Getty Images

Read a book to a sibling

The "reader" will love being able to share a favorite book, and the listener will enjoy the attention along with the story. Parents will love that it helps kids practice their reading skills.

Put away groceries

Children of all ages can learn about household management and show kindness to their parents by helping to shop for groceries, bring them in from the car, and put them away properly.

Offer to be a "mother's helper" for an hour

Many kids love to help but aren't old enough to babysit on their own. One solution is to allow your child to volunteer as a mother's (or father's) helper for you or a close loved one. The adult is still present, but the child can do small chores and play with younger children to help keep them busy.

Yuji Arikawa/Getty Images

Give a hug to Mom or Dad

A hug from your child is the ultimate kindness! It shows they are thinking about you and they love you.

Organize the plastic containers

Is your Tupperware cabinet a mess? Even very young children enjoy stacking containers and matching things by size and shape. Older kids love organizing things, especially when they get to do it their way, so encourage creativity.

Refill the pet's water dish

Another way to show kindness and love to animals is to make sure their needs are met. They can't speak for themselves, so teach your child to regularly check your pet's food and water bowls-or maybe even clean out the litter box!

BFG Images/Getty Images

Play a board game with a sibling or grandparent

Kids love to play all sorts of games, like board games, card games, and even brain-boosting games. Use this natural desire for fun and have them reach out to a sibling, a grandparent, or anyone else who could use some extra love.

Post a picture of something they are grateful for

Kids can show gratitude for their blessings and kindness to others by taking a picture of something beautiful or happy in their lives and either posting it to social media or texting it to a loved one.

Help cook dinner

Children of all ages love helping out in the kitchen. Let them plan and cook a simple age-appropriate meal or work alongside you. As their skills and confidence grow, so will their ability to provide this kindness in the future.

Random acts of kindness for friends

Write to a pen pal

Writing via paper or electronically to a pen pal in another place is a great way for kids to learn social skills, learn about other cultures, and practice writing. Talk to your child's teacher or a local community center, or participate in the Flat Stanley project.

Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images

Make a friendship bracelet

Do a kindness craft with letter beads, spelling out a sweet message like "I love you," "Best friend," or "Peace." Kids can make a bracelet to wear and one to share with a new friend or a family member.

Leave five kind comments on social media

Everyone loves getting happy messages on social media, so this is an easy random act of kindness for kids to try. Older kids with social media accounts can like and leave a positive, supportive comment on a friend or family member's post. Encourage them to reach outside of their normal circle (safely) to include others who may be feeling ignored or left out. As always, monitor your children's social media activity closely.

Make a friend laugh

Kids can spread joy to their friends by telling a funny joke or sharing a hilarious pun. Let the laughter commence!

Share toys

Sharing is caring, after all! Encourage your kids to share toys with their friends so everyone can join in on the fun.

Pick a dandelion for a friend

This small but sweet gesture allows kids share something special with their friends. If they don't want to pick a dandelion, they can always give their friends other types of flowers.

Pay for a friend's school lunch

If you can swing it, give your child extra money one day to pay for a friend's school lunch. You never know what another family is going through (financial hardship, a sick family member, etc.), so your child's kind deed could make a big difference.

Help with homework

Everyone needs help with their homework once in a while. If your child excels in a subject, have them help one of their friends who may be struggling in that same subject.

Rebecca Nelson/Getty Images

Give a friend a high five

This act of kindness encourages your child to celebrate their friends' accomplishments. Who doesn't love getting a high five after a job well done?

Write a friendship poem

Words are powerful, especially in poetry. Your child can write a poem to a friend to express how much they value their friendship. It's a creative act of kindness that's sure to inspire some smiles.

Help a friend with a project

Is your child's friend working on a project for school, or a special gift for a family member? If so, they can help their friend make it the best it can possibly be.

Random acts for kindness for neighbors

Make cookies for a neighbor

Kids love making and decorating cookies. Have them put a few extra on a plate to share with a neighbor or a friend. You can even add a note card with an uplifting quote.

Take a neighbor's newspaper or package up to their porch

Newspapers, packages, and other items often get left at the end of the driveway or on lawns, and that puts them at risk of getting soggy or stolen. Kids can gently move them to a safe spot on the porch.

