‘Tis the season to create lasting memories with your little ones. These simple activities will bring joy to your toddler and keep the holiday spirit alive in your home.
DIY Ornament Decorating – It’s messy, colorful, and leaves you with a keepsake for your tree!
What You Need: Clear plastic ornaments, washable paint, glitter, stickers.
How to Do It: Let your toddler swirl paint inside the ornament or decorate the outside with stickers. Add glitter for extra sparkle.
Holiday Cookie Decorating – This activity combines creativity and a sweet treat they’ll love to eat.
What You Need: Pre-made sugar cookies, icing, sprinkles, edible decorations.
How to Do It: Spread out the supplies and let your toddler decorate cookies their way. (Bonus: Taste-testing encouraged!)
Festive Handprint Crafts – Create a keepsake for years to come or gift it to a family member!
What You Need: Construction paper, paint, and markers.
How to Do It: Create reindeer, snowflakes or holiday tree art using their handprints or fingerprints. Add googly eyes or cotton balls for a fun touch.
Toddler-Friendly Holiday Movie Night – It’s relaxing for everyone and puts you in the holiday spirit!
What You Need: Cozy blankets, toddler-safe snacks, and your favorite holiday movie
How to Do It: Set up a cozy movie-watching corner and let them enjoy short, festive films.
Indoor Snowman Building – It’s imaginative and fun for Florida children to embrace “winter” fun.
What You Need: Large white pillows or soft balls, scarves, hats, and buttons.
How to Do It: Help your toddler “build” a snowman indoors with soft, safe materials.
The Holiday Fun Doesn’t Stop Here!
Looking for even more ways to support your toddler’s development this season? Check out this additional list of activities: https://www.kidkraft.com/us_en/blog/holiday-pretend-play-ideas-for-toddlers
The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County offers resources and programs to help your little one thrive year-round. We are the area’s prime hub for family support services, both inside and outside the classroom.
Learn more about ELC programs at the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County.
