Recycled Christmas Ornaments & Decorations Kids Can Make

Did you know lots of items found in your recycling bin can be used to make adorable Christmas ornaments and decorations? Making homemade recycled Christmas ornaments and decorations is a fantastic way for kids to express their creativity while also learning about sustainability. Reusing recyclables from around the house to create upcycled art and crafts is a great way to teach children how something that's been used can still be transformed into something beautiful, rather than being discarded.

These handmade decorations help the environment, are a budget friendly gift option and can also become a personal, heart warming tradition to include in your holiday celebrations. In this post, we’ll share fun and easy ideas for creating eco-friendly Christmas decorations kids can help make. Lots of these would also be great to make as affordable class take home gifts.

DIY Milk Jug Jack-o-lanterns

Keep your empty milk jugs and upcycle them into easy DIY jack-o-lanterns by following our instructions below. This simple, creative project is perfect for kids and adults alike, and it’s a great way to recycle while getting into the spooky spirit for Halloween. Just like we made milk bottle ghosts, you can make milk bottle jack-o-lanterns in a few minutes using basic craft supplies.

DIY Milk Bottle Ghosts

Transform your old milk bottles {or milk jugs} into spooky ghost lanterns with this fun and easy DIY craft. These upcycled ghost lanterns will add a haunting glow to your home or yard. They're perfect for Halloween and can be made in just a few minutes. 

Fun Fireworks Crafts & Activities for Kids

Fireworks crafts are a great way to celebrate holidays like New Years Eve, 4th of July and even birthdays, without the noise and sensory overload of watching real fireworks. You also don't need to leave your house and the fireworks will last longer than a few seconds.

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E is for Egg carton: Sensory Alphabet

If you're a teacher or parent looking for a fun and interesting way to teach your children the letter E, this sensory E is for egg carton craft is perfect. Sensory letters {also known as tactile letters} are an engaging and effective way to teach children the letters of the alphabet.

A sensory alphabet is an exceptional tool that merges the tangible experience of touch with the abstract world of letters, making the learning process not only more fun but also more immersive for children. Follow our step by step instructions below to create your own sensory letter E, I've also included a free printable letter E template.

33 Christmas Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids

We love using toilet paper rolls for lots of different crafts at our place, there's literally hundreds of different crafts, games and DIY toys that can be made from toilet paper rolls. We've used them for Halloween toilet paper roll crafts so it makes sense to put together a list of Christmas toilet paper roll crafts as well.

These Christmas cardboard tube crafts can easily be done by preschoolers or school children as a classroom art project. Make these cute gingerbread men, elves, Christmas trees, reindeer, Christmas decorations and of course Santa himself. Use them to decorate the classroom or your home for Christmas or in small world play.

Rudolph Toilet Paper Roll Craft

With his shining red nose that saves Christmas, Rudolph the red nosed reindeer is the most famous reindeer of all. Children can make their very own Rudolph with this simple toilet paper roll reindeer craft. Upcycle a humble toilet paper roll, with a few other basic craft items, by following our step by step instructions to bring Rudolph to life.

We love toilet paper roll crafts in our house because toilet paper rolls are the most readily available craft resource and they're free! Plus they're recyclable so they're good for the environment. Check out our favourite Halloween toilet paper roll crafts and Christmas toilet paper roll crafts.

Santa Paper Cup Puppet {+ Free Template}

If you're looking for a cute Santa craft to try this Christmas, make this paper cup Santa puppet. With just a few basic craft supplies your kids can make a Santa puppet that waves his arms up and down. Follow our instructions below to learn how to make an articulated Santa puppet using paper cups and our free printable Santa template.

DIY Recycled Bird Feeders To Make With Kids

This huge list of DIY bird feeders will give you lots of inspiration to use different recyclables and materials you probably have at home already to create homemade bird feeders with your kids. Making a homemade bird feeder with kids is a great DIY recycled craft activity as well as a way to encourage children to learn more about nature and the native birds in your area.