When it comes to crafts, I need simple crafts! Most of my crafty energy (what little of it there is) is stored up for last minute ideas! This list of easy hanukkah crafts for kids is one I am keeping on hold for the night before Hanukkah when I realize that it IS the night before the holiday and I want to do something with the kids, quick!
We are an interfaith family so we have a lot going on in the month of December, and adding on a complicated project, however awesome is just not going to happen. Of course, Hanukkah is the sort of holiday made just for me: 8 days to get everything done! None of this one-day holiday deadline nonsense. All of these projects use materials you probably have on hand at home. I've included a few that we've done, as well as some from other crafty moms.
Dreidel Crafts
Don't already have a million dreidels? Or, even if you do, this easy dreidel craft will get you singing in no time.
Kids love to make their own money for the dreidel game with this Hanukkah gelt craft.
I love these dreidel cut out tissue paper hurricane lamps! (via Creative Jewish Mom)
These dancing dreidel characters might be my all time favorite Hanukkah craft!! (via Creative Jewish Mom)
Recycled dreidel paper doll garlands. So cute! (via Bringing Chesed Home)
Foil dreidel collage. (via Boy Mama Teacher Mama)
Gorgeous dreidel wall art from upcycled child art. (via Meri Cherry)
Menorah Crafts
Kidsa can practice their engineering skills and make a LEGO menorah
This washi tape menorah is adorable and super easy!! (via Creekside Learning)
A clothespin and paper plate menorah craft will help kids practice fine motor skills, too. (via The Pleasantest Thing)
Masking tape menorah. (via The Pleasantest Thing)
This upcycled menorah is gorgeous. (via Moms & Crafters)
Menorah window. (via Three Dinosaurs)
Stained glass menorah. (via Upper West Side Mom)
This LEGO mini figure menorah is truly hilarious (via Bible Belt Balabusta)
Star of David Crafts
Form a Star of David out of two blue pipe cleaners.
Classic Star of David craft with wooden craft sticks (via Planet Smarty Pants)
Tape resist Star of David art project. (via Melissa and Doug blog)
stephanie says
Thanks for sharing our post!
Kate Mitchell says
Love everything about your blog, it's been so helpful to keep my big time reader reading! We are also an interfaith family...my sons teacher asked me to come in next week for about an hour to read a book about Hanukkah and I already offered to bring dreidels and gelt for all. This is a gifted first grade class but he is the only Jewish kid in there so I was looking for a fun, easy book and craft or printable....any thoughts?
Erica MomandKiddo says
I like the book Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko. It doesn't have a lot about the specifics of why Hanukkah is celebrated, but is a great story about an interfaith celebration. One of the reasons I've never done a Hanukkah book list is that I haven't found many books that I really love. You can check out the PJ Library's Hanukkah book list, though. http://pjlibrary.org/parents-and-families/reading-tips-and-resources/jewish-holidays/hanukkah/hanukkah-books.aspx I like The Golem's Latkes, and Eric Kimmel's other books, but they tend to be more on the folktale side, rather than explanations about the reason for Hanukkah. It might be fun if they made their own dreidels, maybe? That would give them a chance to write Hebrew letters! Good luck with your class visit!
Kate says
thanks SO much!!!
JULIE KIRKWOOD says
Thanks for featuring our wash tape menorahs, Erica. Off to share. 🙂