Family Craft Night: 5 Projects to Bring Everyone Together

There’s something magical about gathering around the kitchen table on a winter night — a candle flickering nearby, soft Christmas music in the background, and everyone laughing as bits of glitter and ribbon start to scatter across the table.

Family craft night isn’t just about the crafts — it’s about slowing down and creating memories together. Whether your kids are little or growing fast, these simple projects bring everyone to the table (and off their screens!) to make something meaningful.

Here are five easy, family-friendly Christmas crafts that promise laughter, creativity, and plenty of keepsake moments.

1. DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

Materials Needed:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup salt

• 1 cup warm water

• Rolling pin, cookie cutters, straw, and paint or markers

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, salt, and water into a dough.

2. Roll it out and cut fun shapes with cookie cutters.

3. Use a straw to poke a small hole for hanging.

4. Bake at 250°F for 2 hours or until dry.

5. Once cooled, paint and decorate!

Supply Link List (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — your support means so much to my family.)

1. Cookie Cutter Set & Rolling Pin – 8-Piece Set

2. 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set – Complete Kit

3. 18-Piece Acrylic Paint Marker Set

Why It’s Great:
Everyone can personalize their own ornament — from names to handprints. They make the perfect keepsake or grandparent gift.

Bonus Tip:
Add a drop of cinnamon to the dough for a festive scent!

2. Handprint Christmas Tree Art

Materials Needed:

• Green, brown, and yellow paint

• White cardstock or canvas

• Paintbrush and a damp cloth for cleanup

Instructions:

1. Paint your child’s hand green and press onto the paper in layers to form a tree shape.

2. Add brown paint for the trunk and a yellow star on top.

3. Once dry, decorate with fingerprint “ornaments.”

Supply List (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — your support means so much to my family.)

1. Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint – Phthalo Green

2. Artist’s Loft Acrylic Paint – Deep Yellow (4 oz)

3. Artist’s Loft Acrylic Paint – Brown (4 oz)

4. White Cardstock (65 lb, 8.5″×11″)

5. Crayola Large Paint Brushes (4‑ct)

Why It’s Great:
This one grows sweeter every year. It’s the perfect time capsule to remember how little their hands once were!

Bonus Tip:
Add the year to the bottom corner before framing or laminating.

3. Personalized Hot Cocoa Mugs

Materials Needed:

• Plain white mugs (dollar store or Target finds)

• Oil-based Sharpie paint pens

• Oven (optional for setting the design)

Instructions:

1. Draw or write festive messages — snowflakes, names, or “Santa’s Helper.”

2. Let dry for 24 hours, then bake at 350°F for 30 minutes to seal the design.

3. Once cooled, fill with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows!

Supply List (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — your support means so much to my family.)

1. Plain White Ceramic Mugs (Set of 2, 16 oz)

2. Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers (5-Pack, Assorted Colors)

3. Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix (30 Count Box)

4. Mini Marshmallows (16 oz Bag)

5. Candy Canes (12-Pack Classic Peppermint)

Why It’s Great:
Everyone can design their own mug, making it a useful (and adorable) keepsake.

Bonus Tip:
Tie a candy cane to the handle with ribbon for an easy teacher or neighbor gift.

4. Paper Chain Countdown Garland

Materials Needed:

• Red and green construction paper

• Scissors, tape or glue, and markers

Instructions:

1. Cut paper into 1-inch strips.

2. Write a small act of kindness or family activity on each strip.

3. Form a loop, glue it, and connect the next strip through.

4. Hang it in a visible spot and tear one off each day in December!

Supply List (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — your support means so much to my family.)

1. Red & Green Cardstock Paper (40 Sheets, 8.5″×11″)

2. Construction Paper (Red Pack, 9″×12″)

3. Construction Paper (Green Pack, 9″×12″)

4. Scotch Transparent Tape (6 rolls)

5. Washable Craft Markers Set (24 colors)

Why It’s Great:
It’s both décor and a family tradition. The daily acts (like “Bake cookies” or “Write Grandma a note”) create connection beyond the craft itself.

Bonus Tip:
Use gold or patterned scrapbook paper for a fancy twist.

5. Family Gratitude Ornaments

Materials Needed:

• Clear plastic ornaments

• Strips of paper, pens, ribbon, and optional glitter

Instructions:

1. Have each family member write something they’re thankful for on a paper strip.

2. Roll each strip and tuck it inside a clear ornament.

3. Add a little glitter or confetti and tie with ribbon.

4. Hang them on the tree as reminders of gratitude all season long.

Supply List (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — your support means so much to my family.)

1. Clear Plastic Fillable Ball Ornaments (24-Pack)

2. Fine-Tip Marker Pens (12-Pack)

3. Satin Ribbon Craft Pack (10 Rolls, 250 Yards Total)

4. Gold Glitter (4 oz Jar)

5. Construction Paper Pack (240 Sheets, Assorted Colors)

Why It’s Great:
It sparks heartfelt conversations — and makes your tree shine with meaning.

Bonus Tip:
Save the notes each year and create a “gratitude jar” tradition after Christmas.

Pro Tips for a Successful Family Craft Night

• Prep ahead: Lay out all supplies before calling everyone in.

• Keep it short: Pick 1–2 crafts per night to avoid overwhelm.

• Set the mood: Play Christmas music and serve cocoa or cookies.

• Embrace the mess: The memories are worth the cleanup!

• Celebrate every creation: There’s no “perfect” in family crafts — just fun.

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support more family-friendly craft ideas — thank you for your support!