Hand-Painted Christmas Wrapping Paper

This is one of those crafts that’s equal parts process and payoff. Kids get to paint big, go wild with color, and make something the whole family can use: their own custom Christmas wrapping paper. Whether it’s dots, stripes, or messy little prints, each roll turns into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. And when Grandma unwraps her present in paper they made? Pure magic.

What You’ll Need:

• A roll of butcher paper, white craft paper, or any one color wrapping paper

• Washable paint (tempera or finger paint - white, red, green, gold, and silver are lovely)

• Cotton swabs (Q-tips), pom-poms, sponges, or even old corks

• (Optional) Cookie cutters, potato stamps, or pipe cleaners shaped into festive forms

• Painter’s tape or masking tape

• A drop cloth or old sheet

• Containers for paint

Set-Up Tips (Caregiver Corner):

• Prep before the kids arrive. Roll out the paper and tape it down in a spot where people won’t be walking through. Choose somewhere that can get messy and stay messy for a bit.

• Have your materials pre-portioned. Pour paint onto paper plates, lay out the tools, and keep wipes or damp cloths nearby.

• Dress for the mess. Even washable paint can surprise you. Aprons or old tees for the kids, and maybe even yourself.

Directions:

1. Tape down the paper. Use painter’s tape to secure the ends and corners to your table or floor. This helps avoid slipping and keeps their “canvas” taut.

2. Start painting! Encourage the kids to dip cotton swabs or pom-poms into the paint and dab out patterns. Some will go abstract, others might make rows of dots or “snowstorms.” Cookie cutters or shaped pipe cleaners make great stamps too.

3. Work in sections. Once one area is filled, let it dry, then carefully roll that section up and tape out a fresh part. This avoids smudging and keeps the momentum going.

4. Let dry completely. Once all sections are painted, leave the paper to dry thoroughly before rolling or cutting.

5. Use it! Cut pieces to size and wrap gifts. Add ribbon, a handmade tag, or just let the art shine.

Tips:

• Skip perfection. Smudges, drips, and overlapping patterns are part of the charm.

• Keep a fan nearby for quicker drying if little hands are impatient.

• If you’re doing this with more than one child, assign each a section and swap tools around to keep things fresh. Make sure to write names and dates!

Why It’s Worth It: This isn’t just painting. It’s big-movement art that gets kids using both fine and gross motor skills. They’ll practice grasping tools, making intentional marks, and navigating a larger workspace. There’s pride in the making and the using. And the end result? Holiday wrapping that feels personal, special, and full of love.