Fall holidays are a wonderful time to gather with loved ones, friends, and neighbors. As delightful as it is to spend time with the kiddos in your life, keeping them entertained without breaking the bank—and without too much screen time—can be a challenge. To help, we’ve compiled some DIY, budget-friendly activities for kids that go beyond the classic hand turkeys. These creative projects are perfect for all ages and are sure to spark joy this holiday season!
1. Natural “Stained Glass” for Toddlers & Kindergartners
This simple and beautiful craft brings the outdoors inside! Here’s how to create a “stained glass” window using just leaves, contact paper, and tape:
Materials Needed:
Leaves (collected from a walk)
Contact paper
Tape
Instructions:
Go on a leaf hunt: Collect leaves of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Set up your frame: Tape the contact paper, sticky side up, onto a flat surface.
Create your masterpiece: Let your little one place the leaves on the sticky side, arranging them in creative ways.
Seal the artwork: Place another sheet of contact paper on top, sticky side down.
Press & frame: Gently press to eliminate air bubbles and secure with tape for a neat frame.
Display: Hang it in a sunny window to admire your new piece of nature-inspired art!
2. Festive Napkin Rings for Grade Schoolers
Make your holiday table extra special with homemade napkin rings! This fun craft uses materials you already have at home, like toilet paper rolls or construction paper.
Materials Needed:
Toilet paper rolls or construction paper
Tape
Fall decorations (raffia, cinnamon sticks, construction paper cutouts)
Instructions:
Cut and roll: Flatten toilet paper rolls and cut them into rings. If using construction paper, roll and tape into small rings.
Decorate: Let your child draw fall motifs like leaves, pumpkins, or acorns. Get creative by adding fun elements like small cutouts, raffia, or cinnamon sticks for extra flair!
Set the table: Use your homemade napkin rings to bring the fall spirit to your table setting.
3. DIY Autumn Potpourri for Older Kids
Keep older kids busy with this fun and fragrant project: creating their own jars of autumn potpourri!
Materials Needed:
Pinecones, cinnamon sticks, cloves, dried oranges
Essential oils
Small jars or bags
Instructions:
Gather materials: Look around the house for festive ingredients—dried leaves, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and any other seasonal favorites.
Create the scent: Combine the ingredients in jars or small bags. Add a few drops of essential oil to give the potpourri a personal touch.
Decorate & display: Place the potpourri in different rooms for a cozy fall scent throughout your home.
We hope these ideas help you create lasting memories with your kids while keeping your holiday budget (and sanity!) intact. Happy crafting and have a joyful holiday season!
