It’s after Thanksgiving, dreary and cold outside, and you need something to do with your kids. 

There just happens to be some leftover paper plates from the big meal. 

What’s a mom to do?

How about this cute and fun paper plate Santa craft for kids?!

It’s a simple way to keep the kids entertained and get in the Christmas spirit!

Read on below to see how easy it is to make with your kids.

Easy Santa Craft For Kids

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Supplies

• Paper plate
• Colored card stock (in red, cream, black and pink)
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Tape
• Black marker
• Santa craft template

Directions

Download the free Santa Claus craft template, print and cut out the pieces.

Glue the bottom of Santa’s hat to the red base.

Glue the hat puff to the tip of the hat.

Place the cream face piece at the top of the center circle of the paper plate and glue in place.

Put the tongue piece on the bottom of the black mouth and glue down. Cut off any excess.

Position the mouth towards the bottom of the inner circle of the paper plate and glue.

Glue the eyebrows towards the top of the cream face piece.

Place the white mustache on the paper plate so it covers the bottom of the cream face and glue in place.

Use a circle punch or scissors to cut out a small pink nose for Santa. Glue in the middle of the mustache, where it dips in the center.

Use the black marker to draw in Santa’s eyes.

Use the scissors to cut a few slits in the top of the paper plate. This is to help flatten the plate and make it easier to secure the hat.

Place the hat on the top of the paper plate, then flip the plate over (holding the hat in place) and secure it in place with tape.

You’re finished! Wasn’t that so much fun?!

And did you know there are so many wonderful benefits to crafting with your children? Check out some of the best ones below.

Why is it important to do crafts with your kids?

1. It develops Imagination and Self-Expression

When children work on art projects, it stimulates creativity and imagination. 

Putting a paintbrush in the hand of a child to make a snowflake watercolor art project or anything else gives them the chance to express themselves in a way that they might not be able to do verbally. 

It is important to give your child the chance to participate both in art projects – which are free form and open-ended – and crafts, which are set with a particular goal in mind, like this paper plate Santa craft. 

2. It Strengthens Cognitive Abilities

Participating in art and crafts help children improve their decision-making abilities by giving them instant feedback on their choices. 

If they don’t use enough glue, for example, the pieces won’t stick.  Too much glue, however, leaves a soggy mess. 

Similarly, if they mix colors on a painting, they get an instant result, and then have to decide if they like that result while processing what happened.  

Creating arts and crafts also gives children a chance to practice problem-solving skills. 

What should they do when they accidentally use too much glue or get a paint color they don’t like?  What steps can they take to fix it – even if it means starting over?

It is important for parents and teachers alike to allow children to make and learn from these experiments and not swoop in immediately to “fix it.” 

In fact, “fixing” the child’s artwork can have some detrimental repercussions.  When a parent or teacher changes the child’s art to make it look more “perfect,” it sends a message to the child that their efforts weren’t good enough on their own, which demolishes their self-confidence. 

Instead, praise their wonky-nosed reindeer and crooked-hat Santa, and watch them shine with pride.

3. It Reinforces Physical Skills

Working on an art or craft project also helps a child hone some important physical skills.

Using scissors and squeezing glue out of a bottle improve hand strength and awareness. 

Manipulating small pieces improves fine motor skills. Coloring provides some great pre-writing practice. 

And seeing the completed steps is a great confidence boost for a child who is learning a new skill!

Emotional Benefits of Doing Arts and Crafts

Even children feel the stress around the holidays.  Schedules are inconsistent with holiday parties and days off school. 

Busy holiday stores are a sensory overload waiting to happen.  Relatives from out of town come to visit. 

Projects such as the paper plate Santa can help children hit the “reset” button.  It’s been found that focusing on a quiet activity, even for a short time, can help children lower their stress levels and feel more in control of their emotions. 

Doing these crafts alongside children gives them the message that they are important and loved.  

Isn’t it amazing how a simple craft can have so many amazing benefits?!

Share With Us

Did you make this paper plate Santa Claus with your children or students? If so, we’d love to see how they look!

Snap a picture of the completed project and share them with us on our Facebook wall or in our private Facebook group.

Get Our Favorite Christmas Crafts

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• Paper Plate Grinch Craft
• Elf Craft For Kids
• Gingerbread Man Paper Bag Puppet

Free Santa Template