Christmas Art Supplies: Complete Holiday Craft List

To start your holiday craft project, you need a core set of Christmas art supplies: cardstock or mixed-media paper, acrylic paints, brushes, scissors, a glue gun, glitter, and festive embellishments like pom-poms and stickers. This list covers the essentials for most ornaments, cards, and wreaths, with the specific tools and materials you will actually use. Below, we break down each category, explain what to look for, and answer common questions so you can shop with confidence.

Formula

The calculator above estimates how far your craft budget will stretch. The formula for cost per crafter is:

Cost per crafter = Total budget ÷ Number of crafters

And for cost per project:

Cost per project = Total budget ÷ (Number of crafters × Projects per crafter)

Where:

• Total budget is the amount you plan to spend on all supplies (USD).
• Number of crafters is how many people will use the supplies.
• Projects per crafter is the average number of finished items each person expects to make.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: a $50 budget, 4 crafters, and 3 projects each.

1. Cost per crafter = $50 ÷ 4 = $12.50
2. Cost per project = $50 ÷ (4 × 3) = $50 ÷ 12 = $4.17

So each person can spend about $12.50, and each finished project should cost roughly $4.17 in materials. This helps you decide whether to buy premium paper or stick to budget basics.

Essential Paper and Cardstock

Paper is the foundation of most Christmas crafts. You will want a mix of weights and finishes:

• Cardstock (65–110 lb) – holds its shape for ornaments, gift tags, and 3D stars. Choose red, green, white, and metallic shades.
• Mixed-media paper – if you plan to paint or use wet glue, this heavier paper (90 lb or more) resists warping.
• Patterned scrapbook paper – for quick backgrounds and accents; 12×12 inch sheets give the most flexibility.
• Vellum or tissue paper – adds a translucent layer for lanterns or stained-glass style cards.

For beginners, a 50-sheet pack of assorted cardstock covers most needs. For advanced projects, look for textured or pearlescent finishes that catch the light.

Paints, Brushes, and Markers

Acrylic paint is the most versatile for holiday crafts because it dries quickly, adheres to wood, glass, and paper, and cleans up with soap and water. A basic set should include:

• Acrylic craft paints – at least red, green, white, gold, and silver. Small 2 oz bottles are enough for several projects.
• Watercolor set – for softer, hand-painted cards or gift wrap details.
• Paint markers (fine tip) – for writing names on ornaments or adding dots and lines without a brush.
• Brush set – a flat brush (for broad strokes), a round brush (for details), and a small liner brush (for thin lines).

If you are painting on glass or ceramics, check the label for “multi-surface� or “glass and tile� to ensure it adheres properly.

Cutting Tools and Adhesives

Precision cutting and strong bonding separate a polished craft from a messy one. You will need:

• Sharp scissors – a dedicated pair for paper only; dull blades tear edges.
• X-Acto knife and cutting mat – for intricate shapes like snowflakes or lettering. Always use a self-healing mat to protect your table.
• Hot glue gun – with low-temperature sticks for children and high-temperature for adults. Hot glue works on fabric, wood, and plastic.
• Double-sided tape – for clean, instant bonds on paper without drying time.
• Glue stick – for flat paper-to-paper adhesion; choose acid-free for photos.

For a child-friendly option, white school glue (PVA) is non-toxic and washable, but it takes longer to dry.

Embellishments and Finishing Touches

These are the items that make a craft feel “Christmas� rather than generic:

• Glitter – fine glitter for cards, chunky glitter for ornaments. Use a tray to catch spills.
• Pom-poms – red, white, and green sizes from 10 mm to 50 mm for snowman noses or wreath berries.
• Sequins and rhinestones – add sparkle to card fronts or frames.
• Ribbon and twine – for hanging ornaments, tying gift tags, or making bows.
• Stickers and foam shapes – quick, mess-free options for young children.
• Googly eyes – essential for reindeer, snowmen, or elf characters.

Keep a small container for buttons, bells, and cinnamon sticks – these natural or repurposed items add texture and a festive scent.

