Winter is here, and it’s the perfect time for little hands to get creative! These two simple crafts bring the magic of the season indoors, whether you’re looking for a cozy activity on a snowy day or a fun sensory project. From a warm paper plate hot cocoa mug to soft, squishy fake snow, these winter activities are full of texture, color, and imagination.
Hot Cocoa Mug
This adorable craft turns a plain paper plate into a warm cup of cocoa, complete with marshmallows! It’s simple, hands-on, and perfect for little ones to practice fine motor skills.
Materials:
🍽️Paper plates
🍫 Brown tissue paper
☁️ Cotton balls
☕Construction paper (for the handle)
🎨 Paint or markers (for decorating the mug)
🫖 Glue
👕 Bumkins Art Smock and Splat Mat (to keep messes away)
🥣 Bumkins First Feeding Set Bowls and Cups (to hold materials)
Instructions:
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Set up your craft space, using the Splat Mat to protect your counter and the Art Smock to protect your little one's clothes.
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Cut the brown tissue paper into a handful of 1x1 inch squares. Cut the construction paper into 1x3 inch pieces to use for the mug handles.
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Paint or color the outside edge of the paper plate to resemble a mug.
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Glue the brown tissue paper to the center of the plate to create the “cocoa.”
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Add cotton balls on top as marshmallows.
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Attach the construction paper piece to the side of the plate as the mug handle.
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Let your little ones decorate the plate further with markers or paint, if desired.
Tip: Encourage kids to layer the cotton balls and tissue paper for a fuller, more realistic mug of cocoa. You can even sprinkle a little glitter on top for “snowy marshmallows.”
Cozy Fake Snow
Bring winter indoors with this soft, moldable fake snow! With just two ingredients, it’s perfect for sensory play and imaginative winter scenes.
Materials:
❄️ 2½ cups baking soda
🧴 ½ cup white hair conditioner (unscented or mild scent works best)
🥄 Large mixing bowl and spoon or spatula for mixing
👕 Bumkins Art Smock and Splat Mat (to keep messes away)
🥣 Bumkins Grip Bowl and Spoon + Fork (to hold and mix materials)
Instructions:
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Set up your craft space, using the Splat Mat to protect your counter and the Art Smock to protect your little one's clothes.
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Pour the baking soda into a large bowl.
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Add the hair conditioner.
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Stir or knead the mixture until it feels soft and snow-like. Adjust texture by adding a bit more baking soda for drier snow or more conditioner for moldable snow.
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Let your little one play and enjoy the texture, forming it into shapes and forming it into shapes and little winter scenes, snowballs, or snowmen.
Why It Works & What Kids Love:
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The texture is soft, squeezable, and slightly cool to the touch, very snow-like!
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Moldable enough to create mini snowmen, snowballs, or winter landscapes.
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Encourages sensory exploration, creativity, and fine motor skills.
Tip: We opted to use Bumkins Silicone Sensory Placemat and Silicone Little Dippers to make the sensory play more fun and engaging.
These two crafts are a simple and playful way to celebrate the wonder of winter with your little ones. Whether you’re building a simple mug of cocoa or shaping soft, snowy landscapes, these activities invite kids to explore, imagine, and embrace the season, right from the warmth of your home. Don’t forget to share your snowy creations with us by tagging @bumkinsbaby on Instagram!
