Decorated Ornaments

A classic keepsake families love year after year

Handmade ornaments are timeless, personal and suitable for all year levels. They’re quick to complete and easy to customise.

Materials

• Wooden, papier-mâché or card ornaments
• Acrylic paint or paint pens
• Markers or metallic pens
• String or ribbon
• Optional: collage paper, sequins, stickers
  

How to Make

1. Choose a Base Shape
    Stars, circles, hearts or trees work well.
   
   
2. Decorate with Colour & Pattern
    Encourage dots, lines, symbols or festive motifs.
   
   
3. Add Personal Details
    Include names, dates or short messages on the back.
   
   
4. Finish for Hanging
    Attach ribbon or string once dry.

Learnings: pattern, symbolism, personal expression.

Handmade Bookmarks

Practical, personal and perfect for all ages

Bookmarks are an ideal Christmas gift — quick to make, inexpensive and meaningful, especially when paired with a handwritten message.

Materials

• Card strips
• Markers, pencils or watercolour pencils
• Washi tape, stickers or collage scraps
• Laminating pouches or contact
• Ribbon or tassels (optional)
  

How to Make

1. Design the Front
    Draw festive imagery, patterns or favourite things.
   
   
2. Layer & Embellish
    Add texture using tape, collage or metallic accents.
   
   
3. Protect the Artwork
    Laminate or cover with contact for durability.
   
   
4. Personalise
    Add names, dates or short notes.

Great for literacy links and early finishers.

Decorated Gift Bags or Wrapping Paper

Creative, functional and wonderfully reusable

Custom wrapping paper or gift bags turn everyday materials into thoughtful gifts - and encourage sustainable practices.

Materials

• Kraft paper or plain paper gift bags
• Paint pens, stamps or sponges
• Foam shapes or stencils
• Ink pads or paint
  

How to Make

1. Plan a Design
    Explore repeating patterns or festive icons.
   
   
2. Print or Draw
    Stamp, sponge or draw designs across the surface.
   
   
3. Add Highlights
    Use metallic pens or markers for detail.
   
   
4. Use or Gift
    Wrap presents or give the decorated bag itself.

Learnings: pattern, repetition, sustainable design.

Wrap-Up: Gifts Made With Care

Easy Christmas gift ideas don’t need to be complicated to be meaningful. When students create ornaments, bookmarks or decorated wrapping, they’re not just making gifts - they’re learning about thoughtfulness, creativity and pride in making.

These simple projects are ideal for end-of-year classrooms, holiday programs or home crafting, offering a calm, creative way to celebrate the season.

FAQs

1. What are easy Christmas gifts students can make?

Ornaments, bookmarks, decorated gift bags, wrapping paper and small artworks are all simple, low-prep options.

2. How can I keep Christmas crafts manageable in the classroom?

Choose projects with minimal steps, shared materials and flexible outcomes. Paint pens, collage and card-based activities reduce mess and setup time.

3. Are these ideas suitable for different year levels?

Yes - designs can be simplified for younger students or extended with pattern challenges, symbolism or written messages for older learners.

4. What materials are best for budget-friendly Christmas gifts?

Card, paper, markers, paint pens and recycled materials are affordable, versatile and easy to store.