EvgeniiAnd/Getty Images

Shovel the sidewalk

Kids in snowy climes can shovel a neighbor's driveway or sidewalk. In warmer weather, kids can rake leaves, offer to bag yard waste, or do another small outside chore that may feel hard for someone who is elderly, disabled, pregnant, or overwhelmed.

Give someone a "heart attack"

Have your child cut out paper hearts in various sizes and write sweet notes on them. Tape them to the door of someone who could use cheering up, then ring the doorbell and run.

Smile

A child's smile is one of the most precious things in the world. Teach children to do it in a safe, comfortable way, and that smile could make a person's whole day.

Make a candy poster

A piece of poster board, some markers, and a collection of candy can be turned into a thoughtful get-well, welcome-home, congratulations, or just-because message. If you have extra treats lying around, you can give them to Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages to our troops.

Take dinner to an elderly neighbor

If you end up with a little extra after dinner, have your kid box up a serving or two and take it to a neighbor who could use a hot meal but may not cook just for themselves.

Use polite manners

Kids can be more polite than we often expect them to be. Saying "please" and "thank you" to both loved ones and neighbors is a simple way to show respect and kindness to others. Other kind phrases for kids may include "I'm so sorry!" and "How can I help?" Find out the daily habits of naturally polite people.

Random acts of kindness for teachers and classmates

Help the teacher put up chairs

Teachers do so much work outside of their normal classroom hours. One way kids can say thanks is to offer to help with some of those little things. Even very young kids can help pick up trash, stack chairs, put away supplies, or whatever their teacher needs.

SDI Productions/Getty Images

Eat lunch with someone who normally eats alone

Nearly everyone has a painful memory of eating alone in the school cafeteria. Teach your child to look for those who may be left out and kindly invite them to eat with them or join them at their table.

Ask another child to play at recess

Playing Groundies or tag or make-believe is so much more fun with friends. Encourage your kiddo to pay attention to those around him or her and invite them to play too.

Have a used-sports-equipment drive

Many kids are kept out of playing sports because they can't afford the necessary equipment, while other children have garages full of old equipment they no longer use. Help your child collect and donate these items to kids in need.

Tell someone they did a great job

Learning to recognize someone else's hard work, effort, and accomplishment is a true kindness. Teach kids to see and commend others for doing good things, big or small.

SDI Productions/Getty Images

Talk to the new kid

Being the new kid in school is nerve-racking, but having a friend to show you the ropes can make things easier. Encourage kids to welcome new classmates by playing with them at recess and sitting with them during lunch (as long as the new student is OK with it, of course).

Volunteer to hand out assignments

This is a random act of kindness a teacher will surely appreciate. Kids can volunteer to help hand out classroom assignments and save their teacher a little time.

Random acts of kindness for the community

Decorate lunch bags for the food pantry

Many community kitchens and food pantries serve meals in paper bags or boxes to go. Kids can write kind messages, draw pictures (with non-toxic markers), and decorate them with stickers.

Put grocery carts back in the corral

Put some of that boundless energy to good use by having children retrieve rogue grocery carts left on sidewalks, in handicapped parking spots, or at the edges of the parking lot, and return them to the store or the cart corral.

Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

Donate old books

Have your child go through their gently loved books and choose some that they've outgrown to donate to a local library, community center, shelter, church, or school. Here are some more powerful ways to give to charity without breaking the bank.

Make a snack basket for delivery people

Online orders are way up, and delivery folks are busier than ever. Help your child choose appropriate items-think bottled water or juice, granola bars, or prepackaged goodies-and make a basket with a sign letting delivery drivers know they're welcome to take a snack for the road.

Write happy messages on sticky notes

Give your child a stack of sticky notes and some markers and let them fill the pad with happy pictures, kind messages, and compliments. Take the sticky pad with you during the day and let them put the notes where it can brighten someone's day, like on a public bathroom mirror, a shelf at the store, a car window, or a sibling's pillow.

Leave a basket of tennis balls or sticks at the dog park

Make a dog's day (and their owner's too!) by having your child collect old tennis balls or throwing sticks and placing them in a dog toy bin for everyone to enjoy.

Make cards or drawings for a retirement home

Many people in retirement homes feel isolated, and the pandemic only made that worse. Have kids draw pictures, make paintings, or write notes and deliver them to the elderly.

