Let your toddler join in on the holiday magic with this DIY Wrapping Paper craft! It’s an easy, hands-on way for little ones to explore textures, patterns, and colors while creating something truly special.
With just a few simple supplies, your toddler can make their own wrapping paper for gifts — perfect for grandparents, teachers, or friends. It’s a fun way to blend art, creativity, and fine-motor development during the holiday season.
🧠 Why Try This Activity
Creating homemade wrapping paper lets toddlers practice key developmental skills while feeling proud of their creations. The process is more important than the product — it’s about exploration, not perfection!
Skills developed:
- Fine-Motor Development: grasping brushes, stamps, or rollers
- Sensory Exploration: exploring paint, texture, and color
- Creativity: choosing designs and experimenting freely
- Emotional Expression: making art for someone they love
🧰 Materials You’ll Need
- Large sheet of white or brown craft paper (or recycled packing paper)
- Washable paint (holiday colors: red, green, gold, silver)
- Stamps, cookie cutters, or household items (sponges, toy blocks, potatoes)
- Paint brushes or rollers
- Optional: glitter or stickers for decorating
🪄 How to Set It Up: DIY Wrapping Paper craft
- Tape your paper to the floor or table for easy painting.
- Pour washable paint onto trays or plates.
- Let your toddler dip stamps or brushes into the paint.
- Encourage them to press, roll, or paint freely across the paper.
- Allow it to dry completely before using it to wrap small gifts.
🧤 Tip: Dress your toddler in a smock or old shirt — this one can get delightfully messy!
💡 Tips for Success
- For younger toddlers, stick to one or two colors to prevent overstimulation.
- Add sparkle by brushing a bit of gold or silver paint on top after it dries.
- You can cut the paper into smaller sections for cards or gift tags.
- Play holiday music in the background for extra fun!
🧩 Extend the Learning
- Language: Talk about colors and shapes (“You made red circles!”).
- Fine Motor: Use stickers or stamps once the paint dries.
- Math Concepts: Count how many stamps or shapes you see.
- Social-Emotional: Wrap a gift together and talk about who it’s for.
🧼 Easy Cleanup
Use a damp cloth or baby wipes for quick cleanup. The paint washes easily off hands and surfaces when using washable varieties.
✨ Keep the Fun Going
This game is part of our December Lesson Plan in The Home Play Curriculum!
Explore more festive play ideas like the Pom Pom Drop Busy Bin, Yogurt Snow Paint, and DIY Handprint Ornaments — each designed to help your toddler learn through curiosity, joy, and connection.
👉 Explore the complete December lesson plan here.