Recycled Christmas Ornaments & Decorations Kids Can Make

Did you know lots of items found in your recycling bin can be used to make adorable Christmas ornaments and decorations? Making homemade recycled Christmas ornaments and decorations is a fantastic way for kids to express their creativity while also learning about sustainability. Reusing recyclables from around the house to create upcycled art and crafts is a great way to teach children how something that's been used can still be transformed into something beautiful, rather than being discarded.

These handmade decorations help the environment, are a budget friendly gift option and can also become a personal, heart warming tradition to include in your holiday celebrations. In this post, we’ll share fun and easy ideas for creating eco-friendly Christmas decorations kids can help make. Lots of these would also be great to make as affordable class take home gifts.

Elf Stuck in Bottle Magic Trick

Did you know elves can magically squeeze themselves into empty plastic drink bottles? While it seems like an impossible, logic defying task, with a little elf magic it's easy to achieve.

With a little planning and some clever tricks, you can create a miraculous hiding spot that will leave the kids wondering how your elf managed to fit inside. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to make an elf fit inside an empty 600ml bottle.

How to restore the Elf's Magic: What to do if your elf is touched.

Uh oh! The elf has been touched, what do you do now?

The elf being accidentally touched can be a stressful moment for both children and parents, but don’t worry there's plenty of ways to restore your elf back to its magical self in no time. Use one or more of these festive ways to restore your elf's magic, helping them recover to keep the Christmas spirit alive for December.

Elf on the Shelf Magic Tricks

Elves aren't just fantastical creatures who come to spread Christmas cheer each year, they also know how to do magic! Unlike Harry Potter and his Wizard friends, elves don't rely on magic wands and spells for their magic. They have many magical tools including items found around your house and some even have their very own magic shrinking machine.

Whether they're levitating, transforming or shrinking items, your kids are sure to be wowed by their magical elf powers. These elf magic tricks may even turn the most skeptical children into true believers.

DIY Milk Jug Jack-o-lanterns

Keep your empty milk jugs and upcycle them into easy DIY jack-o-lanterns by following our instructions below. This simple, creative project is perfect for kids and adults alike, and it’s a great way to recycle while getting into the spooky spirit for Halloween. Just like we made milk bottle ghosts, you can make milk bottle jack-o-lanterns in a few minutes using basic craft supplies.

DIY Milk Bottle Ghosts

Transform your old milk bottles {or milk jugs} into spooky ghost lanterns with this fun and easy DIY craft. These upcycled ghost lanterns will add a haunting glow to your home or yard. They're perfect for Halloween and can be made in just a few minutes. 

Harry Potter Elf on the Shelf Ideas

If you're looking to add an extra touch of Hogwarts magic to your elf's visit this year, have a look through these Harry Potter themed Elf on the Shelf ideas and accessories that'll bring the wizarding world right into your home. Whether your elf is practicing spells, sneaking around Hogwarts, or preparing for a Quidditch match, these enchanting ideas will make each day a magical adventure. 

Torn Paper Ghost Craft

If you're looking for a really easy Halloween craft for the kids, try these torn paper ghosts. This ghost craft is perfect for little hands and a great way to get into the spooky spirit! With just a few simple supplies, kids can create their own adorable ghosts that are perfect to decorate the house or classroom for Halloween.

Grinch Elf on the Shelf Ideas

All good stories have a villain who ends up turning good and everybody knows the villain at Christmas time is the Grinch who always tries to steal Christmas. The Grinch can escape Whoville and come to your house to make things interesting this Christmas. Afterall the Grinch has been around longer than those cheeky elves.

Naturally he's going to inject a little mischief and try to thwart the elf on the shelf's plans most nights, but as the month goes on they may become friends and start working together to spread the Christmas spirit. Here's lots of ideas if you want the Grinch to come visit with the elves this year.

Dancing Spiders Science Experiment

If your kids love Halloween, the itsy-bitsy spider, or you're doing a bug unit at school, you'll love this super quick and easy dancing spiders science experiment. You can set it up in less than 2 mins and you'll have loads of jumping spiders dancing and floating around like magic!