Discover 20 Christmas Keepsakes Kids Can Make For Their Parents.
Christmas is just around the corner, and whenever the season approaches, it always brings back so many beautiful memories from my childhood.
When I was a little girl, I always looked forward to Christmas because it gave me a chance to make crafts and little keepsakes for my granny. She was so fond of me and cherished anything that had to do with me. I remember begging my mom to help me make Christmas keepsakes for her. It was my own special Christmas gift to my granny, and she treasured every single one.
It didn’t matter if my craft was perfect or looked a little messy. She would happily keep it in her memory box because, to her, it was something made by me.
Now that I am a mom myself, I have introduced the same tradition to my own kids, and they absolutely love making Christmas keepsakes too. I love watching them create something with their little hands and knowing that these simple gifts will become precious memories for our family.
So, if you are looking for Christmas keepsakes kids can make for their parents, I have put together 20 simple and meaningful ideas you can try with your children this Christmas. Some are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, while older kids can add their own creative touches.
Gather your kids, choose a few of these ideas, and let them make something special for you. Just as I did with my granny, these little keepsakes may become some of the sweetest Christmas memories your family holds onto for years to come.
Make your baby’s first Christmas memorable with these Christmas traditions to start with your baby.
20 Christmas Keepsakes Kids Can Make For Their Parents
1. Handprint Christmas Tree
This is one of those simple Christmas keepsakes that kids can make with very little help. I love handprint crafts because they capture how tiny kids’ hands are at that particular age, making them extra special to keep.
For this Christmas keepsake, let your child make a Christmas tree using their handprint. You can use green washable paint for the handprint and then add colorful fingerprints, pom-poms, or small stickers as Christmas decorations.
Once it is dry, write your child’s name, age, and the year on it. You can also add a little message such as “Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad!” and keep it in your family memory box.
For more handprint activities, see 15 Fall handprint activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
2. Handprint Reindeer Craft
My kids enjoy making this and it is actually simple enough for little hands and also makes a cute gift for parents.
Let your child paint their hand brown and press it onto a piece of white or colored cardstock. Once the paint dries, add googly eyes, a red pom-pom for the nose, and small antlers to turn the handprint into a reindeer.
Write your child’s name, age, and the year underneath the craft. You can also add a short Christmas message.
3. Popsicle Stick Christmas Photo Frame
This is another beautiful keepsake kids can make for their parents. I love this particular keepsake because you can add a favorite family photo..
Get popsicle sticks, and ask your kids to glue them together to make a simple frame. Once it is dry, they can decorate it with Christmas colors, small pom-poms, buttons, stickers, or glitter.
Add a favorite photo to the frame and write the year on the back. For more popsicle stick activities, see Popsicle stick match activities for toddlers.
4. Handprint Santa
For this craft, let your child paint their palm and fingers with washable paint and press their hand onto a piece of cardstock.
After it dries, help them turn the handprint into Santa by adding his eyes, hat, beard, and a little red nose.
You can write something like merry Christmas mom or merry Christmas dad at the back. Also include the year underneath the handprint.
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5. Christmas Handprint Wreath
This is one of my favorite Christmas keepsakes to make with kids because it turns their little handprints into something beautiful.
To make a Christmas handprint wreath, let your child make several green handprints on cardstock and carefully cut them out once they are dry. Arrange the handprints in a circle and glue them together to form a wreath.
Your child can decorate the wreath with red pom-poms, ribbons, small stickers, or fingerprints to make it look more festive. Add the name of dad or mom, and the year in the middle, and you have a sweet Christmas keepsake that captures a little piece of your child at that moment.
6. Christmas Tree Salt Dough Ornament
Salt dough ornaments are another Christmas keepsake I love because they are simple to make and can be kept for many years. Kids also enjoy being part of the process because they can make the ornament with their own little hands.
For a Christmas tree salt dough ornament, help your child make a simple salt dough and roll it out on a flat surface. Let them use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out the shape, then make a small hole at the top for hanging. Bake or air-dry the ornament according to the method you are using.
Once it is completely dry, let your child paint and decorate it however they like. This can also be used a beautiful Christmas decoration.
Are you looking for non-toy gifts to get for your kids this Christmas, Non-toy gifts for elementary kids they actually love will give you many ideas.
7. Christmas Lights Photo Frame
I love keepsakes that include a family photo because they allow you to hold on to a special moment, not just a craft. This Christmas light photo frame is a simple one your kids can make as a gift.
Start with a piece of cardstock and help your child draw or create a string of Christmas lights around the edges. They can use different colors of paint, markers, fingerprints, or small pieces of colored paper to make the lights.
But my favorite pattern is using fingerprint to create the Christmas light. Once the frame is decorated, add a favorite Christmas photo in the center. Then write merry Christmas mom or merry Christmas dad at the lower part of the frame.