Give a thank-you card to a service worker

Pick a local teacher, cashier, bus driver, or other worker who helps you and your child on a regular basis and write them a sweet thank-you note. Go as simple or elaborate (glitter!) as your child likes. Hand-deliver the note for extra smiles.

Make homeless kits

Sample-sized toothpaste, shampoo, and deodorant can be put in a small Ziploc bag along with a toothbrush, comb, Band-Aids, and other sundry items. Children can help assemble these bags and hand them out to the house-less. One of the things no one tells you about being homeless is that hygiene items are worth their weight in gold.

Hang up fallen clothes at the store

Store hangers can be particularly slippery, and it's not uncommon to see a few items piled on the floor. Show kindness to tired retail workers by hanging up a few.

Donate toys to a children's hospital

Have your child pick out a few of the season's best toys and donate them to a local children's hospital. Or organize a toy drive to make a larger community contribution.

Write letters to soldiers

Kids can write letters, draw pictures, and/or make care packages for the men and women who sacrifice so much to protect us every day.

Donate old blankets to a pet shelter

Bedding that you no longer use, even if it's not in tip-top shape, can make the perfect bed for a dog or cat. Many shelters love getting donations of old blankets and towels, but always call first to make sure.

Eco-friendly random acts of kindness

Ride a bike instead of driving

Have a short errand to run? Turn it into a bike ride and show kindness to the planet by keeping the car at home. You can use it as an opportunity to discuss the importance of taking care of our environment in small but impactful ways.

Plant wildflowers

Many community gardens and nature centers offer packets of local seeds or at least suggestions of what to plant. Teach children about showing kindness to the environment through planting and nurturing wildlife.

Westend61/Getty Images

Pick up litter at a local park

Make it a game by creating a scavenger-hunt list-a soda can, a candy wrapper, a fast-food bag-and see how fast your child can find them all. Check out more ways you and your kids can help save the planet in five minutes or less.

Collect recycling and take it to a drop-off center

Kids can easily collect tin cans and plastic bottles at home or at school, then bring them to a nearby recycling center (with your help, of course).

Make a pine-cone bird feeder

This random act of kindness for kids is intended to help Mother Nature. Take a pine cone, cover it in peanut butter, roll it in birdseed, and hang it from a nearby tree. Birds will enjoy the treat, particularly in the wintertime, and you can use it to teach your kiddo about the different types of wildlife in your area.

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60 Acts of Kindness for Kids to Do to Make the World a Better Place

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Kids may be little, but they can make a big difference in the world by performing these simple acts of kindness.

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Play a board game that everyone can join in with

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Play a board game that everyone can join in with

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Snowman Drive

Our snowman drive is a special festive version of our beetle drive game. Perfect to play as a class during the run up to Christmas. It also helps with counting skills when children add up their scores.

Don't miss the rest of our Christmas content.
Print Snowman Drive

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Our snowman drive is a special festive version of our beetle drive game. Perfect to play as a class during the run up to Christmas. It also helps with counting skills when children add up their scores.

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Looking for a fun Christmas activity for your kids? Why not try setting up an Elf On The Shelf scavenger hunt! These free printable scavenger hunt clues will keep your kids entertained, plus it's super easy to set up!

If you are anything like us, Elf On The Shelf has become one of your family's holiday traditions. Every year our elf, Bo, comes to visit us for the month of December and gets into all kinds of mischief!

One of my girls' all-time favourite things he does is send them on an Elf scavenger hunt around the house. That's why I've put together this printable Elf On The Shelf scavenger hunt!

What Is An Elf On The Shelf?

If you are new to the Christmas Elf tradition, each family gets their very own scout elf who watches over them during the day and reports back to Santa Claus every night.

Some families have one elf per child too.

While each family gets to set up their own rules, often the biggest rule is that no one can touch the Elf, otherwise they will lose their magic and won't be able to return back to the North Pole.

Luckily there are plenty of ways to get the magic back if this happens. But mostly, your elf is a silent observer who gets up to so much fun around the house at night, after his human friends are all in bed asleep!

Every elf parent knows that coming up with new and fun Elf ideas each night can be exhausting during an already busy holiday season, but seeing the joy on your kids' faces in the morning makes it all worth it!

An Elf scavenger hunt can be a fun idea for an Elf on the Shelf arrival or for Christmas Eve before he or she prepares to head back to the North Pole for another year.

