DIY Christmas Wrapping Paper

With my toddler and older daughter we have had a go at making our own DIY Christmas wrapping paper. I decided to attempt DIY Christmas Wrapping Paper as the majority of normal wrapping paper is not recyclable. I wanted to create our own that could be recycled and thought something decorated by us would be gratefully received by relatives. This Christmas wrapping paper is surprisingly easy to make with toddlers and kids at home.

Set Up

For this DIY Christmas wrapping paper you will need potatoes for the stamps, paint and a roll of brown wrapping paper (preferably recycled). I cut the designs on the potatoes using a small sharp knife. It is better if the design is simple as anything complicated is not only tricky to cut out but often the smaller details are lost when stamping anyway. I put the paint into flat bottomed old food packaging so that it would easier to get the paint onto the stamp. I put far too much paint in to start off with; you only a small amount of paint. Plus if too much paint goes onto the stamp it is hard to see the actual design.

I rolled the paper out on our dining table with a PVC tablecloth underneath, I also put out an old towel and a wet cloth for any major clean up operations!

When they both initially saw this activity they were both very keen to get going. They both really enjoy painting and were intrigued by this activity. M carefully followed my instructions and hers came out well. She then took it upon herself to become a instructor on how to print your own Christmas wrapping paper!

As expected F’s printing was a lot more haphazard; she really enjoyed it but found it difficult to only stamp each place once. But as the wrapping paper is made by a toddler less than two years old that just adds to the charm and I am sure it will be gratefully received. All in all this was a really enjoyable craft activity and one I am looking to keen to become a tradition as the girls get older.