Mess-Free Christmas Tree Painting

Written By Ruth Rodriguez

If you’re looking for an easy, festive, mess-free holiday activity for your baby or toddler, this Christmas Tree Painting DIY is perfect. It takes just a few minutes to set up, keeps little hands busy, and leaves you with the sweetest keepsake you can treasure for years (or gift to grandparents!).

This is the exact version I did with my son, and it turned out so cute. Here’s how you can make your own!

Watch a short how-to video here.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Cardstock paper

  • Baby-safe finger paint

  • 1 Ziplock bag

  • Tape (painter’s tape or masking tape works best)

  • Scissors

  • Printed Christmas tree outline (or you can draw your own!)

You can find everything I used here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Christmas Tree Shape

Start by printing out a simple Christmas tree outline. If you’d rather draw it yourself, you absolutely can! Trace the tree onto your cardstock and cut it out. This thicker paper helps the final artwork hold up better.

2. Add Paint (Without the Mess!)

Add a few small dots of baby-safe finger paint on top of the tree—try a mix of festive colors like green, red, yellow, and gold. Place the cardstock Christmas tree inside a Ziplock bag.

Pro tip: If your paint feels thick or hard to spread, add 1–2 drops of water inside the bag before sealing. This helps the paint glide more easily when your baby moves it around.

3. Seal & Tape It Down

Seal the bag completely. Tape the bag to your baby’s high chair tray or a flat surface so it stays in place while they “paint.”

4. Let Your Baby Play and Create

Now for the fun part! Let your baby squish, tap, and spread the paint inside the sealed bag. They’ll love seeing the colors mix and move—without making a mess.

5. Remove, Dry, and Mount

Carefully open the bag and take out the painted cardstock tree. Lay it flat to dry completely. Once dry, glue the tree onto a fresh sheet of cardstock to create a clean background.

6. Add a Personal Touch

At the bottom of the page, write your child’s name and the year.

Why This Craft Works So Well

  • Mess-free: Your baby gets sensory play with zero clean-up.

  • Holiday themed: Perfect for December activities or DIY gifts.

  • Great keepsake: You’ll look back at these tiny hand movements one day and melt.

  • Inclusive for all ages: Babies, toddlers, even preschoolers love this.

Ruth Rodriguez
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Homemade Holiday Ornaments