Five engaging New Year’s crafts are perfect for toddlers’ development and holiday fun.
You can create a sparkly paper plate clock to teach time-telling skills or make rainbow rice sensory shakers for tactile exploration.
Let your little ones experience a safe celebration with bubble wand firework makers that combine lights and music.
Transform watercolour paper into a glittery star banner for festive decoration, or build excitement with confetti-filled countdown boxes.
These projects combine fine motor skill practice with creative expression, using simple materials you likely have at home.
Each activity offers unique opportunities to enhance your toddler’s learning journey through hands-on holiday festivities.
Key Takeaways
- Create a sparkly paper plate clock using brads, cardstock, and decorative materials to teach toddlers about countdown and time-telling skills.
- Make colourful sensory shakers by mixing uncooked rice with food colouring and filling clear bottles for engaging sound exploration.
- Bubble wand fireworks makers are a safe alternative to real fireworks, providing sensory experiences with lights and music.
- To develop fine motor skills and creativity, design glittery star banners using watercolour paper, paint markers, and glitter.
- Assemble confetti-filled countdown boxes with numbered lids for an exciting New Year’s Eve activity that builds anticipation.
1. Sparkly Paper Plate Time Clock
With New Year’s Eve approaching, a sparkly paper plate time clock is the perfect craft to help toddlers understand the excitement of counting down to midnight.
You’ll need a paper plate,Ā brads, cardstock for clock hands, andĀ number stickers or markers to create this engaging timepiece.
Start by decorating your paper plate with glitter, paint, or crayons to make it sparkle. Add sequins around the edge for extra flair, and use stickers or markers to place numbers around the clock face.
You can personalize the clock with pipe cleaners or foam stickers. To make it uniquely festive, you can create two hands from cardstock, punch holes in the centre, and attach them with a brad.
This craft looks great and helps your toddler develop number recognition, time-telling skills, andĀ fine motor coordination.
2. Rainbow Rice Sensory Shakers
After mastering the paper plate clock, let’s shake things up with a vibrant New Year’s sensory craft.
You’ll needĀ uncooked white rice,Ā food colouring, vinegar, and clear plastic bottles to create these engaging rainbow rice shakers.
Mix one cup of rice with a tablespoon of vinegar in a ziplock bag. Add several drops of food colouring and shake until the rice is evenly coated.
Proper storage in airtight containers between crafting sessions helps maintain the rice’s vibrant colours.
Spread the coloured rice on wax paper to dry completely. Repeat this process with different colours to create a rainbow effect.
Once dry, layer the coloured rice in clear plastic bottles, leaving some space for movement. Seal the bottles tightly, and you’ve got festive noise makers that double as sensory tools.
Your toddlers will love exploring sounds while developing their fine motor skills.
3. Bubble Wand Firework Makers
Real fireworks spark wonder and fear in toddlers’ eyes, butĀ bubble wand fireworks makers offer a gentler way to celebrate.
These handheld devices create a magical display of bubbles while incorporating lights and music for an enchanting sensory experience.
They come in various shapes, from traditional firework designs to delightful butterflies. Regular cleaning after use will help prevent residue buildup and extend the life of your bubble wand.
To keep your bubble maker working perfectly, check the battery level regularly and verify that you’re using the right bubble mixture consistency.
Inspect the tubes for clogs if bubbles aren’t flowing smoothly and clean them as needed.
These kid-friendly devices are available at retailers like Walmart and Flipkart, with prices varying by brand and feature.
They’re safe for children ages 2-7, but remember to supervise outdoor play for the best bubble-making adventures.
4. Glittery Star-Banner
Transforming ordinary watercolour paper into a dazzling glittery star banner creates a perfect New Year’s decoration that toddlers will love making.
For added festivity, consider making garlands that stretch up to 13 feet to create an extra dramatic effect.
You’ll need watercolour paper,Ā paint markers, glue, glitter, and string to get started. Pre-cutting the star shapes makes the activity more manageable for toddlers.
Let your little one investigate their creativity by choosing colours for each star. They can practice fine motor skills by carefully applying glue and sprinkling glitter in swirling or dotted patterns.
Use washable materials and supervise closely to prevent glitter or glue mishaps. If you’re short on time, you can find pre-made options on Etsy or other online marketplaces.
Space the stars evenly along the string, and you’ll have a festive decoration that captures the sparkle of New Year’s celebrations.
5. Simple Confetti Box Countdown
Create an exciting New Year’s countdown with your toddler using simple confetti boxes that burst joyfully when opened.
You’ll need boxes of various sizes, colourful paper for confetti, and basic crafting supplies like glue and scissors.
Start by cutting a neat slit on the top of each box. Then, work with your toddler to create confetti using kid-safe scissors or a paper shredder.
For added fun, you can make special shapes like snowflakes or stars. Fill each box with the confetti and secure it with tape. Then, number them for your countdown sequence.