How to Choose Supplies for Different Ages

Not all supplies are safe or appropriate for every crafter. Match the tools to the user:

• Preschool (ages 3–5) – use washable markers, large crayons, safety scissors, glue sticks, and pre-cut shapes. Avoid small beads or anything that fits in the mouth.
• Elementary (ages 6–10) – introduce blunt-tip scissors, watercolor paints, and low-temp glue guns under supervision. Provide aprons and a washable tablecloth.
• Teens and adults – can handle X-Acto knives, hot glue guns, and acrylic paints. Still, remind them to cut away from their body and work on a protected surface.

If you are leading a group, plan one simple project (like a paper ornament) and one more complex project (like a painted wooden sign) to keep everyone engaged.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced crafters run into issues. Here are the most frequent problems and their fixes:

• Paper warps when painted – use heavier paper or tape it down to a board while drying.
• Glitter sheds everywhere – apply a thin layer of glue, sprinkle glitter, then tap off the excess over a tray. Seal with a spray fixative or clear varnish.
• Hot glue strings – pull the trigger slowly and release before lifting the gun. Wipe the nozzle with a scrap piece of cardboard.
• Paint cracks on glass – bake the painted glass at 350°F for 30 minutes (if the paint label says oven-safe) or use a dedicated glass paint that doesn’t require baking.
• Scissors won’t cut cleanly – clean the blades with rubbing alcohol to remove adhesive residue, or replace them if they are dull.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

You do not need to buy everything new. Many supplies can be sourced from around the house or repurposed:

• Old greeting cards – cut out images for gift tags or ornaments.
• Brown paper bags – stamp or paint them for rustic wrapping paper.
• Pinecones, twigs, and berries – gathered outdoors (wash and dry first) for natural wreaths.
• Yarn scraps – wrap around cardboard rings for mini wreaths.
• Egg cartons – cut into cups and paint them as bells or trees.

Check dollar stores for basic acrylic paints, brushes, and pom-poms – they are often the same quality as craft store brands for a fraction of the price.

Safety Tips for Holiday Crafting

Holiday crafts should be fun, but a few precautions keep everyone safe:

• Always use scissors and X-Acto knives with adult supervision for children.
• Hot glue guns can cause burns – keep the nozzle away from skin and unplug when not in use.
• If using spray sealants or varnishes, work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask.
• Keep small items like beads and buttons away from children under 3.
• Check that any paint or glue marked “non-toxicâ€� is used as directed; don’t let kids put supplies in their mouths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the bare minimum I need for a simple Christmas card?
You need cardstock (one sheet per card), a glue stick, scissors, and a few embellishments like stickers or a marker. That is enough to make a folded card with a cut-out tree or snowman.

Can I use regular printer paper for ornaments?
Yes, but it will be flimsy and curl when painted. For ornaments that hang, use cardstock or laminate the printed design with clear contact paper before cutting.

How do I keep glitter from making a mess?
Work inside a shallow box or tray, use a fine-mesh strainer to sprinkle glitter, and apply a clear sealer (like Mod Podge) over the finished piece to lock the glitter in place.

Are acrylic paints safe for children?
Most craft acrylics are non-toxic and safe for children over 3, but they are not washable from fabric or skin. Use washable tempera paint for young kids, or provide aprons and wet wipes.

What is the best glue for sticking felt together?
Hot glue works best for felt because it bonds quickly and holds well. If you prefer no heat, use fabric glue or a strong craft glue like E6000, but allow 24 hours to dry.

How do I make a Christmas craft with only paper and scissors?
You can fold paper to make snowflakes, cut strips to form paper chains, or fold and cut a simple paper star. No glue or paint is needed – just paper and scissors.

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in t | Total craft budget | USD | 50 | 0
in n | Number of crafters | - | 4 | 1
in p | Projects per crafter | - | 3 | 1
out per_person | Cost per crafter | USD | t / n | 2
out per_project | Cost per project | USD | t / (n * p) | 2