10 Simple Recycled Christmas Cards Crafts for Kids

Sure! Here are some simple and fun recycled Christmas card crafts that kids can enjoy:

1. Holiday Collage Cards

Materials:

• Old holiday cards
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• Blank cards or sturdy paper

Instructions:

1. Gather Old Cards: Collect old Christmas cards from previous years.
2. Cut Out Shapes: Have the kids cut out interesting shapes, images, or patterns from these cards.
3. Create a Collage: Glue these cut-out pieces onto blank cards or sturdy paper, creating festive collages.
4. Add Details: Use markers or stickers to add personal messages or additional decorations.

2. Christmas Tree Cards

Materials:

• Old greeting cards
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• Green construction paper or old green cards
• Blank cards or sturdy paper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tree: Cut out a Christmas tree shape from green construction paper or old green cards.
2. Decorate: Use pieces from old cards to create ornaments or decorations for the tree.
3. Assemble: Glue the decorated tree onto a blank card.
4. Add a Message: Write a holiday message inside the card.

3. Santa Faces

Materials:

• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• Blank cards or sturdy paper
• Cotton balls (for Santa’s beard)

Instructions:

1. Cut Santa Faces: Cut out Santa faces or parts from old Christmas cards.
2. Make a Background: Glue the Santa faces onto blank cards.
3. Add Beard: Glue cotton balls around the face to create Santa’s beard.
4. Write a Greeting: Add a holiday message inside the card.

4. Snowman Cards

Materials:

• Old holiday cards
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• Blank cards or sturdy paper
• Orange paper (for carrot noses)

Instructions:

1. Create Snowman Parts: Cut out circles from old cards to form snowman bodies and accessories like hats and scarves.
2. Assemble Snowman: Glue these parts onto a blank card to create a snowman.
3. Add Features: Cut out small pieces of orange paper for the nose and use markers to add eyes and buttons.
4. Finish Up: Write a festive message inside.

5. Holiday Wreath Cards

Materials:

• Old holiday cards
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• Green construction paper or old green cards
• Red ribbon or paper (for bows)

Instructions:

1. Make the Wreath Base: Cut a wreath shape out of green construction paper or old green cards.
2. Decorate: Cut out small festive shapes (like holly or ornaments) from old cards and glue them onto the wreath.
3. Add a Bow: Glue a red ribbon or red paper bow to the top of the wreath.
4. Attach to a Card: Glue the wreath onto a blank card and write a holiday message inside.

These crafts are a great way to recycle old cards and create new, personalized holiday greetings!

1.Recycled Christmas Card Decorations

Certainly! Here are some creative ideas for making recycled Christmas card decorations:

1. Christmas Card Ornaments

Materials:

• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Ribbon or string
• Glue stick or glue
• Glitter or markers (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut Shapes: Cut out festive shapes (such as stars, trees, or circles) from old Christmas cards.
2. Decorate: Optionally, decorate the shapes with glitter or markers for extra flair.
3. Add a Hanger: Use a hole punch to make a small hole at the top of each shape. Thread a ribbon or string through the hole and tie a knot.
4. Hang Up: Hang the ornaments on your Christmas tree, garland, or in windows.

2. Christmas Card Gift Tags

Materials:

• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Ribbon or string
• Pen or marker

Instructions:

1. Cut Tags: Cut out small rectangles or other shapes from old Christmas cards to use as gift tags.
2. Add a Hole: Punch a hole at the top of each tag.
3. Write a Message: Write the recipient’s name and any special notes on the back of the tags.
4. Attach to Gifts: Thread a ribbon or string through the hole and attach the tags to your gifts.

3. Christmas Card Garland

Materials:

• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors
• String or yarn
• Glue stick or tape

Instructions:

1. Cut Out Shapes: Cut out shapes from the old Christmas cards (like stars, bells, or holly).
2. Prepare the Garland: Lay out the shapes in a pattern you like.
3. Attach to String: Use glue or tape to attach each shape to a length of string or yarn, spacing them evenly.
4. Hang Up: Drape the garland across a mantel, wall, or window.

4. Christmas Card Candle Holders

Materials:

• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• Empty toilet paper rolls or small cans
• Decorative elements (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: Cover an empty toilet paper roll or small can with a piece of old Christmas card. Secure it with glue.
2. Decorate: Add additional decorations, like glitter or small cut-out shapes, to the outside of the holder.
3. Insert a Candle: Place a small candle or tea light inside the holder. (Ensure it’s safe and never leave a burning candle unattended.)