But really, you can do scavenger hunts anytime during December!
And I've made this extra easy for you with my free printable Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt clues! Make sure you come and join our Elfing Around Facebook group for even more ideas and inspiration!
How To Set Up An Elf On The Shelf Scavenger Hunt

I have put together two different types of Christmas scavenger hunts for you, included in my free Elf on the Shelf printables.

The first is a more traditional style scavenger hunt with rhyming clues.

You can use your clues to lead to little treats at each hiding spot, such as candy canes, chocolates, small toys such as these advent calendar fillers or perhaps even a cheeky prank left by your elf.

Or you can have one treat at the final clue instead, having your kids work their way through all the clues to get to the end.

The second type of Elf hunt in this printable set is an Elf Candy Cane scavenger hunt, which is quick and easy, with no clues required!

If you don't have a printer at home, you can easily set this fun activity up by writing on a piece of paper or a chalkboard instead and hiding candy canes around your house or yard.
Now, on to setting up the scavenger hunt!

Print off the clues and place them around your home based on the previous clue.

At each hiding spot, you can leave a little treat or just have a treat at the end.

Leave the first clue with your Elf so that when the kids find him (or her) in the morning, they can begin their exciting treasure hunt!

The kids can work their way to the next clue until they reach the last clue and find a big surprise.

Some fun surprises might be ingredients for Christmas baking, a small toy or book, or Christmas pyjamas.
Scavenger hunts are a lot of fun! Check out these Easter scavenger hunt ideas and give them a Christmas twist if you want to try something different. There are even ideas for adults!
If you are doing your treasure hunt on Christmas Eve, you could have your kids find your Christmas Eve box, which is another beautiful family Christmas tradition.

How To Do An Elf Candy Cane Hunt

If hiding clues seems like far too much work during your already busy December, or if you have younger kids who can't yet read, the Elf candy cane hunt is definitely an easier alternative!

Set up your elf with the candy cane hunt printable or write it on a chalkboard or piece of paper instead for the kids to find.

Hide 12 candy canes around your house or yard ready for the kids to find in the morning.

An Elf scavenger hunt is a fun way to add a little extra excitement to your December and get your kids thinking as they work to solve each of the clues. Make sure you grab the free printable clues to save you time! Merry Christmas!
Find more Elf on the Shelf ideas & Christmas fun:
This website is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorised, or sponsored by Elf On The Shelf®. All product and company names are the registered trademarks of their original owners. The use of any trade name or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the trademark holder or their brand.

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Elf On The Shelf Scavenger Hunt With Free Printable Clues

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Add a little extra fun to your December with these free printable Elf on the Shelf Scavenger hunt clues & Elf Candy Cane scavenger hunt sign.

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As we get ready to take down our Christmas tree and pack our decorations away, before you throw the Christmas cards into the recycling bin - wait! We can have a little fun and learning with them first.

You might be asking yourself, what can I make with old Christmas cards?

Christmas cards come in a variety of colourful and appealing child-friendly designs, so they are the perfect material to use for a quick and easy DIY puzzle craft.

Just grab a few different left over Christmas cards and this easy activity for kids will be ready to go within a couple of minutes.

The best part is that this is totally free and recycles something that you already have around the house.

Supplies

Old Christmas cards

Pencil

Scissors

(Optional) Glue and paper

(Optional) Ziplock bag or plastic wallet to store the pieces for future use

How to Make the Recycled Christmas Card Puzzles

There are a few ways that you can cut your Christmas cards to create puzzle pieces. We decided to mix things up and use different shapes and different amounts of pieces for some of the cards.

Generally, with younger toddlers you will want fewer and bigger pieces - start with 2, 3 or 4 piece puzzles for the youngest children.

For preschoolers or school aged children you can increase this, depending on the sizes of the card. If you're working with smaller Christmas cards you may want to cut around 9 or 12 pieces to keep things manageable.

Since Christmas cards are already made of cardboard (although thin) you do not need to mount the pieces onto card - just cut them up and they are ready to play as they are.

Kids of all ages can have a lot of indoor fun with this simple and easy activity.

You can cut square pieces with straight lines, make tangram type shapes (bottom right) or use traditional puzzle piece shapes.

