Each and every year, months before Christmas, kids start to question how long until Christmas comes! Is it the same in your home? We like to keep kids occupied and prolong their anticipation with crafting many a Kids Craft and especially DIY Christmas ornaments every year! Will you join us this year? They make wonderful little gifts that kids can give at Christmas and are a great way to also decorate gifts. We also have some amazing Christmas Sewing Projects to make and gift.

1. Reindeers and Christmas are inseparable, right? We love seeing adorable little reindeers, and when they look as cute as this felt Christmas reindeer ornament, you can’t resist to make a whole lot of them!
2. For kids who are eager to learn how to sew, easy felt stars are perfect ornament to make this Christmas. Super easy and when presented with bunch of different items for decorations, it’s super fun to make as well!
3. We like to mix things up and add different themed ornaments on our Christmas tree. So, crochet fox ornament also found a way to our Christmas tree. Adorable, isn’t it? If you like fox crafts, we have made lots in the past!
4. With Christmas falling in winter season, it’s easy to add some of the winter crafts and decorations to Christmas holiday. We love these quick to make penguin softies you can make and hang on your Christmas tree. You can choose few other penguin ornaments and make them too!
5. If you prefer paper crafts, we prepared a printable template to use and make adorable 3D reindeer ornament! Quick to make and looks so cute hanging on Christmas tree. You can even string many together and make a garland!
6. Kids always ask: Will it snow on Christmas? It’s one of the things so many associate with Christmas. If your kids are also looking forward to white Christmas, invite them to make few of these lovely pipe cleaner snowflakes!
7. Another pretty easy to make Christmas ornament, even for kids as young as toddlers and preschoolers – pipe cleaner Christmas tree. We used them for Christmas garland, but you can easily just hang easy one separately on Christmas tree as an ornament.
8. For unicorn fans, Christmas is another opportunity to add them to holiday decorations! There are many unicorn crafts to choose from, but we love these adorable and easy unicorn ornaments made from paper and wool! Cute!
9. Use smaller wooden slices to make wood slice snowman ornament or use larger ones and turn your snowman into decorative piece for Christmas mantel.You can even use it to decorate your front porch! Which one will you choose?
10. Christmas crafting provides an opportunity for younger children to work on their fine motor skills. Great example is this yarn wrapped Christmas tree which can be decorated in number of ways. Let your child’s imagination run wild as they pick materials for their wrapped tree!

From easy crafts for kids who are younger like toddlers and preschoolers, to more elaborate, like Christmas sewing crafts for kids – we have done so many over years! My kids ADORE crafting and we often use crafting sessions in our home as a way to bond as a family. We wish you lots of crafting and lots of bonding this holiday season!

If you are looking for more Kid Made Christmas Ornaments make sure you check out the Blog Hop I hosted last year:

Kid Made Christmas Ornament Blog Hop 2017

The post 10 Great Decorations for the Christmas Tree appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Festive & Fun Christmas Tree Treats

 I love Christmas Trees – from the real thing to decorations to baked goods.  Christmas trees make me feel happy   Create some happiness for the people you love with these festive & fun Christmas tree treats!

1. Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats from JaMonkey
2. Peppermint Brownie Christmas Trees from Kenarry
3. Easy Christmas Tree Brownies from Clever Lyme
4. Christmas Tree Cupcakes from Penny Pinchin Mom
5. Christmas Tree Grahams from Kasey Trenum
6. Rice Krispies Trees from Plum Crazy about Coupons
7. Christmas Tree Cake from Penny Pinchin Mom
8. Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree from Scrappy Geek
9. Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars from The Crafting Chicks

10. Christmas Tree Pastries from Cutefetti
11. Christmas Tree Waffles from Kids Activities Blog
12. Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree from Midget Momma
13. Popcorn Christmas Tree from Newly Wed Survival
14. Coconut Macaroon Christmas Tree from Some of This and That
15. Olive Christmas Tree from Smart Savvy Living
16. Christmas Tree Oreos from Midget Momma
17. Christmas Tree Cheese Ball from Kids Activities Blog

Find additional Christmas inspiration below:

Elf on Shelf Free Printable Pack

Festive Teacher Gifts with FREE Printable Tags

Festive Christmas Scavenger Hunt {FREE Printable}

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Back Breakfast

Kid Made Christmas Ornament Blog Hop

The post Festive & Fun Christmas Tree Treats appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Host a Gingerbread Cookie Themed Playdate

I love Gingerbread men!  I’m not sure I’ve told you all of my great love – I have a completely Gingerbread themed tree, my entire kitchen is decorated in Gingerbread men and so is the majority of my living room.  It’s such a problem that my tree is almost overflowing because I can’t resist buying new ornaments each year (and people give them to me as well).  So I digress…each year I try to instill (my husband would say force) my love of gingerbread men on my children and nieces and nephews by hosting a cookie cake decorating party.  This year I decided to take it up a notch and get a bunch of Gingerbread themed items to really make the party more festive.