5. Christmas Card Wreath

Materials:

• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• A circular base (like a paper plate or cardboard ring)
• Ribbon or string (optional)

Instructions:

1. Create the Base: Cut a circular base for the wreath from a paper plate or cardboard, leaving the center cut out.
2. Cut and Glue: Cut old Christmas cards into small pieces or shapes. Glue these pieces around the base to create a full wreath.
3. Add a Bow: Glue a ribbon or paper bow to the top of the wreath for extra decoration.
4. Hang the Wreath: Attach a piece of ribbon or string to the top of the wreath and hang it on your door or wall.

These recycled Christmas card decorations are a fun and eco-friendly way to add a personal touch to your holiday decor!

2. Shredded Christmas Card Ornament

Creating shredded Christmas card ornaments is a fun and eco-friendly craft project. Here’s a simple guide to making them:

Shredded Christmas Card Ornaments

Materials:

• Old Christmas cards
• Shredder (or scissors if you don’t have one)
• Clear plastic or glass ornaments (available at craft stores) or homemade paper mache ornaments
• Glue stick or glue
• Ribbon or string
• Optional: Glitter, stickers, or other embellishments

Instructions:

1. Shred the Cards:
   • Using a Shredder: Feed old Christmas cards into a paper shredder to create fine strips of paper.
   • Using Scissors: If you don’t have a shredder, cut the cards into small, thin strips or tiny pieces.
2. Prepare the Ornament:
   • Clear Ornaments: If you’re using clear plastic or glass ornaments, remove the top part of the ornament to fill it.
   • Paper Mache Ornaments: If you’re making homemade ornaments, prepare them by forming them into a ball shape and allowing them to dry.
3. Fill the Ornament:
   • For Clear Ornaments: Carefully insert the shredded paper into the ornament. You can use a small funnel or a rolled-up piece of paper to help with this process.
   • For Paper Mache Ornaments: Glue the shredded paper pieces onto the ornament, covering it completely. Let it dry and then apply another layer if needed.
4. Seal and Decorate:
   • Clear Ornaments: Once filled, reattach the top of the ornament. You can also decorate the outside with glitter, stickers, or additional embellishments.
   • Paper Mache Ornaments: Once the glue is dry, you can add a coat of clear glue or mod podge to seal the ornament and add some sparkle.
5. Add a Hanger:
   • Thread a piece of ribbon or string through the top of the ornament and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging.
6. Display Your Ornament:
   • Hang your shredded Christmas card ornaments on your tree, garland, or anywhere you’d like to add a festive touch.

This craft not only recycles old cards but also creates unique and personalized decorations for your holiday season!

3. Recycled Christmas Card Ornaments

Certainly! Here’s a guide for making beautiful ornaments from recycled Christmas cards:

Recycled Christmas Card Ornaments

Materials:

• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• String or ribbon
• Optional: Glitter, markers, stickers, or other embellishments
• Hole punch (optional)

Instructions:

1. Christmas Card Ornaments

Simple Shapes

1. Choose and Cut:
   • Select old Christmas cards with festive images.
   • Cut out shapes such as circles, stars, or hearts. You can use cookie cutters as templates for precise shapes.
2. Decorate:
   • Optionally, decorate the cut-out shapes with glitter, stickers, or markers to add extra flair.
3. Add a Hanger:
   • Punch a hole at the top of each shape.
   • Thread a piece of ribbon or string through the hole and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging.
4. Hang:
   • Hang your ornaments on the Christmas tree, garland, or in windows.

3D Ornaments

1. Cut and Fold:
   • Cut out several identical shapes from the Christmas cards (e.g., stars or circles).
   • Fold each shape in half.
2. Assemble:
   • Glue the folded shapes together along their edges to form a 3D star or other shapes.
   • You can glue multiple shapes together to create a more intricate 3D ornament.
3. Add a Hanger:
   • Attach a piece of ribbon or string to the top of the ornament.
4. Display:
   • Hang your 3D ornaments on your tree or in your home.

2. Christmas Card Bead Ornaments

1. Cut Strips:
   • Cut the old Christmas cards into long, thin strips.
2. Roll into Beads:
   • Roll each strip tightly around a toothpick or similar object to form beads.
   • Glue the end of each strip to secure the bead.
3. String Beads:
   • Thread the beads onto a piece of string or thread to create a garland or a loop.
4. Add a Hanger:
   • If making a garland, you can hang it on the tree or around the house.