8. Pine Stamped Salt Though Ornament
I love the idea of using something from nature to create a Christmas keepsake. Pine stamped salt dough ornament is simple, beautiful, and make a lovely little reminder of Christmas with your kids.
Start by making your salt dough and rolling it out on a flat surface. Let your child gently press a small pine branch or pine sprig onto the dough to leave a natural pattern.
Once the ornament is completely dry, your child can leave it natural or add a little paint to make it more festive. You can hang it on the Christmas tree and bring it out every year as part of your family’s Christmas decorations.
For my Christmas ornaments, see my article on 10 Easy DIY Christmas ornaments for kids.
9. Handprint Christmas Tree Card
This is a simple keepsake your kids can make for you or their grandparents. Let them make a green handprint on the front of a piece of folded cardstock.
Once it dries, help them decorate it with colorful fingerprints, small stickers, or tiny pom-poms.
They can also add a star at the top and write a little Christmas message inside.
10. Christmas Candle Holder
A homemade Christmas candle holder is a lovely keepsake kids can make for their parents. I love crafts like this because they allow children to create something special that the family can bring out during the Christmas season.
To make one, let your child decorate a round candle holder using Christmas colors, small stars, or festive patterns. They can paint it green, red, gold, or any color they like.
You can also help them add the name of the parent and the year to make it more personal.
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11. Fingerprint Potholder
I love keepsake ideas that are both meaningful and useful around the home. A fingerprint potholder is a sweet Christmas gift kids can make for their parents, and it gives you a little reminder of their tiny fingers whenever you use it.
For this craft, you will need a plain, fabric potholder and fabric paint. Let your child dip their fingertips into different Christmas-colored paints and gently press them onto the fabric to create festive patterns. They can make little Christmas lights, a Christmas tree, or colorful dots around the edges.
Allow the paint to dry completely and follow the fabric paint instructions for setting it.
12. Hand-Painted Christmas Plate
Children can use their imagination to turn a simple plate into something personal that reminds you of them whenever you see it.
Get a plain ceramic plate and some paints suitable for decorating ceramics. Let your child paint Christmas trees, Santa Claus, or any festive design they like.
Allow the paint to dry and follow the product instructions for sealing or curing it. Since this is a keepsake, it is best to use the plate for display unless the paint is specifically rated as food-safe. That way, you can preserve your child’s beautiful artwork for years to come.
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13. Snowman Christmas Keepsake Tin
I love the idea of turning an ordinary tin into something special that your kids can make for you at Christmas. This snowman keepsake tin is a fun little craft, and you can even use it to store small Christmas memories in the years to come.
To do this, get a clean, empty tin with smooth edges. Let your child decorate the outside with white paint to make it look like a snowman. Once the paint dries, help them add the eyes, an orange nose, a smiling mouth, and a little scarf.
Once it is ready, use it to keep little notes, Christmas photos, or other small keepsakes from the season.
14. Santa Handprint Salt Dough Ornament
I love keepsakes that capture how little our children were at a particular age, and this Santa handprint salt dough ornament is a lovely way to do that.
To make this ornament, prepare your salt dough and flatten it on a clean surface. Help your child press their hand firmly into the dough to leave a clear handprint. Carefully cut around the print, make a small hole at the top for hanging, and bake it according to your salt dough recipe. Allow it to cool completely before decorating.
Let your child paint the handprint to look like Santa, using red for his hat and white for his beard. Add little details to his face and write your child’s name and the year on the back.
15. Christmas Handprint Apron
If your kids love helping you in the kitchen, a handprint apron is a lovely Christmas keepsake to make for you. I think it is a sweet way to turn their little handprints into something you can use whenever you are cooking or baking with them.
Get a plain apron and some fabric paint. Help your child dip their hands into the paint and press them gently onto the apron. You can use green and red handprints to give it a Christmas feel or choose any colors you love.
Once the handprints are dry, you can write a little message like “Mom’s Little Helper” or “Baking Christmas Memories.”
16. Footprint Kitchen Towel
Just like handprint crafts, footprint keepsakes are a lovely way to remember how tiny your children were when they made them. A footprint kitchen towel is a simple Christmas gift kids can make for their parents, and it can become a sweet reminder of those early years.
To make one, get a plain kitchen towel and fabric paint. Help your child apply the paint to the bottom of their foot, then gently press it onto the towel. You can use green or red paint for a festive touch. Once the print is dry, turn it into a Christmas design by adding little details, such as Christmas light or decorations to create a Christmas tree.
Allow the paint to dry completely and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting it before washing.
17. Bottle Cap Snowman Ornament
You don’t always need expensive craft supplies to make a meaningful Christmas keepsake with your kids. Sometimes, simple things you already have at home can become something beautiful.
To make this, gather three clean bottle caps and help your child paint the inside of each cap white. Once the paint dries, arrange them in a vertical line to form a snowman and glue them together securely. Let your child add the eyes, buttons, and a carrot-shaped nose with markers or paint. You can also use a small piece of ribbon to make a scarf.
