New Year’s Crafts for Toddlers: 31 Fun Ideas

Is your toddler excited about the New Year but too young for late-night parties? You’re in the right place.

These New Year’s crafts for toddlers turn celebration into creative fun your little one can actually enjoy.

From sparkly sensory bottles to handprint keepsakes, each project uses simple materials you likely have at home. No fancy supplies needed. No complicated steps either.

Just easy crafts designed for tiny hands and short attention spans. Whether you want quiet sensory play or colorful decorations, these ideas help you ring in together.

Ready to make memories? Let’s get started with crafts that are safe, fun, and toddler-approved!

Why Crafting is Great for Toddlers?

Crafting with your toddler does more than fill an afternoon. It builds skills that matter for their growth. When little hands tear paper or squeeze glue, they are working hard.

These simple actions strengthen the muscles needed for writing later. Plus, crafting lets toddlers express themselves through color and texture.

They learn to focus on one task at a time. And when you make something for New Year’s, they start to understand celebrations and traditions.

Here’s what crafting gives your toddler:

• Builds fine motor skills – Tearing, sticking, and squeezing help tiny fingers grow stronger and more coordinated.
• Sparks creativity – Toddlers try new colors and materials, learning to make choices and express ideas.
• Improves focus – Short craft sessions teach them to pay attention without feeling overwhelmed.
• Introduces traditions – Making festive items helps toddlers connect with special days like New Year’s Eve.

Pro Tip: Before the messy fun begins, check out Sunlight Cleaning for quick, eco-friendly home cleaning services to make post-craft cleanup a breeze.

Basic Craft Materials You’ll Need

Before jumping into the fun projects, let’s gather a few simple supplies. Most of these materials are items you already have at home, making your New Year’s crafting session easy, safe, and stress-free.

Category	Key Items	Quick Tip
Paper Basics	Paper plates, colored paper, tissue paper	Perfect for hats, clocks, and banners.
Tools & Adhesives	Glue stick, child-safe scissors, tape	Use washable, non-toxic supplies.
Colors & Decor	Paints, crayons, stickers, glitter glue	Swap loose glitter for glitter glue to avoid a mess.
Recyclables	Cardboard tubes, bottles, jars	Ideal for shakers and sensory crafts.
Sensory Fillers	Pom-poms, rice, and large confetti	Choose toddler-safe, oversized materials.

Easy New Year’s Crafts for Toddlers

Each craft below includes materials and 3 simple steps so you can prep fast and enjoy quality creative time!

1. Sparkle Sensory Bottles

Watch your toddler’s eyes light up as glitter swirls like fireworks. This calm, mess-free activity is perfect for sensory play. It also helps little ones wind down after excitement.

Materials: Clear bottle, glitter, water, oil

Steps:

1. Fill the bottle with water and a dash of oil.
2. Add glitter and seal the cap tightly.
3. Shake gently to see “fireworks” dance inside.

2. Paper Plate Countdown Clock

Turn waiting into a game with this hands-on clock. Your toddler can move the hand every hour as midnight gets closer. It teaches time and builds anticipation.

Materials: Paper plate, brad, cardstock hand

Steps:

1. Write numbers 1 to 12 on the plate.
2. Attach the cardstock “hand” with a brad.
3. Move the hand each hour till midnight.

3. Confetti Tube Popper

Toddlers love the surprise of this gentle popper. It’s a safe way to celebrate without loud bangs. Plus, cleanup is easy with large confetti pieces.

Materials: Toilet roll, tissue paper, ribbon

Steps:

1. Seal one end with tissue paper.
2. Fill with confetti pieces.
3. Pull the ribbon to release the pop!

4. Glitter Crown

Every toddler deserves to feel special on New Year’s Eve. This sparkly crown is simple to make and fun to wear. Let them be the stars of your celebration.

Materials: Paper crown, stickers, glue

Steps:

1. Spread glue or use stickers for sparkle.
2. Decorate with stars or sequins.
3. Fit gently around your toddler’s head.

5. Handprint Fireworks

Turn tiny handprints into colorful fireworks. This craft doubles as keepsake art you’ll treasure for years. Hang it up to remember how small their hands once were.

Materials: Washable paint, paper

Steps:

1. Paint the hand, then press it onto the paper.
2. Use cotton swabs to add dots around it.
3. Let dry and hang as wall art.

6. Party Hat Craft

Store-bought hats are fine, but homemade ones are better. Your toddler can decorate their own hat with stickers and glitter. They’ll wear it with joy all evening long.

Materials: Cardstock cone, elastic, stickers

Steps:

1. Form a cone hat from cardstock.
2. Let your toddler add stickers freely.
3. Tie the elastic under the chin to wear.

7. Rice Shaker Maracas

Make music without the noise overload. These simple shakers are great for rhythm play. Toddlers love shaking them during countdown songs.