If you want to use puzzle piece shapes you can refer below to this template for traditional puzzle piece pattern to copy, to make sure all the pieces connect if you would like a reference.

It helps to draw the lines on the back of the card before cutting, to make sure you have roughly equal sized pieces although you can cut free hand if you prefer.

The squares and the tangram shapes are quickest and easiest to cut up, particularly if the children would like to make the puzzles themselves to practice cutting skills.

If your kids are keen on practising with the scissors you could also try this snowflake cutting craft or snowman cut and stick game.

The Christmas Card Puzzle Activity

Once you've cut out all of the pieces it's time to have fun putting all of the puzzles together.

For an added challenge and to introduce a "sorting" element to the activity, you could mix up a few different puzzle pieces together and sort them first to separate them into their own groups.

What do children learn from this activity

Puzzles help children develop their logic skills, spacial awareness and concentration. Puzzles are a fun way to teach your child something and give them an enjoyable "brain workout."

You can read our article to find out more about how puzzles help brain development in children

With this DIY Christmas card puzzle activity, our little ones are also practising the concept of re-using and recycling. This is a fun way to remind the kids "hey, we could make something fun before we throw this away!"

If your child enjoys completing puzzles, using the Christmas cards is a great way to provide them with many new puzzle pictures without having to buy a whole stack of new puzzles, and without taking up space for all those puzzle boxes.

Still have more left over Christmas cards? Why not use some more of them to make these upcycled snowman collage cards for next year!

More puzzle activities

Colour your own elf jigsaw puzzle with our free printable pack, with a choice of two different puzzle designs for kids to colour in.

If you enjoyed this Christmas puzzle activity please feel free to share with friends and family. We always appreciate pins to your Pinterest Boards - thank you so much!

Have fun! Happy crafting and happy puzzling!

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As we get ready to take down our Christmas tree and pack our decorations away, before you throw the Christmas cards into the recycling bin - wait! We can have a little fun and learning

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Scatter reindeer food in your outdoor space

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Scatter reindeer food in your outdoor space

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How to Make a Winter Bird Feeder Step-by-Step Instructions

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Encourage your EYFS children to show care and concern for living things in the winter as they make their very own bird feeders. A lovely activity that can be used to inspire discussions about the seasons and about why birds need help finding food in the winter.

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Go to see a light display somewhere nearby

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Go to see a light display somewhere nearby

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Outdoors Winter Scavenger Hunt Printable

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Get this beautiful outdoors winter scavenger hunt printable. You can use it with your primary school children, your family, or your Forest School setting.

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After school creative learning classes for children.

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Download Article

Download Article

A paper chain is an easy, mostly mess-free art project. You can hang paper chains as festive party decorations, or you can just make them for fun. This is a safe and repeatable project for kids and adults. Read on to learn how to make a basic paper chain!

1. Choose your paper. The color and thickness will depend on why you're making the paper chain. Consider picking colored paper that matches the theme of an upcoming holiday: red and green for Christmas; white and blue for winter; orange, black, and purple for Halloween; pinks, blues, yellows, and other pastels for Easter. You can buy colored construction paper, or you can color the paper yourself.

2. Cut strips from the paper. Use a ruler and a pair of scissors to cut out a series of long, rectangular strips. Each strip of paper makes one "link" in the chain, so plan accordingly. Each new strip should be equal in dimensions to each of the other strips. If you're cutting from a sheet of standard printer paper, try strips that are 1" wide by 8.5" long. This way, one piece of paper will make 11 even strips.

Try using a rotary cutter for large volumes of paper. This tool may be quicker than scissors.

The thicker and shorter your strips are, the less margin for error you'll have. When in doubt, make your strips thinner rather than wider.

3. Consider making a "paper doll chain." This project is similar in scope and style to the standard paper chain. However, the doll chain involves cutting out a series of paper "people," each connected by the hands. You will need all of the same materials, and it shouldn't take much longer - so research your options and decide what you're looking for.

1. Make the first "link." All you need to do is tape, glue, or staple the far ends of one paper strip together into a ring. Try to match up the sides evenly. Tape and staples will make for a quick process, but glue will take much longer because it needs to dry.

If you are using glue, hold the two ends of paper together until the glue dries. Make sure that the edges of the paper do not slip askew.

You should not need more than one staple or one small square of tape to seal each loop. Make sure that the link is sturdy and will not fall apart.

