Nature Craft for Toddlers/Preschooler: Christmas Tree Ornament
Kristina
—Jul 04, 2023
Are you gearing up for the holidays and trying to find some nature crafts to do with your toddler or preschooler? A Christmas tree ornament is a perfect nature craft that will start getting yourself and your child in the holiday spirit.
You can make this festive tree for your Christmas Tree or maybe to give as a gift. We made these for my kids’ grandparents and they loved it!
Items You Will Need To Make A Nature Christmas Tree Ornament With A Toddler, Preschooler or Kindergartener
- Lots of small sticks
- Wide Popsicle Stick
- Holly Berries
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Rest assured all products I suggest are products I have bought or would buy based on personal experience or through my network of other mommas.
How To Create A Christmas Tree Ornament With A Toddler, Preschooler or Kindergartener
Collect Nature Material
One of the most fun steps of a nature craft is collecting your material. You can either go on a hike or wander around your yard to find what you will need.
Sticks are commonplace and you should have no problems finding them. However, you will have to be on the lookout for a holly tree to gather your berries. I have one in my backyard so for me this is easy.
If you can’t find a holly tree you can also use pom pom balls, any other berry you can find outdoors or at the store
Bake the Sticks to Clean Them
You never know what is living on sticks. Since this is a Christmas tree ornament we want to make sure that we aren’t bringing anything inside.
Place the sticks on foil in a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes at 250.
Break the Sticks to Appropriate Lengths
Line up the sticks on your popsicle stick or piece of wood and determine the best sizes for each stick. The longer sticks on the bottom with the shortest sticks on top to create a Christmas Tree. Leave some room at the top for a bow and hole for hanging.
I like to break the sticks to appropriate lengths then have my kids place them in order from longest to shortest. Always good to turn an activity into a mini lesson!
Glue Sticks to Assemble a Tree
I find a glue stick or liquid glue doesn’t work it to keep the sticks in place. I use the glue gun for this nature craft. This does mean I have to be extra careful with my toddler or preschooler.
I suggest operating the glue gun and having your child place each stick done in place.
Repeat till the tree shape is complete
Decorate with Holly Berries
Again I find the glue gun the best for this job. Place a dollop of glue down on a stick or in between two sticks and have your child drop a berry or pom pom down.
I like to let my kids pick where the berries should go and how many they find appealing.
Make a Bow Top
Next you will want to add some flair to the top. Let your toddler/preschooler pick out their favorite ribbon color and use it to tie a bow.
Punch a Hole in the Stick for Easy Hanging
Lastly, you need a way to hang your ornament on the tree. Punch a hole out of the popsicle stick to thread a string to hang.
Voila you have a perfect Christmas tree ornament made from nature!