Winter break brings excitement for kids but sometimes feels overwhelming for parents! Between napping siblings, remote work deadlines, and the need for peaceful moments, keeping the house calm becomes a priority. Screen-free crafts offer the perfect solution for engaging children in quiet, focused activities. Research shows that creative activities like drawing and painting reduce cortisol levels and help children process emotions. These soothing holiday crafts keep kids entertained while giving you the calm downtime everyone needs!
Quiet Winter Break Craft Ideas
Gingerbread House Craft
Skip the edible version and create mess-free gingerbread houses using cardboard, cookie cutters as templates, and TPG Creations paint sticks! Kids can quietly assemble their houses using glue, then decorate with Kwik Stix in festive colors. The 90-second dry time means no waiting around. This makes an excellent Christmas gift idea when paired with construction paper and templates. Add edible decorations later if you choose!
Check out this craft from @aplaywego.
Christmas Tree Craft
Fingerprint Christmas trees provide repetitive, soothing movements that calm active minds. Use Thin Stix for detailed ornament decorations or Wonder Stix for window trees that wipe clean! Younger kids love the process of dabbing dots to create garlands and lights. This quiet activity can occupy children for extended periods, perfect for those peaceful winter mornings.
Check out this craft by @joysofkinder!
DIY Christmas Decor
Simple ornaments like salt dough creations, paper chains, and felt decorations work perfectly for independent crafting. Set up stations with Magic Stix markers that won't dry out even if caps are left off! Kids can create personalized holiday decorations at their own pace. These make thoughtful holiday gifts for grandparents and extended family.
DIY Christmas Cards
Card making encourages quiet concentration and thoughtful creativity! Provide cardstock, TPG Creations paint sticks, stickers, and simple templates. Children can personalize cards for teachers, friends, and family members. The focused nature of this activity promotes calm while building fine motor skills. Stock your Christmas gift baskets with card-making supplies for hours of peaceful entertainment!
Take a look at this idea from @ stylishmodernmotherhood.
Other Calming Craft Ideas
Create sensory bottles with glitter and water for mesmerizing visual calm. Make paper snowflakes through repetitive folding and cutting. Try nature-based crafts using pinecones and evergreen branches. Set up mini painting stations with Kwik Stix for mess-free creativity anywhere in the house!
Setting Up a Quiet Craft Basket
Build a self-serve craft basket that kids can access independently during winter break! Fill it with TPG Creations paint sticks, markers, construction paper, stickers, and easy templates. Include simple instruction cards for project ideas. This setup encourages quiet, independent play while you manage other household tasks. Rotate supplies weekly to maintain interest. These baskets make excellent stocking stuffers and holiday gift ideas for creative kids!
Get Quiet Time During Winter Break with TPG Products
Screen-free crafts provide calm, creative downtime that benefits the whole family during winter break! These quiet activities keep children engaged while supporting their emotional well-being and skill development. TPG Creations offers mess-free art supplies perfect for peaceful holiday crafting.
Shop our collections for more Christmas stocking stuffer ideas and holiday gift baskets. Check out our latest blog posts for additional winter break inspiration!