Making a simple craft with your kids is a great way to create lasting memories, especially during the festive season. The reindeer puppet template we’ve provided opens the door to a crafting adventure that’s so much fun for both kids and the young-at-heart alike.
Let’s get started so you can make your own adorable reindeer puppet craft at home!
- Table Of Contents:
Why This Reindeer Craft is Great
Crafting the reindeer puppet is a great way to encourage skill development and imaginative play during the holiday season. This type of Christmas craft is great for fine motor skill development, boosting your kid’s creativity and imagination, and fostering a sense of joy and accomplishment.
Materials:
- Brown construction paper
- Brown paint
- Paint brush
- Scissors
- Googly eyes
- Tissue
- Ribbon
- Popsicle sticks or craft sticks
- Glue stick
- Cellophane wrap
Instructions
Step 1)
Print and cut the template provided and trace it onto the construction paper.
Step 2)
Cut out the construction paper following the template lines, paint the reindeer antlers and the top of the reindeer’s face dark brown and let it dry.
Step 3)
Assemble the reindeer pieces and glue them together.
Step 4)
Glue googly eyes to the reindeer head.
Step 5)
Crumple a piece of tissue paper and attach it to the popsicle stick, then wrap it with the red cellophane.
Step 6)
Attach the red cellophane tissue ball at the back of the reindeer where the hole in the template is.
Step 7)
Lastly, tie a ribbon just below the reindeer on the popsicle stick.
Template Download
​Download your free printable template from the PDF file below. This reindeer template is for your own personal use only.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Protect Your Space: Safeguard your crafting area by covering it with a protective layer, like a washable tablecloth or layers of newspaper. This not only simplifies cleanup but also preserves your workspace for future creative endeavors.
Kid-Friendly Paint: Opt for brown paint that is both non-toxic and washable, especially when crafting with little ones. This choice ensures a worry-free experience, allowing for creativity without concerns about paint on clothing or skin.
Glueing Tips: Achieve a strong bond while assembling the reindeer pieces by applying glue evenly along the edges. Ensure pieces are pressed together firmly, and allow ample time for the glue to set. Consider using a glue suitable for paper to ensure a durable and lasting construction.
Variation Ideas
Nose Alternatives: Instead of the classic cellophane tissue paper red nose, experiment with different materials for a playful touch. Consider using a vibrant red pom pom nose, a stylish red button, a red jingle bell or even a large red bead for this fun reindeer craft. Each alternative adds a distinct charm to your reindeer’s appearance.
Coloring Activity: Don’t have brown construction paper on hand? No problem! Use the provided template as a coloring activity. Let the little ones showcase their artistic flair by coloring the template with crayons, markers, or colored pencils. This alternative not only allows for personalization but also turns the craft into a delightful coloring experience.
More Variations: You could use a pipe cleaner instead of red ribbon, or try black marker for the reindeer eyes if you have no googly eyes. You could also use one shade of dark brown paper and one lighter shade instead of paint for this fun puppet craft. Brown cardstock paper is another great option.
You could use craft glue, a glue stick or even a hot glue gun to stick your craft supplies together.
Benefits of This Reindeer Puppet Craft
Fine Motor Skills Development:
Engaging in the precise cutting and assembling of the reindeer pieces stimulates fine motor skills in children. This is the perfect craft to help refine their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, fostering skills crucial for various tasks.
Creative Expression and Imagination:
From customizing the reindeer’s appearance to envisioning its role in imaginative play, this craft encourages creative expression and imaginative thinking.
Children have the opportunity to personalize their reindeer, experimenting with colors and shapes to bring their unique vision to life this holiday season. Younger kids can engage in imaginative play while older kids may enjoy trying out some puppetry and storytelling.
Storytelling and Narrative Skills:
Once the reindeer puppet is crafted, it becomes a platform for storytelling. Children can invent adventures for their puppets, enhancing narrative skills and expanding their vocabulary as they describe the reindeer’s antics.
Puppetry and Gross Motor Skills:
This craft not only sparks creativity but also encourages the development of gross motor skills. Children can engage in puppetry, creating a themed puppet show while enhancing their physical coordination.
Seasonal Awareness:
Crafting a reindeer puppet provides an opportunity to discuss the winter season, reindeer, and the festive traditions of the season, like Christmas. This not only broadens the child’s knowledge but also instills an understanding of the changing seasons and the joy of celebration.
Final Thoughts
These reindeer puppets are more than just cute crafts; adding unique touches transforms these puppets into charming characters that capture the spirit of the season. Just like the famous red-nosed reindeer who brightens Santa’s sleigh, your reindeer puppet can bring joy and laughter to your Christmas season.
You could even hole punch the top of the reindeer and turn it into a reindeer ornament once your kids are finished playing with it. Hang it proudly on your tree, and let your child’s handcrafted creation become a cherished Christmas tree ornament in your home for years to come.
Happy crafting, and may your holiday season be filled with the warmth and magic of this fun Christmas craft!
