18 Holiday Garlands You Can Make with the Kids

by Erica Loop

3 years ago

Ah, the holidays! It’s time to get into the mood, and this year, instead of buying bags upon bags of ready-made holiday décor, why not let the kids DIY it? That’s right—it’s time to spread some cheer with crafts for kids, and these holiday garlands are the perfect way to get started! Scroll down to see them all.

Woven Paper Stars

Looking to get rid of all those old magazines lying around? Then, this woven star garland from My Poppet is just the ticket. Stunning, and not to hard to do, this one can be left up after the holiday season! Click here to see what else you'll need to get started.

Printable Banner Garland

Do you have a printer? Do you have string, tape and scissors? Then you have what it takes to make this printable banner garland from Brit + Co. They provide the template, all you have to do is click here for the tutorial.

Sparkly with Straws

Give your holiday décor that special sparkle with this completely creative DIY garland. Seriously. The glitz and glam that this craft gives will light up your home—minus the actual lights. Learn how to make this Christmas craft from Projects with Kids.

Coffee Filter Festivities

Coffee filters aren’t just for your morning cup of "wake me up, please." No way. They’re also a super science supply and more than a little bit artsy. Check out how Hands On As We Grow turns regular coffee filters into a gorgeous garland.

Santa Stars

Okay, okay, we all already know that Santa is kind of the star of the show when it comes to Christmas. Well, this artsy activity literally makes Santa into a star. A star shape that is. Get the full garland how-to from Red Ted Art.

Happy Herbs

Oh, sweet smelling and pretty? Yes, please! These mini rosemary wreaths from The Sweetest Occasion pull double duty. Not only do they string together into a rad little garland, but they also give your home a fresh holiday scent too.

Snowy String

You’ve seen them all over Pinterest. They’re 3D paper snowflakes, and they sorta look like you need Martha Stewart-level skills to make them. At least, to make them in a way that you’d actually want to display. Well, don’t fear—a totally easy, kid-friendly version is here. Check out Art Bar Blog’s tutorial for a full how-to.

Pieced Together

You have no less than a zillion puzzle pieces floating around your playroom. And none of them go to the same puzzle. Recycle and reuse them, turning those random pieces into this adorable garland from Raising Whasians.

Bright Lights

When it comes to twinkle lights, sometimes the real deal just won’t do. You have too much plugged into the outlet already, you don’t want your tot anywhere near a tangle of wires, or you just want to save a few dollars on electricity costs. Whatever the reason is, you can still hang light—the faux kind. This paper light Christmas garland from Stubbornly Crafty is bold, bright and fun to make.

Classic Creation

Go old school this holiday season and try out this classic cranberry and popcorn garland. This fab foodie fun project, from Mama Papa Bubba, may not be anything that the family should eat. But, after the holiday fun is over, you can dismantle the cran-corn mantle decorator and feed it to the birds.

Felt Candy Fun

Are your crafting skills totally Pinteresting or Insta-worthy? If so, this is for you. Help your crafty kid create this absolutely adorable felt candy garland from Growing Up Gabel.

Picture Perfect

How many pics of the kids do you take? Um, probably plenty. Instead of keeping them on your phone or storing them in some cloud somewhere, print them out and create this festive holiday garland from Cupcakes and Cutlery.

Chip Off the Color Block

The stack of paint chips that the kids stashed in your purse at the home improvement store doesn't have to end up in the trash. No way. Turn them into this cute craft from A Girl and a Glue Gun.

Trim the Tree

If you have felt and glue, you have the makings of this adorable garland from It’s Always Autumn. The kids can get as creative as they want, crafting trees with stars, polka dots, hearts, stripes or anything else they can dream up.

Gingerbread Cuties

These gingerbread people don’t go in the oven, and they have no calories. How could that be? They’re purely paper! Your little artist can decorate their gingerbread people with sweet smiles, pretty bows, and cute clothes. Get the full how-to from What Can We Do With Paper and Glue.

Star of the Show

This glowing garland by Mer Mag uses LED lights, cardboard, and Perler beads to create colorful décor that you’ll definitely want to leave up through the New Year. Now that’s a bright idea! Find the materials and how-to over at Julep.

DIY Lyric Garland

This next garland from Squirrelly Minds has us ready to get crafty. Pick out your favorite song lyrics that capture the magic of the holiday season, and you're halfway to having a personalized garland to give as gifts or to decorate your home. Check out all the details, including what you'll need, here.