As special education students get older, it gets harder to find age-appropriate crafts that are also easy enough for students to do as independently as possible. I found myself doing a lot of prepping for crafts, which is not what we want out of a craft that students will be sending home to their parents. Nobody wants a craft that the teacher/paraprofessionals made…it defeats the purpose. It’s also important to consider the cost of making some of these crafts. Over the years I’ve tested out some cost-effective crafts with my students and here are some of my favorites that we made as parent gifts or for a holiday fundraiser! Click on any of the ideas to see the tutorials on how to make each craft, or pin it for later!
Snowy Pinecone Jars
Mason Jar Candles
This is a great fundraiser craft! These make great gifts that people will want to buy as gifts around the holidays. Students can also personalize each jar with their creativity in what items they choose to put inside!
Dollar Store Candle Snowmen
How cute are these? Just a little glue and markers, and you’re done!
Clothespin Wreath
Melted Crayon Ornament
Pom Pom Pine Cone Ornament
Super simple and low prep, students just basically have to glue pom poms onto the flat parts of a pine cone!
Filling Clear Ornaments
Sock Snowmen
This craft takes a little bit longer than other crafts, but most of the steps are fairly simple and the end result is so cute!
Peppermint Body Butter
Peppermint Soap Bars
This is also great for practicing measuring and mixing skills! Makes for a great parent gift or fundraiser product!
Light Fabric Garland
If your students know how to tie a knot or are working on those fine motor skills, this is the perfect craft for them! Students can have fun picking out different fabrics, cutting out strips, and then tying them onto a light strip to make a cute garland!
Countdown Charger Plate
A little chalk paint and festive colors to decorate the outside ring. You can find chargers for cheap at any craft store or dollar store!
Snow Globes
This one is super simple and cute, and there are so many possibilities! This can also double as sensory!
Button Wreath
Grab some buttons, glue, and a canvas or a surface that you can hang. Super simple, cute, and makes for great holiday decor!
Paint Chip Cards
Take your students out on a CBI to the local hardware store and pick up some free paint chips! You can do this craft in addition to another craft because of course you’ll need a card to go with your parent’s gift!
Star Ornaments
Dip Mix Ornaments
Orange Slice Garland
Gingerbread House Ornament
Thanks for reading!
