Sometimes, the best way to make easy money when you're home for the holidays is by babysitting. It's every babysitter's nightmare when the parents walk out the door and immediately the kids are bored, asking you what to do. To avoid this situation, here are some of the best inexpensive holiday crafts you can do to keep your little kiddos busy and having fun.
1. Paper Plate Christmas Tree
All you need is a pack of white paper plates, green and brown paint, and as many stickers, sequins, and plastic jewels as you can handle. Don't forget the star! In this picture, the creator also punched holes in the bottom of the plates and strung ribbon through. This is optional, of course, but can always add a nice extra touch.
2. Glitter Christmas Tree
This one could get a little messy, so roll your sleeves up and go ahead and get out the vacuum. You'll need paper (or a canvas, but that will cost a little more), Elmer's glue or a hot glue gun, pipe cleaners (preferably yellow and green), and lots and lots of glittery sequins. If you want to go all out, feel free to also bring paint supplies to let the little ones paint the background of their beautiful Christmas trees.
3. Popsicle Snow Flakes
For this craft, paint is optional, but always highly suggested. Who doesn't love paint?! You'll need popsicle sticks, glue, and colorful sequins or jewels. Encourage your kids to get as crafty as they can! Every snowflake is unique, remember?
4. Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree
While you've already got your popsicle sticks out, you might as well use them! For this craft, you will need popsicle sticks, glue, green paint, buttons and/or sequins, paper, and markers. If the kids want to hang their trees like ornaments, unfold a paper clip and attach it to the top of the tree behind the star. Voilà!
5. Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes
Last but not least: the easiest craft of all! You will need green pipe cleaners and red and white beads. After stringing the beads on each pipe cleaner, just twist the end into a knot to keep the beads in place and bend the Candy Cane into shape!
Babysitting can sometimes be tough when you have to wrack your brain for ways to keep the kids busy. Fortunately, Christmastime comes with millions of fun craft ideas for kids and adults alike, so be sure to visit Pinterest for many many more. Happy babysitting!
