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12 Hanukkah Crafts for Toddlers That Make Sweet Handmade Gifts

ByUsman

Toddlers love to paint, stamp and squish. Hanukkah is a great time to turn that fun into a gift.

In this post, you get 12 easy Hanukkah crafts for toddlers. Each one is simple and mess-friendly. Each one also makes a nice gift for grandparents, aunts, uncles or teachers.

These crafts are made for ages 1 to 3. A grown-up does the tricky parts. The toddler does the fun parts, like painting, stamping and sticking.

Before You Start: Toddler Craft Rules

  • Stay with your toddler the whole time.
  • Use non-toxic, washable paint, markers and glue.
  • Skip small parts like googly eyes, buttons, beads and glitter. They can be a choking risk.
  • Cover the table with paper or a plastic cloth.
  • Let your toddler touch and explore. The craft does not need to look perfect.
  • Do the cutting, baking and hot glue steps yourself.

What You Need in Your Craft Box

  • Blue, white and silver washable paint
  • Large paper and cardstock
  • Large craft sticks
  • Child-safe glue sticks and white glue
  • Tissue paper in blue and white
  • Clear contact paper
  • Sponges and large star-shaped stamps
  • Kraft paper or plain wrapping paper

12 Hanukkah Craft Gift Ideas for Toddlers

1. Handprint Menorah Art

You need

  • White cardstock
  • Blue washable paint
  • Yellow paint or yellow paper

Steps

  1. Paint your toddler’s hand blue. Keep the thumb out of the paint.
  2. Press the hand on the paper with fingers spread. The fingers are the candles.
  3. Let it dry. Add a yellow fingerprint flame on top of each finger.
  4. Add a date and your toddler’s name on the back.

2. Fingerprint Flame Card

You need

  • Folded cardstock
  • Yellow and orange washable paint
  • A marker

Steps

  1. Draw a simple menorah on the front of the card with a marker.
  2. Dip your toddler’s finger in yellow paint.
  3. Press fingerprints on top of each candle.
  4. Write a short note inside. Let it dry fully.

3. Tissue Paper Star Suncatcher

You need

  • Clear contact paper
  • Blue and white tissue paper squares
  • A cardstock frame in a star shape

Steps

  1. Cut a large star frame from cardstock. Tape the contact paper behind it, sticky side up.
  2. Let your toddler press tissue paper squares onto the sticky side.
  3. Cover with another sheet of contact paper.
  4. Trim the edges. Hang it in a window.

4. Coffee Filter Star of David

You need

  • Coffee filters
  • Washable blue markers
  • A spray bottle with water
  • A tray

Steps

  1. Flatten a coffee filter. Let your toddler color it with markers.
  2. Spray lightly with water. The colors will blend.
  3. Let it dry for several hours.
  4. Cut it into a large star shape. Tape it to a window or glue it on a card.

5. Sponge Stamped Gift Wrap

You need

  • Kraft paper or plain wrapping paper
  • Star-shaped sponge stamps
  • Blue and silver washable paint

Steps

  1. Roll out the paper on the floor.
  2. Dip a sponge in paint and let your toddler stamp it on the paper.
  3. Let it dry. Use it to wrap the gift.
  4. Add a plain ribbon to finish.

6. Salt Dough Dreidel Ornament

You need

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • A dreidel cookie cutter
  • Washable blue paint
  • Ribbon

Steps

  1. Mix the flour, salt and water into a smooth dough.
  2. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Let your toddler press the cookie cutter.
  3. Poke a hole at the top with a straw. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2 to 3 hours, until hard.
  4. Cool. Let your toddler paint it. Add ribbon when dry.

7. Salt Dough Handprint Keepsake

You need

  • The same salt dough from idea 6
  • A round or square cutter or knife
  • Washable paint
  • Ribbon

Steps

  1. Roll the dough 1/2 inch thick. Cut a round shape.
  2. Press your toddler’s hand or footprint into the dough.
  3. Poke a hole at the top. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 3 hours, until hard.
  4. Cool. Paint the background blue. Add a ribbon.

