20 January Crafts for Kids Using Winter-Themed Materials

January is such a cozy month to spark creativity with your little ones. Cold weather and quiet days make it the perfect time to dive into fun indoor crafts that celebrate the magic of winter and all the special days scattered throughout the month.

From building cheerful snowmen to honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of kindness and unity, there’s something for every child to enjoy. These hands-on projects are a wonderful way to keep kids engaged while adding a little extra joy to your home or classroom.

We’ve gathered some of the most creative and kid-friendly ideas to help you fill your January days with color, laughter, and imagination. Whether it’s exploring National Penguin Day or crafting squirrel puppets for Squirrel Appreciation Day, these projects bring a playful mix of learning and fun.

Pom Pom Penguins

These pom pom penguins are as cute as can be and so easy to make. Using black, white, and orange yarn, kids can create soft, fluffy penguins that are perfect for winter play or decoration.

This project is a fun way to build fine motor skills and explore texture while crafting something adorable.

Snowman Paper Plate

Turn a simple paper plate into a frosty friend full of charm. Add a carrot nose, cozy scarf, and cheerful buttons to bring your snowman to life. Kids can have fun choosing colors and patterns to make each one unique.

It’s a perfect way to enjoy winter creativity indoors without needing any snow outside.

Mason Jar Candles

Add a cozy glow to your space with simple mason jar candles. With a few basic materials, you can pour your own candles and customize them with scents that remind you of winter. They make lovely gifts and bring a warm, homemade touch to any room

Snowman Name

This snowman project adds a learning twist to the fun. Kids can spell their names using stacked snowballs, turning each letter into part of their snowman.

It’s a cute way to blend art with early literacy while letting little ones create something personal and joyful.

Easy Paper Snowman

Making a snowman has never been easier with this simple paper craft. Children can cut and glue basic shapes to form their snowman, then decorate with their favorite details.

This beginner-friendly project is perfect for younger kids and makes a wonderful keepsake to display all season long.

Paper Snowman

Layering paper becomes a creative adventure with this classic snowman craft. Kids can choose their own colors for the hat, scarf, and buttons to make each snowman one of a kind.

This easy activity helps young artists explore texture and layering while building something bright and happy for winter.

Kids Winter Hat Art Project

Create a colorful winter hat art project that’s perfect for kids of all ages. Using paper, markers, and a few craft supplies, children can design and decorate their very own cozy winter hats.

It’s a fun way to explore patterns, colors, and creativity while celebrating the chilly season.

Melted Snowman

Capture the funny side of winter with a melted snowman craft. Kids can imagine their snowman caught in the sunshine, using paper pieces to make puddles and shapes that tell a story.

It’s a playful way to get creative and giggle about the sillier side of snowy days.

New Year’s Paper Plane Craft

Fly into the new year with this easy and fun paper plane craft. Using just a few simple supplies from the master list, kids can fold and decorate their planes to soar into January with excitement.

It’s a playful way to welcome the year ahead while encouraging creativity and hands-on fun.

Paper Snowman Art

Bright white paper, bold black buttons, and a splash of color make this snowman art stand out beautifully. Kids can design their snowman against a wintry background and imagine a snowy day while creating.

This activity blends storytelling and creativity, giving children a fun way to express themselves through art.

Crochet Hat

Crocheting a winter hat is a great way to stay warm and stylish. This simple project is ideal for beginners and experienced crafters alike. Choose your favorite yarn colors and enjoy making something that’s both practical and personal.

Snowman Paper Cup

Turn an ordinary paper cup into a jolly snowman that’s full of personality. Kids can decorate with a carrot nose, hat, and scarf to complete the look. It’s a simple hands-on craft that helps build coordination and lets little ones enjoy a cheerful winter project.

Paper Apples for Apple Gifting Day

Apple Gifting Day on January 1st is a charming tradition that dates back hundreds of years. In the past, people gifted apples as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Today, it’s a sweet way to share good wishes for the new year. Kids can join in the celebration by making paper apples, turning this old tradition into a delightful craft filled with color and cheer.

Torn Paper Polar Bear

This torn paper polar bear craft is a fun and tactile way to explore texture. Kids can tear white paper into small pieces and layer them to create soft, furry effects that resemble real polar bear fur.

It’s a creative winter project that encourages imagination and builds fine motor skills while kids enjoy making their own arctic friend.

Bird Nest Craft for National Bird Day

As winter slowly begins to shift toward spring, birds start preparing to return. Celebrate National Bird Day on January 5th with this adorable bird nest craft.

Kids can personalize their nests with soft materials and bright colors, creating a sweet little home for their feathered friends. It’s a fun project that brings a touch of nature indoors and encourages appreciation for wildlife.

Polar Bear

Using simple shapes and materials, this polar bear craft is an easy and enjoyable art project for young children. They’ll love adding playful details while learning about arctic animals.

The result is a cute and friendly polar bear that’s perfect for little hands to make and display.

Hibernation Crafts for the Festival of Sleep Day

January 3rd marks the Festival of Sleep Day, the perfect excuse to relax and celebrate cozy winter days. Kids can dive into these hibernation-themed crafts featuring adorable animals like hedgehogs, squirrels, bats, and skunks.

These projects combine learning and creativity while giving children a fun reason to imagine what animals do during their long winter naps.

Snow Storm Mobile

Bring the beauty of winter indoors with a snowstorm mobile. This simple craft is perfect for cold January days and makes a lovely decoration for a child’s bedroom or playroom.

With a printable cloud template and a few easy materials, kids can create their own snowy scene that twirls gently in the air, capturing the magic of winter weather.

DIY Wood Coasters

These DIY wood coasters bring a touch of rustic charm to your home. They’re easy to make and can be customized with paint, wood-burning tools, or simple designs. It’s a creative project that also makes a thoughtful, handmade gift for friends or family.

3D Paper Snowman

Bring a snowman to life with this fun three-dimensional craft. Children can cut and layer paper shapes to build their snowy friend, adding playful details along the way.

Once complete, the standing snowman makes a delightful decoration for any room and lets kids show off their creativity.