3. Christmas Card Wreath Ornaments

1. Cut Out Shapes:
   • Cut out small shapes from old Christmas cards to use as decorations (e.g., holly leaves, berries).
2. Create a Base:
   • Cut a small circle from cardboard to form the base of the wreath.
3. Assemble:
   • Glue the cut-out shapes onto the cardboard base in a circular pattern to form a wreath.
4. Add a Bow:
   • Add a small bow made from ribbon or paper to the top of the wreath.
5. Add a Hanger:
   • Attach a piece of ribbon or string to the top of the wreath for hanging.
6. Display:
   • Hang the wreath ornament on the Christmas tree or as part of your holiday décor.

These recycled Christmas card ornaments are a great way to repurpose old cards and create unique, personalized decorations for the holiday season. Enjoy crafting!

4. Chain Garland

Creating a chain garland from recycled Christmas cards is a simple and festive craft that adds a personal touch to your holiday decorations. Here’s how you can make one:

Recycled Christmas Card Chain Garland

Materials:

• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• Ruler (optional, for measuring)
• Pencil or pen
• String or ribbon (optional, for additional decoration)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cards

1. Select Cards:
   • Choose old Christmas cards with festive designs, patterns, or colors.
2. Cut into Strips:
   • Use scissors to cut the cards into strips. A common size is 1 inch by 6 inches, but you can adjust the width and length depending on your preference.

2. Create the Links

1. Form the First Link:
   • Take one strip of the Christmas card and form it into a loop.
   • Overlap the ends slightly and glue them together to form a ring.
2. Add the Next Link:
   • Thread the next strip through the first loop to create a chain.
   • Form this strip into a loop and glue the ends together.
3. Continue Linking:
   • Continue this process, adding each new strip through the previous loop and securing it with glue. Repeat until the chain reaches your desired length.

3. Add Optional Decorations

1. Enhance the Garland:
   • For extra flair, you can decorate the garland with additional elements. Use stickers, glitter, or markers to add details to the strips before linking them.
2. Attach String or Ribbon (Optional):
   • If you want to hang the garland in a specific place, you can attach a piece of string or ribbon to the ends of the chain. Secure the ribbon with glue or tape.

4. Display Your Garland

1. Hang or Drape:
   • Hang the garland on your Christmas tree, around the mantel, or along the walls.
   • You can also drape it across windows or doorways for a festive touch.

Tips:

• Mix and Match: Use cards with different designs to create a more colorful and varied garland.
• Size Variations: Experiment with different strip sizes for different effects. Wider strips create larger links, while narrower strips make smaller chains.

This craft is an excellent way to recycle old cards and create a beautiful, personalized garland that adds a unique touch to your holiday decorations. Enjoy the process and have fun decorating.

5. Advent Calendar

Your children will be occupied with this activity for a very long time. Not only do they create these handmade recycled Christmas decorations, but they also spend the days preceding December 25 making them.

You’ll need ribbon, glue, staples, old holiday cards, and a solid piece of fabric for this craft.

Cut out 15 squares of the same size from your holiday cards to start.
Create a sizable square shape out of a robust material, such felt. Verify that it can accommodate every Christmas card square on it, leaving enough space between them.
The rows of Christmas cutouts should then be divided by some accent ribbons that you cut. Attach these using glue.

Your Christmas card squares can now be arranged in a desired pattern. To provide space for sweets or messages, staple the top and bottom of the squares to the fabric.

Next, write the numbers for the days of December using paint markers or by cutting them out. These can be cut out of the recycled greeting cards you have and adhered to the top of the pockets you have created.

All that’s left to do is tie a ribbon and hang the calendar!

6. Christmas Card Village

Creating a Christmas Card Village is a charming and creative way to repurpose old holiday cards into a festive decoration. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your own:

Christmas Card Village

Materials:

• Old Christmas cards
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• Cardboard or thick paper (for bases)
• Markers, glitter, or other embellishments (optional)
• Small cotton balls or faux snow (optional, for a snowy effect)
• Miniature trees, figurines, or other decorations (optional)

Instructions:

1. Design Your Village

1. Plan Your Village:
   • Decide on the layout and number of buildings you want in your village. You can create a small village with a few buildings or a larger one with many structures.
2. Select Cards:
   • Choose Christmas cards with festive or winter-themed images. Cards with scenes like snowy landscapes, cozy cottages, or holiday storefronts work well.

