Crafts for Tweens & Teens: Keeping Older Kids Engaged After Christmas #tweens #teens #crafts #betwixtmas

Winter can be a tricky season for older kids.

The excitement of Christmas is over, the days are short, and boredom can creep in quickly.

Tweens and teens especially need activities that stimulate their minds and spark their creativity - something beyond screens and passive entertainment.

That’s where crafts come in.



Crafts aren’t just for little ones, they can challenge older kids, develop new skills, and give them a real sense of achievement.

Whether your teen loves designing, experimenting, or tinkering with technology, there are projects that can keep them engaged and inspired long after the festive season has ended.



Why Crafts Are Great for Tweens & Teens

Crafts help older kids in ways that go beyond keeping them busy.

They encourage problem-solving, fine motor skills, and creative thinking, all while providing a tangible reward at the end.

For tweens and teens, crafts can also be a safe, screen-free outlet for self-expression.

Beyond that, crafting and creating builds confidence.

When a teen creates something from scratch - be it a journal, a piece of recycled art, or a small science experiment - they gain pride in their abilities.

It’s also a great way to encourage mindfulness, giving them space to focus, slow down, and enjoy the process.



5 Engaging Winter Craft Ideas

Here are five winter crafts that older kids in the UK will love, perfect for keeping their minds active after Christmas:

1. DIY Journals

Encourage teens to make their own personalised journals.

From decorating covers with collage, washi tape, or hand-drawn designs, to experimenting with handmade pages, journaling is a craft that blends creativity with organisation.

Teens can use their journals for creative writing, sketching, or tracking goals.

Grab our pack of free printables here:

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2. Advanced Paper Crafts

Paper isn’t just for cards!

Encourage your tween to explore origami, 3D paper sculptures, or pop-up books.

These crafts challenge spatial reasoning and patience, making them perfect for a quiet winter afternoon.




3. Science-Inspired Crafts

Bring STEM into crafting.

From making homemade lava lamps to creating crystal gardens, these projects combine curiosity with hands-on fun.

Older kids love crafts where they can experiment and see immediate results - a mini-science lab at home!

Try these fun STEM science ideas:



4. Recycled Projects

Teach sustainability with crafts that use everyday materials.

Cardboard, jars, old magazines, or bottle caps can be transformed into planters, photo frames, or even a tabletop game.

Not only do tweens and teens engage their creativity, but they also learn about reusing and reducing waste.




5. Digital & Tech Crafts

For tech-savvy teens, crafts don’t have to be entirely physical.

Encourage them to design digital art, create stop-motion animations, or even code simple games. 

Combining technology with creativity taps into modern skills while keeping crafting relevant and exciting.



Incorporating Learning & Mindfulness

Crafting can be more than fun, it can also nurture learning and mindfulness.

Activities that challenge thinking, like paper engineering or coding, develop critical thinking and planning skills.

Meanwhile, repetitive or detailed crafts like knitting, painting, or folding origami promote mindfulness, helping older kids manage stress and focus their energy.

Parents can gently encourage reflection by asking questions like, “What’s your favourite part of this project?” or “What did you learn while making this?”

By combining creativity with curiosity, these crafts become both educational and calming - perfect for the slower pace of winter.



Tips for Motivation & Presentation

Keeping older kids engaged sometimes requires a little encouragement:
  • Set the scene: Create a cosy, well-lit crafting space. Warm drinks and background music can make crafting feel special.
  • Offer choice: Give tweens and teens options so they feel ownership over their project.
  • Showcase their work: Display completed crafts around the home or let your teen gift them to friends and family. Celebrating their effort reinforces confidence and motivation.
  • Make it social: Invite siblings or friends to join in. Even a quiet collaborative session can boost enjoyment.

Finished crafts don’t have to be permanent masterpieces.

The process itself is the reward, and every project helps your teen build confidence, patience, and skill.

For more inspiration and resources, browse our printables shop or explore our indoor crafts and nature activities that will help keep creativity flowing all winter.


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