2. Add a second link. Once you have one sturdy ring, thread another strip of paper through the center of the loop. Now, join the ends of this second strip together with tape, staples, etc. The wide, flat edges of the two links should line up, but the loops themselves should sit at a rough 90 degree angle - like a chain!

3. Keep adding links. Continue in the same pattern until your chain is as long as you want it. In theory, there is no limit to the length of paper chain that you can build, as long as you have enough paper, tape, and time. If you want to hang the chain somewhere, measure the length against the space periodically to check if it's long enough yet.

4. Loop the chain (Optional). You can choose to leave the chain long and straight, with a loop at each end, or you can link the ends together with a single strip of paper. To do this: wait until you have an odd number of links in the chain, then loop and seal one final strip of paper through both of the end-links at once. Now, you should have a large ring of paper loops.

If you try to seal a chain that already has an even number of links, the orientation of the loops won't match up.

1. Hang your paper chain from the walls or ceiling. If you leave the chain long, you can string it through a space to add a festive flair. Hang the chain a little bit loose, so that it dips low in the center. Try crossing chains over one another, alternating colors, or even linking long chains together to make a super-chain.

If you're having a party, use a waist- or chest-level paper chain to block off a "private area" like a staircase, a hallway, or a section of backyard. The paper may not hold up to force, but it will serve as a gentle deterrent to wayward guests.

2. Decorate for a holiday. You can string up paper chains for a birthday, a party, or a major holiday. Match the colors of the chains to the theme of the party, or to the colors usually associated with that holiday. Get creative!

3. Make a "wreath." If winter or Christmas is coming up, try making a faux-wreath using one or more paper chains. For the basic design: use green construction paper, then loop the finished chain into one large circle. You can add concentric small green circles to fill out the "wreath." For added effect, make a "bow" from red paper or string, and tie it to the front of the wreath.

Hang the wreath on your door, your wall, your fence, your tree. The paper wreath should be light, and easy to attach with tape or a hook.

4. Use the chain as a paper necklace. Tie a series of (preferably small) loops together into a large loop that fits around your neck. For best effect, make the individual links rather small: not much more than half an inch wide and two inches long. One idea: string an array of bright, colorful loops together into a paper "lei" - a traditional Hawaiian flower necklace. Try looping a long chain of tight golden links into a "gold chain" - perhaps even two chains!

Add New Question

How do I make a small chain, like for a watch chain or a necklace chain?

You can follow the same steps, but you have to use smaller strips to make the chain smaller.

How do I color it when it is looped?

You should color it beforehand.

Can I just use glue to glue the strips together?

See more answers

Try using special seasonal paper. For Christmas, for instance, use wrapping paper.

Show More Tips
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Construction paper

Scissors

Pencil/pen/markers (optional)

Glue/tape/stapler

Ruler (optional)

wikiHow is a "wiki," similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 52 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 394,307 times.

"I loved this article, because it helped my best friend and I get to know each other even more. Who knew that my best friend didn't like chains?" ..." more

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A paper chain is an easy, mostly mess-free art project. You can hang paper chains as festive party decorations, or you can just make them for fun. This is a safe and repeatable project for kids and adults. Read on to learn how to make a...

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You only need paper, scissors and a sprinkle of festive spirit for this super easy activity! Making paper snowflakes is a great project for all ages - younger kids can use safe scissors and a bigger piece of paper to make it easier, whereas older kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy the challenge of making an intricate design. Best of all, every snowflake is unique - so you can be as creative as you like.

For more fun ideas, try our top 5 Christmas crafts for kids.

How to make a paper snowflake

You will need
* A square piece of paper (if using A4 paper, simply fold the bottom of the paper upwards into a triangle and cut away the excess)
* Scissors

Step one

Fold a square piece of paper into a triangle, as shown below.

Step two

Fold the triangle in half again, to make a smaller triangle.

Step three

Fold over the right hand side of the triangle so that you are folding into thirds.

Step four

Turn the paper over.

Step five

Repeat the fold as you did for step three, this time on the other side.

Step six

Use scissors to cut straight across the top, as shown, so that you are left with a thin folded triangle.

Step seven

Now you can cut any shape into the folded snowflake, being careful not to make any cuts that go all the way across (this will break your snowflake).

