Christmas Craft Ideas for Children with Special Needs
Christmas is a great time for creating memories, and a fun way to do this is by making Christmas crafts. In this blog, we will provide some Christmas craft ideas that you can carry out at home with your children.
Salt Dough Decorations
Salt dough decorations are easy, affordable, and fun to make — plus, they make great keepsakes or gifts for family and friends.
Simple salt dough recipe:
- 1 cup of flour
- ½ cup of salt
- ½ cup of water
Mix ingredients gradually in a bowl and knead until you have a smooth dough. Use cookie cutters to make shapes like stars or baubles, or press your child’s handprint into the dough to create a Santa face (the fingers become the beard, the thumb his hat!).
Bake at a low temperature for around two hours until dry and hard. Once cooled, decorate with paint, glitter, or markers.
Handprint Paper Wreath
Using green paint, make a dozen or so of your child’s handprints on paper or card, and form a circle to create a handprint paper wreath. You can decorate this with more paint, glitter, or craft items like fuzzy balls to make it more festive!
Sensory Christmas Bags
Sensory bags are perfect for children who enjoy tactile play. Fill a clear, sealed plastic bag (think Ziploc or similar) and fill with gel, glitter, beads, buttons, sequins, and holiday shapes. Your child can press, squish, and move items around. A great sensory crafting experience!
Thumb Print Festive Lights
Using your child’s thumb, make different coloured thumbprints on a piece of card or paper and connect these with a black line to create some festive lights. You could even make a Christmas card using this idea!
Cotton Ball Snowman
Build a snowman without the cold!
Use cotton balls to form a snowman shape on coloured card or paper. Add eyes, a nose, and buttons using fabric scraps, felt, or coloured paper.
This soft, tactile craft is great for sensory comfort and creativity — and looks adorable on display!
Things to Consider When Crafting with Children with Special Needs
- Prepare ahead: Some children, particularly those with autism or sensory issues, benefit from knowing what’s coming. A social story or a now-and-next board can help them to know what to expect.
- Provide choice: Let the child select materials, colours or which craft to do. Choice supports engagement and reduces resistance.
- Be flexible: If a texture or tool is causing distress, switch to a different material or simpler version.
- Keep it short & sweet: Use manageable time blocks. Remember this is supposed to be fun and not stressful.
These Christmas craft ideas for children with special needs are easy, affordable, and adaptable for all abilities. Whether you’re making handprint wreaths or sensory bags, crafting together is a wonderful way to bond, express creativity, and celebrate the joy of the season.
With a bit of preparation and flexibility, you can make Christmas magical, inclusive, and memorable for every child.