Materials: Plastic egg, rice, tape

Steps:

1. Add rice inside the plastic egg.
2. Seal tightly with strong tape.
3. Shake to the rhythm!

8. Bubble Wrap Fireworks

Who knew bubble wrap could make art? This textured painting method is fun and surprising. Each press creates a burst of color on paper.

Materials: Bubble wrap, paint, paper

Steps:

1. Paint the bubble wrap surface.
2. Press it firmly on paper for texture.
3. Peel off to reveal fireworks!

9. Glitter Jar Countdown

Make counting down visual and hands-on. Each hour, your toddler shakes the jar and watches glitter settle. It’s a quiet way to mark time together.

Materials: Jar, sand, labels

Steps:

1. Layer colored sand or glitter inside the jar.
2. Add number labels from 10 to 1.
3. Shake each hour during the countdown.

10. Pom-Pom Drop Game

This simple game keeps toddlers busy and engaged. They drop pom-poms through tubes and watch them fall. It’s great for hand-eye coordination, too.

Materials: Tubes, pom-poms, tape

Steps:

1. Tape tubes vertically to a wall or box.
2. Drop pom-poms through the top.
3. Collect them in a bowl below!

11. Straw Firework Stamps

Turn ordinary straws into stamping tools. The splatter effect looks just like fireworks in the sky. Add glitter glue for extra sparkle and shine.

Materials: Straws, paint, paper

Steps:

1. Dip the ends of the straws into the paint.
2. Stamp outward like fireworks on paper.
3. Add dots with glitter glue for detail.

12. Handprint “2026” Keepsake

Capture this moment with a handprint year marker. Your toddler’s tiny hands form the numbers for 2026. It’s a sweet memory you’ll want to frame.

Materials: Paper, paint, marker

Steps:

1. Paint palms to form the digits.
2. Press hands to spell “2026” on paper.
3. Write name and date below.

13. Streamer Wand

Toddlers love anything that moves and flows. This streamer wand is perfect for dancing around the room. It’s also great for outdoor play on mild days.

Materials: Straw, tissue strips, tape

Steps:

1. Tape streamers to one end of the straw.
2. Add stickers for decoration.
3. Wave and dance freely!

14. Countdown Paper Chain

This classic craft never gets old. Make one loop for each hour, up to midnight. Tearing one off each hour builds excitement gradually.

Materials: Paper strips, glue

Steps:

1. Create loops and glue ends together.
2. Make one loop per countdown hour.
3. Tear one off every hour.

15. Rainbow Ribbon Collage

Create a colorful masterpiece using strips of ribbon. Toddlers practice laying, arranging, and gluing pieces down. The different textures make it extra interesting to touch.

Materials: Ribbons, glue, cardstock

Steps:

1. Cut ribbons into small strips.
2. Let the toddler arrange them on cardstock.
3. Glue down to create a rainbow pattern.

16. Paper Lanterns

Bring soft light and color into your celebration. These paper lanterns are easy for toddlers to decorate. Hang them low so your little one can admire their work.

Materials: Precut paper, glue, stickers

Steps:

1. Fold paper into a lantern shape.
2. Add stickers and glitter for decoration.
3. Hang safely with a string.

17. Ribbon Noise Wand

This wand makes a soft swishing sound when shaken. It’s loud enough to feel festive but gentle on the ears. Toddlers can shake it during the countdown.

Materials: Ribbon, ring, tape

Steps:

1. Tape ribbons securely to a ring.
2. Add a star sticker on top.
3. Shake and swirl for fun sounds.

18. Cotton Ball Cloud Painting

Create soft, fluffy clouds by stamping with cotton balls. Toddlers love the squishy texture and gentle dabbing motion. It’s a calm, sensory-friendly activity.

Materials: Cotton balls, paint, paper

Steps:

1. Clip cotton balls with clothespins for easy grip.
2. Dip cotton into paint colors.
3. Dab onto paper to create cloud shapes.

19. Glitter Playdough

Turn regular playdough into something special with glitter. Toddlers can roll, squish, and shape it for hours. Use cookie cutters to make stars and shapes.

Materials: Homemade playdough, glitter

Steps:

1. Add glitter to the playdough and knead well.
2. Roll and press with cookie cutters.
3. Make stars or number shapes.

20. Confetti Sensory Bin

Fill a bin with large, safe confetti pieces. Toddlers can scoop, pour, and explore textures. This keeps them entertained while you prep for celebrations.