The weekend before our cookie decorating party we went to New Hampshire with our family.  Since all six kids were together we took the opportunity to make their super cute Gingerbread House placemats (they are out of stock currently but these Gingerbread House Sticker Scenes are really cute too!).  They also got another chance to drink out of their super cute Gingerbread Boy and Girl mugs (and with 12 a box these are super cost effective for classroom parties too!)  I figured since we always eat one of the cookie cakes at the party we needed to have some cute Gingerbread themed dessert plates and these definitely fit the bill!

The Gingerbread House Placemat set has enough materials to make 12 placemats – and boy does it have a ton of stickers!  The kids couldn’t have used them all if they tried!  They all might have used maybe a third of the stickers they could have and their placemats were still beautiful.

We had a lot of fun getting ready for our party and at the party – check out my daughter’s finished cookie cake below!  If you want to have your own cookie decorating party I have instructions on my other post.

If you are looking to find a perfect party theme make sure you check out Oriental Trading – they always have what I’m looking for (and usually more!)

Find additional Christmas inspiration below:

Elf on Shelf Free Printable Pack

Festive Teacher Gifts with FREE Printable Tags

Festive Christmas Scavenger Hunt {FREE Printable}

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Back Breakfast

Kid Made Christmas Ornament Blog Hop

The post Host a Gingerbread Cookie Themed Playdate appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Easy and Fun Reindeer Treats

Do your kids love to get in the kitchen with you?  Mine surely do!  Take a peek at these easy and fun reindeer treats your kids will definitely love making this Christmas season!

1. Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats from Craft Create Cook
2. Reindeer Waffle from The Thrifty Couple
3. Nutter Butter Reindeer Cookies from See Vanessa Craft
4. Reindeer Cocoa Treat Pops from Honey and Lime
5. DIY Milano Reindeer Treats from Sweet and Simple Living
6. Peanut Butter Reindeer Cracker from Third Stop on the Right
7. Graham Cracker Reindeer Snacks from Mom Inspired Life
8. Graham Cracker Reindeer from This Mama Loves
9. Reindeer Fondant Cupcakes from This Mama Loves

10. Reindeer Treats from Little Blog in the Country
11. Reindeer Hot Chocolate from Thrifty Jinxy
12. Reindeer Ho Ho Snacks from Totally the Bomb
13. Reindeer Poop Christmas Cookie from Midget Momma
14. Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies from Baking Beauty
15. Easy Reindeer Cupcakes from A Moms Take
16. Reindeer Candy Bars from I Heart Arts n Crafts
17. Reindeer Marshmallow Pops from The Thrifty Couple

Find additional Christmas inspiration below:

Elf on Shelf Free Printable Pack

Festive Teacher Gifts with FREE Printable Tags

Festive Christmas Scavenger Hunt {FREE Printable}

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Back Breakfast

Kid Made Christmas Ornament Blog Hop

The post Easy and Fun Reindeer Treats appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Cute Santa Treats for Christmas

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus!  These cute Santa Treats are sure to delight young and old.  Find 17 recipes below sure to help people get in the Christmas spirit.

1. Chocolate Santas Coat Pretzels from Plum Crazy about Coupons
2. Santa Rice Krispies Treat Bars from the Divine Lifestyle
3. Santa Candy Sleighs from Red Ted Art
4. Santa Hat Cupcake from The Jenny Evoluntion
5. Santa Cookies from Dear Creatives
6. Santa Hat Meringues from Sweet and Simple Living
7. More Santa Hat Cupcakes from Midwestern Sisters
8. Santa Cupcakes from Baking Beauty
9. Santa’s Workshop Cupcakes from Not Quite Susie

10. Oreo Santa Hats from Baking Beauty
11. Santa Strawberries from Kids Activities Blog
12. Santa Sugar Cookies from Passion for Saving
13. Santa Mickey Sugar Cookies from Kelly Stilwell
14. Santa Bread from Making of Mom
15. Santa Belly Oreo Pops from Midget Momma
16. Popcorn Santa Hats from Plum Crazy about Coupons
17. Santa Cupcakes with Homemade Icing from Midget Momma

Find additional Christmas inspiration below:

Elf on Shelf Free Printable Pack

Festive Teacher Gifts with FREE Printable Tags

Festive Christmas Scavenger Hunt {FREE Printable}

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Back Breakfast

Kid Made Christmas Ornament Blog Hop

The post Cute Santa Treats for Christmas appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

My Kids Holiday Wish List

Are you struggling to figure out what to get your kids for Christmas this year?  Guess what!  This year I am going to provide you with some help (actually my kids are going to help ).  If you have a girl or boy between the ages of 5-10 I am here to help.  So welcome to my Holiday Wish List – courtesy of my kids!