Attach a ribbon to the back so you can hang the snowman on your Christmas tree.
18. Beaded Candy Cane Ornament
Candy canes are one of those little things that remind me of Christmas, so making a candy cane ornament with the kids is a lovely way to add to your family’s holiday memories.
To make it, you will need red and white craft beads, a pipe cleaner, and a ribbon for hanging. Help your child thread the beads onto the pipe cleaner, alternating red and white to create the candy cane pattern. Once they have enough beads, gently bend the pipe cleaner into a candy cane shape and twist the ends securely. Add a ribbon at the top so you can hang it on the Christmas tree.
Keep in mind that small beads can be a choking hazard, so this keepsake is best for older children or with close adult supervision.
19. Fingerprint Christmas Card
One thing I love about handmade Christmas cards is that they don’t have to look perfect to be meaningful. A handprint Christmas card is a simple way for kids to create something personal for their parents while having fun with paint and colors.
To make one, fold a piece of cardstock in half to create a card. Let your child dip their fingertips in washable paint and press it onto the front. You can turn the handprint into a Christmas tree, Christmas light, or Santa by adding a few simple details once the paint dries.
Help your child write a little Christmas message inside, such as “Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad!” They can also add their name and the year so you can remember when they made it.
20. Christmas Stained Glass Keepsake
This stained glass keepsake is a lovely one to make with the kids. It gives them a chance to be creative while making something you can display during the holiday season.
To make it, cut a Christmas shape, such as a tree, star, or ornament, out of black cardstock. Help your child cut out the middle, leaving a border around the shape. Place a piece of clear contact paper behind the opening, then let your child stick small pieces of colorful tissue paper onto it until the space is filled.
Once they finish decorating, cover the back with another piece of clear contact paper to hold everything in place. You can add your child’s name and the year to make it more personal.
How to Preserve Kids’ Christmas Keepsakes
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Write your child’s name, age, and year on each keepsake.
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Store paper crafts in protective folders or albums.
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Keep salt dough ornaments in a dry place.
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Wrap delicate ornaments individually before storing them.
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Use a labeled memory box for handmade Christmas gifts.
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Keep painted crafts away from moisture and direct sunlight.
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Take photos of large or fragile keepsakes.
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Store fabric keepsakes in clean, dry containers.
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Keep digital copies of your children’s Christmas artwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Christmas keepsakes kids can make for their parents?
Some of the best Christmas keepsakes kids can make for their parents include handprint Christmas trees, salt dough ornaments, personalized Christmas mugs, handprint wreaths, Christmas photo frames, and handmade Christmas cards. These crafts are special because they capture a little piece of your child’s creativity and personality.
You don’t need expensive materials to make them meaningful; even a simple handprint with your child’s name and age can become a treasured family memory.
What Christmas keepsakes can toddlers make for their parents?
Toddlers can make simple Christmas keepsakes with help from an adult. Handprint and footprint crafts, fingerprint Christmas lights, decorated Christmas cards, and painted ornaments are lovely options.
Choose activities that match your toddler’s abilities and use child-safe, washable materials. Always supervise closely, especially when using small decorations, scissors, paint, or glue, and keep small objects away from children who may put them in their mouths.
How can kids make meaningful Christmas gifts for their parents?
Kids can make meaningful Christmas gifts by adding personal touches to their crafts. They can include their names, ages, the year, a family photo, or a short message expressing their love. You can also let them choose the colors and decorations they want to use.
At what age can children start making Christmas keepsakes?
Children can start making simple Christmas keepsakes as toddlers, with close adult supervision and age-appropriate activities. Younger children can enjoy handprint crafts, fingerprint art, and simple painting, while preschoolers can help decorate ornaments and make Christmas cards.
Older children can try more detailed crafts, such as salt dough ornaments, personalized photo frames, and handmade memory jars. Every child develops differently, so choose activities based on your child’s interests and abilities rather than age alone.
How do you preserve homemade Christmas keepsakes for years?
To preserve homemade Christmas keepsakes, write your child’s name, age, and the year on each craft whenever possible. Store paper crafts in protective folders, keep delicate ornaments wrapped in soft material, and place keepsakes in a clean, dry memory box away from direct sunlight and moisture.
You can also take photographs of larger or fragile crafts so you still have a record of them if they become damaged over time. These small steps can help you hold on to your children’s Christmas creations and enjoy those memories as they grow.
Conclusion
Making Christmas keepsakes with your kids is more than just crafts; it is about creating little memories you can look back on as they grow. I still remember making keepsakes for my granny, and now I love sharing that same tradition with my own children.
I hope these 20 Christmas keepsakes kids can make for their parents inspire you to create something special with your little ones this Christmas. Don’t worry about making everything perfect. Let your kids have fun, get creative, and make something from their hearts. Years from now, those little handprints and handmade gifts may become some of your family’s most treasured memories.
