Free Christmas Candy Cane Crafts for Kids

The original candy cane was all white and didn't have the popular hook candy shape or the red swirling stripe we have come to know as a holiday tradition around Christmastime. Candy canes have come a long way, and are not just peppermint flavored anymore. They come in all flavors, sizes, and even different shapes. However, the traditional red and white peppermint candy cane remains a favorite tradition hanging from Christmas trees and out of children's Christmas stockings every holiday season.

Making Christmas crafts with kids can go a long way in bringing more Christmas cheer to your home. You can use some of these simple holiday crafts in your December decorating, or use the candy cane crafts as homemade holiday gifts from your children to friends and family members. Grandparents especially love handmade gifts from kids. Try some of these free craft ideas using the popular holiday candy cane symbol as their inspiration.

How To Make A Candy Cane Reindeer

This simple kid's craft is an easy way to dress up a plain candy cane. All you need is some chenille (pipe cleaners), googly eyes, and a red nose to make Rudolf. These would be a great inexpensive holiday gift that kids can hand out to other classmates or friends.

Peppermint and Spearmint Foam Candy Cane Decorations

This Woman's Day article shows how to create cute candy cane decorations using red and white or green and white foam along with matching buttons. Kids will love gluing buttons and hanging the pretend candy canes on the Christmas tree.

Candy Cane Yarn Ornament

This candy cane activity takes a bit of dexterity, so it may not be suited for young children. It involves wrapping white and red yarn around a pipe cleaner (chenille) to create a bendable candy cane decoration or craft. You could also make this into a keychain, adding an extra loop to it.

Another simple idea is to use two candy canes together to create a candy cane heart craft. The two candy canes can be joined by looping red and white chenille through them, then creating a loop to make an easy, frugal Christmas tree ornament.

Mini candy canes can be stuck in a foam ring that has been spray-painted green to create an easy Christmas wreath craft.