The holiday season is a fantastic time to get creative, especially with sensory-friendly crafts. These activities not only allow children to express themselves artistically but also help them feel connected to the joy and spirit of the holidays. Whether it’s mixing glitter or enjoying the tactile sensations of different materials, this guide offers a variety of sensory-friendly craft ideas that are perfect for homeschool settings. Let’s explore these delightful holiday crafts!

Taste-Friendly Chia Seed Slime - Gustatory or Oral Sensory Friendly Holiday Craft
Chia seed slime is one of the simplest and most sensory-rich holiday crafts you can make. Combining taste, texture, and play, this slime is sure to be a hit.
What You'll Need:
1 3/4 cup of water
1/4 cup of chia seeds
Food coloring (optional)
3 to 4 tsp of corn starch
A large bowl for mixing
Instructions:
Mix the water and chia seeds in a bowl.
For a touch of holiday color, mix in a few drops of food coloring to create festive shades like red and green.
Let them sit for about 8-12 hours, covered in the refrigerator. You'll notice they start to expand into a gel-like consistency.
Uncover, then add the corn starch a little bit at a time. Mix until you obtain the desired consistency... slime.
Once the slime has formed, let your kids explore its texture. They can squish, stretch, and even taste it, ensuring a complete sensory experience.
Store in the refrigerator, and add a little bit of water each time you take it out to play. This will reactivate the slime.
In just minutes, you've created a fun, safe slime that embodies holiday creativity!

Olfactory-Stimulating Wreaths - Smell Sensory Holiday Craft
The scents of cinnamon and fresh pine instantly bring the holidays to life. Crafting olfactory-stimulating wreaths provides a wonderful sensory experience.
What You'll Need:
A foam or cardboard ring for the wreath base
Fresh Christmas tree trimmings or evergreen branches
Cinnamon sticks
Pine cones
Optional: ribbon, glitter, or other decorations
Instructions:
Secure the evergreen branches to your wreath base using glue or floral wire.
As you build the wreath, add cinnamon sticks and pine cones. This combination creates a rich sensory profile.
Encourage your kids to explore the different materials and describe the smells they experience.
Display your wreath proudly on your door as a festive reminder of the fun you shared!

Tactile Sensory Rice Bins - Touch Sensory Friendly Holiday Craft
Creating tactile sensory rice bins is another wonderful way to explore textures while celebrating the festive season. This activity can be both calming and stimulating for children.
What You'll Need:
2 cups of rice (white or colored)
A mix of sensory tools (small toys, feathers, pom-poms, etc.)
Containers for the rice and tools
Instructions:
You can dye the rice for vibrant colors. Mix a few drops of food coloring with a tablespoon of vinegar or isopropyl rubbing alcohol, then coat the rice and let it dry.
Once dry, fill a large container with the rice and add sensory tools. Let your children explore the different textures—soft, firm, furry, and squishy.
Encourage imaginative play as they create unique scenarios with the sensory tools.
Invite your kids to dive into this creative experience, making it their own!

Snow Globe Sensory Bottles - Visual Sensory Friendly Holiday Craft
Snow globes capture the magic of winter and creating sensory bottles can provide stunning visual stimulation and fun.
What You'll Need:
A plastic or glass bottle with a tight lid
Water (boiled or distilled)
Glitter or fake snow
Small festive figurines (like mini trees or snowmen)
Glycerin (optional, to slow down the glitter)
Instructions:
Fill the bottle three-quarters full with water, adding glycerin for extra effect.
Pour in glitter or fake snow and add holiday-themed figurines.
Secure the lid tightly. As your kids shake the bottle, watch the glitter swirl, creating a beautiful winter scene.
This craft not only stimulates visually but can also serve as a charming keepsake.
Felt Covers for Sound Reduction - Sound/Auditory Sensory Friendly Holiday Craft
For kids sensitive to noise, crafting felt covers for headphones can enhance their holiday enjoyment. This creative project adds a personal touch to an everyday item.
What You'll Need:
Felt sheets in various colors
Headphones
Scissors
Fabric glue or a hot glue gun (with supervision)
Instructions:
Measure the ear cups of your headphones.
Cut the felt into comfortable shapes that will cover the ear cups well.
Use glue to attach the felt pieces to the headphones. Kids can combine colors or add embellishments like glitter for a personalized look.
This practical craft allows children to enjoy their favorite music or movies comfortably!
Crafting for Joy and Connection
Engaging in sensory-friendly holiday crafts fosters creativity while encouraging sensory exploration. From delightful chia seed slime to fragrant wreaths and enchanting snow globe bottles, these activities are perfect for homeschool parents and special needs kids alike. Embrace the joy of crafting together and create cherished holiday memories.
So gather your crafting supplies, get ready to explore, and let the festive spirit sparkle in your home. Happy crafting!
If you are searching for plastic snow globe containers, we have had success with these on amazon:
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