New Year’s is such a wonderful time to bring out your creative side with kids! Crafting together can add excitement to the celebrations and make beautiful decorations for your New Year’s Eve party or countdown. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a more involved project, these 25 crafts are perfect for keeping kids engaged and ready to welcome the new year with joy.
From glittery creations to themed props, this list has ideas for every age and skill level. These crafts are not only fun but also make for delightful keepsakes, so you can look back on the start of the new year with happy memories. Let’s jump into these festive projects that will make New Year’s extra special!
1. DIY New Year Party Hats
Creating New Year party hats is a classic activity that kids of all ages love. To make these hats, you’ll need cardstock, glue, and some embellishments. Kids can shape the cardstock into a cone and glue it together. Then, let them add their unique touch with glitter, markers, and stickers to make each hat stand out.
These hats are perfect for wearing during the countdown, and they can even serve as fun party decorations. Not only are they easy to make, but they also let kids personalize their hats to match their style.
2. Sparkling Confetti Poppers
Confetti poppers are a must-have for a lively New Year’s Eve, and making them at home adds an extra thrill. For this project, grab some empty toilet paper rolls, tissue paper, and confetti. Kids can fill the rolls with confetti, then wrap them in tissue paper, tying off each end with a ribbon for a festive look.
When midnight strikes, kids can pull open their poppers for a fun burst of color. It’s a simple but exciting way to celebrate, and kids will love being part of the tradition.
3. Glittery New Year Glasses
Making glittery glasses for New Year’s is a fun way to get kids into the spirit of celebration. With an old pair of sunglasses, some glue, and plenty of glitter, kids can transform their glasses into a sparkly accessory. They can add cutout numbers representing the new year for an extra festive look.
These glasses make for great photo props during the countdown, and kids will love having a wearable craft that they helped create. Plus, the glittery effect is always a hit!
4. New Year’s Eve Countdown Clock
A countdown clock is a fun way for kids to understand the concept of counting down to the new year. Use a paper plate, markers, and some cardboard cut into clock hands. Kids can decorate the plate with numbers and glitter, giving it a festive look.
As the countdown approaches, they can move the clock hands to match the time, adding a sense of excitement as midnight nears. This craft doubles as a fun learning tool that helps kids grasp the concept of time.
5. Festive Noise Makers
Noise makers are a New Year’s staple, and making them at home is both simple and fun. Kids can take small paper plates, fill them with dried beans, and seal them together. Decorate the plates with markers, stickers, and anything sparkly.
These noise makers add a lot of fun to the celebration as kids can shake them when the clock strikes twelve. They’re easy to make and perfect for letting kids unleash their creativity.
6. Personalized New Year Banners
A personalized New Year banner can make any room feel more festive, and it’s a fun project for kids to tackle. Using construction paper, markers, and glitter, kids can cut out letters to spell “Happy New Year.”
Once decorated, these letters can be hung with clothespins on a string for an instant celebration. This project encourages creativity while adding a personal touch to your home decorations.
7. Shiny Firework Paintings
Firework paintings are an excellent way for kids to capture the magic of New Year’s Eve on paper. With dark-colored paper, paint, and an old toothbrush, they can create bursts of “fireworks” by splattering paint across the page.
Kids can add glitter to mimic the sparkle of real fireworks. This craft lets kids feel part of the New Year’s festivities and creates artwork they’ll be proud to display.
8. Countdown Goodie Bags
Countdown goodie bags add excitement as midnight approaches, and they’re easy to make at home. Prepare small bags and fill them with treats or tiny toys. Label each bag with a different hour, allowing kids to open one each hour as the countdown continues.
This craft builds anticipation and gives kids something to look forward to as they wait for midnight. It’s a simple idea that adds joy to the evening.
9. New Year Resolution Stars
Encourage kids to set positive intentions with their own resolution stars. Cut stars from colored paper, and let kids write down their resolutions for the coming year. They can hang their stars around the house to remind them of their goals.
This craft combines creativity with a meaningful message, helping kids feel motivated for the new year. Plus, the stars make for lovely decorations.
10. Glitter Slime
Slime is always a hit with kids, and glitter slime is the perfect New Year twist! Mix clear glue with baking soda and contact solution, then add plenty of glitter. The result is a sparkly, stretchy slime that kids will love.
They can enjoy playing with it during the celebration and keep it as a fun New Year’s souvenir. It’s an easy craft that’s sure to entertain.
11. Firework Pom-Poms
Firework-inspired pom-poms are colorful and can be used as decorations or party accessories. Using yarn, wrap it around your hand, tie it in the center, and cut the loops to create a fluffy pom-pom.
