This year has thrown a lot at both parents and kids. Virtual learning has been a learning curve and, in many cases, difficult. With snow days in 2020 in question and safety guidelines that urge us to not visit family outside the household for the holidays, this season seems not so special. Actually, it's pretty bleak. On top of all of that, there's the challenge that always presents itself during this time: keeping kids occupied and stimulated (or even calm, we'll take that) during their winter break.
There are movies and traditions to uphold, but with the extra stress and anxiety, Christmas crafts (even some baking) could do kids some good. But let's get real. Who actually wants to go out of their way to get all the supplies it takes to create legit crafts? Parents have become teachers enough this year. That said, we found a solution: craft kits! Check out these 20 craft kits for kids of all skill levels to keep busy and have some creative fun this winter.
Santa and Reindeer Clay Kit
Combine the holidays and arts and crafts with this Santa and reindeer clay kit. Kids can get the clay and tools they need to sculpt a festive Santa and Reindeer figure. With more clay, who knows the creations that will be able to make during the break?
Holiday Cookie DIY Kit
$60
from
Williams-Sonoma
We couldn't have a craft kit list without also including baking kits. Baking, to us, is basically an edible craft, and this sugar cookie kit will yield a very yummy result. It comes with 12 cookies, frosting, and toppings for fun and unique decorations.
Gingerbread Cookie DIY Kit
$40
from
Williams-Sonoma
OK, one more edible craft kit, aka baking kit, because it's just too fun and delicious. This one features gingerbread people along with frosting and toppings to put them in whatever festive clothes the kids desire during winter break. Even with gum-drop buttons!
DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit
$32
from
Uncommon Goods
Creating food is an art, especially when it involves yummy and festive treats from other cultures, such as this Mochi Ice Cream Kit. It may be cold, but mochi is always fun to make and it tastes delicious. At the very least, it'll be a solid project for kids to work on and eat afterward.
Holiday Felt Wreath Ornament Craft Kit
Wreaths are everywhere during the holiday season, typically enhancing doors, but they can also be ornaments. With this DIY wreath craft kit, kids can decorate their own mini wreaths to add to the tree. Supplies include the wreath itself and felt add-ons.
Lego BrickHeadz Mr. & Mrs. Claus
Legos are what happen when science and art come together in a toy form. That's why everyone loves them and why we included this Lego BrickHeadz Mr. & Mrs. Claus kit on this list. Kids can build their own Mr. & Mrs. Claus and entertain themselves for a bit in the process.
Felt Succulents Kit
$20
from
Uncommon Goods
Felt is a true craft staple. This kit, which is designed for older children (or for younger children with adult help) pairs creativity and beauty. They can create 18 succulents that look pretty but eliminate the hassle of keeping a real succulent alive.
Holiday Campers Kit
$17
from
Paper Source
Tiny or mobile home living is more popular each year, and has become much more so during the current health situation as people have attempted to find ways to both travel and save money. Kids can get in on the action by decorating their own version of a camper with this holiday camper craft kit.
Gingerbread House Kit
$20
from
Paper Source
Gingerbread houses are normally made of sugary treats, like gingerbread (hence the name), frosting and candy. We consider that a craft, too, and kits can be bought at the store. But for a more traditional craft without the sugar, this paper gingerbread house kit is a festive alternative.
Felt Penguin Ornament Kit
Remember when we said felt could be used for lots of crafts? We weren't joking. These penguin ornaments, which were made entirely from this Michael's ornament craft kit, were made from felt and can be personalized to the child's wintery desire.
Wreath Embroidery Kit
We did say wreathes are popular. For kids who are a little more experienced in crafting or who want to try their hand at embroidery, these holiday embroidery kits are a great way to start. They are designed with a holiday image inside a wreath.
Holiday Ornament Craft Kit
Those who put up a Christmas tree have a built-in canvas for creativity. Kids can create their own ornaments based on their own interests with this ornament craft kit from Etsy. It comes with a wooden circle for the base and paint and paint brushes.
Reindeer and Lights Craft Stick Craft Kit
Younger kids will absoluetly love this reindeer art project. All of the supplies needed come in an Etsy craft kit that includes all of the needed supplies. One person who bought the kit already left a review stating, "This was the perfect craft for my 2 year old and my 5 year old! The younger was able to place pieces on dots of glue I did for her and the older was able to be more independent. Perfect ornaments for our tree!"
Needle-Felted Scandi Gnome Kit
Gnomeo & Juliet was a kids movie hit, so we decided to include some gnome-y crafting holiday fun by way of this craft kit. Younger kids can work with a parent or older kids can work on their own. The box comes with "Merino wool, wool, step by step instructions, and a specialist needle."
Christmas Cake Pop Decorating Kit
Nope, we're not finished with the food "craft," aka baking kits, just yet. This holiday cake pop kit walks kids and parents through the cake pop process and allows them to decorate them in two different ways: as reindeer and Christmas trees.
Peanuts Family Puzzle
$20
from
Herrschners
Are puzzles a craft? We're not sure, but it involved putting something together, and when the puzzle is put together it creates a picture that can be art for a wall, so we're adding it. This Peanuts family jigsaw puzzle is the perfect holiday break activity.
Melting Snowman Kit
$13
from
Fat Brain Toys
Art can be objects but it can also be actions. This art kit combines two of those things. It's a "Let it Snow" snowman kit that allows kids to shape their snowman, which melts like the real thing when it's finished.
Christmas Sticker Game
Stickers are fun no matter how old a kid (or adult is), and that's one of the reasons they're so engaging. This craft kit has a template for kids to create faces with stickers on an elf, snowman, Santa, and reindeer. It's like a craft version of Mr. Potato Head.
Glitter Snow Globe
Snow globes are just tiny glass balls (globes) filled with a holiday scene and fake snow, but something about them is simply magic. With this glitter snow globe kit, kids can make their own little wintery worlds inside them.
Christmas Craft Kit
$17
from
Maisonette
Sometimes, kids just want to get creative and see what happens. This Christmas kit comes with all the supplies to do just that, thanks to their variety. From felt ornaments or shapes to glitter, googly eyes and string, it has everything they need to get their holiday craft juices flowing.
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