Step eight

When you're happy with your shapes, unfold your snowflake to reveal your finished design!

Looking for more festive craft projects? Try these guides...

How to make fake snow
Top 5 Christmas crafts for kids
How to make a snow globe
How to make a hot chocolate cone
How to make salt dough decorations
How to make a bath bomb
Tell us what festive fun you have planned this year in the comments below...

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Learn how to make an easy paper snowflake as a fun Christmas project with the kids - simply follow our step-by-step instructions for a perfect result.

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Make stained glass pictures to decorate your windows

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Make stained glass pictures to decorate your windows

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Today we have easy and fun Stained Glass Crafts that will make both you and your child feeling like Leonardo Da Vinci making his first masterpiece.

Spark your kids' creativity and liven up your living room with colorful stained glass art that's easy to make for you and your kids. These 25 Beautiful Stained Glass Crafts for Kids will let you bring that beauty into your home and let your kids create their own mini masterpieces. Happy Crafting!

Beautiful, bright stained glass is something children are drawn to. The rainbow of broken colors and shapes are like puzzles of light. Truly a sight to behold.

From everyday household items like a bottle lid, some glue and glitters, we have a wide array of projects to keep your little ones entertained all season long and will be a wonderful bonding time with their parents.

So grab your creativity and your glitters, and get ready to craft some stained glass with your cutest little crafters!

Creative and Colorful Stained Glass Crafts for Kids to Make

1. Make a Bottle Lid Stained Glass Painting

This bottle lid stained glass by Happy Hooligans uses paint, bottle lids, and wax paper to create the perfect stained glass painting. It's so easy to make that even preschoolers and toddlers can enjoy doing it.

2. A Fun Butterfly Stained Glass Craft

This butterfly stained glass by Kids Activities Blog can be made with a fancy silhouette machine, or if you don't have one, it's easy to be cut by hand. There's a free template that you can download so no need to worry about your art skills. Just cut, cut, cut!

3. Stained Glass Fall Leaves

These stained glass fall leaves by Mom On Timeout uses glue, tissue paper, and wax paper to bring that spring feel into your home and it will make you "fall" in love.

4. Craft a Collage Using Stained Glass

This stained glass collage by Pink Stripy Socks uses an old frame, some glue, and craft paint to create the most awesome collage ever.

You won't believe what they used to make these adorable and whimsical stained glass collage...I know I didn't!

5. Aquarium-themed Fish Stained Glass Craft

These little fish are here to brighten your day. Put them in your child's bedroom and they'll have something to look at anytime they need a pick-me-up.

6. Framed Stained Glass Pictures

These framed stained glass pictures by True Aim just needs a Kiwi Crate for this masterpiece. It's cheap and easy, and it can be found on the link below.

7. Frankenstein Stained Glass Craft

This Frankenstein Stained Glass by From ABC's to ACT's uses green tissue paper and contact paper to recreate Frankenstein with your little monster at home.

8. Stained Glass Sharpie Art

This stained glass sharpie by Happy Hooligans using only Sharpie markers and photo paper, you could make the easiest stained glass art that can be made even with your toddler.

9. Create a Beautiful Mosaic Stained Glass Craft

This stained Glass Mosaic Lamp by All Free Kids Crafts uses glass stain and silver leading to create the coolest lamp ever! This is more suitable to make with older kids.

10. Create Words Using Stained Glass Letters

These Stained Glass Name Designs by Teach Kids Art uses paper and water-based markers to take the mundane part of teaching your younglings how to spell their name.

How fun would it be to spell out your child's name in stained glass?

11. A Hootin'-Tootin' Stained Glass Owl

This stained glass owl by In The Playroom uses cellophane, scissors, and glue to make one of our favorite and cute wise birds for children of all ages.

12. Fluid Window Stained Glass Craft

This fluid Window Stained Glass by Sophie's World uses glue and food coloring to make the dullest of windows look lively. It's easy and perfect for kids of all ages.

13. Colorful Galaxy Stained Glass

Instead of food coloring, Galaxy Window Art by Smart Schoolhouse uses glitter glue to make your windows looking like a colorful trip to the stars and beyond for your kids to enjoy.

14. Paper Plate Stained Glass

These stained glass paper plates by A Little Pinch of Perfect uses yarn, acrylic paint, and paper plates to create a layout for your kids to paint with. It's perfect for your little toddlers who are just beginning to learn to control their hands (mess free!)