Big Ticket Items

HP Sprocket 2-in-1 Photo Printer

My daughter has been asking for a camera that prints pictures since her cousin got one last year.  I already have a Sprocket (see my post about it here) and was really excited to hear about the new version when I attended my blog conference this fall.  The HP Sprocket 2-in-1 Photo Printer allows you to capture memories and share them immediately.  Doing double duty as a 5-megapixel camera and compact printer, this device takes and creates high-quality snapshots in mere moments. You can connect the HP Sprocket 2-in-1 printer with your Bluetooth-enabled phone or tablet to print favorite shots from your albums.  You can purchase more ZINK photo paper here.

Celestron 127EQ Powerseeker Telescope

My son has been learning about outer space in school this year and decided he wanted a telescope.  In the fall the school held a night where a local astronomers club came and brought telescopes for the kids to see the planets and he loved it.  This is a great educational gift that the whole family will get to enjoy.  We also picked up a copy of this book to help us learn what we can see.

Nintendo Switch

We actually already have the console in our house (my husband bought it the day it came out – if you decide to buy one read my post on how to put together the controllers here).  Some of the kids favorite games are Mario Kart, Lego City Undercover, and definitely Minecraft.

TeePee from TeePee Joy

We have this super cute Red and White Star TeePee.  The kids love it – they lay in it to watch movies, they read in it – the dog even gets in it!

Hatchimals

They both asked for these again (I decided against purchasing them as they tend to forget about any new toys like these after they play with them twice).

Additional Gifts

Legos

In our house you can’t go wrong with lego sets.  My kids build daily and really enjoy legos.  Find a few sets that we love below.

Books

Here are some ideas my daughter would love:

Here are some ideas my son would love:

DIY Kits

Both kids love creating.  I love watching them get excited about making things themselves, learning to follow instructions, and being proud of the outcome.

Games

We love family game nights and the kids love getting new games to play.  

Additional Girl Ideas

 My daughter wanted a lot of additional toys – she loves dolls and doll accessories as well as all kinds of little toys.  Get an idea of some of the other things she likes below:

Additional Boy Ideas

My sons ideas range from video games to legos to toys to drones.  Here are a few of the additional items he wanted this year:

Hopefully this holiday wish list will help make your shopping a little easier if you are struggling with ideas!

The post My Kids Holiday Wish List appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Festive & Fun Santa Crafts for Christmas

When I think of Christmas the first things that come to mind are Christmas Trees and Santa.  Today I’m share a list of Festive & Fun Santa Crafts for Christmas.  I’m sure you will find something that your kids will be sure to love!

1. Now Sew Sock Santa Craft from Easy Peasy and Fun
2. Santa Beard Countdown from I Heart Crafty Things
3. Bubble Wrap Santa from Crafty Kids at Home
4. Santa Snack Cups from The OT Toolbox
5. Santa Belly Christmas Tree Ornament from Making of Mom
6. Paper Santa Hat Ornament from The Resourceful Mama
7. Santa Christmas Craft from Mommys Bundle
8. Popsicle Stick Santa Claus from Craftionary

9. Handprint Santa from Easy Peasy and Fun
10. Cinnamon Stick Santa Craft from Turning the Clock Back
11. Santa Milk Bottle from A Spectacled Owl
12. DIY Santa Claus Ornament Craft from Thrifty Jinxy
13. Aluminum Bottle Santa Craft from Simply Shellie
14. Santa Corks from Red Ted Art
15. Santa Paper Craft From Moms Desk
16. Paper Cone Santa Craft from Easy Peasy and Fun
17. Kids Santa Craft from I Heart Crafty Things

Find additional Christmas inspiration below:

Elf on Shelf Free Printable Pack

Festive Teacher Gifts with FREE Printable Tags

Festive Christmas Scavenger Hunt {FREE Printable}

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Back Breakfast

Kid Made Christmas Ornament Blog Hop

The post Festive & Fun Santa Crafts for Christmas appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Elf on the Shelf Free Printable Pack

Are you gearing up to welcome your Elf on Shelf back to your house this year?  Our elf Mickey comes back each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  The kids get so excited to see that he has returned and love finding him each morning.  