8. Craft Stick Photo Frame

You need

  • 4 large craft sticks
  • Blue paint
  • Paper star stickers
  • A small photo
  • Craft glue

Steps

  1. Let your toddler paint the craft sticks blue. Let them dry.
  2. An adult glues the sticks into a square.
  3. Let your toddler add large star stickers.
  4. Glue the photo on the back. Add a loop of ribbon to hang it.

9. Painted Tea Towel

You need

  • A plain white tea towel
  • Non-toxic fabric paint in blue
  • A large sponge stamp

Steps

  1. Place cardboard under the towel.
  2. Let your toddler stamp shapes on one end of the towel.
  3. Let it dry. Follow the paint label for setting the color. An adult can iron it.
  4. Fold and tie with a ribbon.

10. Playdough Gift Jar

You need

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Blue food coloring
  • A small jar

Steps

  1. An adult mixes the ingredients in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Stir for 3 to 5 minutes, until it forms a ball.
  3. Cool completely. Knead until smooth.
  4. Let your toddler help pack the dough in the jar. Tie a tag on the jar.
  5. Note: Playdough is not food. Do not let toddlers eat it.

11. Tissue Paper Dreidel Garland

You need

  • Cardstock cut in large dreidel shapes (adult cuts)
  • Blue and white tissue paper squares
  • White glue
  • String

Steps

  1. Let your toddler brush glue on a dreidel shape.
  2. Press tissue paper squares on the glue.
  3. Let it dry. Make 5 to 7 dreidels.
  4. An adult tapes them to a string. Roll it up for gifting.

12. Blue and White Sticker Star Card

You need

  • Folded cardstock
  • Large star stickers (age 1 and up)
  • Blue crayon

Steps

  1. Let your toddler stick stars onto the card.
  2. Add scribbles with a chunky crayon.
  3. Write a simple message inside.
  4. Add a name and a date on the back.

Easy Toddler-Safe Gifts to Pair With Your Craft

  • A chunky board book about holidays
  • Large washable crayons
  • Wooden blocks or stacking cups
  • A soft plush toy
  • Large sticker books
  • Blue socks or a cozy hat

A Respectful Note

A menorah is a religious object. These crafts are for decor and keepsakes. Do not use real candles with any of these crafts. If you want a menorah look at home, use LED candles or a paper craft.

Planning Guide

  • Week 1: Pick 2 or 3 crafts. Buy supplies.
  • Week 2: Make the salt dough crafts. Let them dry.
  • Week 3: Do the painting and stamping crafts.
  • Last few days: Wrap and write notes.
  • Tip: Do one craft a day. Toddlers have short attention spans.

Safety Notes

  • Ages 1 to 3 need an adult at all times.
  • Salt dough and playdough are not food. Never let toddlers eat them. They contain a lot of salt.
  • Dough has wheat. Watch for wheat allergies.
  • Hot glue, knives, the oven and the stove are for adults only.
  • Check paint and glue labels for the “non-toxic” mark.
  • Keep craft supplies away from baby siblings.

FAQ

What Hanukkah crafts can toddlers do?
Handprints, fingerprints, sticker art, stamping and tissue paper crafts are great for toddlers.

What is a good handmade gift from a toddler?
A handprint keepsake or a decorated photo frame is very popular.

How do I keep a toddler craft mess small?
Use a tray, a large paper mat and a damp cloth nearby.

How long do salt dough crafts last?
When fully dry and sealed, they can last many years if stored dry.

What age are these crafts for?
Ages 1 to 3, with an adult helping. Older kids can do more steps by themselves.

Final Thoughts

Toddler crafts are about the fun, not the final look. A few paint prints and sticky stars make the best gifts.

Pick one or two of these 12 ideas and enjoy the time together. Save this post so you have it ready for the holiday season.

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