I was looking for an idea for DIY wrapping paper that my 3-year-old granddaughter, Zoey, could make to wrap the ornaments she had made as Christmas presents for her parents. Then I saw a Christmas craft punch in my supply closet. I was excited that this could make a cute wrapping paper and also include a great fine-motor activity to strengthen hands for writing.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (at no cost to you).
Supplies Used for Christmas Craft-Punch Wrapping Paper
Wrapping Paper Tray with Tissue Paper and Holiday Craft Punch
Christmas Craft-Punch Wrapping Paper and Fine-Motor Activity
Using Christmas Craft Punch to Punch Holes in Tissue Paper
I’m not sure where I got my Christmas craft punch (probably Michaels hobby store), since I’ve had it for a number of years. There are some simpler craft punches now on Amazon, so I would probably get a different one for future projects. With this one, there isn’t anything to catch the punched-out Christmas trees. I didn’t want to distract from Zoey’s work by adding a basket or box for the ones that fell, so I just planned for us to pick them up at the end.
This activity would probably be a bit difficult for most toddlers. Even for preschoolers, I recommend cutting the tissue paper into smaller sections so there isn’t too much thickness to punch through. For children who are ready, it’s a wonderful activity for developing the hand and finger strength needed for writing.
Checking out the Designs in the Completed Wrapping Paper
The end result is almost like unfolding a cut-out snowflake. Zoey found it fascinating to see how many trees there were.
(Note: In case you’re wondering, Zoey’s sweater dress is from Gymboree (where I always get great deals on cute clothing gifts for Zoey)!
The paper worked perfectly for wrapping the cinnamon stick Christmas tree ornaments Zoey made for her parents a different day.
Christmas Craft-Punch Wrapping Paper
I love how the craft-punch wrapping paper turned out … and the cleanup was very easy! This could be used for many different holidays, too. 🙂
(Note: Read my post at Bits of Positivity to see how we used this activity with Kindness Elves: “Using Kindness Elves to Encourage Acts of Kindness in the Family.”)
More Montessori-Inspired Gift Wrapping Activities
I have another wrapping-paper post with DIY Christmas dot wrapping paper … simple enough for a toddler to make.
You’ll find some great Montessori-inspired gift wrapping activities (and even manners lessons) in my roundup post.
You’ll find activities related to geometric solid wrapping in my Spielgaben dressing, wrapping, and gift giving (and receiving) post.
I’d love to hear about any wrapping paper activities you do with your child.
Learn more about my eBook Montessori at Home or School: How to. Teach Grace and Courtesy!
If this is your first time visiting Living Montessori Now, welcome! If you haven’t already, please join us on our Living Montessori Now Facebook page where you’ll find a Free Printable of the Day and lots of inspiration and ideas for parenting and teaching! And please follow me on Instagram, Pinterest (lots of Montessori-, holiday-, and theme-related boards), and YouTube. While you’re here, please check out the Living Montessori Now shop.
And don’t forget one of the best ways to follow me by signing up for my weekly newsletter. You’ll receive some awesome freebies in the process!
Deb, This is one of the sweetest, ultra simple ideas ever! It can be put together in a snap and a 3 year old can feel so proud of her gift to family members. Zoey seems so happy doing this activity!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Carolyn! It was quick to put together, and Zoey had so much fun seeing how easily a few hole punches became a page of trees!
And thanks for linking up. Your activities are awesome! I have paper plate ice skating on my to-do list for Zoey and me tomorrow. 🙂 Deb