Reindeer are one of the most magical symbols of Christmas. They appear on sweaters, greeting cards, gift wrap, ornaments, storybooks, and of course—in Santa’s sleigh team. Kids love them because they’re cute, friendly, and full of holiday charm. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a collection of fun and remarkable reindeer crafts for kids?

Reindeer have been connected to Christmas for over 200 years. One of the earliest printed references was a short poem from 1821 describing Santa traveling across snowy rooftops with the help of his trusty reindeer. A few years later, the famous poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” introduced Santa’s complete team of eight reindeer—Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. This poem turned reindeer into holiday icons, and they’ve remained beloved ever since.

Whether you’re working with toddlers, preschoolers, older kids, or even doing a family craft day, these 15 remarkable reindeer crafts are guaranteed to bring creativity and holiday joy to your home or classroom.

Why Kids Love Reindeer Crafts

Before diving into the craft list, here’s why reindeer are a perfect holiday theme:

✔ Instantly recognizable

Kids know and love Rudolph and his shiny red nose.

✔ Perfect for winter units

Reindeer live in cold climates—great for teaching about animals and habitats.

✔ Easy to create

Most reindeer crafts require only simple shapes like circles, triangles, and antlers.

✔ Fun storytelling

Reindeer crafts pair beautifully with Christmas books and festive stories.

Fun Reindeer Facts to Share While Crafting

Kids enjoy crafts more when they learn interesting facts. Here are a few:

• Male and female reindeer grow antlers (unlike most other deer).
  
• Baby reindeer are called calves or fawns.
  
• Reindeer noses can appear reddish because they contain many blood vessels that help warm cold air.
  
• In America, wild reindeer are known as caribou.
  
• Reindeer eat grass, moss, ferns, and especially lichen, which is their favorite winter food.
  

Sharing these fun insights helps make crafting educational and exciting.

15 Remarkable Reindeer Crafts for Kids

These crafts use simple materials and are perfect for kids of all ages!

1. Craft Stick Reindeer

Using googly eyes, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, and a pom-pom nose, kids can create adorable reindeer faces. These make great Christmas tree ornaments and are perfect for preschoolers.

2. Paper Plate Reindeer

A classic craft! Kids paint a paper plate brown, add paper ears, googly eyes, and pipe cleaner antlers. A bright red pom-pom nose gives it that perfect Rudolph finish.

3. Reindeer Surprise Christmas Card

Kids can create a fold-open reindeer card that “surprises” the reader. Add a message inside or turn it into a holiday greeting. This one makes a cute keepsake for grandparents.

4. Color-By-Number Reindeer

Printable color-by-number sheets help kids practice number recognition and color matching. Perfect for quiet time or classroom holiday activities.

5. R is for Reindeer Alphabet Sheet

Preschoolers learning the alphabet will love tracing and decorating a big letter “R” along with a cute reindeer picture. This doubles as early literacy practice.

6. Reindeer Gift Tags

Kids can make handmade reindeer tags—perfect for attaching to Christmas presents. Add ribbon loops, glitter, and a tiny red nose to make them extra festive.

7. Reindeer Crayon Holder Craft

A quirky, kid-friendly printable shaped like a baby reindeer holding crayons. This works beautifully as a stocking stuffer or classroom holiday gift.

8. Handprint Reindeer Craft

Trace your child’s hands for antlers and use a simple round shape for the reindeer’s face. This makes a beautiful memory craft to save year after year.

9. Reindeer Bookmark

Using brown cardstock, googly eyes, and a triangular red nose, kids can craft a charming reindeer bookmark—perfect for holiday reading time.

10. Reindeer Finger Puppet

Kids can turn felt or paper cutouts into finger puppets to act out Christmas stories. Add antlers, a small tail, and a tiny bell for fun details.

11. Quilled Reindeer Art

Older kids can make 3D quilled reindeer by rolling paper strips into shapes. Add red quilling paper for a nose and brown coils for antlers.

12. Reindeer Treat Bag

Decorate a brown paper bag with reindeer features and fill it with small snacks or craft supplies. This is a wonderful activity for holiday parties or gift exchanges.

13. Reindeer Ornament Ball

Paint a clear or plastic ornament brown, add antlers, eyes, and a nose, and hang it on the Christmas tree. Simple yet adorable!

14. Wooden Spoon Reindeer

Paint a wooden spoon brown and decorate it with googly eyes, felt antlers, and a pom-pom nose. Kids can use it as a puppet or home décor.

15. Footprint Reindeer Keepsake

Trace or paint your child’s foot to create the reindeer’s face, then add handprint antlers. This creates a lovely keepsake to remember how tiny their feet once were.

More Fun Ways to Celebrate Reindeer Season

Pair these crafts with activities for a full reindeer-themed day:

✔ Read reindeer picture books

Stories about Rudolph, Dasher, and other magical reindeer make great bedtime reads.

✔ Watch a Christmas movie

Pick a cozy classic featuring Santa and his reindeer.

✔ Create a reindeer snack

Make reindeer-shaped cookies or marshmallow reindeer treats.

✔ Learn about Arctic animals

Teach kids how reindeer survive winter weather and migrate long distances.

✔ Make a reindeer dance playlist

Add jingles, Christmas songs, and holiday classics for festive fun.

Why Reindeer Crafts Are Perfect for Christmas

Reindeer symbolize warmth, generosity, magic, imagination, and the spirit of giving—all values associated with the holiday season. Crafting helps children:

• Express creativity
  
• Learn new skills
  
• Build fine motor coordination
  
• Develop storytelling and imagination
  
• Connect with holiday traditions
  

Whether at home, school, or a Christmas party, these reindeer crafts bring joy, sparkle, and festive cheer.

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Discover 15 remarkable reindeer crafts for kids! Fun Christmas activities including cards, printables, ornaments, puppets, and holiday-themed DIY reindeer projects.