Materials: Confetti, bin, scoops

Steps:

1. Fill the bin with large confetti pieces.
2. Add scoops and small cups.
3. Let toddlers explore safely and freely.

21. Painted Firework Rocks

Painting rocks is calming and creative. Your toddler can make colorful bursts on smooth stones. Display them in the garden or on a shelf.

Materials: Smooth rocks, paint

Steps:

1. Paint colorful base colors on rocks.
2. Add dots to look like fireworks.
3. Display in the garden or on a windowsill.

22. Party Horn Decor

Make your own party horn without the piercing noise. Toddlers can decorate it with stickers and tissue paper. Blowing gently makes a soft, fun sound.

Materials: Tube, tissue, stickers

Steps:

1. Decorate the tube with stickers.
2. Cover one end with tissue paper.
3. Blow gently for a soft noise.

23. Counting Bead Bracelet

Combine jewelry making with counting practice. Thread beads together while counting each one aloud. Your toddler gets a bracelet and a learning moment.

Materials: Yarn, beads

Steps:

1. Thread beads onto the yarn with your help.
2. Count each bead aloud together.
3. Tie ends to wear as a bracelet.

24. Star Prints

Sponge stamps are perfect for little hands. Each press leaves a perfect star-shaped mark. Add glitter glue once dry for extra shine.

Materials: Sponge star, paint, paper

Steps:

1. Dip the sponge star into the paint.
2. Stamp firmly onto paper.
3. Add glitter glue details when dry.

25. “I’m 2/3!” Photo Frame

Celebrate how big your toddler is getting. Decorate a frame together and add their age. Insert a New Year photo for a sweet keepsake.

Materials: Frame, stickers

Steps:

1. Decorate frame edges with stickers.
2. Add the year number with markers.
3. Insert a New Year photo inside.

26. Tissue Confetti Popper

This popper is quieter than store-bought versions. Toddlers love pulling the balloon to release confetti. It’s gentle enough for sensitive ears, too.

Materials: Cup, balloon, confetti

Steps:

1. Stretch the balloon over the cup opening.
2. Fill inside with confetti pieces.
3. Pull the balloon gently to release.

27. Number Garland Chain

Create a festive garland featuring the new year number. Toddlers can decorate each digit with their favorite colors. String them together for a personalized party decoration.

Materials: Cardstock numbers, markers, string

Steps:

1. Cut out large “2026” numbers from cardstock.
2. Let the toddler color and decorate each number.
3. String them together and hang as decoration.

28. Sensory Noise Bag

This sealed bag is safe and satisfying to squish. Rice and sequins make gentle sounds when moved. It’s perfect for toddlers who like tactile play.

Materials: Zip bag, rice, sequins

Steps:

1. Add rice and sequins to the bag.
2. Seal tightly with extra tape.
3. Squish and listen to sounds safely.

29. Time Capsule Jar

Start a tradition with this simple time capsule. Your toddler draws or adds small items inside. Open it together next New Year’s Eve.

Materials: Jar, paper, stickers

Steps:

1. Draw a favorite memory on paper.
2. Fold and place inside the jar.
3. Open together next year.

30. Sticker Collage

Sometimes the simplest crafts are the best. Give your toddler stickers and paper and let them create. They’ll layer shapes and colors with joy.

Materials: Stickers, colored sheet

Steps:

1. Peel and stick stickers freely.
2. Layer stars and fun shapes.
3. Display their work proudly.

31. Glow-in-the-Dark Stars

End the night with glowing magic. Paint stars that shine when the lights go out. Your toddler will love watching them glow at bedtime.

Materials: Glow paint, paper

Steps:

1. Paint star shapes with glow paint.
2. Let dry completely under light.
3. Watch them glow at night.

Tips for Craft Time Success

Crafting with toddlers works best when you keep it simple and stress-free. Limit sessions to 10 or 20 minutes so little ones don’t lose interest.

Always choose washable or non-toxic materials for safety and easy cleanup. Lay down a “cleanup mat” or newspaper before you start to catch spills and messes.

And don’t forget to celebrate! Take a photo of each creation to show your toddler how proud you are. These small steps make craft time fun for everyone and help you avoid frustration.

When toddlers feel relaxed and supported, they create with more confidence and joy.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating the New Year with your toddler doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. These New Year’s crafts for toddlers prove that simple materials and a little creativity go a long way.

From glitter jars to handprint art, each project builds skills while making memories. Your toddler learns, creates, and feels part of the celebration. That’s what matters most.

So grab some paper, paint, and glue, and start crafting together. Don’t worry about perfection. Focus on the giggles, the messy hands, and the proud smiles when they finish.

Which craft will you try first? Share your toddler’s creations with us in the comments below. Here’s to a creative, joyful start to 2026!