December 1, 2026

Ornaments

During my years teaching at a day care/preschool and teaching elementary Sunday school classes, I found that boys liked to create craft projects just as much as the girls. In the winter, some parts of the country have nice evenings with cooler temperatures. Many parts of the country experience cold, snowy nights. Some groups may want to have specific crafts, games, or snacks with a Christmas themes. Below are several craft ideas for your Ranger Kids and Discovery Rangers groups. These ideas are meant to offer new, theme ideas to the current curriculum.

RANGER KIDS

I tried to select craft projects that K–2^nd graders could complete with little individual supervision. If you are the only leader with several boys, you will need crafts that boys can work on with some independence, allowing you to focus on the younger boys in the class.

Wrapped Candy Ornament

All you need for this craft is patterned parchment paper, round objects, scissors, and string. To complete this craft at the lowest cost, use ornament you already own and have the boys create their own patterns on white parchment paper. For a cost, you can purchase patterned parchment paper and Styrofoam balls.

#23 at this site: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g34112389/christmas-crafts-for-kids/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_md_pmx_prog_org_us_19597983321&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19597985697&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4HXBhAjEiwAHlpWhBe7rSBUKw4iWsAhwQYvB7zfw3osoVjb2fFlFjJBYv6A-fww00KUQxoCWfgQAvD_BwE

Christmas Word Ornaments

This is a quick, one week craft. You’ll need plain ornament balls. I recommend using plastic balls for this age group. You’ll also need letter stickers of different colors, fonts, and sizes. Let the boys create their own ornament with a word of the holiday season: joy; peace; ho, ho, ho; Jesus; etc.

#86 at this site: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g393/homemade-christmas-ornaments/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_md_pmx_prog_org_us_23685400713&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23690753195&gclid=CjwKCAjw9PvWBhAxEiwAddzYyfvjsF4mqXXTYDktIZAHerpP1bGpQemYFak04kxXWBBHZwgd6jwukBoCj5kQAvD_BwE

DISCOVERY RANGERS

I tried to select craft projects that 3^rd–5^th graders could complete with little supervision. If you are the only leader with several boys, you will need crafts that boys can work on with some independence, allowing you to focus on the boys who may need extra help.

Leather Christmas Ornament

While this doesn’t use the tools from the Tool Craft merits, the boys do get to use new tools. They are also introduced to leatherworking. You’ll need small strips of leather (3/boy), strips of thinner leather or grosgrain/jacquard ribbon (2/boy), Chicago screws, flat-head screwdriver, leather punch tool, scissors, and twine. For beginning to leathercraft, this site give good instructions with great step-by-step photos.

https://www.deliacreates.com/leather-christmas-ornament/

Leather-Ornament2

Wood Bead Ornament

This will create a rustic ornament that the boys will want to hang on their trees. You’ll need wooden beads (large and small), floral wire, twine or ribbon, greenery, hot glue, glue gun, wire cutters, and pliers. The boys can make a variety of patterns and sizes of wreaths based on the bead size they choose. Adding the greenery and colored ribbon will make the wooden wreaths festive.

https://thecardswedrew.com/mini-wood-bead-ornaments/

Wood-Bead-Ornament