15. Lasagna Noodles Stained Glass

This lasagna Noodles Stained Glass by Babble Dabble Do uses uncooked lasagna noodles and watercolor. This is perfect for those who have leftover lasagna that they didn't use for dinner. Try this with your kid now after eating a piece of that delicious lasagna!

16. Tissue Paper Stained Glass

Tissue Paper Stained Glass by Crafts on Sea uses tissue and to create your young one's first Jack-o'-Lantern with ease. It definitely doesn't need to be Halloween for them to make this masterpiece.

17. Spooky Stained Glass Pumpkins

Stained glass pumpkins by Here Come The Girls uses contact paper, orange tissue paper, and googly eyes to make the spookiest and cutest decors this Halloween for you and your kids to make.

18. Stained Glass Rainbow Collage

Stained glass rainbow collages by Where Imagination Grows uses tissue paper, contact paper, and construction paper to make the most colorful rainbow inside your home. It's perfect for teaching young kids different colors and their names.

19. Create a Stained Glass Ring Garland

Stained glass ring garland by Artful Parent uses colored ribbons to make the most festive DIY Christmas tree ornament that your kid can make. Perfect for all ages!

20. A Highlighter Stained Glass Craft

Highlighter Stained Glass Craft by Buggy and Buddy uses highlighters and inkjet transparencies (might sound complicated but it's easy to get one) to create a fun and easy coloring activity for your young kids.

21. Tumbling Stained Glass Tumblers

Stained glass tumblers by Happy Hooligans uses sharpie markers and a glass jar to make the easiest colorful paperweight for your kids. If you have a lot of empty jars of jam lying around, this is the perfect project to upcycle them.

22. Sugar Cookie Stained Glass

Sugar Cookie Stained Glass by Kids Activities Blog uses sugar cookie dough and jolly ranchers to make the sweetest stained glass craft. If you and your little kids love baking desserts, this project is perfect for you.

23. Tissue Paper Stained Glass

This awesome tissue paper stained glass by The Artful Parents uses colored tissue paper, wax paper, and liquid starch. It's easy to make that it looks good even when messed up. The color looks fun without any pattern. Look!

24. Toilet Paper Roll Stained Glass Craft

This toilet paper roll stained glass by Powerful Mothering uses toilet paper roll and water paint. After you use up all of your toilet paper, what more fun way to upcycle them than doing this easy activity with you little kids. Everyone can do it as long as they have their own roll (or they can share!)

25. Stained Glass Votive? I Definitely Vote For That

This stained glass votive by All Thumbs Crafts uses alcohol ink and a glass to make this nightlight that will bring you and your kids to that 70's vibe. If you have any unused glasses, this is definitely the activity for you and your kid.

More Kids Craft & Fun from Play Ideas

What was your favorite Stained Glass crafts for kids?

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25 Beautiful Stained Glass Crafts For Kids

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Today we have easy and fun Stained Glass Crafts that will make both you and your child feeling like Leonardo Da Vinci making his first masterpiece. Spark your kids' creativity and liven up your living

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Learn how to draw your own characters and make up a story

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Learn how to draw your own characters and make up a story

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Rob Biddulph is a bestselling and multi award-winning children’s author and illustrator. His books include Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City, Blown Away, Odd Dog Out, Kevin, Dog Gone and Show and Tell. In March 2020 he started #DrawWithRob, a series of twice-weekly draw-along videos designed to help parents whose children were forced to stay home from school due to the coronavirus pandemic. It proved immensely popular, garnering millions of views and national/international media coverage. It has been used as a learning resource by thousands of families and schools across the globe. Find him on Twitter (@RobBiddulph), Instagram (@rbiddulph), Facebook (robbiddulphauthor) and TikTok (RobBiddulph). And at his website: RobBiddulph.com
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Order #DrawWithRob books 1 and 2 here: http://ow.ly/8JYG50zfP00
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Media enquiries: Jess Dean, HarperCollins (jessica.dean@harpercollins.co.uk) Agent: Jodie Hodges, United Agents (JHodges@unitedagents.co.uk)

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Attend a free craft session in York Learning and Multiply!

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Attend a free craft session in York Learning and Multiply!