2. Prepare the Buildings

1. Cut Out Buildings:
   • Cut out the building shapes from the Christmas cards. You can create houses, churches, or shops by cutting along the edges of the images.
2. Create 3D Structures:
   • For a 3D effect, cut out two identical shapes for each building and fold the sides to create a box-like structure. Glue the sides together and reinforce with additional card pieces if needed.
3. Decorate:
   • Add details to your buildings with markers, glitter, or other embellishments. You can also use cotton balls or faux snow to add a snowy effect to the rooftops.

3. Build the Village Base

1. Create the Base:
   • Use cardboard or thick paper to create a base for your village. Cut it to the desired size and shape to fit your village layout.
2. Arrange Buildings:
   • Place your buildings on the base in the desired arrangement. Once you’re happy with the layout, glue the buildings to the base.
3. Add Details:
   • Add miniature trees, figurines, or other decorations to enhance the scene. You can also sprinkle some faux snow around the buildings for a wintery effect.

4. Display Your Village

1. Choose a Location:
   • Find a prominent spot in your home to display your Christmas Card Village. A mantel, table, or shelf works well.
2. Set Up:
   • Arrange your village on the base, making sure everything is securely glued and in place.
3. Enjoy:
   • Admire your festive creation and enjoy the warm, cozy feeling it brings to your holiday decorations.

Tips:

• Mix and Match: Combine different card designs for a more varied and colorful village.
• Add Lights: For extra charm, you can add small LED lights to illuminate your village.
• Use Leftover Pieces: Incorporate leftover card pieces into other decorations or as part of the village scenery.

This Christmas Card Village not only recycles old cards but also creates a delightful and unique holiday display that adds a personal touch to your seasonal decor. Enjoy crafting your village.

7. Functional Uses for Old Christmas Cards

Certainly! Old Christmas cards can be repurposed in many creative and functional ways. Here are some ideas for giving those cards a new life:

1. Gift Tags

How-To:

• Cut Out Shapes: Use the designs on the cards to cut out small shapes like circles or rectangles.
• Add a Message: Write the recipient’s name and a short message on the back.
• Attach to Gifts: Use a hole punch to create a hole at the top of each tag, then thread a ribbon or string through it.

2. Bookmarks

How-To:

• Cut and Shape: Trim the cards into bookmark-sized rectangles.
• Decorate: Add decorative elements or laminate them for durability.
• Add a Ribbon: Punch a hole at the top and tie a piece of ribbon through it.

3. Holiday Decorations

How-To:

• Create Ornaments: Cut shapes from the cards to make ornaments for your Christmas tree.
• Make a Garland: Cut cards into strips and link them together to create a festive garland.

4. Greeting Cards

How-To:

• Repurpose Images: Cut out festive images or patterns from the cards and glue them onto blank cards to create new greeting cards.
• Add a Message: Write a personalized message inside.

5. Coasters

How-To:

• Cut and Glue: Cut the cards into squares or circles and glue them onto a piece of cardboard or cork for added sturdiness.
• Seal: Cover with a clear adhesive or mod podge to protect them from spills.

6. Decorative Magnets

How-To:

• Cut and Glue: Cut out small, attractive images from the cards and glue them onto magnetic sheets or craft foam with adhesive backing.
• Trim: Cut around the images, leaving a small border if desired.

7. Recipe Cards

How-To:

• Cut and Write: Cut the cards into smaller pieces and use them as recipe cards. Write recipes on the back and decorate the front with card images.

8. Scrapbook Embellishments

How-To:

• Cut and Arrange: Cut out small designs or patterns and use them to embellish scrapbook pages or photo albums.
• Layer and Glue: Create layers or collages to add visual interest.

9. Seed Packets

How-To:

• Fold and Glue: Cut the cards into small squares or rectangles and fold them into seed packets. Glue the edges to form a pocket.
• Label: Write the type of seeds on the packet and fill with seeds.

10. Table Place Cards

How-To:

• Cut and Fold: Cut the cards into small, tent-like shapes and fold them in half to create place cards.
• Write Names: Write guest names on the front and place them at each setting.

11. DIY Puzzles

How-To:

• Cut and Glue: Glue a card onto a piece of cardboard or cardstock. Once dry, cut it into puzzle pieces of various shapes and sizes.
• Store: Store the puzzle pieces in a small bag or box.

