Holiday Fun with Paper Plate Leaf Wreaths

A Craft Perfect for Little Hands and Big Hearts

Paper Plate Leaf Wreaths

If your kids are anything like mine, then your pockets are probably full of random leaves, acorns, and maybe even a rock or two—because who can resist collecting nature’s treasures? With the holiday season approaching, why not put all those foraged finds to good use by making Paper Plate Leaf Wreaths? This simple, nature-inspired craft is a great way to combine a little creativity with the great outdoors. You can hang them on the wall, from the mantel, on a window, or even from the ceiling like a mobile!

These wreaths aren’t just festive—they’re fun to make and can double as sweet, homemade gifts. Picture it: your kids proudly handing over their gently wrapped wreaths to grandparents, neighbors, or friends. Sure, the wrapping might be crumpled, and the bow might look a little more “abstract” than you imagined, but that’s what makes it so special, right?

What’s even better is that working with items found in nature, like leaves and small twigs, gives your little ones a chance to connect with the environment. It sparks their curiosity, encourages outdoor play, and lets them appreciate the beauty in the simple things. Plus, handling all those natural materials can be a great sensory experience for little hands, not to mention a fun way to use up all those leaves they’re constantly collecting!

So gather up those paper plates, glue, and all those colorful leaves your kids have been stuffing into their pockets—it’s time to make some adorable leaf wreaths that will be treasured long after the holidays. And hey, with this craft, maybe you’ll finally find a way to keep the leaves out of the laundry!

Materials Needed:

• Paper plates (one per child)

• Pastels

• LEAVES!

• Glue sticks or school glue

• Optional: pom-poms, sticks, stickers, or glitter for extra decoration

Instructions:

1. Prep the Plate: Cut out the center of the paper plate, leaving just the outer ring. This will form the base of the wreath.

2. Optional: Paint or Color the Wreath: Have the kids paint or color the outer ring green to represent the greenery of the wreath. Let it dry for a few minutes.

3. Color the Leaves: While the wreath is drying, experiment using different colors of pastels on the various colors of leaves. Which ones show up most vibrant? Which pastel/leaf combinations do they like best?

4. Get Sticky: Help the kids glue the leaves and other decorations onto their wreath. They can also use pom-poms, stickers, glitter, or acorns to add some extra pizazz!

This craft encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and is easy to personalize. Kids will love seeing their creations hanging up as decoration during the holidays or beyond! Revisit this activity throughout the year and experiment with the changing of the seasons for added exploration.