Mistletoes Easy Christmas Footprint Craft (Great Baby’s First Christmas Craft)
Make an adorable Mistletoes Christmas footprint craft with your baby or toddler! This easy Christmas keepsake uses two little green footprints to create a mistletoe ornament, handmade gift, or sweet baby’s first Christmas memory.
Want a Christmas keepsake that will make you a little emotional when you pull it out of the ornament box in a few years? This Mistletoes Christmas footprint craft turns your child’s tiny footprints into a simple, homemade ornament. It also works as a holiday card or a sweet gift for grandparents.
I made this craft with my boys because the little-kid years seem to fly by. One minute their feet fit in the palm of your hand, and the next you’re wondering how they possibly need another size up in shoes. I wanted something we could keep and look back on every Christmas.
The best part: this footprint Christmas craft needs only a few basic supplies, and you don’t need to be especially crafty. The steps below show you how we painted the footprints, added the red ribbon detail, and used clear packing tape to turn the finished project into an ornament.
Looking for the instructions? Jump to the supply list or go straight to the step-by-step Mistletoes craft tutorial.
Making a few holiday memories while the supplies are already out? You might also love our air dry clay Christmas ornaments and cardboard Christmas tree pasta craft. And for a no-paint activity later, save these free printable Christmas activity sheets.
This little Mistletoes ornament can be made as a baby’s first Christmas craft, a toddler activity, or even with older kids who want to make handmade Christmas gifts for family members.
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Easy Mistletoes Christmas Footprint Craft for Babies and Toddlers
Even if your little one only cooperates for a minute or two, you can still get a sweet pair of footprints. Set everything out ahead of time so the paint portion is quick, then finish the ornament after your child is all cleaned up.
If you’re making this with a baby, an extra adult can help hold your little one securely while you make the prints. Never force a footprint if your child is uncomfortable; it’s always fine to try again later.
Paint crafts can get messy fast, but you can make cleanup much easier by covering the work area with craft paper or old newspaper before you start.
Keep a damp washcloth or baby wipes within reach so you can clean the paint off each foot right away. Use only a washable, child-appropriate paint labeled for the intended use, avoid broken or irritated skin, and keep painted hands and feet away from mouths and eyes.
Supplies Needed for this Footprint Christmas Craft
This Christmas craft is easy to put together and only needs a few supplies!
- Green washable paint (be sure it’s washable, following the product label for skin contact! I love this set of washable paints for crafts like this, but any kid-friendly acrylic paint or craft paint is great). Avoid using ordinary acrylic craft paint directly on a baby’s or toddler’s skin.
- A quality paintbrush (this inexpensive set is great to have on hand in your craft supplies bin)
- White paper or cardstock. I recommend using cardstock if possible (this is a great option), because it holds up better. However, since you are going to “laminate” this craft, regular paper is also ok.
- Markers
- Laminating sheets or clear packing tape, which is what we used
- Craft paper or old newspaper to layer under the card stock to help minimize the mess and make clean up easier.
- Scissors
- A hole punch (this one is great)
- Some extra string or leftover ribbon
How to Make this simple Mistletoes Christmas Footprint Craft for Toddlers and Babies
Making this Christmas keepsake craft is easy, but a little messy. So be sure that you set up this craft in an area that is easily wiped down. I also recommend stripping your child down to their diaper or putting them in clothes that you don’t mind getting messy.
While washable paint IS washable, there is always a risk that it can stain some fabrics. So keep that in mind.
First, cover the area that you will be creating the Christmas footprint craft with old newspaper, butcher block paper or even a large rag. This helps make clean up a breeze, and also ensures that you don’t have to panic if any paint gets spilled.
With footprint crafts, I’ve found it’s easier to have your child make these on the floor. We set up on the kitchen floor because it’s the easiest place to clean up! I also recommend not trying to do both of your child’s feet at once. One at a time is much easier to handle!
Next, pour your green acrylic paint into a craft cup or disposable plastic cup. You won’t need very much!
With your child seated, gently hold their foot and apply a little green paint to the bottom of your child’s foot using a paintbrush or foam brush. Be sure you thoroughly coat the entire bottom (including the toes). Be careful not to use too much paint, otherwise you’re more likely to have a mushy, smeared footprint.
Using two hands, gently guide their foot onto the piece of paper and press down at a slight angle. Be sure to make sure their toes also fully touch the paper!
Remove their foot in a straight upward motion. Gently clean off that foot using a rag, paper towel or baby wipes.
Repeat with the second foot, lining up the heels to create the downward v shape.
Let the paint dry fully. Using your makers, draw in a simple red ribbon “hanger,” and be sure to put your child’s name and the current year either on the front or back of the Christmas footprint keepsake craft.
You can also create this using paint pens or even a little red paint.
Using scissors, I cut out the shape of the ornament, being sure to leave about 1/4″ to 1/2″ of extra paper around.
Take clear packing tape and use it to laminate and reinforce the cardstock. Apply the tape to the back and the front of the cut out ornament, being careful to fully adhere it.
Carefully cut out around the overhanging tape and use a hole punch to punch a hole in the middle of the ribbon “hanger” that had previously been drawn.
For the final touch, add some colorful ribbons through the hole to be able to hang this on the tree and you’re done with your cute mistletoes craft! No ribbon? Use pipe cleaners instead to fashion a hook.
Don’t want to cut it out? Leave the footprint art on a full sheet of cardstock and turn it into a Christmas card, framed keepsake, or simple holiday decoration instead. For another special baby memory, check out these DIY Christmas baby photoshoot ideas at home—the footprint ornament makes a cute detail to include in a picture, too.
Mistletoes Footprint Craft Tips and FAQs
What if my baby or toddler won’t keep their foot still?
Try when your little one is calm and comfortable, work with one foot at a time, and have the paper and wipes ready before opening the paint. A helper can make it easier, but if your child isn’t enjoying it, stop and try another day.
Can I make this Christmas footprint craft without an ornament hanger?
Absolutely! Leave the two green footprints on cardstock, write “Mistletoes” and the year, and use it as a homemade Christmas card or a framed gift for grandparents.
What should I write on a Mistletoes ornament?
“Mistletoes,” your child’s name, and the year are plenty. You can also add “Baby’s First Christmas” or a short holiday message if you’re gifting it to someone special.
How can I store my Christmas footprint keepsake?
Let the paint and any decorative details dry fully before covering or storing the craft. Keep it flat or hang it somewhere dry, away from moisture and heat, so you can enjoy those tiny footprints for years to come.
Christmas Footprint Crafts for Toddlers Can Be Fun and Easy!
I hope you and your family love creating this easy Christmas footprint craft. This cute Mistletoes craft makes a great baby’s first Christmas craft, but is also one of the easiest Christmas footprint crafts for toddlers out there. It’s so much fun to make together! The finished product is perfect as a keepsake Christmas ornament.
This adorable craft also makes a lovely Christmas gift, and footprint art easily doubles as charming holiday decorations. The little feet are the perfect reminder of those precious baby feet that have grown so much. This simple ornament is one of our family’s favorite Christmas decorations.
Celebrating baby’s first Christmas with this craft? Be sure to also check out Easy DIY Christmas Baby Photoshoot Ideas at Home too.
If you make this, I would love to see! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @simply.siobhan or using the hashtag #mimosandmotherhood.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
The holidays will be over in the blink of an eye, so use the image below to PIN this post to easily find it when you need it!
