Simple 90s Inspired Christmas Crafts

Nov 17

Decorating for Christmas in the 90s felt simple; a lot was homemade and lived in, not this picture-perfect aesthetic we are being sold today. Before Pinterest, before Amazon Prime could send you everything premade, and before every aisle was filled with themed décor in like 20 different color palettes—we often crafted things ourselves.

We popped popcorn, cut paper chains, watched holiday movies on VHS, and made the kind of handmade ornaments that stayed on the tree for decades. Many of us still have a few of these hand-me-down ornaments!

As a mom now, recreating those cozy, hands-on traditions with my kids has become one of my favorite parts of the season. Homemade crafts are budget-friendly, kid-friendly, and bring us right back into the moment. There’s just something grounding about working with your hands, turning on a Christmas classic, and not being distracted with a million other things (this is the perfect time to tuck the phone away…)

I’m not here to say the past was better or to dismiss everything modern life offers. I do, however, think there’s so much noise around us that joy can easily be stolen when we start comparing or feeling like there’s always something else we “should” be doing. Over the years, I’ve learned that simple and less is almost always more in the end.

So for those of you who just want to have FUN and not keep up with trends or any of the other nonsense we see online, I truly hope this post brings you easy, budget-friendly ideas that add some lightness and intention to your holiday season. I always encourage mothers to follow their intuition and do what’s best for your family — not what everyone else is doing.

Christmas Popcorn Garland — Popcorn Garland

Full Tutortial here →

A totally nostalgic craft to make as a family. Pop some popcorn, put on a favorite holiday movie, and keep your hands busy creating something simple, fun, and festive. Once you’re done, hang your popcorn garlands on the tree for that classic old-fashioned Christmas vibe!

Paper Chain Garland

shop Craft supplies →

Cut simple strips of construction or craft paper, loop them into rings, and tape or glue each one together to form a colorful chain. Hang your garlands on the tree, across doorways, or along stair railings for an easy, kid-friendly decoration.

Salt Dough & Natural-Inspired Ornaments

get the directions here →

These were SO much fun! Dry oranges (which you can use for multiple DIY projects, plus they make your house smell like Christmas!), then combine them with wooden beads, twine, and salt dough stars or shapes to create natural, sustainable ornaments. Each piece feels unique and homemade—the exact kind of ornament kids love pulling out year after year.

Simple Wooden Bead Garland — Wooden Bead Garlands

grab the beads Here →

I’m always amazed at how much these cost in stores when you can easily make them at home with bulk wooden beads from Amazon and simple twine! Pro tip: wrap a little tape around the end of the twine to create a firm point—it makes threading the beads so much easier for little hands, and there’s no need for sharp needles.

Cute & Festive Paper Crafts

more christmas crafts →

Perfect for preschoolers AND big kids! From simple paper Santas and wreaths to movie-inspired Grinch gingerbread men, the possibilities are endless. These projects add that sweet, homemade festive charm kids feel proud of—while giving you adorable decorations to hang all around the house.

It truly doesn’t have to be perfect to be magical.

Creating these simple, old-fashioned crafts brings back the heart of what Christmas used to feel like—slow, cozy, hands-on, and full of connection. I hope these ideas inspire you to pull out the supplies, pop on a movie, and make a few memories with your kids this season.