12. Photo Frames

How-To:

• Cut and Decorate: Cut the cards into decorative shapes to create a frame. Attach a photo behind the frame and secure with glue.
• Hang or Display: Use as a festive photo display or gift.

13. Envelope Liners

How-To:

• Cut to Fit: Cut the cards to fit inside the flaps of plain envelopes to add a decorative touch.
• Glue: Secure the liners with glue.

14. Party Favors

How-To:

• Create Tags or Wraps: Use card pieces to make decorative tags or wraps for party favors or small gifts.

These functional uses for old Christmas cards can help reduce waste while adding a personal touch to your holiday celebrations and everyday items. Enjoy getting creative.

8. Placeholders for Holiday Dinners

Christmas decorations made from recycled materials can be made easily with holiday-themed placeholders, whether you’re making them for this year’s Christmas meal or as a present for next year.

Select the recycled Christmas cards you want to send: It may be really personal to use ones that the people attending the meal gave you last year!

For consistency, the placeholders can all originate from one card; alternatively, they can come from separate cards for variation.

Trim the card at the fold, or fold it in either direction.

Approximately 2 inches wide, cut a rectangle shape out of the card along the fold.

You have two options: either write each guest’s name directly on one side of the card, or cut off a plain portion and adhere it to the placeholder before writing the names on it.

9. Recycled Greeting Cards

This is one of those “reduce reuse recycle” examples that is so obvious that you’ll be surprised that you never came up with it before.

Used Christmas cards, scissors, and possibly some extra paper will do.

Remove the personal writing from the side of a few old Christmas cards.

You may easily address the card, write your own holiday greeting, and include the appropriate postage if the other side of the card is blank.

Before addressing the card, just adhere the blank side of another card to the back if it has writing on it.

You can now share the happiness of receiving a Christmas card with someone else. These are fantastic Christmas projects for kids, who can use the cards to write letters to Santa or grandma and grandpa.

10. Christmas Wish Box

Creating a Christmas Wish Box is a wonderful way to share holiday cheer and collect heartfelt wishes from family and friends. Here’s how you can make and use a Christmas Wish Box:

Christmas Wish Box

Materials:

• A box (any size, such as a small decorative box, a shoebox, or a craft box)
• Old Christmas cards or festive wrapping paper (for decorating)
• Scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• Markers, pens, or colored pencils
• Small slips of paper (for writing wishes)
• Optional: Stickers, glitter, ribbon, or other embellishments

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Box

1. Choose a Box:
   • Select a box that will serve as the wish box. It can be any box you have on hand or one you purchase specifically for this purpose.
2. Decorate the Box:
   • Cover with Cards: Use old Christmas cards or festive wrapping paper to cover the box. Cut the cards or paper to fit the box, and glue them onto the surface.
   • Add Embellishments: Decorate with stickers, glitter, or ribbons for a festive touch.

2. Create Wish Slips

1. Cut Paper:
   • Cut small slips of paper or use pre-cut index cards. These will be used for writing wishes.
2. Decorate Slips:
   • Optionally, decorate the slips with festive drawings or designs using markers or colored pencils.

3. Write and Collect Wishes

1. Distribute Slips:
   • Place the slips of paper next to the wish box along with pens or markers.
2. Write Wishes:
   • Encourage family members, friends, or guests to write their Christmas wishes, hopes, or messages on the slips of paper.
3. Add to Box:
   • Have everyone place their completed slips into the Christmas Wish Box.

4. Use the Box

1. Open and Read:
   • Choose a time, such as Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, to open the box and read the wishes aloud.
   • Enjoy the heartfelt messages and share in the joy of the holiday season.
2. Display:
   • Keep the box as a decoration throughout the holiday season to remind everyone of the wishes and festive spirit.

5. Optional Additions

1. Wish Exchange:
   • Consider using the wish slips for a fun exchange where people draw a wish from the box and try to fulfill it in a creative way.
2. Family Tradition:
   • Make it a yearly tradition to add to the box and read the wishes from past years. This can create a lovely keepsake of family and friends’ holiday hopes.

Tips:

• Personalize: Add names or special messages to the box to make it even more personal.
• Include Extras: Consider including small holiday-themed tokens or candies in the box for an extra treat.

Creating a Christmas Wish Box is a heartwarming way to engage with loved ones and celebrate the spirit of giving and togetherness during the holiday season.