If you are looking for some awesome free printables to use this year be sure to download my Free Elf on the Shelf Printable Pack – it includes a Welcome Letter (two versions), a Wish List, a Letter to Santa, Blank Note cards (two versions) and a Goodbye Letter (two versions).  The two versions differ that one has a boy elf and one has a girl elf so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Download your FREE Elf on the Shelf Printable Pack

Elf on the Shelf – Free Printable Pack

If you are looking for just the Welcome or Goodbye letters as individual downloads click the image below.

I would love to hear some of the fun things your elf has been up to this year.  Feel free to share with me in the comment section below or on Facebook!

The post Elf on the Shelf Free Printable Pack appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Cute Reindeer Kids Crafts for Christmas

Reindeer are one of my favorite parts of Christmas – they are so cute and great inspiration for many crafts.  The list below includes 17 cute Reindeer Kids Crafts for Christmas.

1. Reindeer Footprint Ornament from Messy Little Monster
2. Reindeer Pom Pom Magnet from Creative Green Living
3. Sponge Painted Reindeer Craft from I Heart Crafty Things
4. Reindeer Handprint from Honey and Lime
5. Paper Roll Reindeer Craft from Easy Peasy and Fun
6. Walnut Reindeer form Red Ted Art
7. Reindeer Yogurt Cup from I Heart Crafty Things
8. Candy Cane Reindeer from Penny Pinchin Mom

9. Reindeer Craft Using A Mandarin from Things I Can’t Say
10. Pinecone Reindeer from Kids Craft Room
11. Paper Plate Reindeer from Easy Peasy and Fun
12. DIY Reindeer Clay Pot from Views from the Ville
13. Reindeer Droppings Craft from The Joys of Boys
14. Reindeer Handprints from Kids Activities Blog
15. Reindeer Rootbeer Bottles from Passion for Savings
16. No Cook Reindeer Play Dough from Kids Craft Room
17. Easy Felt Reindeer Handprint and Footprint Ornament from Crafty Mama in ME

Find additional Christmas inspiration below:

Festive Teacher Gifts with FREE Printable Tags

Festive Christmas Scavenger Hunt {FREE Printable}

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Back Breakfast

Kid Made Christmas Ornament Blog Hop

The post Cute Reindeer Kids Crafts for Christmas appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.

Elf on the Shelf Letters {Free Printables}

Christmas is so magical. With Santa, snow, glistening lights, and the Elf that sits on a shelf & causes mischief the whole season long. It’s exciting to have childhood memories of the delight that the season brings but it is even better to relive it all over again through my children. They completely believe in the magic that is Christmas and Santa and I swear there is an extra twinkle or two in their eyes come December.

My family always kicked off the Christmas season on Thanksgiving. After the celebrations of the day were complete, we would sit with the big stack of ads that came in the newspaper that day. We’d begin researching, circling, highlighting and making our list to Santa. Even when our belief wavered slightly, we still wrote lists to Santa.

With my kids we do the same things – we make lists, we plan a visit to see Santa and decorate the house together.  One piece of magic they have that I didn’t while growing up is the Elf on the Shelf.  My kids love Mickey – our Elf on a Shelf.  He comes back every year on the Saturday afternoon Thanksgiving. We read the book that came with Mickey and watch the Elf on the Shelf Movie (The Elf’s Story).  As soon as Mickey arrives the kids wonder where they will find him each day.

Mickey comes back each year with a bang – one of my favorites was his Welcome Breakfast we did a few years ago.  Mickey always brings the kids a pair of Christmas pajamas on his arrival so they have them for the whole Christmas season.  The kids love every second and it makes all of the planning worth it.  Mickey gets up to mischief all year and also brings the kids some festive presents along the way.  This year he will be bringing them these fun LEGO advent calendars (Star Wars, LEGO Friends) on December 1st. 

Each year I always struggled with how to re-introduce and say goodbye to Mickey.  My friend Deanna who used to blog at Playdough & Popsicles created these awesome letters that I now have the privilege of sharing on my blog.  Download these individually below.  If you are interested in more Elf on the Shelf Goodies be sure to check back soon where I will release a whole Elf on the Shelf Printable Pack that includes the letters and additional items!

Welcome Letters

Welcome Letter – Boy Elf

Elf On A Shelf – Girl Welcome Letter

Goodbye Letters

Goodbye Letter – Boy Elf

Goodbye Letter – Girl Elf

The post Elf on the Shelf Letters {Free Printables} appeared first on Crafty Mama in ME!.