There’s something magical about simple crafts, especially when all you need is a stack of paper plates and a little imagination.
During Christmas, my dining table often turns into a mini craft station – my son cutting, me gluing, and our pets curiously watching.
What I love most? These paper plate crafts don’t need perfection.
They’re easy, inexpensive, and perfect for kids (and grown-ups) who just want to make something joyful.
Let’s take a quick look into these 10 easy paper plate Christmas crafts that are just as fun to make as they are to display.
1. Paper Plate Christmas Tree Cones
There’s something satisfying about transforming a flat plate into a 3D tree.
I just roll mine into a cone, tape the edge, and paint it green.
Once it’s dry, my son goes wild decorating with sequins, pom-poms, and tiny star stickers. It’s messy – but in the best way possible.
Tip: Use different plate sizes to create a forest effect for your mantel.
2. Santa Face Paper Plate
Every year, we make a Santa plate. Half gets painted red for his hat, while the bottom stays white for his beard.
We stick on cotton balls (the fluffier, the better), googly eyes, and a big red pom-pom nose.
It’s cute, easy, and looks picture-perfect on any fridge or wall.
3. Paper Plate Wreath
This one feels like instant Christmas decor. Cut the middle out of your plate, paint the ring green, and then glue paper holly leaves around the circle.
Finish it off with a bright red paper bow.
I’ve hung these on our windows before – they look adorable and last through the entire season.
4. Rudolph Reindeer Plate
The kids always giggle at this one.
I paint the whole plate brown, add big googly eyes, a shiny red nose, and simple paper cut-out antlers.
5. Snowman Face Plate
When we’re short on time, this is my go-to. White plate, black paper hat, and an orange triangle nose – done! You can add small paper circles for eyes and buttons, or even a scarf made of ribbon.
It’s crisp, geometric, and looks good as well – nothing too detailed or fuzzy.
6. Paper Plate Angel
This one has such a calm, festive vibe. Cut the plate into a triangle for the body and attach a small paper circle for the head.
Add golden wings cut from another plate and glue a paper halo on top.
I sometimes spray a touch of glitter on the wings – not necessary, but it adds that magical sparkle.
7. Paper Plate Gingerbread Frame
Here’s a fun twist – turn your paper plate into a gingerbread-themed photo frame! Paint the plate brown, cut out the middle, and decorate the border with white “icing” squiggles, paper candies, and gumdrop cutouts.
Slide a family photo behind it and voilà – instant handmade frame.
8. Paper Plate Christmas Countdown Clock
This one’s a favorite at our house because it adds excitement every morning! Paint your plate in festive colors, write numbers 1 to 25 around the edge, and attach a paper arrow in the center with a brad pin.
Each day, move the arrow closer to Christmas Day.
9. Paper Plate Ornaments
Cut smaller circles from plates and paint them in metallic shades or pastel hues.
Punch a hole at the top, thread a ribbon, and hang them on the tree.
10. Paper Plate Nativity Scene
This one’s lovely for older kids. Cut a paper plate in half and use it as the background for a mini Nativity scene.
Use colored paper to make simple shapes for Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus – no faces or tiny details needed.
It’s a calm, meaningful project that also photographs beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The real beauty of these paper plate crafts isn’t just in how adorable they look – it’s in the togetherness they bring.
You don’t need fancy supplies or perfect cuts; you just need a cozy afternoon, a few laughs, and the freedom to create something imperfectly wonderful.
These simple crafts remind us that Christmas joy lives in the doing, not the decorating.
So, grab those plates, let the glue run a little wild, and make memories that’ll last far longer than the crafts themselves.