Add a spray of glitter for extra sparkle, and these pom-poms will be ready for New Year’s! They’re quick to make and perfect for adding a festive touch.
12. New Year’s Countdown Chain
A countdown chain is an easy craft that kids can tear off as the night goes on. Cut strips of colorful paper, loop them together, and write the countdown times on each link.
Kids can pull off a ring as each hour passes, helping them feel part of the celebration. It’s simple but engaging, and they’ll love watching the chain get shorter as midnight approaches.
13. Festive Photo Booth Props
Photo booth props add a playful element to New Year’s celebrations. Kids can use cardstock to create shapes like glasses, hats, and mustaches, decorating them with glitter and markers.
Once complete, they’ll have fun posing with their props for memorable photos. It’s an activity that encourages creativity and captures the festive spirit of the night.
14. Shimmering Snow Globes
Homemade snow globes capture the magic of winter and are a great keepsake. Use a small jar, fill it with water and glitter, and place a small figurine inside.
Seal the lid tightly, and kids can shake it to watch the glitter swirl like snow. It’s a delightful craft that creates lasting memories.
15. Wishing Tree
The wishing tree is a beautiful craft that encourages kids to think about their hopes for the new year. Place some small branches in a jar, and have kids write their wishes on paper to hang on the branches.
It’s a meaningful and decorative project that adds a hopeful touch to the holiday. Plus, kids will enjoy seeing their wishes on display.
16. Party Crowns
Party crowns are always a hit with kids, and they’re perfect for ringing in the new year. Cut crown shapes from cardstock, and let kids decorate them with glitter and stickers.
Each child can design their crown uniquely, adding a personal touch to the celebration. It’s a simple craft with a lot of flair!
17. Glitter Balloons
Balloons make any party feel festive, and adding glitter gives them a New Year’s twist. Coat the top of each balloon with glue and sprinkle on some glitter for a shimmering effect.
These balloons will look stunning in your New Year’s setup and are easy enough for kids to help with. They’ll love seeing their decorations add sparkle to the night.
18. Resolution Jars
Resolution jars are a creative way for kids to keep track of their goals for the new year. Decorate a mason jar, then write down resolutions on small pieces of paper to place inside.
Kids can revisit their jar throughout the year, reminding them of their intentions. It’s a meaningful project that doubles as a keepsake.
19. Handprint Fireworks
Kids can use their handprints to create unique “fireworks” on paper. Dip hands in colorful paint and press them onto paper in circular shapes.
The handprint fireworks are fun to make and a cute keepsake to remember New Year’s by. They’ll enjoy using their hands to create something colorful and celebratory.
20. Countdown Balloons
Countdown balloons add a pop of excitement to New Year’s Eve. Write each hour on a balloon, and let kids pop one as the countdown begins.
This craft adds energy to the night and gives kids a way to participate in the countdown. It’s easy, engaging, and brings a lot of excitement.
21. Sparkly Headbands
Decorate plain headbands with glitter glue and ribbons to make them festive. Kids can wear their creations as they celebrate, adding a touch of glam to the night.
These headbands are simple to make and are perfect for New Year’s photos. Kids will love having something fun to wear that they made themselves.
22. Paper Plate New Year Shakers
Create New Year shakers with paper plates and dried beans. Place the beans between two plates, seal them, and let kids decorate them with markers.
The shakers are perfect for adding some noise to the celebration. Kids will enjoy shaking them as the clock strikes twelve.
23. Wishing Stars Garland
Cut stars from paper and have kids write their wishes for the new year. String the stars together to create a garland that doubles as a beautiful decoration.
This garland is meaningful and adds a special touch to your New Year’s setup. Kids will feel proud seeing their wishes displayed.
24. New Year’s Eve Time Capsule
Create a time capsule filled with memories, notes, and small keepsakes from the past year. Place them in a box to open next New Year’s Eve.
This craft encourages reflection and makes for a touching keepsake. It’s a lovely way for kids to look back on the year.
25. Festive Paper Fan Decorations
Create paper fans by folding colored paper accordion-style and securing the middle. Decorate with glitter for a festive touch.
Hang these fans around your party space to add color and movement. Kids will love making these decorations and seeing them transform the room.
Conclusion
Crafting with kids during New Year’s is a great way to celebrate while creating lasting memories. These 25 New Year crafts are engaging, festive, and perfect for kids of all ages. Whether you’re looking for something quick or more involved, these projects bring excitement and creativity to your New Year’s celebration.