Easy-to-Prep Holiday Projects (That Make Perfect Classroom Decor or Take-Home Gifts)

The holiday season is full of excitement, glitter, and… let’s be honest… a little bit of teacher exhaustion. Between concerts, report cards, and classroom parties, December can feel like a blur! That’s why I love simple, meaningful projects that double as both classroom decorations and student gifts to send home.

If you’re looking for festive ideas that don’t require hours of prep (or a hot glue gun meltdown), here are a few of my tried-and-true favorites:

1. “Snow-tastic Self-Portraits”

Have students draw or paint self-portraits bundled up for winter—scarves, hats, earmuffs and all! Mount them on blue paper, add a sprinkle of paper snowflakes, and you’ve got an adorable hallway display.

☐ Tip: Send them home at the end of the season as a keepsake for families.

2. “Kindness Countdown Chains”

Instead of the usual candy countdowns, create Kindness Chains where each link has a good deed written on it: “Give someone a compliment,” “Hold the door,” “Help a friend.”

☐ Tip: Students can take their chains home and tear off one act of kindness per day until winter break.

3. “Holiday Handprint Art”

A classic for a reason! Handprints can turn into reindeer antlers, Santa beards, or Christmas trees. Print on cardstock, laminate if you can, and tie with ribbon for a cute ornament or fridge keepsake.

☐ Low prep: Paint, paper, ribbon — that’s it!

4. “Candle of Gratitude” Jars

Use baby food jars or small plastic cups. Students fill them with tissue paper squares and a battery tea light inside. Have them write something they’re thankful for on a tag to tie around the rim.

☐ Looks magical when you turn off the classroom lights!

5. “Shining Star Goals”

Each student writes one thing they’re proud of from the year and one goal for the new year on a paper star. Hang them from the ceiling with string — instant classroom sparkle!☐ Perfect bulletin board companion: “A Sky Full of Stars: Look How We’ve Grown!”

6. “Snow Globe Selfies”

Take a photo of each student pretending to catch snowflakes, print in black and white, and let them decorate around it with cut paper snow and glitter. Seal with a clear plastic plate for a true snow globe look.

☐ They’ll treasure this one — it’s adorable.

7. “Recipe for a Happy Holiday” Booklets

Have students brainstorm ingredients for a happy holiday — things like “2 cups of laughter,” “a pinch of kindness,” and “infinite hugs.” Combine pages into a class book or copy them for individual take-home gifts.

☐ Optional add-on: Tie a candy cane or cookie recipe card to each booklet.

Wrap-Up Thought

Holiday projects don’t need to be perfect Pinterest masterpieces — they just need to celebrate joy, creativity, and connection. When students see their work decorating the classroom or feel proud to bring something special home, that’s the real holiday magic.